“I believe we all have the ability to Revamp® our environments in ways that nurture and support our personal values and goals.”
“I’m passionate about motivating people to improve and simplify their lives in ways they previously thought impossible,” says Sarah Stitham.
This passion that Sarah describes has at last come to full fruition in her career as a Certified Professional Organizer® and Certified Organizer Coach®—the only such specialist in New York’s Ulster County. The hallmark of this dream job of hers is the creation of Revamp®, Sarah’s trademark-registered program that bears the stamp and energy of her original and highly personalized organizing and coaching style. But it’s worth a quick glance back at the path Sarah has walked before arriving at her current profession, a glance that reveals how the perfect fit of your true calling really can be an outgrowth of many and varied seeds you plant along the way.
Sarah completed training at the famed Culinary Institute of America in 1982, which prepared her for a number of fulfilling jobs in the restaurant world and as a private chef—even to the point of being asked to write the food chapter for Jennifer Crichton’s well-reviewed book, Family Reunion. Before long, her clients insisted she start her own catering business. This was perhaps one of the first hints of a compelling trend that would develop for Sarah…a tendency toward serendipity, for somehow being in the right place at the right time for endeavor after endeavor, each building upon the last and advancing her toward the type of work that best expresses who she truly is.
Sarah’s reputation as a professional who can provide the relief of order, smooth running, and elegant simplicity in any situation attracted the attention of none other than famed photographer Annie Liebovitz, who hired her as her personal shopper. Sarah’s natural affinity for beauty and order led to the launch of her highly successful wedding locations and planning firm, Charmed Places, which featured private Hudson River Estates and historic barns. She soon became a sought-out expert, contributing to such national publications as Martha Stewart Weddings, Woman’s Day, and many others. She’s contributed to four books on the topic of wedding planning as well.
But in 2003 Sarah sold her flourishing company. She’d become disenchanted with her career upon realizing that she was not yet being entirely true to her own personal values and beliefs. Sarah thrived in fast-paced, stressful situations, but dreaded desk work and any job requiring her to sit still for too long. Sarah attempted to overcome her lack of patience, growing more and more overwhelmed, until she realized that it is simply not in her nature, and that allocating these tasks to someone better fit to perform them would allow her to devote all her time and energy to what she was passionate about.
It was the death of a close friend that became the catalyst that would direct her energy toward the work she loves and is ultimately so well suited for. Sarah’s natural skills made her the most logical person to take charge of organizing and clearing the substantial estate left behind. In doing so, she knew she was providing an invaluable service for her friend’s loved ones. And in the process, she recognized that her signature 6-step style of organizing had come into being as a natural outgrowth of all her past pursuits and could greatly help other people to live better, more fulfilling lives.
“I’ve experienced many life transitions myself, and I know how overwhelming it can be,” explains Sarah, who received her CPO certification in 2008, is a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), and is a Certified Professional Organizer®.
“People get so caught up in work, obligations, and life transitions that time flies by and they lose sight of the things that are important to them,” says Sarah. “I am passionate about teaching my Revamp style of organizing and motivating people to live in line with their values and discover a life that truly fits. It’s such a blessing!”
Sarah lives in the bucolic Catskill Mountains with her partner and two very spoiled beagles on their fifth-generation family homestead. She loves her life – it is simple, peaceful, and extremely abundant.
And so, Sarah’s natural abilities and sense of adventure have combined to bring her full circle. She loves her work, and people love working with her.
Credentials
Sarah is a Certified Professional Organizer® having met specific client qualifications, completing a rigorous course of study in organizing and related topics, and passing the CPO® exam in 2008. This designation raises industry standards, practices, and ethics. Only a select number of professional organizers in the country have achieved this designation. Sarah is currently the only Certified Professional Organizer® in Ulster County.
Sarah is a Certified Organizer Coach® through Coach Approach for Organizers. This interactive coaching specialty allows Sarah to work with clients who are committed to living full, satisfying, healthy lives.
The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
NAPO Golden Circle Member (5 years +)
The Greater Hudson Valley NAPO Neighborhood
Coach Approach for Organizers
The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers
Are you looking for a great gift that will enrich someone's life? Give the gift of getting organized with a Revamp Gift Certificate.
Please call Sarah for details.