"It is a joy to work with Val and her team. They are extremely well-skilled and organized, and they have helped our organization develop the repeatable systems and methods for successful and authentic fundraising campaigns. Val and her team uniquely recognize the organizing strategy necessary for grassroots fundraising."

— Maeve McBride, 350VT

"We are so grateful for all of your help during phase 1 and all of the extra time you have put into helping me with the additional questions. You have been so thorough in your explanations and have truly gone above and beyond to make this project not only work, but also to help me understand each step of the way."  

— Alex Rossow, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center

"As an organization in its first year of operation, we were struggling to both clarify and enact our mission in the world and tap into the resources we needed to fulfill it. She helped us develop a budget and set goals for our first major fundraiser - a bicycle tour from Seattle to San Francisco - and helped us with everything from developing fundraising materials to sending out press releases…I couldn't have pulled off the first year of the event without her. Besides being a talented fundraiser and consultant, she is an exceptional person. Working with her feels like working alongside a devoted friend." 

— Hannah Lee, The Ndoto Project

“Valerie is an amazing manager well respected and adored by her team. She seems to bring out the best in people by encouraging their strengths and letting them grow. Valerie expects a lot from both herself and those she manages, which produces great results and encourages everyone to rise to the occasion as a team.” 

 - Elizabeth Martin, Assistant Director of Development, Senior Services

“I honestly wouldn't want to start or run a nonprofit, a business, or pretty much anything else without Val's advice and help. "Invaluable" doesn't begin to cover it--when I co-founded a climate action group with several other folks, we kind of struggled our way along for two years, until she showed up in our midst and showed us how it was done; she advised, organized, fundraised, convened us to co-create a novel and useful structure, and was the main point of contact for many volunteers and anyone with ideas or concerns. It was very much a group effort, but hers was the work without which we could not have grown into the effective and powerful grassroots organization that we've become, mission-focused and able to support a staff of 7 and more. Hire her, and listen to her. You won't be sorry.”

- Emily Johnston, Co-Founder of 350 Seattle

“Val has helped straighten out the gears and put the wheels on our climate justice non-profit.

She's extremely knowledgeable of the non-profit field and specifically climate community organizing, knows it's history and growing pains, and is committed to environmental justice. On top of that, she's well-organized, and demonstrates a clear eye for short and long term goals. She's also compassionately candid and understanding. We couldn't imagine working with anyone else.”

- Grace Stahre, Board President of Climate Action Families

“I was lucky to work closely with Val for over four years. She provided insightful and strategic input to the overall design and implementation of a climate leadership cohort initiative we developed together for local leaders. She also served as a coach for groups within the cohort, and provided program evaluation support. Val was unique amongst the consultants I worked with on this project in that she had a keen eye for the organizational development needs (fundraising, decision making, group structure) of grassroots groups, as well as the ways that fissures around age, class, gender and race, etc. play out amongst organizers. And whatever she was doing (facilitating, supporting others to take on new roles, writing a proposal), it was always done with deep rigor (she really knows her stuff!) and care (including sweet creative writing exercises). Hope to work with Val again!!”

-Deborah Rosenstein, Former 350.org US Trainings Senior Specialist

“Valerie's work as a development consultant was critical to growing our nonprofit's budget five fold in the space of a couple years, taking it from a scrappy little thing to a (still scrappy) statewide climate justice force to be reckoned with. Her diligence, organization, encouragement, creativity and diplomacy carried us a long way.

Similar skills and a passion for climate justice have made her a key organizer in expanding the scope and strategies of the climate movement. Without seeking public recognition for it, she played a leading role in a team that made Seattle 350 a hub of exciting campaigns at the intersection of workers' rights, economic and environmental justice. It is always a pleasure to get to work with Valerie and I hope I get to again soon.”

-Kevin Whelan, Former Executive Director of Minnesota 350

"Val is a true pro. She brings a broad range of experience that I have found extremely helpful from all stages of development, from start up to building out sophisticated long term development programs. She was able to seamlessly work with our team to assess our needs and implement sound solutions."

-James Haslam, Founder of Rights & Democracy, Former Executive Director of the Vermont Workers’ Center

“Val supported my growth as a non profit leader and fundraiser when I was a first time ED. Coaching with Val is an incredible way to build your skills and confidence and I would highly recommend working with her for new and seasoned organizers, activists and fundraisers. Val has a wealth of first hand experience and is truly amazing at developing systems and structures to support your growing organization.”

-Lila Kohrman-Glaser, Former Co-Executive Director of 350NH