Our Story

ASPO was founded in 2018 with new ideas. 

Our goal was to make the organizing profession and certification affordable and attainable for aspiring organizers, and to ensure that all organizers enter the field responsibly and as true professionals.

At the core of our mission is to provide a solid education and professional support that ensures organizers are prepared and confident in their work and that the public has ample access to qualified professionals.

We simplified our Certification process to include exactly what is needed to learn how to organize professionally in client's homes and how to start and grow an organizing business. 

We value Simplicity over Productivity. Our goal as organizers is to make our clients lives easier- not encourage them to do more. We streamline their homes to make life more efficient so they spend less time on tasks and maintenance.

We invite you to join ASPO and be a part of a community committed to fundamentally advancing the organizing profession.

ASPO Inc is a Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) non profit organization.

ASPO Milestones

In 2023 ASPO celebrated it’s Five Year Anniversary!
Our mission was, and still is, to make a positive impact on our organizers and the communities that they serve.

Since our founding, over 100+ ASPO members have become Certified Home Organizers®, and over 700 more have completed the Simple Systems® courses.
Our current members stretch across the US, from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, including in every major city, and in-between, 39 states and internationally in Switzerland, Portugal, Japan, France, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Canada and China.

In 2020 ASPO was granted the USPTO Trademarks for Certified Home Organizer® and for Simple Systems® courses.

In 2021 Forbes recommended ASPO Organizers when vetting credentials to hire a Professional Organizer. 

In 2022 This Old House also recommended hiring ASPO Organizers.

In 2023 Apartment Therapy recommended ASPO education and certification to aspiring organizers.

In September 2023 we held our first conference in Orlando; two days of networking, inspiration and learning with our colleagues and notable experts in the Organizing industry.

ASPO Board

  • Michelle Nehlen, CHO

    PRESIDENT

    Michelle Nehlen, Certified Home Organizer®, is the owner of Life Organized With Michelle in Wilmington NC and beyond! Michelle is a Founding Member of ASPO and has been professionally organizing since 2019. Michelle also serves a duel position on the ASPO Board as the Treasurer. Michelle has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting along with over 15 years experience in accounting positions, including management. She brings her leadership and accounting skills to our organization.

  • Thalia Poulos, CHO

    IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

    Thalia Poulos, Certified Home Organizer®, is a Founder of ASPO and the owner of Organized Beautifully in Encinitas CA. With over 20 years experience as a Professional Organizer and as the first President of ASPO she continues to offer her expertise and leadership in developing the organization. Thalia also serves as the Chairperson of the Nominating & Leadership Development Committee.

  • Amanda Liford

    SECRETARY

    Amanda Liford is the owner of Easy Life Organizing in Lansing MI. Amanda’s background is in systems and streamlining in the automotive industry and as an Operations Director for a non-profit youth development organization. Amanda has been a member of ASPO since 2022 and brings her broad range of hands-on and executive skills to our organization.

  • Maria Butler

    DIRECTOR OF WELCOME COMMITTEE

    Maria Butler is the owner of Clearly Organized NC in Raleigh, NC. Maria’s background in education helping her meet the diverse needs of her organizing clients. Maria and her team specialize in helping families get out of the weeds of chaos and clutter, allowing more time for family and fun. Maria has been an enthusiastic member of ASPO since 2020 and brings her belief of community to all ASPO members.

ASPO Founders

ASPO was envisioned in 2017 after organizers and friends; Thalia Poulos, Melinda Mauthe and Jennifer Martin decided that there needed to be a fresh focus on education and certification for Professional Organizers. Together, they spent over a year setting down their new vision and goals and creating what would become the Simple Systems® certification courses before officially launching the organization in September 2018.