My Story

My journey into the world of spreadsheets began in the most unexpected way—as a Program Director at an overnight camp in Utah in 2009.

I was all about fun and games, while my co-worker handled the paperwork and spreadsheets. I was adamant: spreadsheets weren’t my thing. In fact, I was determined to steer clear of them! But as fate would have it, I kept crossing paths with people who were really passionate about spreadsheets. One friend even joked they’d attend the midnight premiere if Excel were ever made into a movie (a bit extreme, right?).

Then, during a casual conversation, a friend’s mom gave me a perspective that changed everything. She said not using spreadsheets was like sitting in a car but having it pulled by a horse—it just didn’t make sense not to harness all that power! That analogy stuck with me, so I decided to give spreadsheets a chance and took a few online courses. At first, I wasn’t sure how to apply my new skills to camp life, but with the help of a spreadsheet-savvy uncle, I created my first bus list. That was my “aha” moment—I saw firsthand how spreadsheets could simplify even the most chaotic camp tasks.

From there, I was hooked. I spent years in the camp world as a director and assistant director, attending conferences and sharing the magic of Excel and Google Sheets with fellow camp professionals. After earning my MBA, I was ready to take things to the next level and put my new knowledge to use.

In 2023, at the Mid America Camp Conference, I had a breakthrough moment. A speaker encouraged us to “triple down” on our unique talents and skills—even if they seem unrelated—because it’s the combination that makes us powerful. That idea stewed in the back of my mind, and it became clear: my combination of spreadsheet know-how and deep experience with camps, schools, and youth organizations was something special.

That’s when I decided to take the leap. I left my full-time camp position and launched Help My Spreadsheets in 2023. Now, I get to combine my passions—organization, efficiency, and, of course, summer camps. I’ve helped camps across the country streamline their operations, and the best part? I speak their language. Camp directors love that I understand the unique challenges of their world and can offer solutions that truly fit.

Word has spread beyond the camp industry, and I’ve started branching out into other fields where spreadsheets are just as underutilized. What makes my business different? I provide personalized, live teaching—no generic, pre-recorded classes here. I tailor my content specifically to youth-serving organizations, helping them apply these tools in ways that make sense for their work.

Since launching, I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing clients across the country, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. Whether you’re running a camp or managing another type of business, I’m here to help you unlock the full potential of spreadsheets—no horses required!

And honestly? If they ever did make “Spreadsheets: The Movie,” I’d be there at the midnight premiere. I’d even dress up as one of my favorite features: Data Validation.