I’ve worn a variety of hats in my career history, beginning with plant ecologist, then stay-at-home mom, then Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and now owner of Avenue In Consulting.

Born and raised in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles as a third-generation Japanese American, my love for nature eventually led me to fall in love with Seattle. I could not get over all the trees, even in the city! My husband, Tim (Seattle native and founder of Avenue In), and I have happily raised two kids in the Emerald City and count ourselves blessed to be able to live and work amidst such beautiful surroundings.

There is a common thread throughout my various careers: ecology is about different organisms living and working together as a cohesive system within their environment. This applies not only to the science of ecosystems, but also to raising children within a family system and the larger community, to helping individuals find harmony within their own internal and external contexts, to finding best-fit consultants who can contribute their talents toward the success of teams and organizations.

It’s been 30-odd years since Tim, Stuart, and I met while working at the Claremont Colleges, so it brings me great joy to become a part of the company they founded together in 2018. As new owner, I’m excited to join together with our new CEO, Amber Polaski, to give a fresh face to Avenue In. Amber’s wealth of experience in the software industry will inform the direction our company takes and I trust her leadership will enable us to excel as a consulting company.

In the mid 1980s, I worked at what was once the earth’s mightiest record retailer, Tower Records in Southern California. I can’t think of anyone who had more fun with their college job!  With a love for the music industry, I then began my professional career, in earnest, in New York city working for major record labels, managing licensing and co-branding projects with brands such as LearJet, Victoria’s Secret, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks. I spent 15 years in that industry. 

I moved to Seattle in 2011 and have worked in technology since. In 2018 we formed Avenue In Consulting.  As a partner, I am always trying to find new ways to ensure employees are happy and valued for the work they do.  And for our customers, it is always my goal to ensure you find the right hire to meet your objectives within budget.

I was born at the University of Washington Hospital and my family has lived in Seattle for over 75 years. Seattle is a great place to raise a family and grow deep roots! My wife and I moved back to Seattle 23 years ago and we love living in the city, around the University of Washington.

I have worked the past 20+ years with technology companies ranging from Internet Startups to Fortune100 companies which has allowed me to gather a vast network of friends and former colleagues across several professional industries in the greater Puget Sound Region and beyond.

Stuart and I start each day with a simple plan: Work today to build a company where everyone is treated as a professional and our employees and clients are happy working with Avenue In.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my wife, four “kids,” baseball (Go Dodgers!) and woodworking (Urban Shed Woodworks).

I moved to Seattle in 1990 to attend the Art Institute of Seattle, Music & Video business program. It was the best time to arrive in Seattle with the start of the grunge music scene (think flannels shirts, shorts, and combat boots). I interned for a concert promoter and local band manager for a bit, but my career path took me down a different avenue, hospitality.

I’ve worked in hotels before moving on to Corporate Housing (fully furnished apartments) as an Account Manager, Operations Manager, and Inventory Manager. Working with Fortune 100 companies handling their client's housing needs from relocation, temporary job assignments to internship programs. I do have a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career (name that movie) that I’m excited to bring to Avenue In to help with the day-to-day operations