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What do you love?
I'm here to help you do more of that.

I imagine you do what you do because it’s what you love. Your work grew out of your passion – and now it might be growing faster than you can keep up! Sure, you could handle all of the bookkeeping and administrative tasks, creating and managing systems that make your workday easier, but that can feel overwhelming, confusing, or just plain tedious.

 

Yet those mundane details are really important, and not just at tax or reporting time. Our numbers tell our stories. We need to deal with the numbers if we want to write bold new stories for ourselves, our families, our communities, and the world. Where you are and where you’ve been points to where you’re headed.

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That’s where I come in.

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I’m Michelle Elder, founder of this little boutique consulting firm in Lebanon, Oregon. It’s a joy to live, work, and raise my family here, nestled at the base of the Santiam foothills. Like you, I do what I do because this is what I love. With over 15 years of experience in program administration, I help women microentrepreneurs* and nonprofits:

  • Organize what feels overwhelming

  • Clarify the numbers

  • Establish systems that organically support daily operations

  • Operate in ways that reflect who they truly are

  • Contribute to the flourishing of our families, small towns, and rural communities

 

Together, we can create a foundation that supports what matters most to you.

* While I mostly work with women microentrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders (“micro” meaning 0-10 employees), I welcome the chance to support clients of all genders provided their work centers the needs and aspirations of women and children, or other vulnerable members of society

Security
Sleep well. All is in good order.

Sovereignty
Trust a yes. Lead with intuitive strategy.

Community
Remember, we're all in this together.

Vision, Mission & Values

Elder in the Woods, LLC operates as a consulting collective to bring forth vibrant, diverse, and sustainable local economies where the needs and aspirations of women and children are centered, supported, and celebrated. We provide consulting services that meet women microentrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders right where they are in order to equip them with the information they need to make bold, confident decisions that will align their operations with their dreams.

Some of the folks I'm working with...

Summit Academy

Private microschool

Accounts receivable (invoices, receipts), categorizing transactions, account reconciliation, and admin support for this rapidly growing, women-led educational program for local children in grades K–5.

Lebanon Gleaners

Food security nonprofit

Lead fundraising committee, spearhead grant writing efforts, oversee grant management and evaluation;  prepare timely and accurate financial reports as Treasurer elected to the Executive Board. This very inspiring group operates as a mutual-aid organization, run entirely by and for its members.

Girls Troop 9051

Scouting America

Manage petty cash, reimbursements and deposits; track fundraising revenue and expenses; provide transparent financial reporting as the Treasurer. Best of all, I get to support some phenomenal young women ages 11-17 as they develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

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