HELPING SMALL VENTURES GROW WITH CLARITY, SYSTEMS & PURPOSE
What do you love?
I want to help you do more of that.
Most people don't start businesses, nonprofits, or community projects because they're passionate about spreadsheets, scheduling, or figuring out where that important document went. They do it because they care deeply about something.
Over time, however, all of those necessary details have a way of multiplying. Often what started out as a passion that was truly exciting turns into being an administrator, bookkeeper, project manager, event coordinator, volunteer wrangler, household CEO, and keeper of the calendar...with a little passion on the side.
It doesn't have to be like that. You don't have to do it all alone.
I'm Michelle Elder, founder of Elder in the Woods Collective, a small consulting practice based in Lebanon, Oregon. I help women in leadership bring order to complexity through practical support, thoughtful systems, and a willingness to jump in wherever I'm needed.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning public health, nonprofit administration, food systems, education, bookkeeping, military healthcare, and community engagement, I've learned that my greatest strength isn't a particular subject matter expertise, it's helping people make complicated things work. Whether that means organizing records, coordinating projects, improving processes, managing logistics, or simply taking a few things off your plate, my goal is the same:
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Help you reclaim your time and energy
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Build systems that support your everyday life and work
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Create more space for the things that only you can do
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To create the conditions where families, small towns, and rural communities flourish
It is a joy to live, work, and raise my family here in the Santiam foothills. I am passionate about supporting the women around me who are quietly carrying so much for the people around them. That's a whole lot of invisible work.
I'd be honored to help you with some of yours. To get started, book a consult.
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 when 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
Logistical support to collect and distribute food to 500+ area residents weekly, many of whom are elderly and/or disabled. Fundraising, grant writing, donor relations.
Girls Troop 9051
Scouting America
Maintain accurate financial records, handle cash, and issue reimbursements and receipts. Best of all, I get to support some phenomenal young women ages 11-17 as they develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Troop 9051 is Lebanon, Oregon's first all-girls Scout Troop and is affiliated with American Legion Santiam Post 51.