My Story

Building Squared Away has been the crowning achievement of my professional life. As a military spouse, I understood firsthand the struggle of having valuable professional skills but facing barriers to employment due to frequent relocations and deployments. This personal experience ignited a fire within me to create a solution, not just for myself but for the countless other spouses in similar circumstances.
The journey from a team of one to over 400 has been a profound one, marked by both triumphs and tribulations. It’s been a path of relentless determination, unwavering belief, and countless late nights. I’ve faced moments of doubt, wondering if I was capable of leading such a venture, but I’ve also experienced moments of immense pride as I watched Squared Away grow and flourish.




Becoming a mom of two amidst these challenges added another layer of complexity to the journey. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the responsibilities of entrepreneurship and the uncertainties of military life required a level of resilience I never knew I had. But through it all, I’ve learned that being a mom has made me a better leader, teaching me patience, empathy, and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.
Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the power of community. I’ve learned that success is not just about the numbers but about the lives we impact and the difference we make. Each member of our team is not just an employee but a part of a larger mission to empower military spouses and veterans worldwide.
While the road has been challenging, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The joy of seeing someone find a fulfilling career through Squared Away, the pride of knowing that we’re making a difference in the lives of military families—it’s these moments that fuel my passion and drive me to continue pushing forward.
Squared Away is more than just a company to me; it’s a testament to the resilience and strength of the military community. Together, we’ve created something truly special, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.
Education
George Mason University
Paralegal Certificate, Legal Assistant/Paralegal
2011 – 20122011 – 2012
King University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government
2004 – 2008
Experience
Exceptional Women Alliance Awardee
Exceptional Women Alliance · Freelance
Aug 2023 – Present · 8 mos
Member
Chief · Contract
Feb 2021 – Present · 3 yrs 2 mos
Founder
SavvySpouses
Oct 2016 – Present · 7 yrs 6 mo
Manager and Personal Assistant
Feb 2015 – Aug 2015 · 7 mos
Consulting Analyst
Kaiser Permanente
Oct 2012 – Dec 2012 · 3 mos
Personal Assistant
Private
Oct 2010 – May 2012 · 1 yr 8 mos
Reston, VA
Experience
CEO
Squared Away
Aug 2017 – Present · 6 yrs 8 mos
Virtual Assistant
Michelle Penczak Executive Assisting
Aug 2015 – Present · 8 yrs 8 mos
North Carolina
Anti-Chaos Technician
Zirtual
2 yrs2 yrs
Personal Assistant
Sep 2013 – Aug 2015 · 2 yrs
Las Vegas, Nevada Area
Personal Assistant to CEO, Lisa Kazor
Savantage Solutions
May 2012 – Oct 2012 · 6 mos
Rockville, Maryland

