HR Guidance That Helps You Hire, Retain, and Stay Compliant—

Without Losing Your Soul (or Your Sanity)

Right now, you’re being pulled in a hundred directions. You're expected to grow your team, stay legally compliant, nurture a positive workplace, and somehow make it all sustainable, often with limited time, budget, or internal HR support.

That’s where I come in.

I specialize in helping mission-driven organizations like yours navigate the complicated stuff: hiring your first (or next) employee the right way, developing policies that reflect your values and meet legal standards, and building systems that keep your team engaged and protected. I don’t offer one-size-fits-all templates—I offer thoughtful, hands-on guidance shaped by your goals, your culture, and California’s ever-evolving labor laws.

Whether you need help creating a compliant onboarding process or building a long-term strategy for retention, I’m here to help you lead with clarity and confidence.

What my clients are saying:

"As a new nonprofit executive director and founder, I found Carlyn to be instrumental in keeping our organization compliant, organized and structured. She advised on regulations, streamlined our employee hiring process and created handbooks and company forms. Carlyn is a great listener, has vast knowledge and is extremely efficient. I would recommend her services to other businesses and entrepreneurs. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work with her and will continue to utilize her services and expertise in the future."

-Jessica, Executive Director and Founder, SNAP with Stepping Stones

"Carlyn is incredibly well suited to help with many facets of small and medium-sized businesses. She is well-spoken and very detailed in her work. I have utilized her for staffing, compliance, and general HR questions that arise in my own business and will continue to use her in the future. I have also worked with her outside my business with other organizations and she always impresses."

-Andrew, Proprietor, Metal Supermarkets, Ventura County

“Carlyn is my go-to HR consultant. As a small business owner, I can’t afford to have a full-time HR person. But having Carlyn on speed dial has saved my butt more than once! She’s the best!”

-Stephanie, Co-Founder, Harvest Goal Collective

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an HR consultant if I only have a few employees?
Yes—especially in California. Even with just one or two employees, you're responsible for meeting state and federal labor laws. I help you set up the right foundations early so you can grow with confidence and avoid costly mistakes down the line.

Can’t my office manager or bookkeeper handle HR tasks?
They can handle some tasks—but HR compliance and people management go deeper than forms and payroll. I bring expertise in California labor laws, hiring best practices, conflict prevention, and workplace culture development, so nothing falls through the cracks. I believe an administrative employee of yours can absolutely learn HR compliance and people management, so I offer a DIY course on the next page.

How do I know what services I need?
Start with a free discovery call. I’ll listen to what’s going on in your organization—whether you're hiring, dealing with employee issues, or just trying to get your HR act together—and recommend a plan that fits your size, budget, and goals.

Do you only work with nonprofits?
Nope! While I love supporting mission-driven organizations, I also work with small businesses across many industries—from physical therapy clinics to creative studios to service providers. If you're values-driven and want to do right by your team, we’re probably a good fit.

What’s the first step?
Reach out to schedule a free discovery call. We’ll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how I can help you get there—with less stress and more peace of mind.

Powerful culture starts with you.

Pricing is hourly for the one-on-one consulting services below. Just pay for what you need - no retainer or subscriptions. My hourly rate and project-based approach make my consulting work affordable. Let's tackle your biggest HR monster together.

On the next page, you’ll find access to my full course for just $169. In just 2.5 hours, it walks you through the entire employee lifecycle—from hiring to offboarding—complete with personalized assessments and actionable feedback.

If you were to hire me as a consultant to provide this same level of tailored guidance, it would typically cost between $1,500 and $12,000 and unfold over several months to a year. This course offers a streamlined, high-value alternative at a fraction of the cost.