Meet Ann
Connection-first home organizer, parent educator, and creator of the Dooley Method.
Hi, I’m Ann Dooley!
I’m a mom, a home organizer, parenting coach, author, and creator of the Dooley Method. I’m so glad you found me.
If we were meeting in person, I’d likely be sipping a chai latte and we’d be walking in nature and sharing parenting stories. That sense of ease and openness is what I bring into my work with families because creating an orderly and calm home begin with building a trusting connection.
I didn’t set out to create a method. I was looking for relief.
Growing up, our home was extremely cluttered and relationships were always strained. Putting things in order became my coping mechanism to find calm. It worked — until I became a parent. Keeping order was challenging with small kids, and I felt my peace slipping away. The constant friction left me feeling disconnected from my children.
Because organizing was a way to bring me relief, I became a certified professional home organizer and opened my business, Simple Joy with Ann, a name that reflected what I hoped the families I work with would experience.
What I didn't expect was how often I'd hear my own story — Parents exhausted by the mess, frustrated with their kids, doing it all themselves.
Having sought out parenting education to repair and strengthen my own family dynamic, and eventually becoming a certified parenting coach, I found myself naturally bringing that same connection-first approach into my organizing sessions. And as my clients began to experience a noticeable shift at home, I knew I was on to something.
I needed to bridge the gap between parenting and home organizing.
Through years of personal and professional experience, the Dooley Method became the foundation of my work, where responsibility can grow without blame or shame.
Here at Dooley Noted, I will continue to share perspectives and solutions so families can take care of their homes together as a team.
If you are finding this topic relatable, and I sound like the kind of person you’d want in your corner to support your family’s need for more organization without the power struggle, let’s chat. You can email me directly at tidyup@simplejoywithann.com or book a consultation call using the link below.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Here’s what parents have said about working with me.
“I believe in your work because you taught me that a calmer home and a more connected family are the same thing.”
“I first came to Ann for organizing help — a single parent with ADHD, barely keeping daily life from unraveling. What unfolded was something I didn’t expect: the organizing work seamlessly opened into connection parenting, and she began coaching me on how to bring my son along too.”
“Her approach is simple, uncomplicated, and always has love at the core. The reframes and practical systems she gave me have stuck for two years through two major upheavals. Because of her, I’ve gone from just surviving to practicing thriving — finding more meaning and joy in everyday life.”
“She is warm, clear, and endlessly approachable. I never once felt judged or ashamed. Family is not just a topic for her — it’s the heartbeat of everything she does.”
“Ann has inspired me to restart my parenting journey. I saw myself turning into a raging mom, angry that I spend so much time cleaning up. After learning from Ann, I finally connected with myself and my kids authentically.”
Some fun facts about me (that benefit you!)
The name 安 (pronounced like Ann) means harmony, safety, and calm in Chinese—qualities I intentionally bring into the homes I support.
My first job was at the Hello Kitty store. Organizing stickers and pencils was only the beginning.
After graduating from Art Center College of Design, I worked as an Art Director at Walt Disney Studios. I now bring that same creativity and visual thinking into my organizing work.
I designed a T-shirt collection with positive affirmations for women. That supportive mindset still guides how I work with families today.
My own early parenting struggles led me to write my first book, The New Mommy Handbook, sharing practical, judgment-free guidance.
I taught Mandarin Chinese to children through arts and crafts. Using creativity and play to support learning is also how I teach kids to organize.
I served as president of a mom support group with over 60 members. Empathy, patience, and compassion are foundational to my work.
A serendipitous discovery of Marie Kondo’s book led me to become a Master level certified KonMari consultant, shaping my practice of decluttering with gratitude.
Behind my work
I’m a Master Level Certified KonMari Consultant, and I use the KonMari Method as a foundation for intentional home organizing with families.
I am also a certified parent educator, bringing attention to communication, collaboration, and the emotional dynamics that surface when children are involved.
The Dooley Method grew from this intersection. It blends time-tested organizing with a connection-first approach that supports families in creating order while building trust, responsibility, and habits that last.
Here are some of my media features
Here’s where to go next:
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Work with me directly through a virtual or in-home session
Let’s connect!
If you have specific questions or want to see whether this support is a good fit for your family, feel free to send a message using the button below if you have a Substack account, or email me directly at tidyup@simplejoywithann.com.