Celebrating Women 2020

Marin County has so many amazing women, whether they are doctors, architects or businesswomen. Here are a few of the best of the best.

Architectural Design Carpets

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THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR HOME STARTS WITH US

Debbie Duering, the owner & CEO of Architectural Design Carpets, has been a leader in the Bay Area flooring industry since 1990. Kate Googins, ADC’s COO is a creative and dedicated woman who has been with the company for over 15 years. The two work hand-in-hand with the Bay Area’s top interior designers, architects, and realtors on residential and commercial properties. These ladies excel in the top flooring trends ranging from carpet and hardwood to custom rugs and commercial flooring. Using a woman’s ingenuity Debbie, Kate, and Nicole, a recent member of the senior sales team, constantly thinks outside the box and their attention to detail is not only a level of standard at Architectural Design Carpets but part of their creative nature. When it comes to investing in flooring for any project, no matter how big or small, the foundation of your home starts with Architectural Design Carpets.

1111 Francisco Blvd East San Rafael, CA

415.458.1717

adccarpets.com 

Magda Sarkissian

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MARIN’S NATURAL

Magdalena Sarkissian has risen quickly to the top of her industry in Marin County— having closed over $100 million in sales in 2019 alone with the Sarkissian Bullock Team—but her road to success is a lifetime in the making. The real estate natural has a holistic approach to the business that has enabled her to consistently close deals and help the next generation of real estate buyers and sellers. Magdalena grew up in the business (daughter of Lydia Sarkissian) and credits the exposure and experience for her innate ability to serve clients’ needs. “Residential real estate is an emotional industry. When a client vocalizes what they are feeling, you have to listen, create empathy and appreciate the opportunity to serve their needs and desires,” says Magdalena. “I learn everything I can about the person I am representing. I want them to feel mutual trust so that I can do what I do best for them.”  The ability to connect with people at all levels and having wisdom beyond her years have enabled Sarkissian to work with a variety of exclusive clients, expand the team’s business into new markets and bridge the generational gaps between seller and buyers. “Our clients near retirement have excellent spending power thanks to the appreciating values of their homes and their success in equity markets over the years. The next generation of luxury buyers have specific needs and wants to purchase a property that fits a particular lifestyle,” says Magdalena. “We understand those needs and have the resources and connections to pair clients accordingly.”

Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty

415.847.7913

[email protected] 

Lic.# 02028978

Lydia Sarkissian

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TRUSTED ADVISOR

You know her name, Lydia Sarkissian. It resonates here at home. It’s respected and recognized. It’s utilized and connected globally. You know her name—not her ego. There is no room for that in Mrs. Sarkissian’s world. Instead, her life’s work, expertise and integrity—and its subsequent earned trust—has poised Sarkissian, or as we all know her, endearingly gracious, by ‘Lydia’—for continued greatness.  $2 billion in career sales. Mother, boss, designer, chef, coach, confidant, advisor. Lydia is a force. She knows the value of knowing what one doesn’t know; always curious, evolving, adapting and growing. This unyielding discipline underlies Lydia’s life and work. Lydia defines success by the way she impacts the lives around her. In addition to her contagious positive energy, she is relatable, gently assertive and provides invaluable expertise. That expertise is a product of her team’s shared experience and deep knowledge: “My business partners Bill Bullock, Magdalena and I always make decisions together and advise one another on how best to serve our clients. Combining our strengths and talents, we are able to provide our clients with a clear direction and strategy, which in turn establishes their trust, and ultimately, delivers the best outcome.” Enter Magdalena Sarkissian, the most recent addition to the Sarkissian Bullock team. She’s the heir apparent and apparently made for it, but rest assured, Lydia Sarkissian isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “Working with my daughter is one of my greatest joys. She bridges the cultural networks, generations and lifestyles of our clientele in a seamless, natural way that just feels…right,” says Lydia. “We have fun in the process, too.”

Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty

415.517.7720 

[email protected] 

Lic.# 01159670

Peg Pike and Rita Lee

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FINANCIAL PROSPERITY; EXTRAORDINARY LIFE

Peg Pike, Chief Operating Officer & Principal and Rita Lee, CDFA®, Director of Research & Principal have been successful meeting women’s wealth management needs at every stage of life. As part of the wealth management team at Brouwer & Janachowski, founded over 30 years ago, they’ve built their relationships over time with hard work and open conversations. As moms, daughters, wives, sisters and friends themselves, they recognize the unique investment needs of their female clients.

Peg, Rita and the entire wealth management group are committed to helping their clients create and conserve their wealth while integrating career, family and personal goals. They take the time to understand people as individuals, with distinct goals and values.

Both Peg and Rita are committed to giving back and serving the community. Peg is Treasurer, Board Member, Investment Committee Member and Executive Committee Member of 10,000 Degrees in San Rafael, a college readiness program for students with low income backgrounds. Rita is Treasurer and Board Member for Family & Child Empowerment Services San Francisco (FACES SF), a non-profit organization benefiting parents and families in underserved communities of San Francisco. Based in Mill Valley, Brouwer & Janachowski manages $1.7 billion in assets and is a fee-only financial life planning and wealth management firm providing professionals, executives, business owners, and families with advice and direction for every aspect of their financial lives.

100 Shoreline Highway, Ste. B-101 Mill Valley, CA

415.435.8330

bandjadvisors.com

Carolina

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KAREN LOFTUS

Working in the fashion industry for nearly 10 years, Karen Loftus has utilized her invaluable insight into fashion landscapes to curate looks that inspire confidence and beauty no matter the occasion. Karen worked closely with previous owner, Carolina Loiacono, for five years. After purchasing the business at the beginning of the year, she turned her longtime dream of owning a shop into a reality. Starting with a complete overhaul, Karen remodeled the shop to reflect her own imperfect, natural and effortless style. The space is complemented by found decor and custom artwork sourced from Marin County to Morocco.

CAROLINA is a modern bohemian, artful fashion boutique that reflects both nature’s light and color within the space and its offerings. Our simple mission is to inspire and guide those looking to enhance their personal style with warm, timeless pieces true to our “California cool” aesthetic. Our handpicked selection of predominantly female owned brands include both local and international designers. Handmade pieces from Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra, Warm and Natalie Martin are sure to put a smile on your face. Locally designed and Spanish crafted shoes from Freda Salvador add a bold and androgynous edge, while woven leather handbags and shoes from Australia’s own, St. Agni, will keep you relaxed all summer long.

During these ever-evolving times, it is my mission as a new shop owner to create a space that exudes warmth, love and inspiration. Stay tuned for our grand reopening event later this year, in the meantime come by and say hello!

76 Throckmorton Avenue Mill Valley, CA

415.381.2554

carolinaboutique.com

Child Development Academy

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BUILDING COURAGE, RESILIENCE, AND MINDFUL ENGAGEMENT

Dr. Cecile Binmoeller is proud to announce the opening of the Child Development Academy in Marin County. Our mission is to empower children, adolescents and families by providing the highest quality of mental health care. We offer therapy, neuropsychological assessments, and consultation to parents and schools.

Parenting is increasingly complex as a greater number of responsibilities are being placed on children and their caregivers. The Child Development Academy is committed to helping children and families: 1) effectively navigate challenges by developing coping and problem- solving tools, 2) identify and cultivate strengths, 3) connect with others through meaningful relationships and 4) feel more engaged in their daily lives by utilizing mindfulness-based tools.

The Child Development Academy specializes in serving children, adolescents and families struggling with issues related to anxiety, mood, learning difficulties, disruptive behaviors, autism, grief and stressful life changes. We adapt evidence-based interventions to meet each individual’s unique strengths and needs and strive to cultivate a collaborate space where individuals can take the first steps towards living a more enriching life.

Dr. Binmoeller is a licensed psychologist (PSY31602) dedicated to helping to helping children and families achieve their full potential by fostering resilience, courage and mindful engagement. She earned a combined Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, a M.A. in Research Methodology, and a M.Ed. in School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Photo credit: Roots & Shoots Photography.

Serving Marin County & San Francisco

415.890.6310

childdevelopmentacademy.com

*Televisits available

Dr. Karen Horton

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INNOVATIVE WOMAN-FOCUSED PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Karen Horton has been providing residents of San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area communities with woman-focused aesthetic surgery since 2006. An Internationally Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and the mother of twin girls herself, Dr. Horton firmly believes in empowering women to feel and look their best. To do this, she customizes each patient’s treatment plan to holistically address their unique physical, mental, and emotional needs and ensure superior results.

Dr. Horton has been honored with multiple awards as a result of her development of innovative techniques for procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, and mommy makeovers. In her office, Emily Sespaniak, NP is the expert in non-surgical treatments including Botox, dermal fillers, and CoolSculpting to “help her patients feel renewed and revitalized throughout all stages of their lives.”

Dr. Horton’s greatest source of professional pride, however, is the use of her considerable skill and expertise to provide women with the most sophisticated techniques in microsurgical breast reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and breast implant reconstruction.

2100 Webster Street, #506 San Francisco, CA

415.923.3067

drkarenhorton.com

instagram.com/drkarenhorton

Holly Hollenbeck

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HSH INTERIORS PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

As a visual omnivore who eagerly poured through her mother’s Architectural Digest magazines as a child, Holly Hollenbeck’s raw talent and passion for design was apparent at a young age. Driven by the mantra that “life is not a dress rehearsal,” Holly believes everyone deserves a home that is a means to living life to the fullest.

Prior to establishing HSH Interiors in 2002, Holly primed her entrepreneurial spirit and developed
a sharp business acumen working in investment banking and at an internet start-up. Ultimately, she decided to pursue what she had always gravitated towards and enrolled at UC Berkeley’s Interior Design Program, got a job at a SF-based design firm and soon took the leap towards starting her own company.

HSH Interiors specializes in large-scale residential projects including ground-up construction and interior architecture. Holly’s approach to design is the same for all: to channel her vision around a sense of place and people. The common thread in her portfolio is a timeless sensibility brought to life through a blend of both modern and vintage touches.

While Holly’s projects are predominantly in the Bay Area, her portfolio also includes clients in Jackson Hole, Squaw Valley, Manhattan Beach and Beverly Hills. Holly was a longtime Marin resident and currently lives on San Francisco’s Alamo Square with her husband and three children.

7 Clement Street  San Francisco, CA

415.702.6460

hsh-interiors.com

Monica Gray Mrs. Nice Gal

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COO & CO-FOUNDER OF NICE GUYS DELIVERY

Marin County has always been a home for Monica Gray. She grew up in Mill Valley, CA., where she attended Old Mill, Mill Valley Middle School, and Tamalpais High School. After graduating from Tam High, Monica attended UCLA where she obtained her BA in World Arts and Cultures. Directly after receiving her degree she moved to New York City to work for companies such as: Calvin Klein and Jcrew. She then moved to Los Angeles and worked at Sketchers, before moving back to Marin to work at a start-up footwear company located in San Rafael called Vionic. While at Vionic she was the Senior Director of Product Development and Costing departments.

Monica specializes in start-up businesses within corporations and brings a structured yet grounding presence to the workplace. Her distinctive abilities have helped Nice Guys Delivery stand out as a business of merit and professionalism in the newly formed legal cannabis industry.

Nice Guys Delivery is a licensed cannabis delivery service which operates out of San Rafael, CA.

Monica and her partner, Adam Fong, co-owner and CEO of Nice Guys, own a house in West Marin and are raising two young boys and two dogs. It’s a dream come true for her to raise a family and own a business serving the community in the same county where she grew up. Photo credit: @Katierainphotography, katierainphotography.com

Nice Guys Delivery

415.855.5914

[email protected]

niceguysdelivery.com

Northcoast Tile and Stone

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DESIGN, FABRICATE AND INSTALL

North Coast Tile have been helping people navigate through heartache due to the fires over the past three years. Now we face another challenging time with Covid-19. NCT continues to be a company that cares, helps, contributes and is dedicated to keeping you in your home and working for you in a way that is mindful as well as detail orientated.

Martha leads the North Coast Tile and Showroom team in working with designers, contractors, architects and homeowners with a confident, thoughtful and professional attitude.

NCT is a one stop shop which offers stone slabs, a beautiful tile selection, design services and installation of both stone and tile. One client says, “Being in Martha’s showroom is like being in her living room. The care that was taken with the selection, design and installation of our slabs and tile made us feel like family”.

Please call with any questions to how to make appointments with us during this this time.

3854 Santa Rosa Avenue Santa Rosa, CA

707.586.2064

nctile.com

Michelle Affronte

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SELLING A LIFESTYLE

Michele Affronte has been selling the Sausalito lifestyle since 1991. Most of her clients have used her over and over again for Real Estate purchases and sales. They are so pleased with her services that they refer family and friends. Because of this, Michele is one of the top agents in Marin County.

Working for Engel and Voelkers Global in Sausalito, she has resources to market her properties globally with the click of a key on her laptop. Sausalito, Michele’s place of residence and business attracts many international buyers. Since Engel and Voelkers has more than 800 offices worldwide, buyers from abroad immediately contact her when they want to buy in Sausalito or on the waterfront.

Selling Real Estate since 1987, Michele brings experience, patience and knowledge to the table.

She will stage your home for sale and market it more than any other agent in the county. She has held the title of #1 Agent in her office since 2016. If you want to meet her…just google her…She is always available. Search Reach 150 for her latest reviews.

Engel & Volkers International

415.798.0236

[email protected]

MicheleAffrontereach150.com

Lic #000959293

Christina Lisac, L. Ac., Dipl. OM

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APRICOT FOREST CHINESE MEDICINE

As a doctor of Chinese Medicine, I’ve spent the last 15 years observing the transformative effects of this approach on my patients. At a time when we are more distracted, fatigued and stressed than ever, Chinese Medicine helps us realize our full potential. I have seen unparalleled results in my patients and specialize in a full range of acupuncture treatments.

244 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA

510.927.8480

apricotforest.com

Megan Pomponio

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Photo by Thomas Kuoh

COMPASS REAL ESTATE

Having a trusted advisor in this unprecedented time is imperative. Making a decision to invest in real estate requires knowledge and expertise in the local market. As a native of Marin County, Megan not only has a great pulse on the market, but an extensive background in marketing and advertising. These qualities, along with her ability to truly listen and understand her clients’ needs, has consistently placed Megan in the top 3% of Realtors in Marin and was recently ranked in the Top 1% nationwide by REAL Trends. She is not only highly qualified as a top agent, she’s also been described by clients as “down- to-earth”, “dedicated and professional” and “devoted to her clients’ needs”, which is crucial when representing a client. Megan is the mother of two daughters and her husband is a mortgage professional. She gives back to her community by donating part of her commission to Home for a Home and has been involved with Sparkle Foundation, Bloom and other local charities.

901 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, CA

415.827.9229

megansellsmarin.com

Cannell Insurance Group

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THE MOST BELOVED INSURANCE AGENT IN TOWN

Stephanie Cannell knows the difference between having insurance and being insured. Specializing in Southern Marin for the last 16 years, she overcomes insurance objections that are unique to our area. Handling all types of insurance from auto, home, life and umbrella to construction and small business. Stephanie brings her experience to work for you.

232 E Blithedale Avenue, Suite 206, Mill Valley, CA

415.388.7979 • 415.302.2989 cell • 415.388.7980 fax

City Carpets

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COMMITTED TO GIVING BACK

Few women in the Bay Area hold the credentials that Leigh Bakhtiari has earned in her 27-year career in the flooring business. Her leadership has helped to shape a variety of flooring advisory councils with recommendations for best flooring practices and product development. In addition to her professional world of flooring, she is also a community leader and Board member with the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce.

In 2019 the San Rafael Chamber recognized the many years of community support that Leigh and City Carpets provided to numerous charitable causes, including local schools and youth programs such as Youth in Arts, Italian Street Painting Marin, and the Milo Foundation. For all they do, The Chamber recognized City Carpets as San Rafael’s Small Business of the Year.

According to Leigh, there is much more to be done, she remains committed to programs that help reduce homelessness in Marin and Sonoma County; including Homeward Bound of Marin, Grateful Gatherings, The Living Room, and Adopt a Family of Marin.

555 E. Francisco Blvd • San Rafael, CA 415.454.4200 • city-carpets.com • CSL #746886

CHAMBERS + CHAMBERS

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ARCHITECTS

Focused on custom residential architecture and interior design services, Chambers + Chambers is a boutique architectural practice in Mill Valley, California. Understated elegance, quiet luxury, richness in color and texture, classical detailing and axial relationships are signature elements of Barbara’s award winning designs. Barbara finds design inspiration through her passion for and love of classical architecture, antiques, sculpture, art and travel.

chambersandchambers.com

Innovative Match

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WELCOME TO YOUR NEXT RELATIONSHIP

Cassie Zampa-Keim is a renowned dating and relationship strategist, author, speaker and coach. She is the founder and CEO of Innovative Match, a national relationship-services firm.

One of the industry’s leading experts on dating, Cassie has worked with thousands of singles over the past
three decades. She’s been named one of the World’s Top Matchmakers (UK Dating), written for and been featured in leading media publications and is the author of the acclaimed “Finding Love After 50.” One of the early pioneers of using online dating with clients, Cassie draws the latest technologies to service clients.

Cassie launched Innovative Match to deliver a 21st century approach for helping clients to realize their relationship goals. Cassie offers a holistic, data-driven roadmap for transforming clients’ dating lives, drawing upon technology expertise, psychological training and work as a dating and life coach.

Ross, CA
415.259.8714 • innovative-match.com

DANNA LEWIS

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AUTHOR OF “THE INDISPUTABLE GIFT OF MEN”

Life Coach Danna Lewis’s non-fiction book is a collection of intimate stories that invite you to unlock caustic, emasculating, judgmental conversations around dating and relationships. Women who read this book will release resentment, increase gratitude, and multiply enjoyment of and with men. A portion of the proceeds from book sales goes to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Available on Amazon.

[email protected]www.dannalewis.com

Allison Fortini Crawford

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LUXURY REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Allison Fortini Crawford has been a top producing luxury real estate agent in both Marin and San Francisco for the past two decades. She and her husband have raised their two children in Kentfield, where Allison is actively involved throughout the community. She provides a personal perspective to living in Marin, and her intimate knowledge of the Marin luxury market is a tremendous asset to both buyers and sellers.

Allison has proven that success can be achieved without compromising her strong values. Her clients rely on her honesty and keen attention to detail, as well as her powerful negotiating skills.

On the rare occasion when she is not working with clients, Allison enjoys flying small airplanes and sailing on San Francisco Bay with her family.

Allison’s commitment to giving back to her community has inspired her to dedicate a portion of her earnings to Marin charities that support children and families in need. She also serves on numerous committees and boards related to education and youth sports in Marin.

Sotheby’s International Realty

415.297.9596 

Fortini-Crawford.com

Bridging San Francisco and Marin to Bring You HomeTM

Sutton Suzuki Architects

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THOUGHTFUL DESIGN

Elizabeth Suzuki is a partner at Sutton Suzuki Architects, a design-forward firm with projects throughout Northern California as well as Malibu, Tahoe, Hawaii, and Kauai.

She finds that working collaboratively with her clients is the best way to discover uniquely tailored solutions. Elizabeth understands that design styles may vary but attention to detail is enduring.

suttonsuzuki.com

Kathryn Harris, CPA

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PEROTTI & CARRADE, CPAS

Born and raised in Marin, Kathryn Harris is a dedicated professional. She is prompt, professional, well-versed in auditing, review, accounting and tax return planning and preparation for individuals, for-profit and not-for-profit businesses. Together with the other principals and experienced associates at Perotti and Carrade, Kat provides the type of service that you want in a CPA firm.

For the last four years, the firm has been voted as the # 1 best accounting firm by the Marin IJ’s Reader’s Choice Awards. This is due to its unique personal approach offered to all clients. The professionals at Perotti & Carrade spend time with each client, to not only calculate and review last year’s information but to explore options and alternatives for the future. They pride themselves on quality and attention to detail.

Though numbers are Kat’s “thing”, there is a whole other side. Coming from a family of eight siblings, she can be counted on to chip in on babysitting, feeding, or overnight stays. With her husband and two young daughters, you can see her around enjoying all the beauty Marin has to offer.

1 McInnis Parkway, Suite 200 • San Rafael, CA 415.461.8500 • pc-cpas.com

Danielle Botros

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REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL…INSPIRING CONFIDENCE

What’s true in life is what’s true in business – one’s trust must be earned. Danielle’s reputation for honesty, her exceptional ability for communicating and skillful negotiating is what has propelled her in business and in life. Her decades of travel and living abroad as a former wine professional enrich her with a fresh, savvy, worldly approach to real estate.

Vanguard Properties, Marin

1118 Magnolia Avenue • Larkspur, CA 415.488.7080 • danielle-botros.vanguardproperties.com

Makers Market

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SUZY EKMAN, FOUNDER & CEO

Makers Market was founded on the idea of supporting American craftsmanship. Its location in the historic Mill Valley Lumberyard, under the redwoods and straddling the creek, has a warm, general store vibe with its refined rustic aesthetic – leading to a magical experience. Shoppers can discover locally handcrafted jewelry, men’s and women’s accessories, clothing and home goods (wood, glass and ceramics) from over 100 creators.

Goods are vetted to be well-designed, sustainable, and made with a high % of US content (such as locally grown plant materials) to maximize the benefit to our local economies. Suzy has been on USA Today’s Expert Panel to select the Top 10 Makers in America and is a National Curator for the American Craft Council – so many top- rated artists are found in her stores.

All 4 locations (Broadway Plaza, Santana Row, and First Street Napa) have regular open-air markets. Upcoming Lumberyard dates are: May 9th, July 11th, and September 12th. You can support your local artist- neighbors and keep the creative heart of our community alive, all while sipping your wine.

Mill Valley Lumberyard • Mill Valley, CA 415.326.5111 • makersmarket.us

Alexandra Cowley

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CLIENT FOCUSED. RESULTS DRIVEN.

An East Coast transplant, Alex and her family have been lucky to call Marin home for the past 25 years. This helps her understand firsthand how important the emotional connection with a home, as well as a neighborhood and community, is for clients. She provides opportunities for clients to buy and sell their largest asset in seamless ways to meet each of their unique and comprehensive needs.

Vanguard Properties • Mill Valley, CA 415.302.0961 • Buythebaywithalex.com