Our Team
When you work with The Downsizers, you're supported by a coordinated team of specialists, each bringing expertise in a specific part of the process to make your transition as seamless, efficient, and worry-free as possible.
Elizabeth Hirsh, Founder & Owner
After helping several family members through overwhelming moves, Elizabeth Hirsh saw the need for a service that combined practical support with genuine care. In 2017, she founded The Downsizers to guide older adults and families through downsizing, estate clear-outs, and life transitions with clarity and compassion.
Elizabeth Hirsh, Founder & Owner
After helping several family members through overwhelming moves, Elizabeth Hirsh saw the need for a service that combined practical support with genuine care. In 2017, she founded The Downsizers to guide older adults and families through downsizing, estate clear-outs, and life transitions with clarity and compassion.
Leadership
Our leadership team
Jen Harris
CFO & COO
Jen was The Downsizers’ first employee and, over eight years, has worked in almost every role across the business. Drawing from her own family’s downsizing experience and her background as a CPA at one of the "Big Four" firms and Health Coach, she now serves as CFO/COO, blending expertise, operational systems and compassion to guide clients through transitions. Ask Jen about her two beautiful daughters and her many adventures in hiking across the globe!
Ibby Wooten
MANAGER OF CLIENT SERVICES
AND PROJECT MANAGER
After experiencing her own downsizing journey, Ibby brings encouragement to clients as they make their new space home. With careers in senior living, antiques, and event planning, she offers strong project management skills and a deep understanding of the Triangle’s retirement communities, making her a trusted guide throughout the moving process. Ask Ibby about her favorite team, the Tarheels, and her very deep roots in this area!
Angela McGinn
AUCTION SERVICES MANAGER
Angela began her career with The Downsizers in the field and as a Project Manager, where she managed estate clear-outs, liquidations, and helped launch the auction business. With years of experience flipping vintage collectibles from thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales, she has a sharp eye for value. Now at The Consignors, Angela curates unique treasures. Ask Angela about her experience homeschooling her children and some of her favorite vintage finds!
Jeannie Hickman
ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR
With degrees in Physical Therapy and Nursing, Jeannie worked over 20 years in healthcare with seniors and public relations before transitioning into business operations for The Downsizers. After managing 16 personal moves and her own downsizing, she now serves as Finance Supervisor at The Downsizers, blending empathy, detail, and project management expertise. Ask Jeannie about her new puppy and her travels with her husband in their RV!
Client Services
Project Managers
Guide our clients and our Client Services team through each and every project from beginning to end. Our Project Managers focus on communication, timeline and resource management, as well as client experience.
Bridget Haddican
Born and educated in England, Bridget’s career spans aviation, investment banking, and family law as a qualified attorney. Since moving to North Carolina in 2013, she has worked in real estate and personally downsized to Hillsborough. Her international experience and practical knowledge equip her to guide families through major moves with a global perspective. Ask Bridget about her favorite spots and traditions in England, and all of her wonderful travels!
Katie Thornburg
Katie’s background includes years working with seniors in both home care and senior living communities, where she supported families and listened closely to their concerns. She later taught in a developmental day center before raising her own family and working in education. At The Downsizers, Katie draws on her professional and personal experiences to guide clients through life transitions with dignity. Ask Katie about being an avid runner and her recipe for excellent gluten free cookies!
Emily Garvin
Emily brings over 25 years of leadership as Executive Director of two multidisciplinary arts organizations, where she managed exhibitions, performances, classes, and community partnerships. She has also coordinated senior relocations and experienced downsizing with her own family. At The Downsizers, she blends strategic planning and creativity. Ask Emily about her experience in the arts and why she decided to downsize from Annapolis to Durham!
Team Leads
These team members oversee our on-site team. They ensures everything runs smoothly during hands-on days, covering all phases of the projects including sorting and clear out, packing, unpacking and art hanging.
Sarah Rhyne
With a Master’s in Public Health and 15 years in nonprofit leadership, including as Disaster Program Manager at the American Red Cross, Sarah brings strong organizational and client service skills. Having helped her own family through multiple downsizing moves, she is passionate about guiding others through transitions with clarity and care. Ask Sarah about being her absolute love of organizing and all things Duke!
Kristi Lamb
Kristi’s own experience managing her mother’s Alzheimer’s transition and her mother-in-law’s estate gave her firsthand insight into the emotional and practical challenges families face. At The Downsizers, she applies those skills with patience and empathy, treating every client’s possessions with the same care she gave her own family’s treasures. Ask Kristi about her longevity with The Downsizers and her summers when she is "off to the beach!"
Felicia Cothran
With a Master’s in Psychology from Appalachian State, Felicia has worked with children and adults with special needs and supported senior ministry efforts. Having guided family members through their own moves, she now brings organization and personal insight to helping clients navigate the emotional and practical aspects of transition. Ask Felicia about her love of her sons, baseball and quilting!
Sophie Bozymski
A Chapel Hill native and lifelong Tar Heel, Sophie discovered early passions for fitness, health, and helping others. Her diverse career path including being part of the Durham Police force and a personal trainer has shaped her people-focused approach, and at The Downsizers. Ask Sophie about her G45 coaching practice and how she likes to motivate others to become their best selves!
Downsizing Specialists
This hands-on team managing the daily details of the sorting and clear out process, packing, unpacking, and settling you smoothly into your new space.
Regan Cudjoe
Regan’s own experience managing her mother’s ALS-related move during the pandemic gave her a deep understanding of the challenges families face in transition. With 15 years as a photojournalist meeting people from all walks of life, she brings storytelling insight to her work with The Downsizers. Ask Regan about her career in journalism, and her beautiful and charismatic daughter!
Lisa Krueger-Gavin
Having moved 27 times herself, Lisa understands the physical and emotional challenges of transition. Her background includes client service in advertising and senior support as a Meals on Wheels case manager. As a Downsizing Specialist, she draws on both personal and professional experience to guide clients through meaningful life changes.
Erin Woodward
Erin began her career supporting pediatric patients and later spent a decade in Montessori education. Having long assisted friends and family with decluttering and organizing, she brings dedication to The Downsizers, helping seniors and families navigate the challenges of downsizing with care. Ask Erin about her love of running and managing her many teens and college age kiddos!
Rachel Baliff
With 20+ years of Recruiting and HR experience supporting companies from startups to Boeing, The Discovery Channel, and The Washington Post, Rachel also managed two high-end consignment shops. Having helped her own parents begin downsizing, she now brings professional expertise and personal insight to serving clients at The Downsizers.
Jaclyn Mattera
With a background in jewelry design, retail, and coaching, Jaclyn brings creativity and problem-solving skills to The Downsizers. Inspired by supporting her own grandparents through downsizing, she is passionate about guiding clients through life transitions with communication and goal-focused support. Ask Jaclyn about her upcoming wedding and her experience creating jewelry with her CAD design career!
Charity Van Dyck
With experience at Emory University, the Institute on Aging in San Francisco, and the Durham Center for Senior Life, Charity has dedicated her career to supporting older adults. Passionate about helping people share their stories and preserve memories, she brings empathy and expertise to guiding clients through life transitions.
Sharon Munger
Born into a military family and experienced with frequent moves, Sharon understands the challenges of transition. After a career in HR and later as a Project Manager in honeybee research at NC State, she retired in 2024. She now brings organizational skills and empathy to clients at The Downsizers. Ask Sharon about her adventures with bees when she worked at NC State!
Sarah Myers
With over 15 years of experience supporting older adults and individuals in transition, Sarah specializes in downsizing, accessibility modifications, and home cleanouts. A former Peace Corps volunteer who also contributed to Hurricane Katrina recovery in New Orleans, she brings integrity and problem-solving skills to every client she serves. Ask Sarah
In-House Movers
Your trusted team for small moves, auction and consignment drop-offs and deliveries, known for their careful handling and attention to detail.
Adrian Soto-Perez
A North Carolina native and former Division I wrestler at Appalachian State University, Adrian brings diverse experience in coaching, construction, remodeling, and moving. Passionate about helping those in need, he is dedicated to giving his best each day and supporting clients with energy, positivity, and hands-on expertise at The Downsizers. Ask Adrian about his amazing wrestling career!
Jordan Mangum
A proud North Carolina native from Knightdale, Jordan holds an associate degree in business from Wake Tech and Livingstone University and is pursuing a degree in Sports Medicine. At The Downsizers, he is committed to supporting clients through transitions while embracing teamwork and the pursuit of personal growth. Ask Jordan about his large extended family and his interest in sports medicine!
Auction Services
Our specialized team at The Consignors curates your items to be lotted and resold so they can enjoy new homes
Lee Johnson
With over 30 years in the fine arts and 15 years as a rare book dealer, he has a well-trained eye for unique treasures. A former bibliographer, he brings deep expertise in researching and cataloging rare and collectible items, making him a real asset to The Consignors team. Ask Lee about his multiple talents as a musician, an artist, and researcher!
Lori Rukamp
After a successful career in the financial industry, Lori embraced the next chapter of life by pursuing her passion for unique finds. She first discovered The Consignors as a customer and soon joined the team, bringing her sharp eye, enthusiasm, and dedication to curating meaningful treasures for clients.
Suzanne Crawley
With years of experience helping family and friends downsize, Suzanne understands the importance of finding meaningful new homes for cherished belongings. A lifelong enthusiast of flea markets, estate sales, and auctions, she has developed strong reselling expertise. Ask Suzanne about her incredible knowledge of gardening - she definitely has a green thumb!
Chandra Bashara
Operations
This behind-the-scenes team handles scheduling, move timelines, recruiting, finances, warehouse and supply logistics, and more to keep your project running smoothly and on track.
Alison Neufeld
SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
After 16 years in medical laboratory science, from forensic toxicology to Covid PCR testing for the NBA and NFL, Alison followed her passion for directly serving others. Now based in Chapel Hill, she supports clients and the team at The Downsizers with care, connection, and a commitment to core values. Ask Alison why she moved from Florida, and her keen skill for finding great deals in auctions throughout the area!
Melinda Kizer
BOOKKEEPER
With over 20 years of experience supporting seniors, Melinda has seen firsthand the challenges of transition. She has guided countless families through the moving process with compassion and patience. A dedicated advocate, Melinda is passionate about helping seniors navigate change and achieve outcomes that bring comfort and peace of mind. Ask Melinda about her love of dogs and the fact that she would prefer to work with seniors more than anything in the world!
Erika Stewart
ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
With 25+ years in communications and marketing, Erika is known for strategic guidance rooted in empathy and clarity. A longtime Triangle resident, she transitioned into real estate to support families navigating complex moves. At The Downsizers, she blends professional expertise with compassion, ensuring clients feel heard, valued, and confident. Ask Erika about her walking groups, and her spontaneous kitchen dance parties with her family of 5!
Kate Barr
HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR
With experience in a long term care community and nearly 15 years as General Manager of an international home care agency, Kate has extensive experience supporting older adults and their families. After moving to the Triangle to be near her family, she joined The Downsizers, first joining Client Services in the field and then bringing her experience to recruiting and interview new team members. Ask about her love of cooking and about when she owned a restaurant!
Tim Williams
SUPPLY MANAGER
With over 20 years in customer service, retail, and site management, Tim brings strong expertise and a deep local perspective from 25 years in Chapel Hill/Durham. Having experienced frequent moves himself and supported his own family through senior transitions, he is committed to helping clients navigate life’s changes with care. Ask Tim about his interest in LEGOS, and his love for football!
Rachel Thomas
MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Rachel brings experience in operations, marketing, and communications, including serving as Director of Operations for a community-focused app. A former professional ballet dancer with a BFA from the University of Cincinnati, she now applies her creativity and strategic expertise at The Downsizers to help clients navigate transitions with clarity and connection. Ask Rachel about her ballet career and the very interesting non-profit that she and her husband run that focuses on solar energy in Uganda!
Ready to Make an Impact on Other's Lives Every Day?
