The Challenge:
Affinity Mentoring couldn’t make payroll, was out of compliance with state and federal regulations, and faced fractured trust between staff, leadership, and the board. Organizational trauma had eroded cooperation at every level.
Client: Affinity Mentoring (Nonprofit)
Duration: July 2023 – February 2025 (20 months)
The Approach:
Applied integrated Change Management, Systems Theory, and strategic planning to address immediate crises while building long-term capacity:
- Restored regulatory compliance with all state and federal requirements.
- Co-created sustainable budget models and financial planning systems.
- Facilitated trust-building across organizational levels to address trauma and rebuild cooperation.
- Provided weekly executive coaching on financial planning, strategic development, fundraising, HR, communications, and leadership through change.
- Developed strategic communications including Annual Reports, Strategic Plans, and donor cultivation strategies.
The Results:
- Financial turnaround: From payroll crisis to $200,000+ cash reserves with all outstanding bills paid.
- Regulatory compliance: Full adherence to state and federal standards.
- Organizational health: Restored functional trust and cooperation between staff, leadership, and board.
- Strategic positioning: Sustainable systems and clear direction for continued growth.
Resilient organizations aren’t built on plans alone—they’re built on people, systems, and the strategic integration of both.
Working alongside Cassandra has been such a great experience. Her enthusiasm, extreme empathy and compassion continue to make working alongside her such a joy even through difficult situations.
Rocio Moreno
Working with Cassandra in her capacity as Organizational Consultant and Executive Coach has been a very rewarding experience. She listens to our needs, and provides effective, organized and clear guidance and suggestions. She consistently has a bigger picture understanding, and is able to break it down into tangible, concrete steps. She follows up and offers support, even before it is asked, which is helpful and comforting! She brings ideas and creativity, and also understands the intricacies of nonprofit operations and fundraising.
Lauren Enos, LMSW
Cassandra has been an invaluable voice as our executive team consultant, leading with expertise, passion and a fantastic sense of humor. She has helped us navigate a number of challenges that would seem insurmountable, and provided solutions that maintain our growth as an organization, as well as healthy interpersonal dynamics with our staff. She will be a tremendous asset to any team or individual looking to hire her!
Nicolette Chambery
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