Our Team
Cindy Norlen
CEO & Senior Designer
Cindy had a vision for a different kind of designer/client partnership—one that was tactile, educational, stress-free, relationship driven, but still with all of the joy and fun that can be had from any shopping experience. She started Cindy’s out of her tiny home-office in the 90’s with a few fabric books, a small, but growing rolodex of new clients and a dream. In 35 years she has manifested that dream into the two storefronts, full scale repair centers and on-site drapery workroom that we offer today. In her free time Cindy can be found on an adventure with her grandkids, relaxing with a good glass of wine with her girlfriends, or trying something new— "because life’s too short!"
Kaela Salaz
COO & Director of Designer Partnerships
Kaela is the glue that keeps us all together—truly. No two days are ever the same for her. From running a staff meeting, to nurturing a relationship with a brand new design partner, to being on-site and collaborating with the builder, the installer and the homeowner to see through to a successful install, she does it all. Kaela is a mother of 2, a wife, an entrepreneur herself, an athlete, a coach and holds her degree in professional photography. She had no idea what to expect when she joined the family business nearly 7 years ago now, but very quickly found her strength in leadership. Cindy & Kaela work closely together as mother and daughter and as business partners. Kaela is passionate about helping to foster the next generation of women in business changing the narrative and bringing impact to the community.
Marcie Helton
Bookkeeping
One of the newest members of the team, but you would never know that, because Marcie came in, saw the need and brought her skills to the table without a second thought. She is thoughtful, kind and has a business acumen that makes us a stronger company and a stronger unit at the same time. She is motivated by the drive to make others happy. In her free time you can catch her fly fishing or exploring the countryside.
Sandra Nesbitt
Designer & Blind Specialist
Sandra has been with us for over 13 years, and in the design industry for more than 21 years. She redefines what it means to be an expert. If Sandra doesn’t know, she will find out. She has an incredible eye for curated solutions in your home and the way that light interacts with your space, and is also a woman of integrity, drive, and immeasurable kindness. She is one of the most self-motivated individuals in the biz. When not at the office you can find Sandra on road trips, rockhounding and “finding joy in the small things!”
Emilie Burkamp
Designer / Blind & Drapery Specialist
Emilie comes to us with over 30 years in the business. She is passionate about the clients experience from start to finish to provide “exactly what they are looking for.” She is well versed in the drapery department as well—which is becoming harder and harder to find these days—so we count ourselves immensely lucky to have her knowledge as part of our design team. Emilie is a lover of spring and her go-to/favorite snack is chocolate.
Michele La Tulippe
Interior Designer & Blind Specialist
She may be the newest member on our design team, but Michele is no stranger to the industry. With more than 22 years experience and a degree in design under her belt, she is a wealth of knowledge and has grown very quickly to be an integral asset to our team. She loves to help a client solve the problem and make things beautiful in the end. Michele is an outdoors gal, “If you don’t come back from the weekend smelling like sweat and campfire, you’re not weekend-ing right.”
Ally Metcalf
Senior Executive Assistant
Ally is the perfect example of why Cindy started all this in the first place. She is a working mother, raising a new family, who also finds deep pride and joy in her work. Ally has always returned to us with even more loyalty and excitement, if that's even possible! “I enjoy the satisfaction of having an impact on someone I’ve never met before.” We are so grateful for her attention to detail, her knowledge, and her desire to create a peaceful and positive vibe in the workplace. She’s a meat & cheese fan and loves a night in watching a movie.
Marisa Rushen
Executive Assistant
“I never want to stop learning or growing as a person. I enjoy learning the intricacies of this industry and the unique details that go into every project.” Marisa is a force. She is currently out on maternity leave because—family will always come first—but when she is in office, she is Cindy’s other half. Marisa & Kaela actually grew up together on the swim team and have been dear friends for over 25 years. Marisa is a master at anticipating needs and bringing peace to any stressful situation. She loves coffee and a good read!
Annie Huspek
Annie comes to us from sunny Florida. She is an integral part of our support staff and is motivated daily by finding gratitude in everything she can. She loves to problem solve and help our clients find solutions. We are so thankful for her go-getter attitude and energy she brings daily to the team!
Andrew Norlen
Andrew is an actor, a podcaster, a published author, a change-seeker, a Moscow Mule addict, a lover of travel, a joy-junkie, a writer, an uncle and a family man. He may not be local (anymore!) like the rest of our team—but Andrew runs all of the marketing and social media for Cindy's & Bolligers from his home base in Manhattan. "I love being a part of the family biz from afar, and helping my mom and sister to take the company to the next level in this season of life. I am endlessly proud of both of them!"
Kristina Plumb
Showroom Manager (Portland)
Kristina is our showroom manager at Bolligers, our Portland location. “I love to problem solve and come up with solutions to help people with their design needs.” She is motivated daily by her creativity. At the beginning of COVID she realized she wasn’t doing what she truly wanted and decided to get involved in the world of design. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made and I’m thrilled to see where it takes me here!”
Amalia Figueroa
Showroom Manager (Gresham)
Amalia holds down the fort at our Gresham showroom. She is incredibly personable and keeps the daily operations running smoothly day in and day out. She is the first person you will connect with upon visiting our flagship location and will be able to assist you with whatever your needs are. She loves meeting new people and is motivated daily by her love for her kids.
Jared Knisely
Certified PowerView® Specialist & Repair Technician
Jared is not a man of many words, but his work ethic, his kindness and his loyalty to perfecting his craft, and always improving his skills and his service is beyond admirable. His knowledge and expertise in PowerView® and automation coupled with his ability to articulate and troubleshoot with clients is a superpower. We are so lucky to have him on our team and we know we can always count on Jared to help us solve any problem that comes up day-to-day, he is full of surprises.
Donna Fazio
Roller Shade Specialist
Donna has been in the industry since 1977. She has been making roller shades here at Bolligers for 45+ years. She takes great pride in what she does and loves when clients return to the showroom years later and say, “You helped us 20 years ago! So glad to still see you here.” She’s an irreplaceable member of our team and brings with her decades of experience.
James Zachariu
Certified Installer & Repair Technician
James comes to us from California. He is one of our newest installers, primarily servicing our Portland market. He lives here with his wife and their pets, and they keep him motivated and encouraged. He is a big fan of helping others to find solutions and is a wealth of knowledge himself when it comes to hardware and all of the details and mechanics inside a blind.
