About Me
Hi there, I’m Kara Gendron and welcome to Soft Systems.
I’m no stranger to overwhelm. As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP - someone with a finely tuned nervous system who can become easily overstimulated), I often found modern life to be a lot. Add in owning a home solo, navigating chronic migraines, and working full-time as a veterinarian, and I constantly had more on my plate than I could comfortably manage.
During those years, I went on many deep dives: learning how to work more efficiently, organize the nitty-gritty details of daily life, create a more supportive environment, and build in moments of calm. These strategies weren’t just nice to have, they were essential.
Now, in my next chapter, I’m offering the kind of support I once desperately needed. Soft Systems is my way of helping others who are still in the midst of it — whether that’s cluttered spaces, scattered paperwork, unsustainable routines, or just a sense that everything feels like too much.
If that sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. ♡
My Life with Chronic Illness
I’ve lived with headaches and migraines since I was a child. It was so normal for me that I didn’t even realize I had a chronic illness - not until a neurologist told me. By then, I was fighting migraines almost daily.
To manage them, I was prescribed three medications, a magnesium supplement, and a strict diet called the “Heal Your Headache” diet. I had to eat every three hours, and every meal needed to include both protein and carbs. On top of that, I had to avoid my triggers at all costs: fluorescent lighting, strong scents, heat, intense exercise, night driving, and long days without rest.
The diet alone was overwhelming - about 70% of the foods I ate were suddenly off-limits. It felt like I was living in a bubble, and every twinge of head pain felt like a personal failure, despite how hard I was trying.
It’s been an uphill journey. But three years later, I’m still following the same treatment plan, and it’s become so much more manageable. I’ve learned how to adapt my life around my chronic illness and still find ways to enjoy it.
I know how hard it can be to manage even the “basic” daily tasks when your body is working against you. To-do lists and unfinished projects pile up faster than you can handle them. Eventually, they get pushed to a corner - in your mind, or in your home - where you try not to look.
Now that I’m feeling more grounded, I’m using my experience to help others living with chronic illness. That includes hands-on support to catch up on the things that got away from you, and guidance to make lifestyle changes that support your body instead of pushing it past its limits.
My goal is to help you build systems that are easy to manage - ones that reduce stress, not add to it. We’ll adjust and modify as needed until we find something that works for your real life, in your real body.
A chronic illness can stop anyone in their tracks. But with some support, and systems tailored to you, it’s possible to move forward again, one doable step at a time.
Let’s Get Started!
Interested in working together? Tell me about yourself and what you would like help with. I will reach out to you for a free 30 minute consultation. You don’t have to do everything on your own!