About Us

We turn chaos into comfort and overwhelm into order.

We manage the details, save you valuable time, offer support and bring peace of mind. We started Essential Next Steps after working with our families. We would love to work with yours.

Leah Harlig 

Leah is a Texas native.  She grew up in Houston and attended the University of Houston. Leah loves working with her clients to help them realize their vision for their home.  Whether downsizing or moving or both, she brings empathy, experience and efficiency to every project. Leah’s professional background has been in the Client Services market, most recently with Discover Card and American Express. Her ability to connect with whomever she meets played a big role in her consistent achievement as top producer. She is also a certified Recuperative Yoga instructor and has taught yoga for over 11 years.

Leah is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®.  She is also a member of the National Association of Senior Advocates.

Leah enjoys her dogs, entertaining, food, reading, writing, interior design and being a member of the Advisory Council of the Paramount Theater.  

Jon Harlig

Jon is a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist (CRTS™) and is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing (NAPO). As a former executive in the hospitality industry, Jon has built his successful career by taking care of others as guests, clients, staff and volunteering in the community. His attention to detail, creative problem solving and relationship building are essential to any situation, large or small. 

Jon graduated magna cum laude from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona with a B.S. in Business Administration. He has taken continuing education courses at UCLA, Pepperdine University and UT Austin.

Jon’s community involvement includes the Aging Services Council of Central Texas, Austin Up, National Association of Senior Advocates, Central Texas Food Bank and the Paramount Theatre.

Jon enjoys music, film, humor, food and history.