About Your Virtual Assistant

Melanie O'Kane

Melanie O’Kane is the founder and owner of MAD Typing and Consulting (MADTC), an administrative support and creative assistance firm headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. With 23 years’ professional experience, O’Kane is recognized as a visionary leader, change agent, and someone who is active in revolutionizing the way people think, work and live.

Melanie supports busy executives, small-business owners, coaches, speakers, consultants, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, celebrities, and philanthropists throughout the United States and Canada. Since 2002 and through an in-depth expertise, professional network, and full-service office, Melanie serves as her clients’ online inbox, completing their administrative and creative tasks, so they can concentrate on core job functions, professional development and enjoying more of what life has to offer.

By employing an entrepreneurial philosophy, Melanie overcame the challenges of climbing the corporate ladder and hitting the glass ceiling to build a thriving small-business enterprise. O’Kane believes that she is accountable for her own accomplishments, and this mindset is an essential tool used to navigate the fast-paced, leadership-focused path she now follows. As such, Melanie has leveraged her strengths, proven track record, and positive communication style to achieve great things.

• 1987: Helped start a used-car dealership in Viroqua, Wisconsin
• 1990-92: Associate degree program in administrative assistant/secretarial sciences
• 1998: Developed home-based business concept and started freelancing while working full-time
• 2002: Grand opening of virtual assistant business, MAD Typing and Consulting
• 2004: Wrote e-book, “How to Become a Successful Virtual Assistant”
• 2004: Began sponsoring and playing for a local co-ed softball team
• 2005: Joined the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA)
• 2005: Began volunteering as a staff writer for IVAACast
• 2007: Wrote e-book “How to Establish Your Fees”
• 2007: Became IVAACast Associate Editor and Advertising Coordinator
• 2008: Hosted first Internet talk radio show  VA Radio (formerly MODCOM Radio)
• 2008: Featured in BusinessWatch magazine Do You Need a VA? All about virtual assistants
• 2008: Added Design/Layout Coordinator to titles at IVAACast
• 2008: Joined the Wisconsin Virtual Assistant Network
• 2009: Recognized as the IVAA’s February Volunteer of the Month
• 2009: Transitioned to Managing Editor of IVAACast
• 2009: Elected to the IVAA Board of Directors
• 2009: Became an EthicsCheck™ certified virtual assistant
• 2009: Joined the IVAA Bylaws Committee
• 2010: Created the "MAD About You" virtual assistant business coaching program (in progress)

What is Melanie doing when she's not working?

Outside of work, Melanie is the mother of three, wife to a Marine Corps veteran, and loving owner of three dogs and two cats. Melanie sponsors and plays second base for a local co-ed slow-pitch softball team and, as a Wisconsin native, loves to cheer for my Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. When she's not participating in sports, Melanie enjoys gardening, reading, crocheting, watching "brain-food" television, and exploring the Wisconsin countryside whenever possible.