PIC Member List

Linda Andross, ABC, MC
APEX Public Relations
Toronto, ON
Tel: 416-934-2117
Website
Twitter

Creative, editorial-driven and entrepreneurial are words used to describe independent agency APEX PR and digital/content sister agency ruckus. APEX is a high-performance, high-energy communications agency fueled by innovation, strategic collaboration and senior-level involvement.

Sharon Aschaiek
Higher Ed Communications
Toronto, ON
Website
Linkedin
Twitter

Sharon Aschaiek provides communications strategy, writing, editing and publication management services to higher education organizations. She uses her conversational writing style to present ideas and tell stories in clear, concise and compelling ways. Sharon helps universities and colleges develop diverse communication materials for their stakeholder audiences, such as alumni magazine stories, blog posts, reports, newsletters and web content. She especially enjoys translating academic research into accessible content. Sharon also writes about higher education trends and issues for media publications.

Priya Bates, ABC, MC, SCMP
Inner Strength Communication Inc.
Cell: 416-668-4404
LinkedIn
Website

Powerful communication, branding and training programs that deliver results from the inside out.

Meline L. Beach
MLB Communications
Tel: 416-953-5289
Website
LinkedIn

Help organizations strengthen brand and achieve business objectives through positive public relations, effective communication strategies and tactical delivery – including social/earned media management, event planning, writing/editing, and communication audits (surveys/focus groups/full report/recommendations) – in a professional and collaborative manner.

Eric Bergman, MC, ABC, APR
Bergman & Associates Communication Training
Tel: 416-410-EASE
Website

Training & coaching in media interviews, presentations, speech giving.

Carolyn Black
Writer and Editor in Education and EdTech
Toronto, ON
Tel: 647-403-0982
LinkedIn

For over 20 years, Carolyn has helped organizations write digital and print resources to inform and educate. Clients include universities, educational and academic publishers, and companies designing apps and platforms that provide informational content. Work includes e-learning modules, higher ed communications, labour trend reports, children’s educational books, K-12 and academic editing projects, information architecture, and taxonomies.

Yvone M. Catty, ABC, (she/her)
Vitamin-3 Communications, Inc. (V3)
Toronto, ON
Website
LinkedIn

Vitamin-3 is a boutique consulting firm specializing in reputation leadership, government and regulatory engagement, controversial issues management and c-suite spokesperson and media skills training. Creative problem-solving and data-driven planning by a credentialed practitioner for public and private companies operating in complex and highly regulated or challenging environments.

Janet Comeau, ABC
ALTkey Solutions Inc.
Picton, ON
Tel: 416-999-5702
Website
LinkedIn
X @altkeysolutions

Strategic corporate communicator with a broad background in a variety of communication-related disciplines. Proven track record in delivering results that align with business objectives. Extensive experience developing internal communication campaigns and the application of digital technology as a communications enabler.

Vanderson Correa
Kitchener, ON
Email
LinkedIn

Vanderson Correa is a Communications Strategist focused on SEO, B2B content strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled at translating complex information into engaging narratives, his digital expertise includes leading global content for a UN initiative, where he boosted newsletter subscriptions by 15% and maintained open rates of 60%+. His background encompasses high-stakes health communication and crisis management, notably in complex environments such as COVID-19, where his digital content production and results analysis were critical for public awareness campaigns.

Cathy Cowan (she/her)
C&C Consulting
Toronto, ON
Email
Website
LinkedIn

As a Social Impact Communications Consultant, I am dedicated to applying my extensive big brand, nonprofit and agency experience to make the world a better place! Working with nonprofits, agencies and socially conscious businesses, I help lead integrated marketing communications programs that drive meaningful change. My project-based and fractional marketing communications services include strategic planning, integrated marketing, issues management, internal communications, content creation, social media, influencer marketing, corporate social responsibility, special events, project management and team mentorship.

Charlotte Davis
Verve Communications
Tel: 647-290-6785
Website 
LinkedIn
X 

Verve Communications is a boutique communications consultancy helping engineers, architects, lawyers and other professionals communicate clearly and convincingly with their target audiences. Verve builds your brand, revenue and in-house capacity to deliver a coherent, compelling message.

Jacqui DeBique, SCMP (she/her)
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
Tel: 416-592-1232 x 266
Website: www.pogo.ca
LinkedIn
X

Jacqui DeBique is a communications specialist with a passion for writing, editing and project coordination. She has worked in the not-for-profit sector for the majority of her career, in-house, and as a freelancer under the banner of Quite Write Communications..

Yasmine El Shafei, SCMP (she/her)
Oakville
LinkedIn
Facebook
Email

Yasmine is VP, Strategy and Business Development at Multiplier Consultancy, an end-to-end business consultancy offering services to leadership and C-suite executives to grow their businesses. Offering a full spectrum of business consultancy services, from direction setting, strategy setting, business vision, executive coaching, marketing communications, internal comms and training and development. Yasmine is a certified Strategic Communications Management Professional and a solution-focused coach with an MBA in finance, strategic management and marketing.

Rasha Fawakhiri (she/her)
RF Communications
Toronto, ON
Tel: 647-272-2125
Email
LinkedIn

With 15+ years of experience in communications, public relations and marketing across 30 markets, Rasha Fawakhiri provides consulting services in external, corporate, revenue, consumer, product, crisis and internal communications. Scope includes strategy & planning, narrative & messaging, digital & social media, branding and integrated campaign management. She most recently held the role of Head of Communications for Twitter in MENA (Middle East/North Africa) for six years, where she conceptualized and led award-winning campaigns and narratives including Cannes Lions in 2022. 

Finnegan + Co. solves PR challenges for B2B and B2C enterprises and startups, offering ongoing or short-term support. Our services encompass three key areas.

First, we offer strategic communication planning and execution (e.g., media relations, reputation management, and executive thought leadership).

Second, we provide counsel on corporate communication management resources, guide internal teams and offer fractional leadership.

Third, we leverage our invaluable senior experience to share our communications expertise, enhance teams’ skills, improve PR and agency relationships and advise on agency proposals.

Lisa Gibson, (she/her)
Ignite Communications
Toronto ON
Tel: 416-300-1751
Website
Linkedin

Lisa has more than 25 years of experience solving complex business problems through strategic and award-winning communications. Her company, Ignite Communications, provides consulting spanning change management, executive and employee comms, PR, and social media. Lisa regularly speaks about how communicators can leverage the power of AI, and how leaders can strategically build their personal brands. She currently sits on two boards – The Shine Foundation and QueerTech – and volunteers her time to help women early in their careers

Anne S. Greenwood, (she/her)
Anne Greenwood Communications
Toronto ON
Linkedin

Anne Greenwood is a communications consultant working with mission-driven organizations to shape the stories that drive meaningful change in our world. She offers additional strategic capacity to nonprofit communications teams and leaders so they can provide mission-critical value and get out of the vicious cycle of churn. Anne works collaboratively to develop high-impact communications that influence decision-makers, build trust, and centre voices closest to the issue.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis (she/her/hers)
Matisse Nelis Consulting
Oshawa, ON
Tel:905-431-0237
Website
Facebook
Instagram
X
LinkedIn

Matisse, a Durham College public relations professor and PR consultant, blends academic insight with practical experience. She volunteers with IABC, hosts PR & Lattes, and is dedicated to digital accessibility. Her journey, influenced by roles at CNIB Foundation and AbleDocs, includes training in Accessible Media Production and Diversity and Inclusion. Known for her accessible communications expertise, Matisse’s approach merges digital PR knowledge, social media skills, and trend awareness, positioning her as a leader in innovative and ethical PR strategies.

Catharine Heddle
Lamplighter Communications
Toronto ON
Tel: 416-737-5807
Website
X: @cheddle
Linkedin

Catharine Heddle specializes in strategic corporate communications, internal, external and change communications and workplace culture. With a velvet manner and razor-sharp insight, Catharine deftly navigates the complexities of organizational behaviour to craft communications strategies that inform, engage and inspire.
She helps clients forge meaningful, trusting connections with the people whose opinions, actions and support matter to them. She supports leaders by building powerful communications that simplify complex issues, build engagement and support, and help people adapt to and embrace change.

Lori Henry (She/her)

Lori Henry Communications
Toronto
Website
Bluesky
Facebook
X
Linkedin

Lori Henry specializes in healthcare writing for both public and private health organizations. She’s also a licensed mental health occupational therapist and psychotherapist in private practice. With a mix of clinical, editorial and copywriting experience over the past 20 years, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Her master’s-level academic knowledge and firsthand experience providing health care is a boon for her clients. They rely on her to write evidence-based content that is both educational and accessible.

Kathryn Hollinrake
Hollinrake Photography
Toronto ON
Tel: 416-465-8280
Website
Linkedin

Over 25 years of experience as a professional photographer, passionate, creative, detail oriented. Style is versatile, flexing as needed to accommodate and reflect clients’ brands, whether they be individuals or organizations. Started off in advertising and commercial photography and came to specialize in corporate photography. Work with individuals and organizations to create compelling portraits and varied imagery for use in branding, marketing and communications online and in print (including book covers).

Sue Horner, SCMP (she/her)
Get It Write
Oakville, ON
Website
Linkedin
X

Employee communications (newsletters, articles, Web content) with warmth and personality.

Adrienne Jackson, ABC, (she/her)

AMJ Communications
Toronto
Tel: 416-508-4175
Email
LinkedIn

The fine print …I am a seasoned communications strategist delivering award-winning, outcomes-based programs for national and multinational private, public, not-for-profit and government organizations. I have a personal interest in healthcare, financial services and charitable causes that could use a helping hand in their communications.

I’m currently open to providing consulting services to support multiple communications needs, from writing and editing to comprehensive issues and crisis management solutions across sectors and geographies.

Need a last minute writer or editor, longer term communications project lead or a quick sounding board to make sure your strategy is on track? Let’s connect!

Richa Kochhar
Toronto
LinkedIn
X
Email
Instagram: richa.kochhar
Tel: 416-732-5879

Richa is a Toronto-based communications professional with 15+ years of experience across all major sectors, having led Fortune 500 clients through global agencies such as Edelman and Weber Shandwick. Known for out-of-the-box thinking, problem-solving, and trusted thought leadership counsel, she has curated award-winning global and creative campaigns with a strong focus on DEI, change management, and inclusive storytelling. Skilled in reputation management, executive visibility, and stakeholder engagement, Richa helps organizations build trust, navigate complexity, and deliver purposeful communications.

Sarah L. Manley Robertson, ABC, Prosci, (she/her)
President, Prospect Strategies Ltd.
Nova Scotia
Tel: 782-321-8133
Website
LinkedIn

Prospect Strategies is an executive and corporate communications advisory helping leaders tackle their toughest challenges with purposeful communications. Our work connects & engages stakeholders, closes trust gaps, translates strategy into action, and drives transformation. Leveraging 25+ years of communications experience across industries with national & global reach, we collaborate to create actionable strategies that fit each leader’s unique approach. If you want to uncover possibilities and create capacity to pursue your best prospects, Prospect Strategies will help.

David McLaughlin (He/him)

McLaughlin Writing
Toronto, ON

416-428-7454
LinkedIn

I’m a writer specializing in executive communication, with a particular talent for speeches. I help leaders communicate with clarity and empathy, offering writing and advice informed by experiences supporting heads of government and non-profits. I’ve developed my writing talents working as a public servant and political staffer at every level of government in Canada — a career highlight was joining the diverse team at the TORONTO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, where I supported CEO communications.

Cyrus Mavalwala, ABC, MC
Advantis Communications Inc.
Toronto ON
Tel: 416-848-1885
Website
LinkedIn
X

Cyrus is a sought-after social media strategist; trainer and speaker who helps organizations capture, own, and maintain mindshare with the people who matter most. In 2018, he was awarded IABC Canada’s highest honour, Master Communicator. Decades of engagements with B2B companies, municipalities, regulatory colleges, and member-based organizations have earned Cyrus and his team awards at the local, regional, national and international levels.

• AI Training: Communication Teams, Boards of Directors & Senior Executives.
• Social Media Consulting & Training: Audits, Health Checks, Strategy, Advertising, Monitoring & Reporting, Evaluation
• Video Production: Live action, Animation, Motion graphics, Video marketing, Across North America.

Michael Melling, (he/him)
StratOak Ltd.
Toronto
Tel: 647-862-3541
Website

StratOak is an advisory firm specializing in media training, content creation, and strategic communications. Michael Melling is the Principal & Founder and works directly with all clients. He is the former head of CTV News, CP24, and BNN Bloomberg. Michael combines his extensive business leadership and transformation experience with a deep background in journalism, how audiences work, and how narratives can take hold to help clients advance their goals with great communication.

Marian Neglia (she/her)
Neglia Design Inc.
Toronto, ON
Email
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

Leading a talented team of creative professionals dedicated to bringing ideas to life through visual communications:

Graphic Design Strategy: Crafting solutions for communication goals.
Branding: Creating memorable brands.
Digital Design: Designing impactful experiences.
Website Design: Building engaging, user-friendly sites.
Publication Design: Producing engaging reports and editorial layouts.
Accessibility Design: Ensuring WCAG-compliant designs.
Illustration: Tailor-made infographics and custom illustrations.
Print: Crafting compelling designs for lasting impressions.

Nathalie Noël
Brand & Communications Strategy Coach
Toronto, ON
Website: http://www.nathalienoel.ca
LinkedIn

Using the principles and tools of holistic branding and strategic communications and marketing, Nathalie helps entrepreneurs and organizations define what makes them unique and how to use that uniqueness to stand out and achieve goals.

Teresa Pagnutti (She/her)

Teresa Pagnutti Communications
Toronto
416 230-0172

LinkedIn

Teresa Pagnutti is a skilled communications and public relations expert specializing in strategic communications, media relations, and versatile writing. With a passion for delivering innovative solutions, she offers strategic counsel and issues management to clients in various sectors, including financial services and not-for-profit organizations. Teresa partners with purpose-driven clients to craft authentic narratives and implement measurable communication plans, ensuring impactful storytelling and effective collaboration.

Sandra Pakosh, ABC
Outsource Communications
Toronto, ON
Tel: 416-573-5933
Website: https://outsourcecommunications.ca/
LinkedIn
Twitter: @sandrapakosh

Outsource Communications drives business + brand value. When you don’t need an agency or are constrained by resource capacity, we offer: #B2B #nonprofit #brand #marketing #communication #virtualassistant project solutions or interim leadership. When required, we tap subject expertise with only proven talent.

Heather Redfearn, (she/her)
Services de communication
Montreal, ON
Linkedin

With 20+ years in internal communication, Heather partners with solo communicators and Human Resources (HR) teams to provide expertise and assistance. Focusing on internal communication, she provides strategic advice and tactical support to help her clients engage their employees through communication. She specializes in HR communications leveraging key messages, Q&As and storytelling. Heather connects messages to her clients’ business objectives, challenges their thinking (in a positive way!) to achieve optimal results and delivers on her commitments.

Anna Relyea, (she/her)
Anna Relyea & Associates
Toronto, ON
Tel: 647-446-7110
X
Linkedin

Now self-employed after 30+ years with mainstream organizations. With wide-ranging experience in the tourism, consumer packaged goods and cultural fields, my expertise includes media relations, public affairs, crisis communications and brand building.

Sabita Singh, ABC
Trivetta Consulting Inc.
Toronto, ON
Tel: 647-519-6832
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
X

Jacqueline Smith (She/her)

Smith-Pelly Ink
Toronto
647-684-4832
Website
LinkedIn

I take pride in identifying where communication can have the greatest impact. Whether designing the strategy for organizational change or improving leadership dialogues, my focus remains on aligning efforts with the organization’s goals. Examples of how I can support your organization include:

• Supporting your team in crafting compelling narratives for significant transformations
• Introducing tools to strengthen connections between leadership and employees, ensuring alignment and engagement.
• Enhancing communication strategies to drive cultural and operational changes.

Rachel Starkman (she/her)
Toronto
Email
LinkedIn

I am a seasoned Communications and Marketing leader with expertise spanning tech, real estate, and Tier-1 CPG brands across B2B and B2C sectors. Skilled at managing change and fostering cross-functional relationships, I align cultural improvements with business goals. As Global Head of Internal Communications at EcoOnline, I design strategic programs to drive engagement and business clarity. Passionate about creating impactful narratives, I lead with a people-first mindset to deliver meaningful results.

Trish Tervit (she/her)
Toronto

Website

Trish is the powerhouse behind her independent PR consultancy, where she crafts sharp messaging, lands media coverage, and tells stories that stick. With 30+ years of experience—including a decade as a Toronto news reporter—she’s got a keen “nose for news” and a talent for simplifying complex language. Now focused on sustainability and financial services, she partners with climate think tanks and major financial brands to drive real impact. Results matter, but so does having fun along the way!

Andrea Walasek (she/her)
Barrie
705-718-1881
Email
LinkedIn

A dedicated communications professional specializing in public relations. With nearly 20 years of experience, Andrea has become known for her ability to lead PR strategies that strengthen communications and deliver strong, clear and consistent messaging. She has worked in federal and regional governments, education, and at a small boutique communications agency. Andrea believes in the strength of volunteering in her community to create greater opportunities for future generations.

Heather West
Fresh Communications
Stouffville, ON
Tel: 416-884-5741
Website
LinkedIn
X

A communications professional with over 20 years of experience leading communications departments and working with organizations, thought leaders and influencers who are passionate about creating diverse, inclusive and healthy workplaces and communities. A trusted advisor who moves easily between providing strategic counsel and hands-on communications support. Services include:

Thought leadership and content marketing-Powerful content that elevates awareness, engagement, and support

Corporate communications- Strategies and resources to build trust and strengthen critical relationships Integrated marketing and communications.

Heather Whyte (she/her/elle)
WHY Communicate Inc.
Toronto/GTA
Tel: 416 899-6529
Email
Website
LinkedIn

WHY Communicate partners with associations and corporations that want specialized strategic communications and marketing help to elevate and future-proof their organizations. We work with leaders and teams to adapt and refresh their strategic plans and optimize their communications channels to build meaningful, long-term connections with members, customers and employees.