Our Team

What do I bring to the table?

I built the table.

When you open a PR firm with an SBA loan and four credit cards, you may have some doubters, but when you’re still thriving more than 20 years later, the bandwagon is pretty full.

I pride myself on Caster’s stellar reputation; our expanding client base, media relationships, and client accolades are a testament to the work and results we produce. I am a PR Sherpa for our clients – I’ve orchestrated the internal and external communication strategies for emerging and existing technology companies for more than two decades. I’ve been an advisor though acquisitions, investment rounds, executive transitions, lawsuits, and public offerings, but my day-to-day heartbeat is snagging that great storyline, and a grateful client. I also thoroughly love being a mentor to my team and am incredibly proud of the talent that this agency has produced. We are the Marvel of the consumer technology market, if it comes from Caster, it’s going to be gold. That’s a pretty special feeling.

I’m a member of the PRSA, CTA, CEDIA, AVIXA and WBENC. I consistently speak, present, and teach courses on PR and social media, and I’ve been named a top social media influencer for #smarthome, #CEDIA, and #InfoComm. I am a winner of a Silver Davey Award, Alcott Award, PBN’s Women to Watch, PRSA Excellence Award, and the 50-yard dash in both 5th and 6th grade. My greatest achievement however, is my “World’s Okayest Mom” mug.

Education?

University of Rhode Island, BA in English and PR; Emerson College, MA in Global Business Communications

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk?

I’m mom to Abigail and Maxwell and two highly neurotic West Highland Terriers named #MollyandMaisy. My hubby is a sommelier, which graciously allows me to expand my palate and imbibe in the good stuff. I enjoy beachside summers and slopeside winters, and I’m a wannabe farmer, chef, interior designer, pie-eating contest judge, and dog hoarder.

What’s my biggest pet peeve?

“This is final.” Followed by, “Here is Final v.2.”

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d…

Sleep for 14 hours, then go to breakfast buffet. That’s as far I’ve gotten.

In another life, I was probably…

Still not a believer of previous lives….

I feel personally represented by this gif: 

What do I bring to the table?

Fifteen years of leading global tech PR and social media campaigns for startups.

I create programs that increase traction and garner global media attention for emerging companies. Before coming to Caster, I took the ingredient brand PrimeSense (the 3D sensor powering Xbox Kinect) mainstream and, ultimately, to a $350M buy-out from Apple. From angel investors to VC to acquisition, I’ve advocated for startups, such as Endomondo Fitness Tracker App, UniKey (as seen on Shark Tank—Kwikset Kevo smart lock), HealthSpot, Kangaroo Mobile Desktop, BeON Home, and more. As the account lead on two large technical alliances working with partners like Intel, Google, NVIDIA, Cisco, Apple, Samsung and many more, I am known for my ability to take many differing opinions/directions/goals and boil them all down to one concise and consistent message that everyone can agree on and get behind. I also bring a network of media and analyst contacts spanning US and EMEA in consumer electronics, automotive, tech, business, digital health, gaming, embedded, gadget, AV, and more.

Education?

Emerson College, MA in Integrated Marketing Communications

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk?

Exploring New England with my family and our shadow, a rescue Puggle named Boomer. After transplanting from Boston, I’ve adapted well to life in little Rhodie with my love of oysters, the ocean, home improvement, and home-cheffing.

What’s my biggest pet peeve?

Fingerprints on anything. I can’t sit still looking at something with a bunch of fingerprints on it—hence, why touchscreens make me tense.

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d…

Become a food blogger. And if money was no object? I’d split my time between my condo in the South End of Boston, my beach pad in Miami, and traveling the world. When not traveling, I’d spend time cuddling and walking shelter dogs, mentoring young girls, and cooking elaborate meals for my family.

In another life, I was probably…

Mr. Clean’s Twin sister.

I feel personally represented by this gif:

Because I spend a good chunk of my time (at work and at home) wrangling people with very different opinions to get on the same page.

What do I bring to the table? 

A passion for the intersection of technology and storytelling.

I spent over a decade at the world’s foremost professional audiovisual trade association, where I wrote courses, edited books, developed content programs, led panels, workshops, and discussions, and advocated for the industry. I saw first-hand the passion, expertise and artistry that technology professionals can bring to bear in order to facilitate connections and enrich the human experience. I also led creative ideation workshops that brought diverse professionals together to solve intransigent problems facing the industry. Through this work, I’ve cultivated human-centered design practices and a deep bench of technical experts, analysts, and media contacts who can add true substance to a narrative. At Caster, I make it my business to help our clients unlock their creative potential. Together, we can tell a captivating story for your brand.

Education? 

University of Virginia, B.A. in Medieval and Renaissance Studies
George Washington University, M.Ed. in Secondary Education

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk? 

Reading to my kids, snuggling with my Pitbull rescue, or executing step 35 of an overly ambitious baking project. As Caster’s Washington, DC area outpost, I also love taking advantage of the museums and live music venues downtown, as well as the hiking trails in the nearby Shenandoah and Great Falls National Parks.

What’s my biggest pet peeve? 

“Don’t worry about it. It will be fine.” Half right. It will be fine, but only  because I worried about it, made a plan, and made a contingency plan for if the first plan fell through.

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d…

Open a karaoke bar with knock-your-socks-off tiki drinks and killer pad thai french fries.

In another life I was probably… 

A Medici — my love for the arts and for pasta is too intense for one lifetime.

I feel personally represented by this gif: 

Bottomless confidence, diligence, loyalty, and love of waffles: I basically  am Leslie Knope.

What do I bring to the table?

Cultivated relationships.

At Caster, I’ve elevated the art of the pitch through grassroots outreach, social media, and an approachable attitude. After years of managing media relations and campaigns for travel, smart home, and security accounts, I’ve cultivated relationships with national technology, lifestyle, and consumer media to help land Caster clients in top-tier media placements. A self-proclaimed “geek,” my technology background also allows me to digest and fully understand clients’ technologies and then turn that knowledge into targeted, relevant stories for the press.

Education?

University of Rhode Island, BA in Communication Studies

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk?

Looking for another adventure. I’m currently working my way through the 48 peaks in New Hampshire that are over 4,000 feet (#NH48), but I can also be found in a yoga class, rock climbing, training for an obstacle race, or paddle boarding—or looking for beer.

What’s my biggest pet peeve?

People who say, “I’m going to drive up to…” a destination that’s south of them. (Or when people say they’re going to “take a drive down” to a destination that’s north of them.)

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d…

Spend more time in the woods. Hike the mountains. I want to hike, get a cabin on a nearby lake, and love it.

I use this gif the most:

I use it when our team is working together towards wins for our clients (A.K.A. when teamwork makes the dream work).

What do I bring to the table? 

A passion for strategic messaging and media relations, oh and 10+ years of PR experience in the residential tech space.

Having spent over a decade at CEDIA as part of the marketing and PR team – I’ve gained a very wide understanding of the residential technology space and what makes it tick. Over my tenure, I got to dive deep into events marketing and PR and over the last several years my focus shifted to intersection of technology and design. Fostering an understanding of the impact technology has on our lives from work to home to play is such an important message and I look forward to bringing this experience to Caster clients.

Education? 

Ball State University (alma mater of David Letterman for those who are not familiar)

B.S. in Public Relations

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk? 

Likely I am multi-tasking – most often it is trying a new recipe (I love to cook) while listening to an audiobook or podcast. You can also find me hunting for treasures at my favorite local thrift stores, going on walks or snuggling with my adorable mutt Moxie, or gasping for breath doing the latest Peloton spin class (yes I’ve hopped on that bandwagon don’t @ me).

In normal times, there is also good chance I am researching and planning my next trip – I’ve never been able to shake the travel bug.

What’s my biggest pet peeve? 

The phrases “I need to talk to you” or “I have to tell you something” when not followed by an immediate conversation.

As Brene Brown says – clear is kind.

Don’t make me go through the mental gymnastics of trying to think through the 7 million possibilities of what you *may* want to talk about.

Maybe you need to tell me a funny story about your dog or share that killer pumpkin bread recipe – or maybe it’s something super serious. Give me an idea here so I don’t waste time and I can bring my best answers and solutions to the table.

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d…

If money was no object, I would spend the Winter months chasing the best skiing and the warmer months pretending to be an international wine connoisseur.

In another life I was probably… 

A chorus girl – my love for musical theater and classic Hollywood movies runs deep.  I am always mesmerized by the ensemble of dancers in movies like Mary Poppins, Guys and Dolls and White Christmas.

I feel personally represented by this gif: 

I’ve gained the reputation for being a total cheerleader for any team I am part of. The reality is, I believe in celebrating the big and the small – even if that celebrating is sometimes surviving a no good, very bad day – so pop the bottle and let’s toast!

What do I bring to the table? 

Enthusiasm, passion, good energy, and a little bit of perfectionism.

I have over ten years of experience in the B2B tech space ranging from PR, events marketing, social media, digital marketing, website design and redesign, brand strategy and development, lead generation, and business development. My last 7 years were spent as the Events Marketing Manager for InfoComm at AVIXA, where I cumulated in-depth knowledge of the pro-AV technology market. My marketing background allows me to help clients align their marketing and PR strategies to best achieve their desired results.

Education? 

Indiana University
B.A. in Journalism (Public Relations), Minor in Business/Marketing

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk? 

I just got married in the fall to the love of my life and gained two stepchildren, Brea and Eli. We have a goldendoodle named Bennie, after the song ‘Bennie and the Jets’, and we are obsessed with her. My work is my passion, but to balance life out, I’m usually teaching spin classes, catching up on Real Housewives, pretending I can play basketball with my 12-year-old stepson, listening to true crime podcasts, running to clear my head, watching a comedy special with my husband, escaping to a brewery or dive-bar, or catching up with my girlfriends.

What’s my biggest pet peeve? 

Phone charger stealers! I’m happy to loan you one; just return it!

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d…

… try to convince my husband to run away to the Amalfi Coast with me. I hope they have spin classes there.

In another life I was probably… 

Beyoncé’s backup dancer.

I feel personally represented by this gif:

What Do I Bring to the Table?

I live to tell stories with my words. Once upon a time, I was an award-winning radio journalist, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for a feature series on graveyard shift jobs in New Orleans. I was also the 2007 Indiana Associated Press Reporter of the Year. As a radio journalist, my hand or the back of my head have made numerous appearances on television at some point.

During my time in New Orleans, I was also a part of the New Orleans Saints Radio Network during the 2002 and 2003 regular seasons.

More recently, I was the Content and SEO Specialist for Klipsch Audio. Just type “subwoofer” into Google.

Education?

I have a B.A. in Journalism with a Minor in Speech Communication from the home of the scariest mascot in NCAA Division I Sports (Ka-Boom), Bradley University.

What Am I Doing When I Am Not At My Desk?

Brazilian jiujitsu, where I currently hold the rank of blue belt. I am also an avid runner. At home, I can be found hanging out with my husband and two lab mixes, aka my “on-site interns,” Callie and Boone. I am also passionate about music, the New Orleans Saints, “The Simpsons,” and “Star Wars.”

What’s My Biggest Pet Peeve?

Poor communication. I come from a world where words matter and telling people what’s going on is critical. If you don’t or can’t communicate with your team, then a project won’t succeed. Silos aren’t an effective way to collaborate.

If I Could Retire Tomorrow, I Would…

First, I’d take a nap. Then, I’d travel using the Atlas Obscura app. I’m a sucker for the strange and quirky.

In Another Life, I Was Probably…

A professional athlete. I love physical activity, but I am in no way gifted. But, running and jiujitsu push my boundaries. I am a retired roller derby player as well, which was one of the biggest challenges of my life because I was not a “rink rat” growing up. I grew up watching hockey (Chicago Blackhawks) and football (Chicago Bears as a child and the Saints since 2001) with my Dad. I’ve always loved sports. I am just not particularly good at any of them.

I Feel Personally Represented By This Gif:

via GIPHY

A friend described “Ted Lasso” to me as a “warm hug.” I absolutely agree with the sentiment and how Ted pushes people using optimism and realism. “Be curious, not judgmental” and “Be a goldfish” are phrases that have stuck with me in the professional realm. Also, I can be a bit of a Roy Kent at times.

What do I bring to the table?  

A love for writing and editing, lots of enthusiasm, and a hunger to make great things happen.  

Before joining the Caster team, I completed various internships spanning healthcare advocacy, higher education, and IT/engineering talent recruitment. All of these roles flexed my writing muscles, introduced me to the flurry of communications tactics, and piqued my curiosity about the innovations that make a difference each and every day. So naturally, I embraced tech PR with open arms. As a senior account executive, I enjoy working with clients spanning the entire tech sector — AV, semiconductors, power management, custom integration, cybersecurity, digital signage, connected home, and more — and helping companies that truly believe in their products and services achieve their media relations, content, and social media objectives. 

Education?  

The University of Rhode Island, BA in Public Relations & Communication Studies, minor in Writing & Rhetoric 

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk?  

I play eight instruments, own over 50 houseplants, and like to eat. So, I’m probably having a jam session, pruning, watering or snacking. 

What’s my biggest pet peeve?  

When people chew with their mouths open. 

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d… 

Open a hybrid bakery and houseplant shop!  

In another life I was probably…  

A ladybug. I LOVE polka dots.  

I feel personally represented by this GIF:  

Because my life revolves around coffee. 

What do I bring to the table?

Smiles and sunshine 🙂

Born and raised in Orange County, CA, I am a bright and bubbly young woman who brings positivity into the room. I have a passion for PR and am ecstatic to join the Caster family!

Although I do not have PR specific experience, I have a wide range of skills. Being a Manager at Amazon and VP of Marketing for a startup are just a couple examples of my previous work experience that has given me the foundation to be successful in PR. Additionally, I am extroverted and amiable – the perfect personality for PR!

Education?

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo – B.S. in Business Administration, concentration in Marketing

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk:

• Hot yoga
• Cooking easy & healthy recipes
• Tanning at the beach
• Shopping for anything & everything
• Going for walks
• Buying too many groceries at the farmer’s market

What’s my biggest pet peeve?

When someone doesn’t follow through with their word

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d

Become a food stylist! I’m really good at making food look pretty and then eating it

In another life, I was probably

A playful, fluffy house cat

I feel personally represented by this gif

What do I bring to the table?  

A positive attitude, a solid work ethic (thanks to my midwestern upbringing), and a passion for helping amazing brands succeed through PR and events. 

I bring 25 years (OK yes, I started my career straight out of elementary school!) of business development and event management experience to Caster. I’ve been very fortunate to work with hundreds of top tech brands throughout my time with PR agencies, as well as over 17 years managing, planning, and executing Pepcom media events around the globe. After attending CES for over two decades, I know the do’s and don’ts, pros and cons, and where to find the shortest line for coffee. My network is vast, and my professional relationships are strong.  

Education?  

Purdue University
B.A. in Communications (Public Relations) 

What am I doing when I’m not at my desk?  

For the last 15 years, you’d find me every weekend on a soccer field or dance studio watching my kids or driving all over the state to the next game, tournament, or dance competition. Lots of cheering! 

As of this year, my free time has shifted and you will find me outside, enjoying the Florida sunshine! I love to walk the beaches, ride my bike, play tennis, pickleball, and golf, and go to the gym. Our family also enjoys trying new restaurants or hosting a pool party / BBQ with friends! 

What’s my biggest pet peeve?  

Having to repeat myself multiple times! 

If I could retire tomorrow, I’d… 

Travel the world, experience new cultures, enjoy new foods and wines, and meet people from all walks of life! I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many different states and countries, but I still have a very extensive bucket list! 

In another life I was probably…  

A wedding planner for destination weddings! Or an animal rescuer!   

I feel personally represented by this gif:  

via GIPHY

I love celebrating big wins, whether on the sidelines or with my team at work! It’s always a team effort, and so rewarding to bring home the W!