Our People

Shauna MacDonald is Principal and Founder of Brookline Public Relations. When she announced she was opening her own firm, the constant response was "It's about time!"

Getting her start in PR with a Boston-based public relations and strategic communication consulting firm, Shauna provided strategic public relations expertise to companies of all sizes throughout New England, the U.S. and the world. For five years, prior to starting Brookline, Shauna was Vice President and Managing Director of Western Canada for an international public relations firm, as well as the Technology & Marketing Communications Practice Leader for its Canadian operations.

Shauna has amazing multi-tasking skills that allow her to talk on two phones at the same time, while reading emails on her BlackBerry. By honing these skills, she has helped numerous companies in many industries launch programs, products and increase profile and awareness by developing comprehensive and strategic PR and IR strategies. Her extensive knowledge of both Canadian and U.S. markets has helped various companies from start-up to established, gain and sustain market leader positions.

"I love coming to work each day because I have the privilege of watching each talented Brookliner excel and ultimately our clients succeed because we love what we do."

If Shauna was not in public relations she would be a rock star.

Paula Worthington is a Senior Account Executive at Brookline, and has broad public relations and marketing experience from a variety of sectors, including tourism, airlines, recreation and not-for-profit organizations. Her previous roles have encompassed public relations, marketing, advertising, event planning, partner management, communications, branding, program development and community relations.

At Brookline, Paula works with the team and clients, using her fresh perspective and drawing on prior experience to deliver creative ideas and results-driven strategies.

"What I appreciate about Brookline is the energetic and entrepreneurial approach that each team member shares with each other and with our clients. It's a positive and friendly environment that makes every day exciting and unique."

With a flair for creativity and a keen eye to detail, Paula is also a published freelance writer and photographer, with work featured in Swerve Magazine, The Calgary Herald and The Globe and Mail.

If Paula was not in Public Relations, she would be a professional traveller.

Sharon Lee is an Account Executive at Brookline. With more than five years experience in marketing and communications, Sharon brings her creative and strategic thinking to the team. Sharon graduated with a Master’s degree in communications from the University of Calgary, and her previous roles encompassed marketing, advertising, communications, event planning, project management, and branding.

“I am excited to be part of this diverse and innovative team. Brookline’s vision to provide clients with fresh ideas and strategic thinking is what drew me to work with them in the first place. Public Relations is about bringing the science into the art, and the team at Brookline practices this every day!”

Being a lifelong learner, Sharon is intrigued by the use of social media in the Public Relations field and has been following the topic closely. She is ready to apply her knowledge on social media to help Brookline’s clients elevate their brand to the next level.

If Sharon was not in Public Relations, she would be a sommelier.

Elizabeth Westersund is an Account Specialist at Brookline. In this role she delivers a host of media relations, crisis communications and writing and researching services to clients in a variety of industries including energy, technology/telecommunications, land development, and hospitality.

After graduating from Carleton University with a Master of Arts degree in communications, Elizabeth honed her public relations skills in corporate communications and stakeholder relations. Having published academic articles on the topic of environmental public relations and corporate social responsibility practices, Elizabeth brings key issues management and crisis communications knowledge to Brookline.

"What attracted me to Brookline was its innovative and inspired approach to all things public relations. With a diverse client roster and recognized commitment to delivering sound communications strategies, Brookline offers an exciting opportunity to develop strong client relationships while also honing my own communications skills. The collegial and fast-paced work environment is an added bonus to an already challenging and fulfilling career."

If Elizabeth was not in public relations, she would be a professional graduate student.

Vanessa Ciccone is an Account Specialist at Brookline. In this position she supports various clients through media relations, research, event planning/coordination and writing and editing.

After graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and English, Vanessa landed a position in communications at the University of Calgary. It was here that she discovered her passion for public relations and has since been exploring a wide range of PR opportunities and materials.

Vanessa loves the vibrant atmosphere at Brookline and is passionate about the work that she does. "Ever since I became interested in PR, Brookline was right on my radar. To be able to work for an agency that has such an innovative, fresh approach is a real honour, and the fact that it's driven by a talented and supportive team is just one of many perks."

If Vanessa were not in public relations she would be a world-travelling psychologist.

Renee Hammill is one of Brookline's Assistant Account Specialists. In this position, she supports various clients through research, media relations, event planning/coordination and writing and editing. Prior to joining Brookline, Renee worked for a leading oil and gas company in their internal communications department.

Renee graduated from Mount Royal College with a Bachelor of Applied Communications-Public Relations. "Brookline is a wonderful place to work because the team is absolutely amazing, you get to work on a variety of projects with a diverse group of clients, and it's a great environment to grow and learn in."

If Renee was not in public relations she would be a professional photographer and seek cooking lessons.

Julia Wilkinson is an Assistant Account Specialist at Brookline. Julia supports a diverse range of clients through research, event planning, media relations and writing and editing.

Following the completion of an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Business at the University of Victoria, Julia worked in communications for a local consulting firm in Calgary. She has since completed her Masters degree in Strategic Public Relations at the University of Sydney in Australia.

“Brookline has such a positive and supportive environment, the team is incredible. Having the opportunity to work creatively with such diverse clients is really inspiring.”

If Julia was not in public relations she would own her own restaurant.

Taurean Berger is Brookline's Office Manager and Executive Assistant. In this role, she efficiently coordinates the day-to-day operations of Brookline and proactively manages administration needs of the office. Taurean supports the team with their daily tasks and also ensures that the administrative side of client accounts is expertly executed.

Prior to joining Brookline, Taurean honed her organizational skills while completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Calgary while also working in an administrative capacity.

"Brookline is an incredibly supportive, energetic and creative environment to enter. The evidence of great relationships and teamwork can be seen in the amazing work that is produced here."

If Taurean was not in public relations, she would be an adventure travel guide.