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.

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.

Memorable Moment:

There are too many moments to consider but one that stands out in my mind is the day I had to make a major presentation to the Board of one of Canada’s most recognized brands. I was prepared, ready and excited. I had decided to wear a new power suit and had just purchased a new pair of fashionable heels. However the heel broke on my way to the meeting but I had a pair of flip flops in the back of my vehicle. Flip flops or broken heel? Needless to say, the Board had a few laughs about my “beach” attire and we secured the business.

Paula Worthington is an Account Director 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.

Memorable Moment:

From hard hats and toques, to cowboy boots and steel-toed shoes, to little black dresses and dress-up heels, I’m always amazed by where Brookline takes me. A moment I will never forget is seeing the Slave Lake Fire Department being honoured by fellow residents and town supporters at Paul Brandt’s ‘Up from the Ashes’ benefit. In that moment, the sold-out concert hall was overflowing with a spirit of compassion, dedication, generosity and hope. Now that’s what I call a great day at work.

Jessica Moran is a Senior Account Executive at Brookline. Jessica is a Public Relations expert with more than nine years of industry experience across a broad range of communications roles in the not-for-profit, corporate, government, and small business sectors.

Jessica holds a bachelor degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a post-graduate degree in Public Relations from Sheridan College.

Jessica’s true strength is working with clients to effectively define their needs to develop a tailored communication strategy which provides the greatest value for their business.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated staff at Brookline. Their exciting and diverse client base makes every day exhilarating and I am proud to be part of such an amazing organization.”

If Jessica was not in public relations, she would be a professional freestyle snowboarder.

Memorable Moment:

A memorable Brookline moment was when the Brookline team surprised me with a “Brookline Teddy Bear” for my daughter Maggie on her third birthday. This gift really took me by surprise as I didn’t even realize that the team was aware that it was Maggie’s birthday. It really exemplified for me the genuine thoughtfulness of the Brookline team that I am so lucky to be a part of.

Renee Hammill is an Account Executive at Brookline Public Relations and holds a Bachelor of Applied Communications, Public Relations from Mount Royal University.

In this role, Renee is responsible for establishing and maintaining solid relationships with clients and developing efficient messaging and strategies for their key audiences to help them achieve their business goals. Well-versed in public relations, Renee has helped clients across all industries in the areas of corporate communications, event management, media relations, branding and issues management. In addition, Renee is a freelance writer for SAIT Polytechnic.

“The dedicated group of passionate and creative professionals at Brookline is simply amazing and second to none. I love working in a team that performs at such a high level, delivering top quality work on time regardless of any challenges that arise."

If Renee was not in public relations she would find a way to make playing with puppies into a profitable daytime job.

Memorable Moment:

There have been many memorable moments at Brookline, but a few will never leave me. These include: walking through mud and up a flight of stairs wearing Men’s size 13 steel toe boots; being sent into a client’s crisis “war room” as their communications contact; working with a major logistics company on the grand opening of their largest distribution centre in Calgary; and getting lost and driving like a maniac during Brookline’s Amazing race.

Robyn MacLean is an Account Specialist at Brookline Public Relations and holds a Bachelor of Applied Communications in Public Relations from Mount Royal University.

Robyn comes from the non-profit and corporate sectors bringing diverse public relations experience and knowledge to the agency in the areas of media relations, event management, government relations, editing and technical and creative writing. She is responsible for leading and supporting a variety of accounts as needed, whether it’s project management, research, or event coordination.

“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share the story and success of countless industries and clients, it’s incredibly inspiring.”

Robyn is a self-proclaimed “foodie”, and if she was not in public relations, she would be a host on Food Network Canada, expanding the palates of picky eaters everywhere.

Memorable Moment:

…Working on CEO Rescue in the Rockies for STARS. This fundraiser stranded some of Calgary’s prominent business men in the middle of nowhere for a good cause. I watched the STARS helicopters approach the helipad, returning the CEOs to civilisation after being “rescued” from their location. I was taking a video as the helicopter circled above the cheering crowd before landing. All of the sudden…WHOMP! The helicopter dropped straight down, causing a propeller-fuelled windstorm. I was thrown back and my sweater was blown over my head, covering the lens of my camera. One of my not-so-classy moments. Lesson learned…stand back and tuck in my shirt.

Alisha Samnani is an Account Specialist at Brookline Public Relations. Graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, Alisha continued on to complete her Graduate Diploma in Public Relations Management from McGill University.

At Brookline, Alisha enhances the team with her strong social media, event management, media relations and corporate communications expertise. With her past agency expertise and broad experience in non-profit, government relations and lifestyle PR, she helps to support a number of diverse accounts.

“Brookline fosters the creativity that helps us excel for each and every one of our clients. It is a pleasure to work with some of the best PR professionals in the city.”

If Alisha was not in public relations, she would be a buyer for Bergdorf Goodman.

Memorable Moment:

There are a lot of great moments; however, there is one that definitely stands out. Our client wanted us to think of something other than the traditional ‘shovel and dirt’ for their upcoming groundbreaking ceremony. The Brookline team came up with a custom designed photo op cement stamp that the COO could press into freshly laid cement. We had less than 48 hours to learn everything about cement, including how to pour it, set it, and stamp it; purchase a cement stamp from across the border; and complete a trial run. As always, the Brookline team was able to deliver, even on such short notice!

Stephanie Gough is an Assistant Account Specialist at Brookline Public Relations. In her position, she supports various clients and team members through her research, media relations, event coordination, writing, and editing.

Stephanie is a recent graduate of the University of Calgary, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Minor in Management and Society in the Co-operative Education Program. Stephanie previously worked for a boutique PR firm in Toronto, whetting her appetite for agency life. She also has communications experience with a national construction agency and numerous years of customer relations experience.

“Brookline is a fresh and supportive place to work and learn. I am excited every day to go to work knowing that I will have the opportunity to develop personally and professionally with the help of my colleagues.”

If Stephanie was not in public relations, she would be a watercolour painter and full-time groupie for her favourite band Hanson.

Memorable Moment:

During a trip to Edmonton for a week-long client event, Shauna and I found ourselves hopelessly lost in suburban Edmonton. The solution? Figure out how to use the GPS system in Shauna’s vehicle while she drove (GPS systems can’t be programmed when driving). Several cars honking at us later, and after a short pause in an unknown neighbourhood, the GPS cooperated and we found the hotel. I still do not know how to program a GPS and credit my ingenuity to determination and dumb luck.

Ashlee Smith is Brookline’s Administrative Assistant. In this role, she effectively coordinates the day-to-day operations of Brookline and proactively manages administration needs of the office. Ashlee supports the team with their daily tasks and also ensures that the administrative side of client accounts is expertly executed.

Ashlee graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies from the University of Calgary. Prior to joining Brookline, she developed her administrative skills while supporting a large marketing team in the consumer/retail industry. Currently, Ashlee is pursuing her Public Relations Management Certificate at the University of Calgary.

If Ashlee was not in public relations, she would be a social scientist.

Memorable Moment:

A memorable moment for me was watching the riveting Newbie Performance in June 2011 by Jessica, Alisha and Mallory. I learned a lot about my new co-workers and internet sensation Antoine Dodson. Hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your kids, hide your wife!