About

Brookline Public Relations is one of Canada’s leading boutique public relations agencies.

Swift and skillful, perceptive and resourceful, we are a team of uniquely talented PR, marketing, and design professionals. We are driven by our desire to think outside the box and deliver newsworthy and memorable moments. We offer fresh ideas and customized strategies that bring your brand to life.

Our team hails from across all industries, bringing diverse experience and expertise that make our clients unstoppable. We challenge ourselves to continually redefine new industry standards of excellence because “good enough” isn’t good enough for us.

Our Team

Shauna MacDonald
Founder and Principal
Shauna MacDonald
Founder and Principal

Fearless leader, client counselor, urban rapper

Shauna is a PR powerhouse. When she announced she was opening her own firm, the consistent response was “It’s about time!” Known for her unique approach and breadth of experience, Shauna provides strategic public relations expertise to companies of all sizes throughout North America.

Prior to starting Brookline, Shauna was Vice President and Managing Director of Western Canada for an international public relations firm, as well as the Marketing Communications Practice Leader for its Canadian operations. Shauna has been at Brookline’s helm for 18 years and has cultivated long-standing client relationships and developed game-changing campaigns across all major business sectors.

What is your PR Superpower?

Memory Maven – there isn’t a name, detail or date that Shauna can’t pull up at the drop of a hat!

Kelsie Wolfe
Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Kelsie Wolfe
Office Manager & Executive Assistant

Adventurer, office mcgyver, hockey enthusiast

Kelsie comes to Brookline PR with more than 10 years of administrative experience, coordinating the daily operations and overall success of several office operations in both the energy and cannabis industries. She has excellent communications skills, which have been an asset in her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with coworkers, vendors, and clients alike. Her organizational capabilities and talent to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines has established her as the go-to office guru. Always one to never stop growing, she loves the dynamic and hustle of agency life.  Kelsie’s perfect day outside the office always involves views from Canada’s most beautiful mountain peaks and a great cup of coffee.

Kelsie’s superpower is her ability to see smoke and problem solve before it becomes a fire.

Lisa Libin
Managing Director
Lisa Libin
Managing Director

Multitasker, talented wordsmith, big box thinker

Lisa may be small, but she loves to think BIG, seeing potential opportunities for clients in areas they might not have thought of before. Her passion for her work means she takes on everything in full-force and she has a great impact on those who work with her. With a background in crisis communications and digital strategy, Lisa loves finding creative ways to help companies fight through the media clutter to make an impact. When she’s not checking out the online world, she can be found in the real world cozied up with a book.

What is your PR Superpower? 

Teleportation – being able to expertly manage multiple teams and projects at any given moment!

Leanna Kruk
Group Vice President
Leanna Kruk
Group Vice President

Creative strategist, amateur chef, eternal optimist

Enthusiastically laughing her way through life, Leanna started her career in agency working for a variety of top-rated PR firms and associated clients. Leanna is always seeking the next big idea for her clients and isn’t afraid of a challenge to ensure her ideas become a reality. Continually pushing the status quo, Leanna strives to provide her clients with fresh, creative and out-of-the-box suggestions to generate interest and buzz in an increasingly complex media landscape. As an account lead for many of Brookline’s clients, she knows the value of listening to a good joke, but also having one handy to share for a daily dose of humour. 

What is your PR Superpower? 

Creative Adventurer – expect the unexpected when it comes to engaging, out-of-the-box campaigns and ideas!

Richard Bartrem
Brand and Communications Strategist
Richard Bartrem
Brand and Communications Strategist

Brand magician, master strategist, thought provoker

A native of Montréal and fluent in both English and French, Richard Bartrem is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with over 35 years of proven leadership and management experience. 

As the former Vice-President, Communications, Brand and Community Investment for WestJet, 

Richard’s communications work includes strategy development, as well as issues and crisis management in one of the most dynamic, fast-paced and media intense global industries. Richard led a variety of teams while launching numerous brand campaigns, including WestJet’s annual Christmas Miracle.  At Brookline, Richard applies his valuable experience and boundless energy to strategy conversations, big picture thinking and compelling storytelling to help grow strong brand identities for our clients. 

What is your PR Superpower? 

Seeing the silver lining in every situation. 

Punita Nagewadia
Graphic Designer
Punita Nagewadia
Graphic Designer

Designer, Innovator, Minimalist  

Punita is a creative graphic designer with a passion for all things design. A graduate from the University of Calgary with a Fine Arts degree, she has worked with various industries from agencies to home builders. Saying goodbye to a structured career path, Punita found her true passion for design as an on-demand graphic designer who boasts professional design experience in brand design, logo design, print and digital. 

What is your Design Superpower?

Imagination – Pushing pixels until a design is perfect

Kelsey Wilson
Account Director
Kelsey Wilson
Account Director

Positive team player, caffeinated communicator, dog whisperer

Kelsey is a passionate communicator with a powerful combination of agency and client-side experience. Having sharpened her skills in a wide range of industries, she’s dedicated to delivering impactful public relations strategies that achieve exceptional results. Given her solid understanding of the media landscape and strong relationships with journalists both regionally and nationally, when it comes to securing coverage for brands, Kelsey is always up for the task. She recognizes the importance of a targeted approach tailored to each unique client – no two stories are the same!

What is your PR Superpower?

Super Sleuth – from headlines to the latest buzz on Twitter, Kelsey can track down anything!

Rebecca Hurl
Account Director
Rebecca Hurl
Account Director

Relationship cultivator, clever conversationalist, super mom

Rebecca has a passion for creating and executing effective communications strategies. She has a combination of agency and client-side experience across a variety of industries, ranging from energy to healthcare and hospitality to real estate. With her extensive knowledge and relentless commitment to her clients, Rebecca is driven by delivering strong results. Whether its media relations, event planning or writing, Rebecca thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is always up to the task – big or small!    

PR Superpower: Writing Wizard – known for developing insightful written content with a fresh perspective.  

Laila Adam
Indigenous Relations & Social Responsibility Specialist
Laila Adam
Indigenous Relations & Social Responsibility Specialist

Strategic thinker, dynamic leader, political junkie

With experience in both the public and private sectors, Laila Adam has committed her career to building sustainable capacity in Indigenous communities. Laila has established an unmatched reputation for her expertise in building programs that focus on ‘win-win’ relationships for communities, governments, and corporate clients across the country.

With Brookline, Laila works with clients to align progressive and Indigenous values with their business objectives.

Within this field, Laila recognizes there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ technique for any project, which has solidified her experiential approach: Thriving in complexity and embracing the challenging social responsibility that drives Indigenous relations.

What is your PR Superpower?

Animator Extraordinaire – she turns ordinary into extraordinary!

Susan Soprovich
INVESTOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Susan Soprovich
INVESTOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Creator, strategic thinker, numbers whiz

Susan thrives on challenges and making order of chaos. With over two decades of financial communications expertise across industries, Susan is a nimble communications powerhouse who uses creativity and knowledge to identify unique solutions for investor relations (IR) clients.

With Brookline, Susan applies her concentrated knowledge of IR for clients striving to be heard in public markets. She can then slide effortlessly into the PR realm getting stories heard above the noise. Susan’s passion for communications is equaled by her love of theatre – behind or in front of the curtain. Whether with a script, a paintbrush or a pen, Susan brings enthusiasm and creativity to every project!

What is your PR Superpower

Quick Change Artist – wears several diverse hats at once for creative solutions across industries and professions.

Ashlee Gendi
Communications Specialist
Ashlee Gendi
Communications Specialist

Big picture thinker, people person, detailed

Always up for meeting new people and going to new places, Ashlee loves to approach challenges with a solution-based focus and recognizes there are potential opportunities everywhere.

Ashlee brings to Brookline a stellar background in public affairs, law enforcement, non-profit and prior experience. She has honed her skills in media relations, event management, internal communications and issues management.  

At Brookline, Ashlee partners with clients to achieve their communications goals, identify gaps and provide stellar results.

What is your PR Superpower?

Good vibes – With an affinity for people and connection, Ashlee loves to build relationships.

Wendy Agudelo
SENIOR PR STRATEGIST – US
Wendy Agudelo
SENIOR PR STRATEGIST – US

Disruptive brand evangelist, retired journalist, kindness ambassador

Hailing from the hometown of Brookline Public Relations’ namesake, Boston, Wendy’s Public Relations career began in Silicon Valley’s technology corridor and evolved within Boston’s 495 beltway. Her innovative communications strategies helped a Kickstarter-backed company achieve 200 per cent above goal funding, and landed clients as guests on national daytime (TODAY, Kelly Clarkson, Good Morning America) and evening (NBC Nightly News, CNBC, CNN) news programs. Wendy has also earned public relations accolades for campaigns including Verizon Wireless’ “Can you hear me now…good!” Test Man campaign and Lasagna Love, a viral community impact movement supported by more than 45,000 volunteers across all 50 states in America, Australia, and Canada. A natural born storyteller, Wendy is also an award-winning journalist, whose broad-reaching voice on inclusion and special needs topics, helped bridge editorial content and the underserved special needs community.

When not collaborating with disruptive brands and Brookline’s talented team of communicators, Wendy can be found in her kitchen whipping up seasonal New England favorites like clam chowder and whoopie pies, or outdoors discovering hidden gems and hiking trails with her family.

What is your PR Superpower?

Uncovering the most creative story angles and compelling brand narratives.

Louis-Philippe Dorais
Bilingual Communications Specialist
Louis-Philippe Dorais
Bilingual Communications Specialist

Technical translator, culture connector, sports aficionado

Louis-Philippe Dorais is based in Montreal, Quebec and manages Brookline’s French and bilingual communications needs. Louis-Philippe got his public relations start with the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes where he was Director of Communications and led all proactive and reactive organization, team and player communications. He then became Tennis Canada’s Director of Communications and Marketing where he led public relations and executed all tournament and player communications. He spent two years with the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada team as the President and CEO’s Advisor and Chief of Press. Louis-Philippe also has public affairs experience with his time as Director of Communications for the City of Laval, Quebec. Today, he is a highly sought after communications and marketing consultant and manages Brookline’s clients’ bilingual communications needs.

Alyssa Wadey
Account Executive
Alyssa Wadey
Account Executive

Dynamic communicator, visionary brainstormer, social butterfly

Alyssa is a spirited people-person who thrives on going above and beyond client expectations. With a background in agency and consulting, Alyssa’s experience stretches across industries in Canada and the U.S., including B2B, film and entertainment, food and beverage, education, health care, and non-profit. As a graduate of Humber College’s renowned public relations program, Alyssa is never afraid of a communications challenge and always comes to the table with fresh ideas. 

PR Superpower: Mind mapper – on speed dial to chat through creative solutions for tricky situations

Sarah Ferguson
Account Executive
Sarah Ferguson
Account Executive

Collaborative Extrovert, Media Maven, Political Buff

A graduate of Mount Royal University, Sarah is an ambitious self-starter willing to tackle any challenge thrown her way. With a background in media relations, crisis communications and social media strategy, Sarah’s experience spans across industries, including economic development, financial services, and food and beverage. She is driven to deliver creative public relations solutions rooted in tangible results.

What is your PR Superpower?Composure: Whether it’s handling a crisis, media storm, or multiple projects, Sarah remains calm under pressure.

Megan Hessel
Account Coordinator
Megan Hessel
Account Coordinator

Data detective, cool cucumber, speedster savant

Megan is a graduate of Mount Royal University and is eager to learn and grow as part of the Brookline team. She has extensive automotive industry communications experience, where she sharpened her skills in digital media, internal relations and community investment. Megan is passionate about supporting organizations that have a strong mission and vision and she loves to analyze data and analytics to help her clients succeed. She is excited by the prospect of any new challenge or project.  If there is an opportunity to say “yes,” to any given project, Megan is always one of the first to volunteer.

What is your PR superpower? Creating Light. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Haylie Huber
Public Relations Assistant
Haylie Huber
Public Relations Assistant

Critical thinker, detail dazzler, solution architect

Haylie comes to Brookline with a diverse portfolio of professional experience in the private, crown and municipal sectors, having worked in the agriculture and energy industries, as well as municipal government communications. Her portfolio encompasses a combination of paid and earned media tactics, strategic writing, event planning and more.

Never shying away from a challenge, Haylie provides a detail-oriented approach to solve problems in a strategic and creative way. She is passionate about providing high quality service and even higher quality results to Brookline’s clients, working with a goal-driven mindset.

PR superpower:

Super strategist – Haylie plays for the end game, always considering strategy in the long term because it’s a marathon, not a sprint. 

Angie Cuero
Intern
Angie Cuero
Intern

Relationship wizard, Adaptable Communicator, Cultural Explorer

Angie is a dedicated public relations student at Mount Royal University. With a strong foundation in content creation, stakeholder relations, and community engagement, Angie brings valuable experience to the team. Angie has had the privilege of working in both the non-profit and Indigenous consulting sectors. This diverse background has allowed her to develop strong communication and strategic thinking skills.

Angie’s passion lies in connecting with others to build meaningful relationships that create positive impacts and achieve success in any endeavor. She is thrilled to apply her skills and experience to build strong client connections and drive positive change in her future work. This exciting opportunity promises to be a dynamic learning experience, allowing her to enhance her skills, expand her industry insights, and make a real difference in Brookline’s clients’ journeys.

PR Superpower: Team Player 🌟 – Making the impossible possible, together!

Olivia Roest
Intern
Olivia Roest
Intern

Ambitious communicator, caffeinated student, social media mastermind

Olivia is hard-working, eager and loves working under pressure. With a background in sports and entertainment, Olivia enjoys media relations and is excited to learn more about the agency world. During her first two years at Mount Royal University, Olivia worked closely with the collegiate hockey teams, writing website content as well as editing internal and external communications for players, staff and coaches. As a fourth-year student at MRU, Olivia is excited to bring her academic knowledge to the Brookline team!

PR Superpower: Loves all things social media, including photography, reels and content creation!

Our Network

We are proud to call Alberta home but also work with a global network of affiliate agencies to support our clients anywhere, anytime. You won’t find a one-size-fits-all approach with us. Each market, like each client, is distinct.

We utilize our network and deep understanding of key media markets to ensure that, wherever you are, your message is being communicated to the right people, at the right time.

Our current affiliates are located in the following cities:

  • Edmonton
  • Vancouver
  • Toronto
  • Montreal
  • Boston
  • New York
  • Los Angeles
  • London, UK

Our Community

We are fiercely committed to supporting our community. From volunteer activities and mentoring PR up-and-comers to working with valued pro-bono clients, we are constantly looking for ways to give back.

  • Pro-Bono

    We tirelessly go the extra mile and deliver impactful results for our pro-bono clients. Each year, we work to push boundaries and create cutting-edge campaigns for a number of not-for-profit organizations that are close to our hearts.

  • Volunteering

    We are passionate about making a difference. We work with students from Canada’s top post-secondary institutions to provide hands-on learning experiences. We love making ourselves available to perform mock interviews, guest lectures, and presentations.

Our Awards

We are humbled to be recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for our outstanding PR campaigns, communications strategies, and business acumen. These awards and accolades include:

PR in Canada – Women in Communications, Marketing and Technology Awards
2020
Winner | Executive or Manager of the Year – Lisa Libin
Winner | Account Director or Supervisor of the Year – Leanna Kruk
Winner | Agency Account Manager of the Year – Amanda Upshaw
PR in Canada – Women in Communications, Marketing and Technology Awards
2019
Winner | Founder – Shauna MacDonald
Winner | Account Director of the Year – Leanna Kruk
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 Prairie Region
2019
Finalist
+ See All

“Backwoods Energy Services has worked with Brookline on many initiatives in recent years. We appreciate their expertise within the energy sector, and have assisted us with event management and media relations.

Brookline is a strong, versatile partner and we trust them for our communications needs.”

Chief Tony Alexis
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

“Brookline PR has been a key partner in helping us build a communications strategy to drive awareness for Harvest throughout the Canadian Prairies. They quickly learned our
business, our language and our brand. Their media relationships have been instrumental in driving coverage for us in our priority markets.”

Chris Simair
Co-founder, SkipTheDishes, and Managing Director, Harvest

“I have had the pleasure of working with Brookline Public Relations for the past four years specifically on ICE District and Rogers Place Arena in the capacity of media relations, crisis and issues management and event planning. No one works harder or executes to the detail that this team does. Brookline is stellar when dealing with C-suite executives and has solid media contacts, I would highly recommend their services.”

Tim Shipton
SVP of Corporate Communications & Government Relations, ICE District, Oilers Entertainment Group