Alyssa Diltz
Senior Writer & Editor
Alyssa believes everyone has an interesting story. This endears her to elderly women on buses, and also puts her in the same camp as the best minds in effective business communication. She's an active listener and creative problem solver who won't settle for the textbook answer. She finds the story that matters—to her client and to their audience. And if a pinch of poetry slips in, well, that too is part of what makes words work.
- Loves the Northwest—yes, even the rain
- Once convinced a friend that Ewoks really exist
- Bachelor's in English from Western Washington University
Amanda Pushkas
Senior Account Manager
On her early morning runs, Amanda listens to the brisk rhythm of her feet against the pavement, her breath measured and firm. As the miles tick by, she pushes herself to go farther, faster. That calm, steady drive is just one of the qualities that make her an exceptional account manager. She challenges her team to keep up with every detail, keep pace with tight deadlines and think through solutions that put her clients miles ahead of the competition.
- Once managed logistics for a company that delivered supplies to troops in Iraq
- Learned Hungarian while living in Budapest for seven years
- Master's in business administration, Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration
- Bachelor's in communication studies, The College of Wooster
Amy Bowdish
Director of Project Management
A good old-fashioned challenge is what gets Amy out of bed in the morning. She's always bright-eyed and clear-headed, ready to find the right answer to a strategic question, communications conundrum or tactical riddle. Throw almost anything her way, and Amy will give it some thoughtful consideration before charging ahead in hot pursuit of what works best. This lady's fun, smart and savvy, and she means business.
- Enjoys tromping around on the farm with her husband, Adam; son, Jack; and Goldendoodle, Jersey
- Bachelor's in business administration, marketing and management, University of Portland
Angela Matthews
Project Manager
Angela lives with her husband, four kids and a revolving menagerie of animals. Right now, it's three cats and a dog, but her home has also hosted an injured pigeon, a stray rabbit and a fish the neighbor no longer wanted, as well as numerous hamsters, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs and chickens. This comes as no surprise to anyone whose project Angela has managed—she has a knack for keeping track of the smallest details and making sure everyone plays nice.
- Plays flute in Vancouver's oldest community concert band
- Collects and makes miniatures (and insists that bamboo placemats make the best flooring for dollhouses)
- Bachelor's in English from Washington State University, Vancouver
Betsy Henning
CEO & Founder
Betsy lands in the "leader," "innovator" or "visionary" category in every personality test she's ever taken. Here, she's known as the instigator. She's our go-to when we need a fresh take or a new angle, and she excels at listening to a business problem and zeroing in on the creative challenge. With relentless dedication to her team and her clients, Betsy demonstrates daily how a quick study with quick wit can bring out the best in others. Plus, she makes a mean margarita.
- Led strategic and creative communications for the Hewlett-Packard Brand Innovation Lab, the Hewlett-Packard/Compaq merger and the Confluence Project
- Holds a secret ambition to be a national park ranger
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism
Brent Wilson
Executive Creative Director
Brent operates at the nexus of content, strategy, design and opportunity. His goal is to build brands that engage on the audience’s terms, and he doesn’t shy away from big challenges. “I like to teach people dangerous things,” he says. That’s not just instructing teenagers in “street survival” driving—which he does. It’s moving his team from the sense of curiosity, through the terror of deadline, and on to the triumph of solving client challenges in new and unexpected ways.
- Prior clients include Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Craft Brew Alliance (mmm … craft brew), General Motors, Johnson & Johnson and Marriott
- Has won a Cannes Lions award and several American Advertising Awards
- Bachelor’s in communications and associate degree in commercial graphics, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Brett Thacher
Account Director
Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, Brett has experience wrangling cows and birthing pigs. That means he's always up for putting his hands (and his heart) to work tackling tough, sometimes messy jobs. Winding his way from Iowa to New York to Hollywood and finally to Portland, Brett brought with him an infectious laugh and a vow to give his very best at every opportunity. On top of that, he has the perfect head of "TV hair." Yeah, we're all pretty jealous.
- Acted in theatre, television and film
- Master of fine arts in acting, Rutgers University
Bridget Berquist
Project Manager
Bridget lives in what's known as "out in the country" to most of us. Sloping pastures, starry skies, gravel roads and trees for miles. In the quiet, she appreciates the details—the gnarl of a tree's bark, the whip of wind through the grass, and the stories her neighbors tell on their evening visits. She brings that same mindfulness to her work, spotting the details that matter, cultivating relationships that last, and keeping us all calm, cool and grounded.
- Previous experience includes installing displays at Niketowns across the country
- Played rugby in college
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, Washington State University
Britta Anstine
Senior Designer & Art Director
If AHA! had a variety show, Britta would be our juggler/magician act. No matter what we throw at her, she tosses it in the air, waves her magic designing wand and—abracadabra—creates a beautiful, effective work of communications art. And when she's not wowing us with her design skills, she's impressing us with her wry sense of humor and some mythical Michael Jackson dance moves.
- Born in Bangkok, Thailand
- Kick-started her design career in kindergarten with a contest-winning poster of the five food groups
- Previous design clients include Kaiser Permanente, KinderCare Learning Centers, Nike, WorldCom and Weyerhaeuser
- Degree in visual communications, Art Institute of Seattle
Brittinay Shields
Project Manager
Brittinay knows just what to do to cultivate a culture of goodwill and happiness here at AHA!. Her lifelong fascination with everything Disney may have influenced this lightheartedness, but she takes those values seriously. For Brittinay, pursuing joy isn't just naïve idealism—it's a state of being and a commitment she lives out every day. It's sometimes too easy to be cynical and jaded, which makes Brittinay's deep compassion and love of people not only refreshing—but infectious.
- Two of her favorite things: rock climbing and drinking great beer
- Has a savant-like ability to remember song lyrics
- Bachelor’s in history, Oregon State University
Catherine Harold
Senior Writer & Editor
When Catherine says she "works in the gray," she isn't talking about the weather here in the Pacific Northwest. For her, the gray represents the—unknown questions yet to be answered and problems yet to be solved. This is how she approaches both her art, which ranges from African wildlife photography to abstract painting, and her work at AHA!. She starts with a client's communications challenge, thinks through the gray and comes up with a clear-eyed solution.
- Flew over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon at dawn
- Has edited more than 100 books
- Bachelor's degree in biology and environmental studies, Sweet Briar College
Cheri Govro
Director, Talent and Culture
Cheri and her husband are currently putting the finishing touches on their seventh house. They built the last two from scratch after remodeling and selling the previous five. She loves the challenge of a good home makeover and has an eye for finding the perfect sofa, chair or table for any room. At work, Cheri brings that same level of passion and dedication to her role as a skilled talent evaluator—she understands that a perfectly decorated room is nothing without people to enjoy it. She won't rest until she finds the right person for every job at AHA!. We're all eagerly awaiting her next hire—we're sure they'll really tie the room together.
- Loves oversized furniture—the bigger the better
- Has a fine arts background, and once made a living selling sand candles
- Owns two standard poodles: Sophie and Emma
Chelsea Schilter
Writer
Who says lit geeks don’t live life with gusto? When she’s not running, hiking or kayaking, you might find Chelsea playing classical violin or checking out the local blues or Celtic music scenes. In college, she fell in love with journalistic writing for its commitment to “lifting the veil” and articulating events for those who couldn’t experience them firsthand. Chelsea’s curiosity is boundless, contagious and a major contributor to her approach to storytelling.
- Has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Switzerland
- Lives with a Netherland dwarf rabbit named Chomsky
- Bachelor’s degrees in English literary studies and journalism from Eastern Washington University
Christian Hicks
Director of Strategy and Planning
What's standing waist-deep in a river got to do with communications? According to Christian, our resident fly-fisherman, quite a bit. Part art, part science, fly-fishing and communications both rely on keen curiosity, close observation, and equal measures of discipline and improvisation. When he's laying out a cast or bringing a client's creative strategy into focus, Christian excels at immersing himself in the challenge at hand while staying attuned to the landscape around him.
- Prior to joining AHA! in 2003, he spent 10 years in marketing and public relations leadership roles
- When not fishing, he's most likely reading with a mug of Sumatra at the ready
- Master's degree in English, Ohio State University
- Bachelor's in English, State University of New York at Binghamton
Corey Shields
Senior Designer
Growing up in a log cabin in rural Oregon, Corey liked to watch his dad at the potter's wheel. With patience and skill, his dad would turn a lump of clay into a work of art. Today, Corey's creative process draws on lessons learned back then. His work is precise, yet bold. He's a master at upholding brand requirements, but in fresh new ways. As a freelancer, he helped shape the marketing strategies of some of the rising stars in Portland's food and beverage scene. At AHA!, Corey makes meaningful communications—bona fide art we're proud to display on our mantel.
- Published photographs in Sunset and Food and Wine magazines
- Once caught a deer with his bare hands
- Studio certificate in graphic design, Pacific Northwest College of Art
Dean Gorman
Writer & Editor
Great minds don’t always think alike. But brilliant things can happen when they think together. Just ask Dean, who once wrote a thesis on the experience of collaborative poetry. Or ask his bandmates in either of the local folk and country bands he plays in. Or ask us. We’re proud to have him in our creative group—inspiring us and reminding us that we all work, learn and think better together.
- Loves classical poetry, but admits it’s easy to romanticize a period you’ve never lived in
- Published author with essays and poetry in the Indiana Review, the Gulf Coast and Columbia literary journals and the Oregon Humanities magazine
- Master of fine arts in writing, Vermont College of Fine Arts
Debora Wonderly
Director of Finance
Debora feels most calm in the midst of chaos. Skiing full tilt down Mount Hood’s slopes. Weaving through a pack of defenders to bury a soccer ball in the back of the net. Even following in high-speed pursuit of crime suspects as a volunteer sheriff’s deputy. Although managing budget flowcharts and accounting spreadsheets might sound tame by comparison, Debora gets a different kind of rush from ensuring AHA!’s financial operations run smoothly. Our teams rely on her planning and forecasting expertise to help the agency succeed and grow—with no adrenaline-pumping crises or surprises necessary.
- A lieutenant—and the only woman—in the Clark County, Washington, Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit
- Loves outdoor activities—hiking, running, skiing, camping
- An identical twin, though she and her sister have vastly different personalities
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Metropolitan State University, Denver
Drew Hall
Marketing Manager
When AHA!'s Easy Writers team needed a last-minute replacement runner for the 200-mile Hood to Coast relay, Drew jumped right in. This willingness to take on any challenge has won him many fans among his colleagues and clients. Drew prides himself on always being prepared and being a jack of all trades. But he's got a silly side, too. As a kid, he used to watch Saturday Night Live tapes until he could act out the skits from memory. With so much energy, we bet he does a spot-on Wayne from "Wayne's World."
- Chipped his tooth in the mosh pit at a Nirvana concert
- Likes to teach people how to whistle loudly
- Master's in strategic communication and bachelor's in journalism, University of Oregon
Eric Smith
Senior Creative Director
Back in college, Eric was thrilled to discover Harper's and The New Yorker. It was the combination of big ideas and stylistic finesse that grabbed his imagination and wouldn't let go. Since then, he's been obsessed with expressing ideas that matter in ways that make them unforgettable. Eric is prized for his ability to both see the big picture and zoom in on the details that make a difference. And, he can shred it on the guitar.
- College professor of writing and literature for 10 years
- Writes and records six songs a month, every month
- Doctorate in English, University of California, Davis
- Master's and bachelor's in English, University of Oregon
Heather Stanley
Copyeditor
Heather was frustrated when she didn't learn to read on her first day of kindergarten. A precociousness expressed at 5 turned into a mastery of words and language as she navigated her way through newspaper reporting, editing and copyediting jobs. When asked to pick her favorite word, Heather responds, "That's like asking someone to choose their favorite child!" Yeah, she fits right in here.
- Knitted a pillow of Johnny Cash's face, which then sold at her friend's art gallery for $180
- Taught herself to type in second grade with books her mom borrowed from the local high school
- Bachelor of arts in English, Oregon State University
Jacob Meindersee
Writer
Jacob’s extensive reading collection includes 19th-century literature, Russian modernism, poetry and comic books. You might expect someone who loves books as much as he does to dream about being stuck alone on a desert island with his five favorites. But he doesn’t see the point. Jacob believes great stories are all about relationships. He’s certainly found that to be true at AHA!, where there’s always someone ready to trade stories or share some poetry over a pint of beer (yes, we do that).
- Continually works to make his home a more self-sustaining ecosystem with pigs, chickens and a garden—next on the list are goats and a beehive
- Taught writing composition at the University of Oregon
- Master’s in English, University of Oregon; bachelor’s in English, Washington State University
Jan Kent
Office Support Assistant
Is Jan a superhero? You tell us. Every week, she rescues us from hunger, providing just the right lunch or tasty snack when we need it. She leaps over clutter in a single bound, keeping us comfortable and organized. And when it comes to happiness, she sees right through us, always ready with a smile or cheerful conversation to keep our spirits high. In her free time she volunteers with the police department. As if that weren't enough—her last name is Kent! Coincidence? We think not.
- Loves dogs—her latest rescue is a standard poodle named Lady
- Enjoys spending time with her seven great-grandchildren
- Former treasurer of the Vancouver Heights Neighborhood Association
Jerrod Philipps
Senior Interactive Designer and Art Director
Here’s a riddle for you: A man walks into AHA! who is classically trained in drawing and painting, has career experience in both print and digital media, is fluent in the language of interactive and can translate it clearly for clients. He’s an aspiring world traveler, a film buff, a lover of games and puzzles, and he believes design is fundamentally about problem solving and exploration. This man calls himself Jerrod and inquires about a job. What does AHA! do? We make him our Senior Interactive Designer and Art Director.
- Looks forward to brewing a batch of beer for AHA!
- Geeks out on finding connections between pop culture and high art (ask him about Star Wars and Akira Kurosawa sometime)
- His go-to for any project: a pencil and a pad of paper
Jessica Blackman
Project Manager
Writers like word games, so here’s a little Mad Libs for you. Jessica Blackman has a [adjective] personality. A few answers from around the office include bubbly, positive, gracious, cheerful and bright. Picking one is impossible, because she brings the whole lot to every aspect of her job. Take budgeting for example. Jessica considers it to be a [adjective] activity. Her answer: fun!
- Has a TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate and taught English to refugees in Seattle
- Got lost by herself in Germany once, but that hasn’t deterred her love of traveling
- Bachelor’s degree in communication and minor in political science, University of Washington
Jon Schneider
Senior Designer & Art Director
Though his business card says Art Director, Jon will happily take instruction from others if it’s for the sake of better design. Just ask his wife, who put him to work screen printing her purse creations in the basement. It’s the same with all of his projects at AHA!; Jon’s main concern is not whose name is attached to the work, but whether it’s accessible, authentic and memorable. So what title would better fit his role here? General Problem Solver and Beautifier of Things has a nice ring to it.
- A former metalhead turned Simon and Garfunkel fan
- Once sported a self-proclaimed super mullet
- Bachelor of fine arts in visual communication and graphic design, Northern Arizona University
Joy Collier
Office Manager and HR Coordinator
To many, that moldering 1900s Victorian is an eyesore. To Joy, it’s inspiration. Joy is drawn to the beauty in urban decay. She sees stories in the broken frames of buildings—envisioning the struggles, lives and loves of long-gone inhabitants. It’s the same love of humanity that keeps her coming back to human resources. And us? We’ve found another kindred spirit.
- A Detroit native through and through, Motown music makes her happy
- Is currently in possession of White Stripes star Meg White’s old kitchen table
- Bachelor of arts in English and minor in fine arts, Wayne State
Julia Dickey
Designer
Julia is a self-described “tenacious idealist,” and it’s an appropriate title. Her compassion for others, intellectual curiosity and traveler’s spirit result in a profound ability to see things that others don’t and express those things in creative and unexpected ways. Whether she is writing a book of poetry, volunteering for a nonprofit in Tanzania or doing high-level design work for Fortune 500 clients, she brings the same level of hard-nosed dedication and sensitivity to every task. The result is provocative work that pushes the boundaries of what she, and her clients, thought possible.
- Has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
- Once performed as part of a mime troupe in Oaxaca, Mexico
- Bachelor’s in graphic design, Art Institute of Portland
Julie Bosack
Account Manager
You may have seen Julie on a stage somewhere singing fiesta hoedown songs or introducing a documentary film, but she also loves to work behind the scenes. In film terminology she's a producer—someone who applies creative energy and commonsense know-how to the hard work of bringing a project out of the garage and into the world. Her diverse talents and love of storytelling are helping AHA! and our clients reach bigger stages and new audiences.
- Member of the Portland bands Pancake Breakfast and No They Do
- Developed Recording Resilience, a documentary filmmaking program for grieving kids
- Bachelor's in communications, Northwestern University
Kari Olivier
Director of Marketing & Client Development
If Kari hadn't become a rock star marketer, she would have been a superstar singer/songwriter. There she'd be, strumming her guitar and singing right at you, like you're the only one in the room. Days later, you'd find yourself humming her tune. With her charismatic style and intuitive sense of what her clients need, she's built quite a base of adoring fans. And if you ask nicely, she'll sing you a little something from her greatest hits.
- Is a little bit psychic
- Went to 10 schools and lived in 5 states
- Bachelor's in journalism with a minor in English, University of Florida
Kate Peterson
Account Manager
Kate was built for account management. With her uncanny abilities to stay calm under pressure and read situations perfectly, she bridges the gap between the client and her AHA! team with steely poise. Kate combines this steadfastness with a creative verve that spreads throughout every part of her life—from abstract painting and photography, to throwing elaborately themed parties. While she's great at having fun, Kate is as focused as it gets when it comes to identifying her clients' needs and fulfilling them.
- A huge USC Trojan fan who makes a mean pot of chili on game day
- A self-proclaimed history nerd, who has a strange fascination with the 19th-century Chinese Empress Dowager Cixi
- Bachelor’s in sociology, University of Southern California
Kristi Koebke
Senior Creative Director
Kristi's got an eye and an ear for what works and what doesn't. She brings sensibility and a wry sense of humor (no extra charge) to every engagement. She's a champion of excellence, and inspires her colleagues to do their level best. Her track record in writing and creative leadership, combined with a dash of poetic license, is a triple threat for AHA!.
- Idols include Mary Oliver, Maira Kalman and Annie Leibovitz
- Career change ideas if this doesn't pan out: food photographer or baker
- Bachelor's in journalism and mass communication, Iowa State University
Kristine Cloyes
Senior Project Manager
Kristine is a checker. No, not like the supermarket variety. Kristine is outstanding at checking in on her clients and co-workers and fastidious when it comes to checking items off her list. She checks, and then she double-checks, to make sure every person's and every project's needs are met. If you're worried about getting a job done right, thanks to Kristine, you can check it off your list.
- Amateur photographer
- Bachelor's in business management, Washington State University
Leanne Watson
Senior Writer & Editor
Leanne is a master craftswoman with the right tool for any job, whether it's delivering watertight copy, building strong client relationships or overhauling her kitchen from the floor up. An incisive editor, she's known for hitting the nail on the head with delightfully unexpected yet practical feedback. And she's earned the confidence of teammates and clients alike by remaining unflappable even as deadlines loom. Nothing seems to knock Leanne off her ladder.
- Born into a family of Finns, which means she can outlast just about anyone in a steam sauna
- Hobbies include cycling, wine tasting and remodeling her 1932 bungalow with her husband
- Bachelor's in journalism from Western Washington University
Lydia Bradley
Project Manager
As a little girl, Lydia dreamed of becoming a singer—specifically, a backup singer. It’s her heartfelt talent for supporting others that allows her to shine outside the spotlight. While working in the nonprofit sector for 10 years, Lydia helped launch Many Hopes, a social justice nonprofit that educates and empowers Kenyan girls. At AHA!, Lydia encourages her team members to stay on pitch and in harmony, while she gladly works behind the scenes to make sure her clients take center stage.
- Helped get the Oregon Foster Youth Bill of Rights passed through the state legislature in 2013
- Organized a 500-person jump-rope-a-thon for a girls mentoring program
- Attended elementary school in Portugal
- Bachelor's degree in political communication, Emerson College
Madeline Byers
Marketing Specialist
Madeline looks for the larger cultural significance in everything she writes. Endlessly fascinated by trends, she’s tuned into what’s here to stay—and what it means. Part social media maven, part tenacious researcher, part idea blogger, she translates her curiosity for all things current into timely, discussion-sparking content.
- Spent a year in Paris living in a tiny studio apartment that was only accessible by climbing an eight-floor spiral staircase
- Wrote her senior thesis on the incomparable To the Lighthouse, by Virginia Woolf
- Bachelor’s in English literature from the University of Puget Sound
Marina Pitassi
Writer
Where do we start with Marina? She's an avid athlete and sports enthusiast, a singer-songwriter who has produced hundreds of original songs, and a writer who pushes the boundaries of form and structure. Uniting all of these interests is her passion for people, which we witness every single day. At AHA!, Marina strives to create real, authentic connections between her clients and her audience. She combines this desire with an almost obsessive attention to detail, producing work that’s both precise and meaningful.
- Loves chilling out to the king of slow jams, Marvin Gaye
- Wrote her first song in first grade, titled “Back off Jack”
- Bachelor’s in English nonfiction writing, Pacific Lutheran University
Melissa Dalluhn
Associate Creative Director
Melissa is many things: visual storyteller, beer brewer, cheese maker, world traveler and all around adventurous spirit. What she is not is squeamish or afraid of hard work. Case in point: After her fiancé procured a deer on a fall hunting trip, she not only helped butcher it, she then created a five-course holiday dinner for friends and family from it. The meal took three days and a spreadsheet to complete, and every course but dessert included venison. She brings that same gusto and passion to her design work. Thankfully, no boning knives are required.
- Ask her about the time she drove from Minnesota to Alaska. With her ex-boyfriend. In a Miata. Which they crashed. While she had mono.
- Spent a semester at Oxford’s Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Bachelor of arts in English from Hamline University
Megan Clark
Account Manager
AHA!'s job posting read something like this: Seeking talented writer, editor and project manager. Must have smile tattoo, fearless attitude, curiosity. Proven trivia-spouting skills a plus. Lover of the written word, the spoken word, the perfect word. Italian language skills molt bene. Please be charming, quirky, a quick study. Have experience as soccer team captain, portending fierce dedication to teammates and clients. Affinity for giraffes and whales not essential but preferred. Then Megan walked in the door and absolutely nailed it.
- Aspires to visit every Major League Baseball park in the U.S.
- Thinks nothing is better than a delicious cup of coffee and a good read
- Bachelor's in magazine journalism, University of Oregon
Meghan Blood
Writer
Anything is possible. Not only is that one of Meghan’s mantras, but it’s also the title of the poem that kicked off her writing career at age 8. Meghan’s discovered the secret to her happiness is succeeding at the things that some consider impossible—whether it’s going through life without breaking a bone, winning the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, or finding a way to spend each and every summer basking in the glory of Flathead Lake, Montana. Next up: solving complex business challenges using the power of language.
- Has a healthy obsession with Portland Ketchup Company
- Writes for the Hug the Rhino blog, which provides tips and tricks for better living
- Bachelor’s in communications with a media and rhetoric focus from University of Portland
Michael Fisher
Senior Writer & Editor
To Michael, “So what?” is not a snarky retort, it’s a methodology. His long career—first as a journalist, and now as a marketing strategist and writer—has taught him that readers want to know how a message connects to their lives. What are the opportunities? What are the benefits? Why does this matter? Michael gets to the heart of the story because he asks insightful questions and has a talent for translating complex concepts into clear messages. He’s a keen observer, and he’s helping AHA! and our clients answer the question: “So, what next?”
- The historian Stephen E. Ambrose once saved him from falling out of a boat on the Columbia River
- Modifies guitar effects pedals as a hobby
- Bachelor's in journalism, University of Oregon
Mike Heiser
Managing Director
When he’s away from AHA!, Mike can often be found elbow deep in motor oil and grease while restoring classic muscle cars like his 1966 Chevelle. He digs just as deeply into helping meet our clients’ business and marketing objectives. Wielding his creative talents and analytical skills with precision, Mike puts all the right pieces together to build strategies and campaigns that purr like a finely tuned engine.
- Was a batboy for the Dodgers and a ball boy for the Lakers
- A licensed pilot and skydiver—to indulge what he calls his “zoom factor”
- Once played racquetball with Wilt Chamberlain—they split the two games
- Bachelor’s degree in management and marketing, California State University, Long Beach; master’s degree in business administration, University of Southern California
Mike Marquard
Senior Writer & Editor
Mike became known as the good humor guy around here right away. Maybe it was the wit and vigor he brought to his first brainstorming meeting. Or the neighborly greeting he offers anyone who crosses his path. Or the way he laughed when he told the story about being held up at gunpoint. Twice. But don't let the laughs fool you. When it comes to his work, this guy's all business.
- Has interviewed Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and Bob Dole
- The happiest days of his life? The days his two kids were born.
- Bachelor's in English, San Jose State University
Nathan Dinsdale
Senior Writer & Editor
Nathan grew up on an alfalfa farm in central Oregon, but decided early on that writing was his calling. He opted for notepads instead of tractors, bylines instead of hay bales and wrangling interviews instead of herding cattle. After a decade in journalism, Nathan brings the inquisitive nature of a reporter and the work ethic of a farmer's son to every project. With his willingness to corral any challenge, he's right at home on a range of writing assignments.
- Covered the 2008 presidential election for the Santa Fe Reporter and other publications
- Plans to bequeath his prized '85 Chicago Bears T-shirt to his son one day
- Master's in magazine, newspaper and online journalism, Syracuse University
- Bachelor's in journalism, University of Portland
Nicholas Arnold
Senior Writer & Editor
Nicholas spreads happiness wherever he goes. He's an ace at helping clients see the new opportunities in a project, and he can breeze through tough situations without losing his cool. Nicholas approaches work and life with unassailable enthusiasm, selfless commitment and his killer Greek pastries. When you need a rallying cry, Nicholas is there. And, he's a regular volunteer on medical mission trips to Haiti, making sure happiness knows no borders.
- Has taught creative writing in prisons, retirement communities, inner-city youth centers and public schools
- Master of fine arts in creative writing, Eastern Washington University
- Bachelor's in English, College of Charleston
Pamela Fiehn
Senior Creative Director
Pamela’s knack for problem-solving would give any other puzzle fanatic pause. Give her a bunch of scrambled pieces—keywords, value propositions, background studies, you name it—and she’ll sort them out in a snap. Not sure what the final product should look like? No problem. Pamela’s nose for strategy and crackerjack writing brings clarity and reason to even the most brain-twisting projects. And she does it all with a confident, engaging attitude that makes work fun.
- Loves the word lollygag but hates the word slacks
- Master's in English literature, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Bachelor's in English and women's studies, University of Rochester
Rachel Harrison
Business Analyst
No one loves language like a linguist. Rachel's linguistics background and predilection for parsing patterns makes it easy for her to make sense of even the most chaotic projects. Quicker than you can say nasal-ingressive voiceless velar trill, Rachel can diagram a plan that fits within multiple constraints and meets everyone's goals. To top it off, she's a word-wise woman who can catch and correct those pesky grammar gremlins that plague the planet.
- Avid sailor and owner of a tiny wooden sailboat called the Queen Beatrice
- One of AHA!'s few cat people
- Master's in teaching English as a second language, University of Idaho
- Bachelor's in linguistics, Western Washington University
Rivers Janssen
Senior Writer & Editor
As an editor for a coffee trade magazine, Rivers toured coffee plantations in India, learned about wine-making techniques in the Napa Valley with a group of Nicaraguan coffee farmers, and immersed himself in the social, economic and environmental aspects of coffee production. The experience serves him well in his writing, as he's able to tackle complicated global topics—like supply chain responsibility—in ways that make sense to the casual reader. And he makes an insane pour-over.
- Learned to scuba dive in Honduras and survived the public buses in Guatemala
- Is building a shop in his garage to support his burgeoning woodworking hobby
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, University of Oregon
Ryan Bone
Designer
Ryan describes his favorite typeface, Proxima Nova, as strong but welcoming. The same might be said of Ryan’s approach to life. An avid downhill snow skier, this Big Sky native has mined copper in Montana, studied business in Sweden, chilled in Bahrain, survived a run-in with a Shanghai street gang, and built an impressive graphic design portfolio along the way. Ryan says he thrives when he doesn’t have a clue what will happen next. He brings that sense of adventure to his work here at AHA!, blending type and artistry with digital dynamism.
- Named his puggle, Farley, for late comedian Chris Farley
- Worst job? A telemarketing gig selling circus tickets … to the elderly
- Bachelor’s in marketing and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, Montana State University
Sara Calabro
Creative Director
Eight years of writing about pharmaceuticals and Western medicine left Sara curious about other approaches to health. So, she did what any good journalist would do: research. She studied the alternatives and ultimately became a licensed acupuncturist. Sara’s immersion in Chinese medicine reinvigorated her return to writing, inspiring her to found AcuTake , the first acupuncture publication created for the general public. With an appreciation for both the pressure and relief of effective communications, she tackles projects with pinpoint accuracy.
- Embraced minimalism after 11 years in New York City; moved to Portland with only two suitcases
- Blogs about acupuncture for The Huffington Post.
- Completed the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile walk across Spain
- Bachelor of arts in English, St. Anselm College; master of science in acupuncture, Tri-State College of Acupuncture
Sarah Reed
Senior Designer & Art Director
Sarah loves to be underwater. With a pair of flippers and a snorkel, she's transported to another world. Time slows down, and she's free to focus on a visual playground of color and light, shifting patterns and stunning views. It's the same feeling she gets when she's deep in her design work, translating information to inspiration. With her simple, clean style, she brings order to complexity, giving readers elegant visuals as beautiful as they are informative.
- Previous design clients included Adidas, small boutiques and Oregon Health & Science University
- Loves to cook and travel to faraway places like Morocco and Easter Island
- BFA in graphic design from The Art Institute of Portland
Shane Wolfsmith
Director of Client Service
Can you be both right-brained and left-brained? Yes. Case in point: Shane Wolfsmith, who maintains a sharp focus on clients' business needs while simultaneously speaking the language of the creative process. This is a direct result of spending the last 15 years building marketing programs on both sides of the client-agency relationship. He's also a world traveler, who dreams of exotic destinations and has the planning skills to get there (he's been to more than 40 countries!). No matter where you find him, Shane proves that both abstract thinking and a logical plan can come from the same mind.
- Bachelor's degrees in advertising and philosophy from the University of Illinois
- Certified in advanced scuba diving
- He and his brother are mirror-image identical twins
Sona Pai
Editorial Director
Sona’s favorite kind of story to write is the kind where she doesn’t know how it ends. She thrills in the chase, and will stay up until daybreak researching and writing until she discovers the conclusion. She brings this relentless curiosity to every engagement, sifting through layers of content to help writers shape and define the story, or asking the perfect question—the one that clarifies an entire piece. For Sona, uncovering, rather than assuming, the solution is not only how she loves to work—it’s the only approach that makes sense.
- Past magazine writing includes an investigative piece on endangered forest birds in Hawaii, a profile of a New Yorker cartoonist, and a story explaining the how and why of glow-in-the-dark pigs
- Favorite thing to do: make dinner for someone else
- Bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism, University of Missouri; master’s degree in literary nonfiction writing, University of Oregon
Stacy Westbrook
Innovation Director
Stacy’s approach to technology is existential. For her, the digital realm is a dynamic part of being in the world that is as natural as riding a bike. She believes that the possibilities for human connection are endless, and is hopeful about what the digital medium helps us achieve. This approach isn’t just theoretical. Stacy lives every day with fiery passion and boundless curiosity—and we got her.
- Helped start Let’s Race Bikes, a nonprofit promoting health and cycling for women
- Loves that her partner loves to cook even more than she does
- Bachelor’s in English from Reed College; design certificate from the Pacific Northwest College of Art
Steve Shields
Managing Partner
When playing Risk, Steve is the guy who can conquer Asia—and hold it. In our own world of writers, he inspires discussion, bringing people and ideas together to drive business forward. And that's just one of his talents. Want a scenic photo of Mount Hood? Ask Steve. Don't know the backpacking trails of the Colorado Plateau? Steve's your man. Need strategic leadership for better results? We'll give you one guess. When you want to conquer the (business) world, Steve's the right one for the job.
- More than 25 years of strategic business experience
- Former HP executive who spent 18 years growing business opportunities
- A Pacific Northwest native who explored a run for governor of Oregon
Tom Henning
Financial Analyst
Tom was born to perform, both in the theater and the less heady stage of our office. As our behind-the-scenes financial expert, he plays the role of Mr. Science, the brainiac with his finger on the calculator button. Skilled at making complicated information easy to understand, Tom looks for every opportunity to help us learn how our day-to-day work contributes to the bigger picture. Sometimes he does it with spreadsheets; other times, with Shakespeare.
- Previous experience includes working as a toymaker and electric utility software developer
- Can’t spell his way out of a paper bag
- Majored in theater at Northwestern University, and has been acting like he knows what he’s doing ever since
Trista Carbajal
Senior Executive Assistant
Trista brings all-new meaning to the expression: “All in a day’s work.” A champion multitasker, she squeezes more out of a day than seemingly possible. Starting before dawn, she makes breakfast for her kids (from scratch), goes running, works a full day at AHA!, shuttles kids to practices and makes dinner (again from scratch)—all on one cup of coffee. We’re impressed, although we’re wondering how much coffee is in that cup.
- Enjoys spending her weekends at Treasure Island, Wash.
- Once had drinks with Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen
- Shamelessly spoils her granddaughter, Harper
Vanessa Duff
Senior Designer
As a kid, Vanessa was that small person in the corner of a crowded room, drawing characters and making up stories. As a (mostly) grownup, Vanessa's passion for visual storytelling led her here, where she creates vivid communications layered with depth and meaning. Her ability to develop visuals that both enhance and expand on the written word has helped her fit right in. We're lucky she chose our corner as her place to create.
- Painted her son’s room to look like a forest
- Some of the careers she aspired to as a kid: fashion designer, volcanologist, unicorn
- Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, Evergreen State College
