Our Team
Founded in 2010 by President and CEO Jennifer Stewart, Syntax Strategic (Syntax) is full-service media relations, strategic communications, marketing, and graphic design firm. Headquartered in Ottawa, with a satellite office in Toronto, the Syntax team is made up of highly talented communications professionals who pride themselves on delivering the highest quality of service to our clients.
Jennifer Stewart
President + CEO
As President and Founder of Syntax Strategic, Jennifer is a leader in the strategic communications sector. She works with a number of clients in the public and private sectors, advising them on their communications strategies and associated business impact. Renowned as an expert in her field, Jennifer is often called upon by the media on communications-related topics. Jennifer has twice been named one of the 'Top 25 People in the Capital' by Ottawa Life Magazine, one of Ottawa's 'Top 40 under Forty' by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and was also a finalist for Ottawa's 'Female Entrepreneur of the Year.'
Jennifer Madigan
Vice President, Media + Communications
Jennifer is a veteran communications and journalism professional who has worked in the Canadian news industry for nearly 15 years. Jennifer has planned and executed major projects, managed teams, executed strategic communication plans to various audiences, and has a comprehensive understanding of how to adhere to a vision and strategy. The former Executive Producer for The West Block with Tom Clark, Jennifer is also a former national affairs reporter and videographer, with extensive experience working in the digital sphere through online writing, social media strategy and blogging. Jennifer also previously worked as a National Affairs reporter with A-News and as an on-the-ground reporter in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Michelle Coates-Mather
Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs
Michelle is an experienced, senior leader in public affairs and communications. Over the last 14 years, Michelle has enjoyed a breadth of professional experience in both the public and private sector. She has worked with federal and provincial government Ministers and officials and C-Suite executives with NGOs, Crown Corporations and small business to help them shape and share their stories with their target audiences. A frequent Canadian politics commentator, she brings her political insight and big picture thinking to help Syntax clients design and implement effective outreach campaigns that engage key stakeholders, including government, industry members and the general public. From strategic advice, campaign conception, narrative development and editorial writing, to issues management and message strategy; her ultimate goal is to help her clients effectively communicate their value proposition to ensure outcomes are in line with objectives.
Dana Telfer
Director, Brand + Marketing
With a strong background in event management, marketing, brand integration and strategy, Dana brings nearly 15 years of experience with one of Canada’s leading NHL teams, leading and executing dozens of unique marketing and consumer engagement campaigns and events each year. Understanding the value of strategic and targeted engagement, Dana brings a keen ability to marry research and focus-grouped insights with marketing deliverables to best reach audience segments.
Devon Larock
Director, Finance + Business Operations
With a background in the field of psychology, Devon specializes in client relations and account management. A forward-thinker, Devon has extensive experience in business operations and process management to enhance operations and improve client experiences and communication.
Kayla Bryant
Senior Digital Strategist + Graphic Designer
Kayla is an experienced and skilled senior digital media strategist, who has worked on a variety of multimedia projects ranging from corporate branding and custom illustrations, to social media content, print advertisements and more.
Kayla has a wide range of experience working with many different industries and has done work for hundreds of clients in the petroleum, health, not-for-profit, travel sector, and more.
Vanessa Sorgard
Digital Media Strategist + Graphic Designer
Vanessa has close to 20 years of experience in desktop publishing, graphic design and art direction. She has worked on a variety of multimedia projects ranging from marketing campaigns, print collateral, news page layout and design, signage, corporate branding and more.
Vanessa began her career in local media and has since developed brand identities for many businesses and professionals in the health and fitness industry. Before joining Syntax, she was a senior designer and creative supervisor for Costco Wholesale Canada. In her 10 years with Costco, Vanessa was responsible for the design and development of high-end print products including brochures, magazines, packaging, training manuals and, frequently, art-directed product photoshoots.
Liane Mamo
Senior Communications Strategist
A creative thinker and effective marketing and communications expert, Liane has over 15 years of experience in a professional sport, partnerships, and brand marketing role as well as the non-profit sector. Specializing in developing local and national strategic marketing plans from concept to execution, Liane has valuable experience in brand management and design, sponsorship, multi-channel promotional campaigns, and event management.
Amanda Deseure
Senior Communications Strategist
Amanda is a strategic and innovative communications specialist with 5+ years’ experience. She brings experience in advocacy, non-profit communications and political management. She is an expert in all things digital media and strives to find creative solutions to complex problems. Amanda has a combined honours degree in Communications and Women and Gender Studies and a Masters of Political Management from Carleton University.
Maya Mills
Junior Communications Strategist
Maya is a detail oriented communications professional with experience in the not-for-profit and private sector. Having recently obtained a diploma in Public Relations from Algonquin College, she is now completing her Public Relations degree at the University of Ottawa. A creative writer and diligent editor, Maya is focused on bringing only the highest quality work to her team. A keen understanding of the Canadian media landscape paired with innovative thinking and a passion for storytelling, helps Maya consistently ideate strategic ways of reaching a clients audience.
Meera Sundaresan
Junior Communications Strategist
Meera is a lateral-thinking communications strategist with a strong background in research and writing. Before completing an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in 2018, she worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors in various roles. Most recently, she is completing a Juris Doctor (Law) degree at the University of Ottawa, and offers a unique perspective and skillset to bridge the gap between the court of law and the court of public opinion.
Katrina Draper
Research and Advocacy Strategist
Katrina is a policy analyst and conflict resolution specialist, with both Canadian and international experience that includes both Australia and Rwanda. Her training in mediation and conflict resolution coupled with her specialized education in political management makes her uniquely qualified when it comes to creating advocacy and strategic plans. She brings experience in advocacy, not-profit work, fundraising, digital campaigns, and grassroots movements. She is an expert at recognizing what voices need to be at the table and ensuring they get there. Katrina has an honours degree in Peace in Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo, and a Masters Degree in Political Management from Carleton University.
Paula Boon
Quality Assurance Officer and Copy Editor
Paula has extensive experience as a writer, editor, and researcher. She spent seven years as copy editor for an award-winning community newspaper and has been offering her services as a freelancer for more than 20 years. Her clients have included print media, government agencies, academics, businesses, arts organizations, and individuals in Canada, the U.S., and Japan. She is excited to join the dynamic team at Syntax Strategic.
