Our Team.
Jennifer is an accomplished leader in Canadian business, government, and public affairs. She is renowned as an expert in this field, often being called upon by national media for commentary. Additionally, Jennifer has twice been named one of the “Top 25 People in the Capital” by Ottawa Life Magazine, one of Ottawa’s “Top Forty Under Forty” by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and was a finalist for Ottawa’s “Established Female Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Jennifer has actively taken on many business and community affairs roles, including President & CEO of the Canadian Energy Marketers Association (CEMA), Chair of the Board of the Canadian Transportation Alliance, Co-Host and Co-Founder of The Honest Talk podcast, Chair of the Village of Carp Business Improvement Area (City of Ottawa), Board Member of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Foundation, Member of the Board of Trustees for The Women in Technology Scholarship of Willis College, and Member of the Leadership Council of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Jennifer Stewart
Founder & CEO
Jennifer is a veteran communications and journalism professional who worked in the Canadian news industry for nearly 15 years. A former Executive Producer for The West Block with Tom Clark, Jennifer is also a former national affairs reporter and videographer, and local news producer. Her experience includes time spent on the ground in Afghanistan, covering the Canadian mission in Kandahar province, as well as trips to Kabul, Kyiv, and Hong Kong to cover historic moments as they unfolded. She has experience in nearly every role within a TV newsroom and knows how to help clients prepare for and deliver interviews with confidence and the best chances of managing their message.
Jennifer Madigan
Chief Operating Officer
Michelle has built a career as a trusted communications advisor at the highest levels by providing strategic and tactical advice on issues that demand both nuance and clarity. Before joining Syntax, she spent over a decade helping senior government leaders make complex decisions and communicate with confidence. Her steady leadership helped governments reach key audiences, keep their message on track, and cut through the noise. As a former Deputy Director of Communications to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and senior advisor to cabinet ministers across Parliament Hill and Queen’s Park, she has an insider’s understanding of how political actors get things done. Whether navigating policy intricacies, crafting compelling narratives, or managing crises, Michelle delivers results thanks to her extensive experience in policy development, communications strategy, media relations, and issues management.
Michelle Johnston
Vice President, Communications
Devon manages financial strategy, budget, and forecasting while enhancing business processes to foster growth and profitability at Syntax Strategic. Her background in psychology adds a unique twist to Devon’s role as Finance and Operations VP. With her insights into human behaviour, she is adept at fostering teamwork and understanding the dynamics within the company. In addition, Devon’s empathetic nature proves invaluable in handling challenging negotiations or resolving conflicts, ensuring seamless operations at Syntax.
Devon Larock
Vice President, Finance and Business Operations
A nationally respected broadcaster, emcee and writer, Catherine is President of Catherine Clark Communications and Special Advisor to Syntax Strategic. Through her work in television, radio, and print, Catherine has interviewed Canada’s most influential people and has hosted and co-produced documentaries on Rideau Hall, 24 Sussex Drive, the Centre Block of Parliament, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Catherine is co-host and co-founder of The Honest Talk, a popular new podcast featuring frank discussions with notable women. She writes the Giving Back column for Ottawa at Home Magazine and serves on the boards of CARE Canada, CARE International in Kenya, and The Writers’ Trust of Canada, whose board she chairs.
Catherine Clark
Strategic Counsel - Associate
Megan is a marketing and communications specialist with a background in journalism and brand management. For nearly 15 years she worked in newsrooms across the country, most recently as a reporter and anchor in Ottawa. Throughout her career Megan has covered everything from breaking news to current events. She specializes in media relations, promotions, content creation, and brand strategies. Megan holds a Master of Journalism degree from Carleton University, as well as an honours BA from the University of Windsor in English & Communication, Media, Film Studies (CMF). She also attended the Broadcast Journalism program at Seneca College. She speaks English and French.
Megan Shaw
Principal
Mackenzie brings to the Syntax team over six years of experience in creating communication strategies, developing marketing plans, managing events, and creating lasting partnerships. She has worked with various clients, locally and nationally, within the health, recreation, non-profit, tourism, and entertainment industries. With a keen eye for details, Mackenzie thinks about the big picture and identifies processes to execute any project with maximum effectiveness.
A graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, Mackenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Public Relations and two minors in Marketing and Advertising. She completed her education as a scholar athlete and received the Beverly Huschka Communication Leadership award as a junior.
Mackenzie Houston
Senior Director
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. In the past 13 years, Kayla has gained 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 and travel sectors and more. With five years’ experience in print, she is very knowledgeable about how to see a project to the end. She also brings hand-drawn illustration, photography and animation skills to the table. In addition to leading the design of logos and signage for clients like Whitewater Region and the Village of Carp, Kayla has worked collaboratively on design for Inspiring Healthy Futures, the Ottawa Cancer Foundation, and many others.
Kayla Bryant
Senior Digital Media Strategist and Graphic Designer
Justin is an interactive media designer with extensive experience in multimedia and web design. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the Philippines, where he built a strong foundation in technology and its applications in digital design. To further elevate his creative and technical expertise, Justin completed a diploma in Interactive Media Design in Canada, acquiring hands-on experience with cutting-edge design tools and industry trends.
Specializing in graphic design, animation, and web design, Justin brings versatility and a fresh creative perspective to his work. At Syntax, he has worked closely with clients on a variety of projects, including designing eye-catching flyers, professional business cards, engaging infographics, dynamic websites, and compelling animations that bring their ideas to life. His passion for innovation and dedication to creating meaningful designs make him a valuable asset to any team.
Justin Fronda
Animator and Graphic Designer
Celeste is a communications professional with seven years of experience as a Senior Writer, Reporter, and Host with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She brings a strong understanding of media, public discourse, and how to craft clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences, with journalism experience in Toronto, Ottawa, and Yellowknife. At Syntax, Celeste supports strategic communications by translating complex ideas into effective messaging. Known for her strong writing, editorial judgment, and instinct for storytelling, she develops content that informs, engages, and resonates. Her approach is grounded in clarity, accuracy, and impactful storytelling.
Celeste Garland
Communications Specialist
Emily is a Director of Communications and Media Relations with nearly 15 years of communication experience in the private, public, and non-
profit sectors. Most recently, she led strategic communications for global campaigns and partnerships at UNICEF for seven years. Prior to that, she was responsible for media monitoring and analysis and crisis communications at the Department of National Defence, advising senior ministerial stakeholders and Canadian Armed Forces leadership. Her varied background in public relations across government, media, sports, and global advocacy has helped her adapt communications strategies to audience insights.
At Syntax, Emily helps clients lead with clarity in increasingly complex environments with campaign strategy, issues management, and integrated communications. She is known for strong writing and editing skills, strategic insights, and her calm approach to helping clients navigate challenges to tell their story in clear, compelling narratives.
Emily O'Connor
Director of Communications and Media Relations
For the past six years, Paula has applied her keen eye and broad knowledge of the English language to developmental edits and proofreading for a wide variety of Syntax print and digital products such as reports, websites, presentations, and social media copy. A writer and editor with extensive experience, Paula honed her skills through seven years as a copy editor for an award-winning community newspaper and spent more than two decades as an independent contractor for clients in print media, business, government, academia, the non-profit sector, and the arts.
Paula Boon
Copy Editor and Quality Assurance Specialist
With a decade of dedicated service in accounts receivable, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at Syntax. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for financial analysis, problem-solving, and leveraging technology to streamline processes. She also uses her excellent interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients, vendors, and team members.
Jamie’s adeptness at data management and insightful reporting is central to her approach, enabling her to uncover valuable insights and drive informed decision-making. The Syntax team appreciates her meticulous attention to detail, collaborative approach, and commitment to excellence in support of the firm’s financial and operational objectives.
Jamie Contarini
Finance and Operations Support
With a background spanning journalism, broadcasting, and municipal politics, Sophia brings a keen understanding of media landscapes and government affairs to her role at Syntax. In her previous positions as a morning news host, journalist, and social media manager in both Toronto and Edmonton, she developed strong communication skills and an eye for emerging trends — expertise she now applies to government and public relations. While pursuing her Public Relations diploma at Algonquin College, Sophia managed the Shatter the Silence campaign for the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre — a full-scale initiative incorporating media relations, social media outreach, fundraising, and event planning.
As a Senior Communications Strategist, Sophia conducts in-depth media and political monitoring, tracking key policy discussions, legislative developments, and stakeholder movements to inform strategic decision-making. She also draws upon her experience executing high-profile campaigns and navigating the intersections of media and policy to support a wide range of client initiatives.
Sophia Wojdak
Senior Communications Strategist
Logan is a marketing strategist specializing in multi-channel paid media, combining creative thinking with a rigorous, data-driven approach to campaign planning and optimization. He holds a diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications Management from Algonquin College and began his career at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa, where he advanced from intern to Marketing and Communications Specialist and led digital campaigns.
At Syntax, Logan leads paid media campaigns from strategy and audience targeting through execution, optimization, and reporting for public-sector, not-for-profit, and industry clients. He is the project lead for an always-on national campaign for Advanced Biofuels Canada spanning Google Search, Display, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and managed a province-wide emergency preparedness campaign for Ontario 211 across Meta and TikTok that drove a roughly tenfold increase in weekly app downloads over the pre-campaign baseline. Logan plans and buys across digital, out-of-home, and radio channels, continually optimizing campaigns against performance data and translating results into clear, actionable recommendations. He also produces and edits short-form video content, adding hands-on content production capabilities to his paid media and analytics expertise.
Logan Hebert
Junior Strategist
With a background in journalism and broadcast media, Sylina brings a strong foundation in storytelling, research, and media engagement to her role as a Junior Strategist at Syntax Strategic. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) from Carleton University, along with a double minor in Communications and Media Studies and History. Having specialized in broadcast journalism, Sylina completed an internship with CBC Ottawa’s All in a Day, where she reported on current affairs, conducted in-depth research, and translated complex information into clear, audience-focused content. At Syntax Strategic, she supports client work through media monitoring, research, and strategic communications preparation. Her experience in media production helps teams stay informed on current affairs and stakeholder activity and allows her to meaningfully contribute to client-facing initiatives.
Sylina Wright
Junior Strategist