Melissa Sanders
FOUNDER & CHIEF PR MAVEN
As the founder of Tadpole Communications, Melissa specializes in entertainment and lifestyle PR, and also works in industries including nonprofit, education, and professional services. She is a master storyteller who is also a solution-oriented, creative and highly-driven strategist accustomed to working with teams across complex organizations to achieve goals. She has lived in markets including New York City, San Francisco and Atlanta, and has featured clients in major media outlets from North and South America, to Europe and Asia.
Em Fergusson
PR MAVEN & MARKETEER
A publicist and marketing specialist with experience in industries including entertainment, lifestyle, arts, healthcare, and retail. Em’s clients have been featured in a variety of notable print, broadcast and podcast media in United States, Hong Kong, France, Canada, U.K., and more.
A former journalist, she has managed and written for highly respected magazines, blogs, and newspapers, and has also worked in both in television and radio in the United States and Canada.
Kim Woodcock Speece
PR MAVEN & MARKETEER
PR and media pro with an array of experience from entertainment and non-profits, to business and education. With background as a TV producer, Kim knows a good story, and effectively shares it with the right platforms to maximize exposure. She is a master communicator, writer and advocate for clients.
Elise Riley
PR MAVEN & MARKETEER
PR pro with an extensive entertainment and television background. Elise has handled marketing initiatives for The Weather Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Cartoon Network. She supervised a $26 million budget for Warner Bros., overseeing 30 movies annually including Ocean’s 11, Harry Potter, The Matrix, and The Perfect Storm. At agencies, she worked on marketing strategy and media planning for clients including Newell Rubbermaid brands, AT&T, Marriott, Buffalo Wild Wings, Lincoln Financial, Florida’s Natural, Bayer, and Publix.
David Gardner
PR MAVEN & MARKETEER
PR professional who champions publicity and marketing projects for top entertainment corporations. With a talent for building powerful and unique branding techniques, he drives national/international attention, particularly with Fandom and diverse, niche audiences. David is a consummate communicator, writer, presenter and collaborator; and a thoughtful mentor and part-time adjunct professor.
Jaden Ellman
PR ASSISTANT
As a recent Emory University graduate (film studies) and Atwood Prize recipient, Jaden has a penchant for public relations. He brings his passion for music and entertainment to the team to support our work especially with clients in music, film/tv, gaming/esports, and the performing arts.
