Passionate, driven and results-oriented, Shelley brings 20 years of experience and earned reputation as one of Western Canada's leading hospitality public relations professionals. Her proven marketing communications strategies have boosted revenues and driven millions of dollars worth of true-to-brand editorial exposure that connect her clients to a wider audience both in British Columbia and beyond.

At SMC, Shelley works in partnership with a roster of noteworthy clients that represent a virtual who’s who of Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene. Before establishing SMC in 2013, Shelley served a six-year tenure as Communications Director for the Toptable Group (Whistler’s Araxi and Vancouver’s Blue Water Cafe, CinCin, West and Thierry) and five years prior to that with the Rick Hansen Foundation, where she was part of the communications team that led its Wheels in Motion national fundraising campaign as well as the 15th and 20th anniversaries of Hansen’s epic Man in Motion World Tour.

Shelley’s experience in the not-for-profit sphere gave her the background that helped her launch her newest venture, Breaking Bread, a groundbreaking non-profit initiative providing support for local, independent restaurants and the foodservice industry at large in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout 2020, she also sat on the COVID-19 Metro Vancouver Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Task Force and two of its subcommittees: Communications and Supply-side Recovery.

Shelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Royal Roads University, a Public Relations diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Level II accreditation from the International Sommelier Guild.

After earning his Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing Specialization with Honours from UBC’s Sauder School of Business, Andrew spent several years with A&W Canada, starting in distribution, before ultimately being promoted to the marketing department in a role centred around managing the national chain’s overall media strategy.

The scope of Andrew’s marketing expertise includes overseeing the complete creative process from concept to completion; developing and managing multi-million dollar budgets; and the execution of high-level campaigns across multiple platforms, including digital and social media, TV, and radio. Detail-oriented and results-driven, Andrew is an asset to our team and our client’s teams with his brand strategy, marketing, and public relations expertise.

A seasoned visual storyteller, Danika intertwines her passion for local food and retail branding as Account Manager & Photographer at SMC Communications. With an impressive portfolio including LUSH Cosmetics, Earls Restaurants, Salt Spring Coffee, and her former role as Co-Founder and Creative Director at Edible Vancouver Island Magazine, her expertise breathes life into brand narratives.

Hailing from Victoria, B.C., Danika's roots are deeply entwined with Vancouver Island's vibrant culture. Growing up in the heart of this coastal haven, she brings an authentic understanding of the island's essence to every project.

When not capturing moments or crafting captivating brand stories, Danika immerses herself in farmer's markets, concocting innovative cocktails, and exploring new culinary treasures.

'Kiitan brings a wealth of PR and Product Marketing experience to the team. With a background in corporate communications and a knack for crafting compelling strategies, 'Kiitan has successfully led marketing efforts for iconic Diageo brands like Smirnoff, Guinness, Baileys and Orijin. His passion for fundraising and project management also shone through his role at United Way, where he orchestrated a highly successful inaugural fundraising dinner.

As a long-time design enthusiast and fan of Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene, Alexa has always been excited about restaurants’ ability to weave their story into immersive experiences – from their larger environment, down to the smallest details. In her role at SMC Communications, the multi-faceted design talent collaborates closely with the integrated agency team to bring clients’ brands to life through strong creative strategy, beautifully crafted visuals and engaging digital experiences.

Alexa first launched her career as a self-employed graphic designer in 2010 after graduating from the Graphic Design for Marketing program at Kwantlen Polytechnical University. She has worked with creative studios large and small, including several years as a contract designer for SMC Communications.

In 2017, Alexa accepted a permanent position with brand and innovation design firm Dossier Creative, where she spent almost five years focused predominantly on the world of consumer packaging. Armed with more than a decade of experience in graphic design and strategic branding, Alexa joined the SMC team as a full-time Design Lead in 2021.

A true West Coast adventure lover, Alexa is a road trip enthusiast who loves getting out of the city to explore B.C. by bike or snowboard.

As our increasingly online-focused world continues to evolve, it’s Justin who develops, builds and maintains SMC’s website projects and consults clients on effective digital strategies while also ensuring the company’s efforts conform to current industry best practices.

Originally from Toronto, Justin was to head west after graduating with a science degree from Queens University. He put down roots in Vancouver and became a mainstay in the local hospitality scene, working at Kitsilano Wine Cellar and completing a series of WSET courses before moving on to help helm the front of house at Gastown’s Bao Bei and Wildebeest restaurants.

With one foot planted firmly in the world of wine and restaurants and the other in information technology, Justin has the unique ability to approach problems from different angles, see solutions and opportunities where others might not and bridge gaps for a wide array of SMC’s roster of award-winning clients.

Proficient in HTML, CSS & JavaScript, Justin is a full stack developer, a certified Squarespace Expert & Shopify Partner

As Digital Marketing Manager, Kristin brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to the role. Born and raised in Vancouver, Kristin graduated from SFU in 2020 with a BA in Communication and worked alongside the BMO Vancouver Marathon while completing her degree. Prior to taking on this role, Kristin worked at a boutique marketing agency which specialized in small businesses, creating their marketing strategy and branding along with overseeing their social media and copywriting.

Kristin is passionate about social media and loves how it’s always changing and can be a way to share an authentic experience of a brand. She was drawn to this role and the SMC team because she gets to do what she loves in an industry that she loves — restaurants and hospitality — in a collaborative environment full of creative people.

Kristin loves going to restaurants, concerts and playing board games with her friends. She likes short hikes with nice views (and the promise of a food or beverage-related reward afterwards) and her favourite cuisine is Japanese, followed closely by Thai food. She loves traveling and exploring the world, or at the very least just getting out of the house.

As Account Executive, Emma brings a passion for hospitality and tourism to the role. After moving to Abbotsford from Ontario, Emma went on to graduate from BCIT in 2021. Completing most of her program during the height of the pandemic and a strong belief to ‘shop local’ led her to complete her practicum with Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, where she fell in love with showcasing the best local places to shop and eat in her community.

She later worked as Marketing Coordinator for the White Rock BIA where she developed her skills in event hosting, social media, and created/ hosted videos of what to do in White Rock. This role set a foundation for future growth and taught her that the restaurant industry was where her heart is.

Emma began as Digital Marketing Coordinator within SMC Communications where she continued to grow in marketing but also had the opportunity to explore PR related tasks.

With her burgeoning passion for media and how it supports local businesses, creates community and is a creative space that helps the hospitality and tourism sector, Emma is perfectly suited to her new role at SMC.