Julia Thomas

Julia is an Athens native and a proud graduate of the University of Georgia where she majored in Marketing.  She has a strong desire to share stories of people and companies that are having a positive impact on their industries and communities. It is her joy to connect with clients and media in an intentional manner in order to make an impact on the world. On any given weekend, you can find her watching any Georgia sports team that may be in town with her husband or going on long walks around Athens with coffee and friends.

What is something you totally nerd-out over? The Royal Family

Walk-Up Song: Your Crowing Glory

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be… Pharmacist

Favorite word in the english language: Serendipity

On any given weekend, you’ll find me… Walking on Milledge, coffee in hand

Why SSG? I love being surrounded by learners. Everyone at SSG is eager to learn and grow in their specific disciple, and their passion to become experts inspires me to do the same!

Matt Chastain

Matt Chastain graduated from the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism in 2001 and has two decades of experience as a producer, writer, director and actor in both marketing & advertising and in narrative tv & film. After spending four years as production director and media planner for Snowden Tartarski Advertising, Matt worked for Cox Media Group in business development and creative production and later co-founded a successful marketing agency which he later sold to devote time to feature film work.  

His most recent feature film, Small Group the Movie, won Best Picture at the International Christian Film Festival and is currently being distributed worldwide on most major streaming platforms. Matt is a writer on the TV series Vindication and also wrote the theme song on a former Fox animated series called Brickelberry.  

He has been a professional voice over artist for the past decade, voicing spots for clients such as Dunkin Donuts, the Milwalke Brewers and Netflix.

Most recently, Matt joined the See Spark Go team as Senior Producer where he specializes in video content creation and business development. Matt lives in Arnoldsville, GA with his wife and their three children. 

Lauryn Russell

Lauryn is a graduate of the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and a minor in Sport Management. Recently, she has also obtained a master’s degree in Integrated Advertising and Public Relations. After five semesters in our intern program, Lauryn will join the See.Spark.Go Athens office to bring her creativity and enthusiasm across all interpersonal and client relationships. Combining her passion to learn and care for those around her, Lauryn is able to cultivate strong relationships and bring stories to life. In her free time, Lauryn enjoys listening to Fleetwood Mac, hiking and spending time with her family and friends.

What’s your enneagram number? Type 3: The Achiever

I totally nerd out over: Family Feud, college football and Spotify playlists

Walk-up song: “Age of Man” by Greta Van Fleet

What I’m binge-watching: Abbott Elementary

Best advice I’ve ever received: “Act happy, feel happy, be happy without a reason in the world. Then you can love and do what you will.”

Why SSG? The uplifting people and the positive atmosphere that radiates off of everyone here is why I love See.Spark.Go. It is truly special to work alongside such amazing individuals who encourage you to be the best YOU! Words cannot express the amount of gratitude I feel to wake up and work at a place that emphasizes real-time professional development, provides countless learning opportunities and cheers you on in and outside of the workplace.

Sydney Parrish

Sydney graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Marketing and a certificate of Entrepreneurship from the Terry College of Business. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, she made the leap to Athens and has never looked back. She is passionate about brand voice and engaging with the community using the power of social media. She has a passion for anything creative and enjoys the entire creative process that goes with marketing. When she isn’t researching and brainstorming the latest trends, you can find her at a country concert, outside with her Australian shepherd, Cooper, with friends, or making jewelry.

What is something you totally nerd-out over? Cowboy boots

Walk-Up Song: Crazy in Love by Beyonće

If I won the lottery tomorrow… Buy a cozy house on the lake with an old boat and invite all of my best friends to move in.

Best advice I’ve ever received…Turn letdowns into lessons and disappointment into determination

Why SSG? I value people so much and could tell from the first second that SGG has some of the best people. Not to mention, an amazing mission and brand.

Cameron Cortman

Cameron is a recent graduate of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA—right outside of Chattanooga—where he majored in Business Marketing and played collegiate tennis. He joins the See.Spark.Go Athens office after being a part of the intern program for the past two semesters. Cam combines his passion for people and desire to pursue excellence into his work in social media through crafting and curating the best content for his clients. An avid Chick-fil-A sweet tea enthusiast and dark chocolate advocate, Cam spends his free time finding new hiking spots and taking every opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

What’s your enneagram number? Type 3: The Achiever 

Best advice I have ever received… “Loving people the way Jesus did is great theology.” —Bob Goff

Walk-Up Song: Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer

What I’m binge-watching: Friends — for the 10th time!

Why SSG? A culture that celebrates people and maintains positivity while achieving results fits right into my wheelhouse. It’s a privilege to be able to tell the greatest stories in the world alongside the greatest teammates in the world. SSG has already been foundational to my growth as a person and marketing professional, and I am confident that the growth is only just beginning.

Ansley Hayman

Ansley serves See.Spark.Go as a Jr. Account Lead, Digital Specialist. She graduated from The University of Georgia with her degree in Advertising and a certificate in Nonprofit Management. For the past 4 years she has worked on paid social and digital strategy for both corporate and nonprofit clients. When she gets home from work she loves to play with her dog Thor and go on long nature walks. When she’s not with her dog or creating digital campaigns, she likes to spend her time watching movies, reading a good book, and hanging out with friends.

I totally nerd-out over: Anything Marvel (hence my dog’s name), The Office, UGA football, alternative music

Diet Coke or LaCroix: Diet Coke all the way

Walk-Up Song: Human by Christina Perri

What I’m Binge Watching: Superstore

Why SSG: Every story is important and deserves to be heard.

Abigail Curtis-Simpson

A lifelong storyteller, Abigail loves bringing her clients’ stories to life, whether through a carefully crafted caption or voiced-over video. She hails from Memphis and comes to SSG with a background in English Language and Literature. Utilizing her eye for detail and penchant for organization, she creates strategies, designs graphics and compiles Reels with ease and expertise. Outside of work, you can find Abigail and her husband, Nickolas, lingering at their favorite coffeeshop or hiking a nearby trail.

Walk-Up Song: Another Day of Sun by the La La Land Cast

What is something you totally nerd-out over? Handmade pottery and specialty coffee

I’m an expert at/in… copyediting, and Harry Potter trivia!

Why SSG? There’s no other place in the world quite like SSG. This team is truly special, and the community it has created is a joy to be a part of!

Kendall Worman

Kendall uses her intuitive nature to forge genuine connections through brand storytelling on social media, in conjunction with her ‘journalist brain’ that is always seeking more knowledge to make campaigns successful. Kendall joined See.Spark.Go in 2022 and brings with her a decade of experience in agency settings, newsrooms and nonprofit organizations. Kendall holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the University of Georgia, as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Alabama (‘Roll Tide till I die, y’all,’ she says). Whether it’s curating an aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed or crafting unique brand messaging for relatable copy, Kendall is passionate about developing social strategies that are both beautiful and effective. When she’s not heads down in strategy development, you’ll find her playing in her closet, scouring Pinterest for style inspo or hanging out at a brewery with her husband, Brandon. Oh, and she has three angel cats that make her world go round!

Walk-Up Song: She Works Hard For The Money by Donna Summer

Favorite word in the english language: Connection

I’m an expert at/in… Hosting quaint dinner parties

What I’m binge-watching: Mad Men. It’s always Mad Men, y’all.

Why SSG? Human connection is the catalyst for progress. SSG’s magnetic culture and genuine commitment to their people made the decision to join this team of storytellers a no brainer. Good things are happening at this company, and I’m stoked to be apart of it all!

Blake Schenerlein

Blake is a multifaceted communications professional who blends instinctive storytelling with a human perspective. A strategist at heart, her experience spans industries from tech to trend-spotting, fueled by finding solutions and connecting dots along the way. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, Blake kick started her career in New York City working with the biggest social media company in the world – crafting dynamic campaigns and building relationships with media, brands and creators. After 5 o’clock, you can find her testing out a new recipe, playing with her cat, Althea, or planning a weekend adventure with her husband, Jackson.

What is something you totally nerd-out over? Thrifted finds and pop culture moments.

Best advice I’ve ever received… Trust that the answer will find you.

What I’m binge-watching: Gilmore Girls, always.

Walk-Up Song: Space Age Love Song by A Flock of Seagulls

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be… a Broadway star!

Why SSG? The focus on people, relationships and results. Finding SSG was fate!

Suzanne Rutledge

Suzanne Rutledge brings more than 25 years of corporate and agency public relations experience to See.Spark.Go. Earning her PR chops at world-renowned brands including Coca-Cola and Jackson Spalding, her expertise in media relations strategy quickly elevates brand reputations at a national scale. When she isn’t landing hits in Forbes, she is taking advantage of living abroad in London with her husband and 14-year-old son and traveling whenever they get the chance.

I totally nerd out over: Traveling to places that are totally out of my comfort zone

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be: a TV anchorwoman

Diet Coke of LaCroix? Why do you even ask? Team Diet Coke forever!

If I won the lottery tomorrow: We’d be on the next flight to travel around the world (again).

Best advice I’ve ever received: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

I’m an expert in: Getting stuff done.

Why SSG? Because relationships matter as much as results

Kaci Pollack

Kaci has been a part of team SSG since 2018, when she graduated from the SSG intern program and the University of Georgia’s Grady College with a degree in public relations and a minor in spanish. Her niche is traditional public relations, which allows her to champion the best clients in the world by sharing their stories with the media. In her role, Kaci also supports Team Thoms, works on internal SSG initiatives and leads the intern and apprentice programs at SSG. She is a big believer in the idea that enthusiasm always, always wins, and she can often be found laughing loudly with a coffee or Diet Coke in hand.  

Enneagram Number: I’m the very textbook definition of a 2 – The Helper.

Favorite Word in the English Language: Celebrate!

If I won the lottery tomorrow: I’d buy front row tickets to the next Jonas Brothers concert, then jump on a plane with my people to travel the world. I’d come back home and buy a beach house, which I would never leave. Oh, and I’d pay off my student loans. 

I’m an expert at: Being a professional hype girl for my people.

On any given weekend, you’ll find me: Laughing really loudly, drinking coffee, cheering on the Dawgs, going to the movies and spending time with my people

What I’m binge-watching: KUWTK to see Kanye’s ever evolving transformation 🙂 

Why SSG? Because this is a place where people matter, stories are celebrated, enthusiasm and joy are contagious and Jesus is present. There’s no place I’d rather be, and no people I’d rather work alongside.

Kellie Merritt

Kellie is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and minor in fashion merchandising. After interning with SSG during the summer of 2014, she spent nearly three years in the fast-paced world of event-based, agency PR in Atlanta. Life then took her on a three-year adventure to Savannah with her husband where she served as a regional marketing manager for over 30 general and specialty dental practices located across Georgia, South Carolina and Texas. Kellie boomeranged back to SSG in late 2020 and has since focused on providing her clients with strategic vision, impactful results and relational service, whether it’s through the lens of public relations, copywriting, content creation or anything needing a little wordsmithing — a.k.a. a little umph. When she’s not one step ahead of herself in directing strategies for her clients, you can find Kellie on the hunt for her next vinyl gem, finding any excuse to be outside with her family and friends on a nice day, or loving on her furbaby, Rye, and actual baby girl, Lenny.

I totally nerd out over: finding a cool coffee mug to commemorate every vacation. 

Best advice I’ve ever received: Be kind, always, to yourself and others. 

I’m an expert at: cooking for 20, although we’re a party of two + a baby. 

Walk-Up Song: “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Growing up, my dad and I would always jam out to this song in the car on high volume. When I got married, we got on stage and rocked out to it together – it was a little too untraditional for the daddy/daughter dance, though 🙂 

Why SSG? The leadership, culture and opportunities that allow me to be my most creative self and to grow both personally and professionally.

Cara Lacey

A true believer that the best ideas come from collaborative energy, diverse experience and a whole that is wiser than the sum of its parts, Cara was ready to jump back onto a winning team when she joined See Spark Go in 2018. With a professional career working for large brands, boutique agencies and awareness seeking non-profits, Cara’s experience brings an understanding and enthusiasm for building followers and loyalty among a brand’s on and off-line communities. When not building relationships and creating engagement strategies for SSG clients, Cara can be found playing tennis, cooking, or exploring new destinations with her husband Todd and their two daughters, Camryn and Madelyn.

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be: A cake decorator!

Favorite word in the english language: Serendipity

If I were a social media platform, I’d be: Instagram! Dreamy photos are my fav.

I’m an expert at: Negotiating with children. 🙂

Best advice I’ve ever received: Surround yourself with positive people who believe in your dreams, encourage your ideas, support your ambitions and bring out the best in you.

Why SSG? The best, most supportive, hard-working, positive people I could ever imagine working with!

Natalie Chapo

Natalie came to See.Spark.Go with a background in Digital Marketing and PR in the retail industry. With a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Community Health, her passion for community and digital media grows more every day. As a PR and Social Media Account Lead, she spends her time creating content and executing strategy to help tell her client’s stories. When she is not actively seeking connection with clients and researching social media trends, you can find her at your local coffee shop, hanging out with friends and family or outside enjoying nature with her husband, Sam.

What’s your enneagram number? 2 – The Helper

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be… A professional surfer in Hawaii

Diet Coke or La Croix? La Croix, always!

Favorite word in the english language: Whimsical

Best advice I’ve ever received… We can’t cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in JOY!

Why SSG? Relationships are a key component to the mission at SSG. We get to tell cool stories alongside the coolest people and who wouldn’t want to be part of something like that?

Avery Carson

Avery came to See.Spark.Go in 2019 with a background in strategic communications and campaigns. As an Athens native with a passion for taking a people-centered approach to communications and design, Avery thrives within our owned media service offering. When she’s not writing innovative social strategies for clients, you can find her sipping local coffee and re-reading her favorite books.

Enneagram Number: The Caring, Interpersonal Type: 2.

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be… An author. I guess the love for telling incredible stories has always been in my DNA.

I’m an expert at… Creating beautiful Instagram stories + taking over the AUX cord.

Best advice I’ve ever received… Don’t adapt to the energy in the room, influence the energy in the room.

What I’m binge-watching: I’ll be re-watching New Girl for the rest of my life + giggling the entire time.

Why SSG? A group full of people who value creativity, relationships + celebrating BIG?! I’m in!

Dave Burns

From healthcare to music to marketing, Dave Burns has built a career combining an attention to detail, a knack for creative solutions and a dedication to camaraderie. For five years, Dave managed behind-the-scenes event logistics across the globe. Now as a project manager, he enjoys identifying the needs of his clients with empathy, collaborating with the team about priorities and always making sure we’re going about our business in the best way possible. On the weekends you’ll find Dave writing songs, walking his dog around Nashville and watching football with his wife Maggie.

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be… An entertainer

What I’m binge-watching: Ted Lasso

Best advice I’ve ever received… Only you know what’s on your heart

I’m an expert at… Being a human jukebox

Walk-Up Song: Uptown Funk

Why SSG? I love how our team values one another and our clients!

Natalie Matthews

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Natalie’s experience in public relations spans all sectors, from restaurants and lifestyle brands to non-profits, independent associations and everything in between. After earning her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, she went on to work as a PR account lead for four years at Sheridan Public Relations in Nashville where she sharpened her skills in media and client relations, event coordination, content creation and brand awareness. In 2018, she moved to Atlanta and has been with See Spark Go ever since. As PR Manager, she oversees client success by elevating earned media strategy while leading teams with energy and impact.

Walk-Up Song: The Power of Love by Huey Lewis & The News

Best advice I’ve ever received: The grass is greener where you water it.

What I’m binge-watching: Barefoot Contessa — I’m trying to master a few signature dishes and desserts, plus Ina Garten is queen.

I’m an expert at: Spelling and all things Ole Miss 

Why SSG? Have you met my coworkers?

Robyn Carter

Robyn Carter is an Alpharettian leading digital marketing strategy for our clients as our digital account manager. An Auburn grad with 8+ years of advertising agency experience, Robyn has been serving our digital clients since 2017. Before joining us, she kicked off her career at GS&F serving several national entertainment, b2b and b2c accounts with paid, owned and earned media strategy. She leads digital marketing strategy and execution for our clients across paid social media advertising, Google Ads, programmatic advertising, Spotify advertising and emerging ad platforms. Outside of work, you can find Robyn dabbling in reformer pilates, eating at Superica with her husband Brandon and leading communications for a non-profit in honor of her late cousin called The Rachel Gamble Memorial Fund.

Walk-Up Song: Rockin’ Robin. My dad and I even did a choreographed dance to it at my wedding!

I’m an expert at: Meeting your audience where they’re at.

If I won the lottery tomorrow: I would move to Hawaii and invest in a lot of sunscreen.

On any given weekend, you’ll find me: Going on walks with friends.

Why SSG? The people.

Janay Boyer

Janay serves See.Spark.Go as an account team director, overseeing strategy for some of our most impactful non-profit and faith-based accounts. She has spent more than a decade honing her marketing and storytelling skills working within homeless service charities and now in a client service capacity with ministries across North America. In addition to content development, she brings specialized skills in direct response, fundraising strategy and non-profit organization management. She loves volunteering at church and with Atlanta’s homeless community—and relishes her most important role as Aunt Nay. When she’s not thinking about campaign development and brand building, you can find her hosting friends in her house and perfecting recipes on Instagram. 

I totally nerd-out over: True crime, politics, history and Hallmark movies 

I’m an expert at: Storytelling — in my work AND in my life. Everything life throws at us, good or bad, that has the potential to make a great story. 

Diet Coke or LaCroix: Diet Coke in the styrofoam cup from Chick-fil-A

What’s your enneagram number?: 7w8 (enthusiastic and opinionated!)

Why SSG? Because I get to help the very best people tell the very best stories!

Erica Cates

Erica is joining the See.Spark.Go team with a background in Human Resources and Business Development. With a degree from North Georgia, and a Certificate of HR from Emory University, she has excelled in multiple sectors of for-profit and non-profit organizations. Serving and caring for others are the cornerstones of Erica’s purpose, and that has pushed her to create and develop opportunities for others to succeed around her. After 5 o’clock, Erica looks forward to walks with her pup Beans and husband Peter, cooking meals inspired by Molly Baz and Claire Saffitz, walking or running through a summer garden, and planning a dinner party with friends.

I’m an expert at/in… Cooking 

Walk-Up Song: Hollaback Girl – Gwen Steffani 

Best advice I’ve ever received… Leave it better than you found it. 

Why SSG? Positivity. Ideas to Action. People. Culture. 

Christy Carson

With a business undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia’s Terry College and a communication graduate degree from University of Wisconsin—Madison, Christy Carson works with the Accounting team to support the creative minds telling amazing stories at See.Spark.Go.  

I totally nerd-out over: Our national parks…my goal is to visit all of them! 

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be: Olivia Newton John (and I can’t even sing!)

Walk-Up Song: Just Like Fire by Pink

On any given weekend, you’ll find me: spending time with family, reading a good book, cooking, and spending lots of time outside running or hiking

Why SSG? The people and environment are truly amazing!

Amy Borders

Amy rejoined the workforce as a part of the See.Spark.Go team in 2016 after an extended time away from work to be at home with her two young children. As a graduate of the University of Georgia’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting with her MAcc and a licensed CPA, she brings a great deal of financial knowhow to the team.  She loves helping SSG stay on track in reaching its goals and adds structure to the business and organization as a whole.  Amy serves as a board member for Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation which fuels her passion for empowering women in our community. In her downtime you can find her reading, puzzling or working on her new sport of choice, golf.

Enneagram Number: 1 – The Perfectionist/The Reformer

Favorite word in the english language:  Wonder 

If I won the lottery tomorrow: I’d purchase and renovate the Seahorse Inn on Flagler Ave in New Smyrna Beach, FL.

Best advice I’ve ever received: “This too shall pass” from my mom.  It’s always true.

On any given weekend, you’ll find me: Having an extended coffee and chat time with my hubby, Brian.

Why SSG? I asked. God answered.

Josh Deyton

Josh brings 17 years of marketing experience to the See.Spark.Go team. A two-time client and long-time friend of the organization Josh loves telling great stories and helping people achieve their goals and objectives. His experience creating marketing strategy with global and national brands such as Marriott and the Atlanta Braves combined with nearly 7 years of non-profit leadership will be leveraged to expand See.Spark.Go’s service offering to include PPC, SEM, Paid Social Media, Systems Architecture, and Strategic Campaign Development.

When I was a kid, I swore I’d grow up to be: An astronaut

Favorite word in the english language: Generosity

I totally nerd-out over: Data for our clients…and Star Wars.

Best advice I’ve ever received: Proverbs 3:5-6

If I were a social media platform, I’d be: AOL Instant Messenger.

Why SSG? Who wouldn’t want to work for the best company on the planet?!

Jennifer Mbala-Nkanga

Jennifer came to See.Spark.Go after more than seven years in magazines, media, tourism and events. Her deep understanding of editorial content brings strategy and vision to clients and the SSG team. Whether listening to NPR and podcasts, reading profiles in magazines or meeting new people, Jenn’s favorite thing is to hear how and why people are who they are. Her deep understanding of content brings structure and vision to clients and the SSG team. A natural editor, Jenn oversees content and creative for social clients and See.Spark.Go’s brand. She emphasizes high accountability and high growth mindsets while training our team to have a more holistic view of our services and connection to a client’s business objectives. 

Jennifer Garrett has been at See.Spark.Go since January 2014

What I’m binge-watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

I’m an expert at: The correct use of that and which.

If I were a social media platform, I’d be: YouTube – You might laugh, you might cry, you might learn something new, but no matter what, you’ll want to watch it again with a friend.

Best advice I’ve ever received: Choose joy.

On any given weekend, you’ll find me: Playing soccer, supporting endeavors in Clarkston, Ga., playing with my rescue pup Turner and gathering friends at my house.

Why SSG? All heart — we do excellent work, build authentic relationships and are passionate about sparking new ideas that show how much we care.

Brittany Thoms

See.Spark.Go Public Relations Firm co-founder, president and publicity maven, Brittany began her career in fast-paced agencies promoting national accounts through entertainment and sports-related events. With a desire to return to the city that captured their hearts— Athens, Georgia—Brittany and her husband Andy founded See.Spark.Go in 2007. Her strategic thinking and creative enthusiasm influence all of See.Spark.Go’s clients. She serves as a board member for Eagle Ranch, Break Into Business and advises several other nonprofits on a regular basis.

I totally nerd-out over: All things PR, business, interior design, fitness & parenting!

Walk-Up Song: GLAMOROUS by Fergie

I’m an expert at: Ideating! (Is that even a thing?)

Enneagram Number: 7 – The Enthusiast

On any given weekend, you’ll find me: Hanging with my two awesome boys, Carson and Callan!

Why SSG? Because we tell the best stories alongside the best people!

Andy Thoms

A gifted networker and entrepreneur, Andy brings strategic leadership and business development to the team at See.Spark.Go. His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to establish several of his own businesses and assist in several startup nonprofits, laying the groundwork for organizational growth. Andy’s passion in life is seeing others reach their God-given potential. Andy started See.Spark.Go with his wife Brittany in July 2007. You can regularly find him in Athens coaching sports with their two sons, Carson and Callan.

I totally nerd-out over: UGA Football!

Walk-Up Song: Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

Best advice I’ve ever received: Fear is normal, success is an option, courage is developed, trust is earned.

Favorite word(s) in the english language: Fired up!

On any given weekend, you’ll find me: Hanging out with my awesome family!

Why SSG? It’s a calling!