Strategic Communication and Public Relations
Stage 1 Public Relations provides strategic communication counsel for organizations that value clarity, credibility and earned visibility. My work is writing-led, thoughtful and grounded in experience across healthcare, biotech, nonprofits and mission-driven sectors.
I focus on helping organizations communicate with intention, strengthening reputation, positioning leadership and supporting long-term goals rather than short-term attention.
How Engagement Typically Begin
Every engagement begins with understanding where you stand. I assess current visibility, message consistency and positioning to identify what's working, what's unclear and where gaps exist.
When gaps are identified, I help build what's missing, thoughtfully and deliberately. Some engagements remain focused and discrete; others naturally evolve into longer-term advisory or retainer relationships when ongoing support is valuable.
My approach to media relations is selective and strategic. I focus on auditing your media presence, targeting the right reporters, developing strong pitch angles and securing earned coverage that reinforces credibility over time, rather than chasing volume or attention that doesn't serve the organization.
Media Relations:
areas of focus
Clear, compelling writing sits at the heart of effective communications. I work with leaders and organizations to develop thought leadership, executive narratives, bylines and long-form content that reflect expertise, builds trust and position voices of authority within their industries.
Thought Leadership and Writing
Advocacy and Mission-Driven Communications
For mission-driven organizations, communication must reflect values while engaging supporters, partners and communities. I help organizations articulate their purpose, impact and priorities in ways that build understanding, alignment and long-term support.
"Shirley has a vast knowledge in the healthcare space understanding pivotal industry trends, insights and changes, and therefore, applies these findings to high-level, strategic communications plans. Shirley operates as an approachable and caring client relations manager both internally and externally offering superior leadership skills to her team as well as clients."
Samantha Autry
PR, Centene
"Shirley is the consummate professional - smart, hardworking, diligent and bright. She is also incredibly warm and kind to her colleagues and clients. Anyone who has a chance to work with her is very lucky indeed."
Rebecca Farrell, MA
Eisai US
"Shirley is one of the best media strategist and PR professionals I have worked with. She is able to clearly lay out a successful media strategy from start to finish and is flexible enough to address unforeseen issues that inevitably arise during media projects."
Jane Wright-Mitchell
Principal and General Counsel, Lecar Life Sciences, Inc.
"Shirley is an excellent media strategist and PR professional. She's hard working, creative and diligent. She is one of the most genuine people that I have ever had the pleasure to work with."
Stephanie Kenney
SVP, Avidity Biosciences, Inc.
