I bring together strategic communications, creative direction, writing, design, photography, and project management to turn meaningful stories into communications that connect with people and inspire action.
Why HSPPR
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From Buttercup to Fern
For this application, I wanted to demonstrate how I would approach one of HSPPR's real animal stories as a public relations opportunity. Fern's story happens to be one I know personally.
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE CREATED FOR HSPPR PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER APPLICATION
The Cat Who Wouldn't Go Back: Frightened Stray Finds Her Way
From Colorado Springs Streets to a College Campus
Buttercup arrived at the Humane Society frightened and wary of human contact. Today, Fern Meadow is a beloved companion and emotional support animal helping a college student manage stress.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. September 2026.
When Buttercup arrived at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR), she was approximately one year old and wanted little to do with people.
She hissed. She resisted handling. She was frightened enough that approaching her could result in a bite.
After spending time at the shelter to allow an owner to come forward, Buttercup was ultimately recommended for return to the area where she had been found. She had been spayed and ear-tipped as part of that process.
But when Jennifer Harrison returned Buttercup to the neighborhood where she had been living, something unexpected happened.
Buttercup did not want to leave. Harrison opened the carrier and waited. For approximately 20 minutes, the cat remained inside, cautiously watching her surroundings. Eventually, Buttercup stepped out, and Harrison assumed she had gone on her way.
Then Harrison let her daughter's dog, Bella, outside.
Buttercup ran directly toward her.
“I thought she had left the yard,” Harrison said. “Then she ran straight to Bella. She had been coming into my yard for months, so I wondered if she already knew my dog.”
Rather than disappearing back into the neighborhood, Buttercup followed Harrison and Bella inside.
That night, the cat who had been too frightened to allow people to handle her at the shelter curled up beside Bella.
Harrison contacted HSPPR for guidance, and what began as an attempt to return a community cat became the beginning of a very different life for Buttercup.
She was adopted and renamed Fern Meadow, or Fern for short.
Away from the unfamiliar shelter environment, Fern's affectionate personality continued to emerge. She became comfortable around people, dogs, and cats, seeking attention and frequently rubbing against the people and animals in the home.
The frightened cat who had resisted human contact at the shelter had found an environment where she felt safe.
Fern eventually went to live with Harrison's daughter, Saige, at college, where she now serves as her emotional support animal.
For Saige, Fern provides something that cannot be measured in a grade or job title: companionship.
“Fern runs to me when I come in throughout the day and sits with me while I study,” Saige said. “She helps me calm down when my stress gets overwhelming.”
Fern's impact may eventually extend beyond their home. Saige is proposing “Tea with Fern,” a gathering where students could enjoy tea or coffee, talk with their resident assistant, and spend time with Fern in a relaxed environment.
Fern's journey illustrates how differently an animal can respond as circumstances change. The cat who appeared fearful and defensive in an unfamiliar environment ultimately became a social, affectionate companion once she found a setting where she felt secure.
HSPPR helped complete Fern's transition into her new home by updating her information and providing the records needed for her adoption.
Today, the cat once known as Buttercup has a new name, a family, and an important role in a college student's life.
Where It Began
My connection to HSPPR started in design school. One of my early projects was an invitation and stationery concept created for an HSPPR Fur Ball fundraising event. Years later, I'm applying for the opportunity to bring the communications and creative skills I've built since then back to an organization that has stayed with me throughout my career.
