About Matisse
Matisse is a passionate professional communicator dedicated to creating communication strategies that resonate across diverse audiences and foster an inclusive and accessible environment for all.
A Little Bit About Moi
Why, hello there! I’m Matisse, or Mati for short. My artist mother named me after the French painter Henri Matisse, but I, unfortunately, didn’t get any of those artistic talents. However, I do have the gift of writing.
I’m a communications professional and a professor in the public relations program at Durham College. I also volunteer with PR and communications-specific organizations, like the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and run my own podcast and blog, PR & Lattes.
I’m a seasoned PR and communications practitioner known for my dynamic range of skills that have consistently elevated brands and organizations to new heights, with digital accessibility always at the forefront.
Following a stint working at a PR agency, my passion was ignited by a transformative experience when I started as a corporate communications specialist at the CNIB Foundation. There, I realized the important role digital accessibility plays when crafting PR campaigns to ensure they are as inclusive and equitable as possible.
During my tenure at the CNIB Foundation, I immersed myself in learning as much as possible about digital accessibility, inclusion, diversity and equity. I completed the Accessible Media Production program at Mohawk College and the Diversity and Inclusion certificate program through Cornell University.
Following my time at the CNIB Foundation, it was natural for me to move on to work at AbleDocs, a world leader in digital accessibility.
My experiences to date have helped me specialize in strategic and internal communications and digital accessibility, as I have an exceptional talent for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
I’ve been recognized and awarded for my expertise, particularly within the accessible communications space. I have a proven track record of navigating complex situations with poise and tact, ensuring brand integrity remains intact.
I pride myself on my knowledge of digital PR and adeptly leverage social media and digital platforms to amplify messages, engage stakeholders, and monitor brand sentiment. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a commitment to ethical PR practices, I am a go-to expert for innovative, results-driven PR strategies.
I am proud to have worked with companies including:
Matisse at a Glance
Highlights
- 10 years of experience in PR and communications
- Certified digital accessibility expert
- Notable projects: The CNIB Foundation, Durham College, AbleDocs, Astellas Pharma Manager of CNIB’s Centennial Campaign
- International-award winner
- Durham College PR program co-ordinator 2021-2022
Credentials
- CP Style Certification – Advanced Level – The Canadian Press
- Accessible Documents Specialist – International Association of Accessibility Professionals
- Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies – International Association of Accessibility Professionals
Advisory / Board Experience
- Vice President, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) – IABC/Toronto (2023-2024)
- Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – IABC (2023- 2024)
- Vice President, Communications, Marketing & Digital Media – IABC/Toronto (2022-2023)
- Director of Communications – IDEA Committee – IABC/Toronto (2021-2022)
- Member – Communications Committee – Whitby Business Improvement Association (2019-2023)
- Director – YWCA Durham (2021-2022)
- Director – Durham College Alumni Association (2015-2018)
Matisse is an incredible leader, a polished speaker and a collaborator at heart. She is an advocate and a champion for accessibility at all levels – online and in person. She breaks the most complex parts into bite-sized pieces that instantly resonate with her audiences and turns doubters into advocates.
Kelly Thibodeau, Squarely Accessible
Matisse, the Person
Who is Matisse outside of PR, you ask? Well, I’m:
- An accessibility and mental health advocate – I’m passionate about changing the status quo when it comes to digital accessibility as well as mental health.
- A wife and dog mom – I’m lucky to be married to an Irishman and am the proud dog mom of two Old English Sheepdogs named Agnes and Edith.
- A binge-watcher – I love binge-watching the latest season of a show. My go-to shows include, but are definitely not limited to, Bob’s Burgers, Succession, Ted Lasso, and Law & Order: SVU.
- A book lover – While the to-be-read list keeps growing, my love of words and immersing myself in a story will never fade. My favourite book? The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
- A wannabe chef – I love a good cooking show. But what’s better is whipping up recipes myself.
- Stationery obsessed – There is nothing better than having the perfect pen and notebook combination with the right highlighters.
