About Us

For over 20 years, Stephanie has worked with the senior leadership, communications and creative teams of nonprofits to develop their brand strategy, tell compelling stories, and create enriching, engaging learning tools.

She began her nonprofit work at the City of Chicago on workforce development projects, and next honed her skills in Senegal as communications lead for a local environmental organization. There she produced a radio show and filmed her first documentary, “Trees and People”. Stephanie has since worked in over fifteen countries as a filmmaker, communications trainer, strategist and storyteller. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and Business from University of Illinois and an MPhil from the Institute of Development Studies in Brighton, England. Stephanie is co-chair of the Communications Network’s Chicago chapter and is passionate about creating opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. She also loves art, sailing, and Stevie Wonder.

John is a writer and brand strategist who helps clients understand their audiences, find their voices, develop stories and create innovative messages. Some of his recent successes include the Lincoln Park Zoo’s rebrand and development of its new tagline, “For Wildlife. For All.” and multiple communications campaigns for accounting firm Grant Thornton. His expertise includes writing for social media, newsletter development, print collateral and ad campaigns. When he’s not writing onscreen, John writes in his head while traveling, cycling, watching soccer matches and searching Chicago restaurants for the city’s best burger.

Brendan’s experience comes from documentary filmmaking and commercial advertising. After graduating from Northwestern University with a Masters in Journalism, he worked as a Creative Director for a production house in Washington, D.C. where he developed a wide range of video solutions for clients ranging from small businesses to the federal government. His work has taken him around the globe from Southeast Asia to Europe and the Caribbean. Brendan continues to create documentary films on a freelance basis—several of which have gone on to win awards and play in festivals throughout the country. In his free time he loves to play music with his band, cook, and seek out the best cheap eats in Chicago.

Brianne’s experience includes journalism, teaching, and work for nonprofits focused on mental health and disability advocacy including The Kennedy Forum Illinois and Misericorida Home, part of Catholic Charities. Before joining Ensemble she received her MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. As an artist and musician dedicated to social causes, Brianne now applies her unique strategy and storytelling experience to the work of incredible organizations with Ensemble Media. She loves animals and singing, and sometimes sings to her cat, Andei.

Dan supports nonprofits through creative graphic design and illustration. He has bolstered commercial brands and cause-driven initiatives like School-to-School International, ESPN, the Chicago Community Trust and Chicago’s Navy Pier. He excels at translating mission and vision into meaningful design, and is adept at incorporating infographics and data visualizations into print and digital tools to enhance understanding. Dan has an interest in experimental typography and used to run a storefront art gallery with his wife, Jessica.