For two decades, Kathleen Henson has enjoyed a diverse career in public relations and marketing, working with some of the country’s most recognizable companies and brands. With unequaled energy, charisma and drive, Kathleen expertly and instinctually connects people, events and ideas to create big media moments that generate impactful, lasting buzz. Owner of her own boutique PR shop, Kathleen is constantly and organically growing her infinite, personal arsenal of contacts – which reaches deep into America’s top newsrooms all the way to Hollywood’s elite – to creatively tell her clients’ stories.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Purdue University and former agency senior vice president at Edelman, the nation’s leading independent PR firm, Kathleen has worked in public relations and marketing with some of the country’s most recognizable companies and brands. She started Henson Consulting (HC) in 2001 to reinvent the modern agency and to provide clients with strategic counsel, unparalleled creativity and tangible results. HC offers a broad range of consumer marketing and corporate communications support to a wide variety of international, national and Midwest-based clients. Over the years, the firm has worked with blue chip clients including Kraft Foods, Sears, Roebuck and Co., Swift & Company, Lands’ End, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Brown Forman Beverages, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Coldwell Banker, The White Sox, The Pampered Chef, AMLI Residential, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Allstate and the Allstate Foundation and the U.S. pistachio industry, among many others.

Kathleen always aims to meet and exceed expectations and loves the thrill of a great media placement. Her agency generates daily high-profile media hits for clients in a variety of the world’s most reputable outlets including: TIME Magazine, USA Today, Associated Press, The TODAY Show, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, NY Times, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, The Times (UK), CNN International, Business Week, E! News, Us Weekly, People and EXTRA, among countless others. A mother of five children, Kathleen counts HC as her sixth baby, and is thrilled with its tremendous growth and success.

Kathleen volunteers her time to a number of causes in Chicago, recently being named co-chair of the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago’s Women’s Leadership Council. She has been featured in a number of national outlets and is a regular contributor to PR News.

Amie DeLuca is a focused and disciplined communicator, whose passionate tenacity ensures clients maximum service and real results. Always at the ready to lend a helping hand, Amie enjoys collaborating with a strong team and providing tactical, thoughtful counsel to both her clients and her HC colleagues.

Amie, a graduate of the University of Iowa, brought a depth of corporate communications experience to HC when she joined the firm in 2008. Her strong news sensibility, command of executive positioning and ability to navigate crises – honed in leadership roles with top Chicago PR firms for Merrill Lynch and Allstate Insurance Company – provide HC’s clients with clear-cut plans to greater exposure and strengthened public reputations.

At HC, Amie is an indispensible counselor in the creation and execution of strategic plans. She has planned, managed and executed strategic reputation management programs for clients ranging from FORTUNE 500 companies to small, independently owned businesses.

Bright, dedicated, fun and warm, Jen Schefft Waterman approaches all tasks with a desire to do her very best work for her clients. Constant communication and goal-driven programming are top priorities for Jen, who works hard to build trust so that clients know they can count on her to always position their brand in the best light possible.

A graduate of Ohio University, Jen worked in marketing and PR for a large public relations firm, serving clients such as Kraft, Oscar Mayer and Unilever. Jen also is well known from her stints on ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” and in 2007, she penned the book “Better Single than Sorry: A No-Regrets Guide to Loving Yourself and Never Settling.”

Jen joined HC in 2009 and works on HC’s Lettuce Entertain You accounts and with fitness and lifestyle guru Shea Vaughn’s SheaNetics. Jen knows she’s succeeded when she’s secured a great media placement and her client is happy. Recent HC accomplishments include PR industry awards for Little Black Dress Wines’ “Official Wine of Awards Season” campaign and for a two-page spread in the Chicago Sun-Times secured for SheaNetics.

With a strong news sensibility and gift for writing, Anitra Schulte identifies creative angles and crafts comprehensive plans that help her clients realize their objectives. Trustworthy, unflappable, cooperative and compassionate, Anitra leads thoughtfully and with great attention to detail.

A graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia, Anitra began her media career as a journalist, working for a magazine in London, England, and as a reporter for The Kansas City Star and the Sun Times News Group. Prior to joining HC in 2009, Anitra was a public relations specialist at Chicago Public Schools, where she handled crisis communications, drafted speeches and coordinated press conferences for district leaders, including then-CEO, now U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

A reference and language enthusiast, Anitra is HC’s style and grammar resource, often tapped to comb copy for accuracy and clarity. Her client roster includes medical practices, physicians and non-profits, an interior design firm and a food technology company. Creating a cross-country media campaign that concluded with a placement on NBC’s TODAY Show was a career highlight for Anitra.

Biggest inspiration: My baby girl, Elsa Louise
I couldn’t live without: New experiences
Favorite hidden treasure in Chicago: Pastry window at Café Selmarie in Lincoln Square

With an artistic mastery of language and a pitch-perfect grasp of pop-culture and people, Anna Treiber knows just how to reach and win over key demographics sought by her lifestyle and hospitality brand clients. Ever focused on excellence and client satisfaction, Anna cultivates and leverages strong relationships to raise awareness and secure media coverage.

A graduate of Wheaton College, Anna joined HC as an intern in 2007 and was quickly brought officially on board. Her loyalty, passion and ambition have consistently been rewarded with more hard work. HC counts on Anna’s creativity and fresh ideas – which she offers with modesty and a fun dose of sarcasm – to inject excitement into media pitches and outreach strategies.

Anna, who also helps guide the growth of HC as director of the firm’s intern program, is a specialist in entertainment, lifestyle and celebrity PR. Her clients include HC’s Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises accounts, including restaurants RJ Grunts, Hub 51, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, and Café Ba Ba Reeba. Anna’s first media placements in celebrity weeklies Star and People are career highlights.

Favorite indulgence: Starbucks before work everyday
Biggest inspiration: My little sister Ellie. She’s a special gal and has taught me to be thankful and joyful despite circumstances.
Favorite Chicago activity: Running along the Lake Shore path

Katie Cosgrove is a genuine, perceptive, quick-witted and hardworking professional, who loves collaborating with and learning from those around her. She’s fulfilled by the mutual respect and trust that comes from a project well done, whether the outcome is a much sought-after media hit, a spike in social media numbers or a vibrant promotional event for a client.

A graduate of Saint Louis University with experience in restaurant and technology public relations, Katie started with HC in 2009 as an intern and was quickly brought on full time. Her HC accomplishments include hallmark projects for the Western Pistachio Association – the launch of TheGreenNut.org and the buzz-about Green Nut booth at the 2010 American Dietetic Association’s Food and Nutrition Conference.

Katie specializes in website and social media management at HC and has a knack for making complicated systems approachable to clients and colleagues alike. Her HC accounts include national consumer brands and health-focused non-profits. Bringing national attention to Essential Tremor through a New York Times placement for the International Essential Tremor Foundation was a career highlight for Katie.

Favorite hobby: Trying out new restaurants and playing with kitchen gadgets
Favorite indulgence: Sunday afternoon movie marathons
Most important item in my purse: Chapstick. Life just isn’t as good without it!

Jen Baum is a bright and positive critical thinker, who connects deeply and communicates easily with the media, her clients and her colleagues at HC. Charming, genuine and unfailingly diligent, Jen constantly seeks to improve her skills and ensure client satisfaction, as she works across a wide variety of accounts.

Jen, a graduate of Miami University, joined HC in 2010. Prior to coming to HC, she worked the red carpet as an intern for Us Weekly magazine then started her career in PR, working on well-known national accounts including Kay Jewelers, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice. Jen also led a multi-state media tour for Emmy award-winning actress Jane Seymour to promote the Open Heart art and jewelry collection.

Variety is an inspiration for Jen, who loves the diversity of her accounts at HC – from healthcare, to fashion, to cooking, to interior design. Her most memorable media win to date was securing a placement on NBC’s TODAY Show and literally watching the segment come together on Rockefeller Plaza.

Favorite TV Show: I was the biggest “I Love Lucy” fan growing up. I still can’t change the channel if it’s on.
Biggest inspiration: My mom. She always encourages me to look at the bright side of every situation, and even if I have a bad day, she tells me to shake it off and make the next day a better one.
Best hidden treasure in Chicago: Need a cheap and quick polish change/manicure? Great polish change for only $5 at Nail Spa – corner of Clybourn and Sheffield – worth every penny!

Conscientious and quick, Victoria Gestner is a self-starter and creative thinker, who believes that delivering a top-notch product means aligning even the tiniest project details. Victoria always looks for ways to do things more quickly without sacrificing quality, and HC depends on her smarts, speed and organization to keep projects moving and see them through to completion.

A graduate of Bradley University, Victoria joined HC as an intern in 2010 and was quickly brought on full time. Victoria supports most all of HC’s accounts – from medical to restaurant to consumer and trade – assisting with a wide variety of day-to-day media relations activities. She also spends much of her day on TweetDeck, Facebook and WordPress, executing social media programs and developing websites.

Victoria enjoys establishing relationships with reporters and making things easier for them by sending them exactly what they need, and she is ever motivated to produce work that she’s proud to put her name on, whether it’s building a small media list or helping place giant hearts on Michigan Avenue, as she did as part of the “Hearts A Bluhm” team.

Favorite TV show: Friends – No matter how many times I’ve seen it, I laugh at every episode
Favorite Chicago activity: Runs (Ok, more like jogs or fast walks) along the lakefront
I couldn’t live without: My phone – Connecting me to the people I love both near and far

Julie Hamm is a fun, diligent and hard-working professional, who’s always eager to take on a new challenge, lend a hand and add creative insight to HC projects and initiatives. She takes pride in her writing and communication skills, and her enthusiasm and energy make her a true bright spot at the firm.

A graduate of Miami University, Julie joined HC in the spring of 2011. Prior to joining HC, she worked in event coordination. Julie loves that no two days at HC are alike, and she’s constantly inspired by the variety of people she gets to work with on a daily basis and being a part of the process that brings ideas to life. Crafting a pitch and getting it into print are always highlights for Julie, no matter the size of the publication.

Julie specializes in restaurant and hospitality public relations, primarily supporting HC’s Lettuce Entertain You clients including HUB51, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Paris Club and Café Ba Ba Reeba, to name just a few. She also works with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and supports Terlato Wines and its Rutherford Hill brand.

Favorite vacation spot: Naples
Favorite Chicago activity: Bears Games!
I couldn’t with without: Family and friends…and my iPhone

Stephanie Cosgrove is a tactical, focused, clever designer, who brings clarity, direction and humor to projects in times calm and chaotic. Ever motivated to create inspired, unexpected work, Stephanie weaves beautiful and witty things found in people and in nature into smart original design that’s grounded in solid concepts.

A graduate of Drake University, Stephanie’s career first took her to China, where she taught English for a year and also traveled in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tibet and Thailand. Before coming to HC in 2010, Stephanie rose through the ranks from graphic designer to art director at a healthcare communications firm, winning a platinum Hermes award and platinum and gold MarCom awards during her time there for campaign and brochure work.

Stephanie, a graphic designer and art director at HC, provides creative leadership to her colleagues and to a wide range of consumer and nonprofit clients. She’s most proud of her branding and design work for VALEO, a new wellness center, and Hearts a Bluhm, a heart health awareness campaign for Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.

Favorite accessory: My Pantone color wheel
Favorite TV show: Top Chef
Chicago’s biggest hidden treasure: Lincoln Karaoke Bar

With humor, honesty and expediency, Carol Singerman sees the big picture alongside small snapshots, keeping HC on track and helping her colleagues through to the finish line. Carol considers it a privilege to work with clients and colleagues, and she always does whatever it takes to get the job done.

A graduate of Penn State University, Carol is a meeting and events specialist. She has planned and executed meetings for Abbott, Bayer, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Merck and Pfizer, and for more than 10 years, she developed celebrity and consumer events and promotions for CBS radio. In 2007, Carol founded a boutique firm specializing in corporate events and meetings and, after teaming up with HC on multiple projects that year, soon joined HC full time.

Carol is a jack-of-all-trades at HC who adds value, insight and expertise to all client accounts, from planning events and polishing critical presentations to maintaining HC’s calendar, payroll and billing. Carol knows that she has succeeded when her client or boss is thrilled with the outcome of something that she worked on, and when they recognize that she gave it her all.

Favorite food/drink: Greek food and of course wine…lots of wine!
Favorite TV show: Mad Men
Favorite musician: Bruce Springsteen!

Boomer, a West Highland Terrier, joined Henson Consulting in the fall of 2007. His primary responsibilities include team mascot, office guard dog and clean-up man. Prior to joining Henson Consulting, Boomer served as constant companion to his owner, Carol Singerman, where he earned the title of chief foot warmer. While not in the office, Boomer enjoys chasing squirrels, long walks in the park and tummy scratches.

Boomer is an energetic, two-year old pit bull mix. He specializes in napping, chasing balls around the office and monitoring meetings.

He enjoys treats (any variety) and long walks around the block. He is a lover of many (others dog, cats, children and adults!) and is always able to put a smile on everyone’s face with his human-like personality and kind spirit.

A skilled communicator, Nikki possesses the ability to expertly craft and tailor messages to a wide variety of audiences and outlets. She brings enthusiasm, creativity and fresh eye to HC and is passionate about using her deep resources to garner meaningful results for her clients.

Nikki joined the Henson Consulting team in 2012 after heading up the Public Relations efforts for a high-end, women’s luxury fashion brand and boutique in Chicago. As a graduate of Indiana University’s Ernie Pyle School of Journalism, Nikki credits her writing skills and keen ability to communicate to her professional success. She loves working with HC’s growing list of clients and brands, including Open Hearts Foundation and Lettuce Entertain You, promoting restaurants including Hub 51, Paris Club, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, and more.

Nikki serves as a member on the Children’s Memorial Hospital Service Board and looks forward to working with HC3, Henson Consulting’s philanthropic division. She believes that corporate social responsibility should be celebrated and is proud to be a part of HC’s commitment to generating buzz for worthy causes and organizations.

Favorite TV Show: Mad Men. I die for that ‘mod’ 1960’s style!
Favorite Indulgence: The Bananas Foster Cream Pie at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
Biggest Role Model: My mom. She’s my best friend and who I want to be when I “grow up.”

Shenetta Johnson joins Henson Consulting after more than seven years of experience in public relations, event planning and integrated marketing communications. Shenetta’s favorite part of working in PR is cultivating client relationships to help clients tell their story in their own way. After a two year stint in college admissions counseling after graduation, Shenetta decided to focus solely on working in the Communications field and has never looked back! Her experience includes working in corporate communications and consumer marketing, with a solid track record of client satisfaction and measurable results in both focus areas. From writing press releases to conducting media tours and campaigns to managing event sponsorship activations and stakeholder outreach for Ford Motor Company, Underwriters Laboratories and McDonald’s, Shenetta has performed a variety of tasks over the years and is not afraid to go the extra mile to complete a project.

Shenetta describes herself as someone who is always eager to collaborate with colleagues and clients to discover new and innovative ways to execute program strategy and tactics. Over the years, those who have worked with her have praised her positive attitude, bright smile, and willingness to jump head first into any project.

A Detroit area native and graduate of the University of Michigan, Dearborn campus, Shenetta moved to Chicago in 2010 to start a new journey of discovery and self-fulfillment for herself. While she’ll always love the “Mitten” and misses her family and friends, she knew that she needed to be in Chicago to grow as a person and a PR professional. An avid sports junkie and level 1 “almost” level 2 yogi, you can find Shenetta bopping around the north side cheering on the Detroit sports teams or practicing her headstand at the Chicago School of Yoga in Lincoln Park. She’s really adjusting well to life in the Second City and is excited to be a part of the HC team. If she could only learn how to parallel park and stop getting parking tickets, life would almost be perfect!

Favorite indulgence: Monthly facials, go see Claudia at Water Tower!
Favorite vacation spot: Jamaica
Most important accessory: Oversized Michael Kors watch and a gazillion gold bracelets

Caitlin Jarvi is a results-oriented and strategic communications professional.  She combines a wealth of creativity and technological know-how to increase a company’s ultimate exposure and improve its opportunity for success. Analytical and logical, Caitlin is a team player who regularly uses innovative concepts and a positive attitude to generate awesome results.

Caitlin joined Henson Consulting in 2012, bringing more than five years of agency experience to the team.  Her background includes extensive knowledge in branding, strategy, writing and engagement in a variety of industries, including technology, food & nutrition, healthcare, insurance and finance.  She has a proven track record of consistently exceeding client expectation through both high profile media placements and added values.

University of Iowa graduate and a proud Hawkeye, Caitlin takes pride in being both passionate and collaborative, and loves cultivating lasting and productive client, colleague and media relationships.  This go-getter lives on the words of Walt Disney “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Favorite food: My Nana’s pasta- nothing can compare!
Favorite vacation spot: Italy, I sure hope to check it off my bucket list one day
I couldn’t live without: Faith, Family and Friends

Kelsey is a strategic, conceptual, and enthusiastic designer who brings a sense of wit and playfulness to every project. She especially enjoys working with clients to bring them fresh and unexpected results.

Kelsey is a graduate of Iowa State University’s selective design program. While at ISU, she had the opportunity to study painting, design and art history in Rome, Italy (while also sampling all of the gelato she could find). She draws a lot of her inspiration from nature and her energetic nephews. In her spare time, Kelsey volunteers with the Taproot Foundation, providing design services for Chicago non-profits.

Kelsey began her career at a web design firm and then transitioned to graphic designer at a PR Firm in Chicago. She had the opportunity to work for a variety of clients in industries such as real estate, health, finance and education. She won a Golden Trumpet award and honorable mention webby award for her work redesigning a non-profit website.

Kelsey is excited to bring her skills to Henson.

Favorite Food: Peanut Butter
Favorite Vacation Spot: Italian coast
Favorite Activity to do in Chicago: Architecture tour