Charlene earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has nearly 20 years experience in the communications and marketing fields.

Since founding CB&A in 1991, Charlene has worked with publishers and manufacturers whose products span the educational landscape from traditionally printed books to broadband-delivered online curriculum. Her expertise in developing and implementing strategic marketing plans has been fine-tuned over the years, and she is now one of the “go-to” people in the educational publishing industry.

Charlene began her career as a reporter, columnist and managing editor for newspapers in Montana and Texas.

As a mother and former aspiring teacher, Kristen has a true passion for education. Although she feels she could not lead a classroom, experience shows she can help lead clients to PR success. After receiving her degree in Public Relations and Marketing Communications, Kristen began working with clients from a variety of industries to plan and implement PR programs that included work for one of the largest apprenticeship programs in the country and a joint program between the National Foundation for Energy Education and a Chicago-based trade association. She has produced everything from press kits to company newsletters and specializes in media relations with local, regional, and national media outlets. One of her greatest accomplishments was enlightening the CB & A team with one of her news stories, compelling them to actually care about plumbing and pipefitting. Kristen’s goal is to help clients deliver the right message to the right audience utilizing a bit of creativity and finesse!

Sandy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Loyola Marymount University, a place that resides cliffside in a little town called Los Angeles. Having recently trekked across the country to Wisconsin, she now understands the meaning of “cold” and laughs when family members complain of California rain. Prior to CB&A, Sandy represented a number of clients for Hill & Knowlton, including Yahoo! (Messenger, Mail and Photos), Hewlett-Packard, Avery-Dennison and Coldwell Banker. Her experience with technology products and services provides her with a unique perspective, which she now marries with her enthusiasm for the education industry. In her spare time, Sandy can be found glued to the Food Network or experimenting with new dishes on her (thankfully) willing husband.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Women's Studies. Devoted to working with organizations whose overall mission benefits the community, she completed internships with two local nonprofit agencies while attending college. In addition, Emily worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Admissions for three years, where she gained unique insight into the world of higher education. Fresh out of college, Emily joined the CB&A team as PR Specialist. Later promoted to Account Executive, she now formulates strategic public relations plans, drafts and coordinates outbound communications and helps her clients organize special events at major industry trade shows and conferences. Originally from Green Bay, in her spare time Emily cheers for both the Badgers and the Packers.

Paul adminsters our Macintosh network, maintains the RSS feed, and tries valiantly to keep the Web site up-to-date. He’ also the author of our in-house database system, resident podcast producer, and copy editor of last resort. Although loathe to admit it, he’s spent some 30 years working with computers as a systems analyst, programmer, and web designer, including stints with Control Data Canada, the State of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research in San Antonio, Texas. He studied Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Afterhours he moonlights as a software entrepeneur through his website www.pedigree-draw.com.

The task of maintaining a convivial work environment lies squarely in the capable paws of “Mamma Kitty” and dutiful daughter “Lester”, who inspire us all in their unceasing Quest for toothsome vittles, naps without end, and a little skritch just behind the left ear, thankyouverymuch.

Mom and Les took advantage of our move to Wisconsin to expand their department, employing Ash and Cinder, a couple of feisty 5 year old feline siblings, to provide occasional backup so Mom and Les can take a few more “naps without end”. Ash and Cinder grew up in our back yard in San Antonio, and signed on to the wagon train north only under protest. They’re still a bit camera-shy, but promise to make an appearance on this page real soon now.