The Team

MEET THE STAFF

Miki Akil

After working as a publicist in Hollywood, Miki found her calling in consumer/lifestyle PR. She is a Houston native (who you’ll always find watching the Astros or Texans) with a proven track record of developing powerful marketing communications campaigns. After moving to the West Coast more than 10 years ago, she now calls OC home and lives with her husband and two kitties, Gatsby and Fitzgerald.

Carrie Freitas Carrie hails from a newspaper/journalism family on her mother’s side, and a marketing/ printing family on her father’s — which explains why she is both a published writer and founder of Kitchen Table Marketing. She lives in Newport Beach with her husband and is a proud mom of two, and stepmom of three. Carrie is passionate about giving back to her community and supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Jordan Kruk Jordan has had a love of writing from a young age, leading her to pursue a career in PR. She started off in B2B marketing in the commercial real estate industry before joining the Kitchen Table team where she quickly discovered her passion for the restaurant and nonprofit industries. Jordan is an OC native and currently resides in Huntington Beach with her boyfriend and their pug, Franklin.

Becca Stonebraker Becca’s background and education have revolved around how to tell a good story, something she leverages in the work she does for KTM’s clients. On a daily basis, she taps into her passions for food and philanthropy to serve a variety of businesses in the hospitality and nonprofit industries. Becca is a SoCal native who loves a good meal, the great outdoors, and traveling to new places.

Madelyn Sutherland Madi found her love for public relations and social media while studying Communications at California State University, Fullerton. After pursuing her degree, she worked for a digital marketing agency overseeing clients in the tech space before finding herself at the Kitchen Table. Born and raised in Orange County, Madi supports a range of locally (and a few national) based food, design, nonprofit and real estate clients for KTM.

CONTRIBUTORS

Elisabeth Abrahamson OC native Elisabeth Abrahamson loves writing about her beloved hometown. When she’s not creating content, she spends her time traveling (when it’s safe to do so), wine tasting, and watching reruns of The Office with her fiance, Doug.

Valentin Assidao Valentin Asiddao moved to LA from Manila in the 80s to pursue grad studies in English Lit. He taught collegelevel writing and literature and has published poetry and short fiction. He lives in LA with his wife and children, and takes regular walks with a camera.

Wendy Bowman Wendy Bowman is a San Clemente-based freelance journalist with 30-plus years of experience writing for magazines, newspapers and websites. When she’s not writing, Wendy enjoys practicing yoga and taking care of her English Bulldog, Rhyis.

Kristen Cagatao Born and raised in SoCal, Kristen is responsible for the beautiful look of Tableau. In addition to being a talented, full-time graphic designer, she enjoys dancing with her Polynesian Group, Nonosina, and traveling.

Sara Hall Sara has 14 years of experience at daily and weekly newspapers, including the Newport Beach Independent. Her work includes photography, writing, design and layout. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling and spending time with her husband and pets.

Euni Lee Euni Lee is a born and raised Southern Californian. She is currently studying English and Ethnicity and Race Studies at Columbia University. Her favorite places in OC are Table Rock Beach and local Korean markets.

Sarah Mosqueda Sarah Mosqueda has worked as a freelance journalist in OC and LA for a decade. Her work has appeared in Orange Coast Magazine, Coast Magazine, Hispanic Network Magazine and Bon Appetit Magazine. She is an avid podcast listener, amateur yogi and skilled bartender who enjoys trying new restaurants and cooking at home with her fiancé. Kim Newett Kim Newett is a toy expert and writer whose greatest accomplishment has been raising two strong, brilliant daughters. She lives in Santa Ana with her husband and dog and is looking forward to when she can see old friends and resume her quest to find new offbeat venues for food and drinks.

Jeanne Pepper Jeanne Pepper is an attorney, writer and activist who encourages others to practice intentional kindness through the organization she and her husband founded — #BlazeItForward. Her story stems from the disappearance and murder of her 19-year-old son, Blaze Bernstein, in an act of hatred. The #BlazeItForward movement celebrates kindness, diversity and community service.

Robin H. Phillips A born and bred New Englander, Robin moved to Newport Beach this past July. She was previously the editor of Fairfield Magazine and also has worked for House & Garden, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, and Better Homes and Gardens. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenagers.

Amy Senk Amy is a CDM resident and a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. She has worked at the Kansas City Times, Kansas City Star, Contra Costa Times, Coast Kids and Coast Magazines, and is a regular contributor to StuNews Newport. A recent empty nester, she spends her free time with her husband and planning elaborate imaginary vacations.

Larry Tenney Rooted in politics, public affairs and crisis communications, Larry Tenney is an awardwinning communications leader who believes in the power of storytelling and photography. His images have been published by more than 100 top brands and appear in major print and on broadcast news outlets.