About
Communications Specialist
Caleigh Bernota
After starting as an intern and growing into a part-time role, Caleigh now serves as a full-time Communications Specialist, where she helps organizations turn ideas into clear, compelling, and community-focused messaging. She supports the development of digital content across platforms—from email campaigns and newsletters to website updates, event communications, and marketing collateral—bringing both strategy and execution together to create meaningful impact.
Caleigh plays a key role in supporting high-profile clients and initiatives across Maryland’s economic development landscape, including major conferences, stakeholder communications, and multi-channel campaigns. Known for her attention to detail and ability to manage complex, fast-moving projects, she helps ensure that every piece of communication is thoughtful, polished, and aligned with the bigger picture.
She graduated from Stevenson University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Communications. During her time there, she contributed to the student newspaper, managed social media for athletic teams, held leadership roles in campus organizations, and competed in beach volleyball. She continues to stay connected to the sport as Director and Head Coach of Mid-Maryland Beach Volleyball Club—because “free time” is still very much a myth.
Connect with Caleigh via LinkedIn.
Favorite part of her job: Learning about different communities, organizations, and clients, and capitalizing on the power of language to tell their stories.
Professional Superpowers: Acclimating to new environments and situations; honorarily dubbed PPR Strategies’ “tech guy.”
Personal Superpowers: Relentless determination and the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone.
Her favorite things: the Washington Commanders; snowboarding; beach volleyball; game nights; guacamole; high fashion; meeting new people; the color pink.
Meet the Team Behind PPR Strategies
Sandy Dubay
CEO and Founder
Sandy Dubay, CEcD (formerly Sandy Sponaugle) is the CEO and Founder of PPR Strategies (previously Platinum PR). As PPR Strategies’ fearless leader, she brings over 20 years of marketing savvy …
Meg McQuade Boyle
Creative Director
Meg develops the creative pathway that inspires engagement and action. Drawing on 25+ years of experience in philanthropy and economic development writing and marketing, Meg glides seamlessly between strategy and execution.
Sophie Slawson
Senior content strategist
Sophie loves helping small-town economies reach their fullest potential. As the Senior Content Strategist for PPR Strategies, she translates complex initiatives into clear messaging and content that boosts visibility and opportunity for communities.
Mia Vaccaro
Client Coordinator
Since she was a child, Mia has been in love with creative writing and storytelling. As an adult, Mia has transformed her creative outlet into a way to uniquely tell the stories of her clients …
Shelby Maly
Senior Client and Content Strategist
Shelby is a strategic communicator and relationship builder who helps organizations turn big ideas into clear, impactful messaging. She brings strategy and execution together to connect purpose with audience.
Caleigh Bernota
Communications Specialist
After interning for a semester, then part-time for a year and a half, Caleigh now serves as PPR’s full-time Communications Specialist, crafting impactful messaging and digital content that helps clients share their stories through thoughtful, engaging content.
