Meet the Team
Maven was born from frustration - a frustration at the way most healthcare agencies work.
A frustration at the lack of understanding of the brand.
A frustration at how slow and inefficient the process can feel.
A frustration at receiving work that showed little insight or care.
Maven was founded by ex-marketers with a combined 25 years of experience in the pharma industry - as sales reps, trainers, managers, and marketers.
We have lived that frustration first-hand, and vow to enrich the pharma marketer's experience.
Honours Bachelor's of Science,
Human Biology, Master of Biotechnology (UofT)
After spending 10 years in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, I decided to take the leap and found Maven. There were three things that drove me to make the career change. First, I wanted to follow my heart and work in an area that was more aligned with my own personal interests–an in-depth exposure to both the medical sciences and the arts. Second, my experience as a marketer left me unfulfilled with the agency status-quo. I knew that better was possible. Third, I wanted to create a company that truly put the happiness of its people as its first priority. Because what's more important in life than being happy?
Personal Goal: Play more guitar
Dave Makerewich
SENIOR BRAND MAVEN
& MANAGING DIRECTOR
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry,
Master of Medical Science (McMaster)
I spent 13 years in the Pharmaceutical industry as a Sales Rep, Sales Trainer, Product Manager and Sales Manager. Since joining Maven I’ve been able to take all this experience to help our clients make strategic choices to drive brand performance. I love being able to combine my science background, my experience in Pharma, and my creative side to help create elegant solutions for our clients.
Personal Goal: To get my golf handicap down to single digits.
Kris Rieger
SENIOR BRAND MAVEN
& PARTNER
Honours Bachelors of Science,
Biological Sciences
With over 15 years of experience in healthcare communications, I’ve been lucky to have collaborated with clients in Rx, OTC, Animal Health and Devices, including J&J Canada, Bausch Health, Roche, Sandoz, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Church & Dwight, Elanco, Pfizer, EMD Serono, Galderma, Apotex, Bayer, and Amgen. I was introduced to Maven by a former client and I knew it was the right place for me. Maven brings the perfect balance of agency "know-how" and intuitive focus on client's needs to make our clients happy, which at the end of the day is what it’s all about!
Personal Goal: To be featured on the Food Network in a cookie-baking championship!
Kim Scott
SENIOR BRAND MAVEN
I helped Dave get Maven started on a freelance basis while I worked in animation but jumped onto the Maven ship and haven't looked back. I get to try and push the design that most pharmaceutical & medical companies are used to seeing and give them something of quality.
Personal Goal: I want to have a team of talented Designers under me that make me look better.
Bachelor of Applied Arts Animation
(Sheridan College)
Chris Makerewich
ART DIRECTOR
& PARTNER
Bachelor of Applied Arts (Sheridan College), Bachelor of Design (OCAD)
I spent a transformative 4 years working at a Toronto design studio specializing in branding before pursuing freelance work full-time for the next 4 years. Maven and I crossed paths during my time as a freelancer. When the opportunity to join the Maven team was presented to me, I happily took it! I enjoy working with our supportive, hard working, and nimble team to see how far we can push strict parameters to create thoughtful and compelling design solutions for our clients in the healthcare space.
Personal Goal: Learn to properly use my collection of analog film cameras.
Rachelle Letain
ART DIRECTOR
Masters of Science in Biomedical Communication Design (UTM), Bachelors of Design (OCAD)
I've been working with Maven since the summer of 2016 when I was freelancing as an undergrad. One small project became two that became many, and now it's been over five years! I've always been interested in both design and the health sciences, so working at Maven has been perfect! I've been able to grow my skills as a communication designer while also fostering my interest in medical communications. I really enjoy the many hats we get to wear at Maven. As a designer, I get to explore different facets of design, allowing me to expand my skillset in various directions.
Personal Goal: I've recently started mead-making, and I'd love to figure out how to make a perfect Rhodomel or at least one that doesn't taste like soap.
Marty Shook
DESIGNER
Masters of Management of Innovation, Honours Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology (UTM)
With a passion for science, an interest in marketing and the desire to impact a positive change in the world, I’ve found a position where I can achieve all 3! At Maven I have the unique opportunity to not only work at the intersection of science, business and healthcare, but also be constantly improving my skills. At Maven I’ve found many opportunities to learn new skills and have always received invaluable support from the entire team including SBM’s, designers, and coders!
Personal Goal: Take an extended trip around the UK and complete a solo, cross-Canada road trip!
Sydney Murcar-Evans
BRAND MAVEN
Honours Bachelor of Health Science (Aging Health, Rehabilitation Sciences), Master of Management of Innovation
I joined Maven in 2019 fresh out of school with a science degree, a business degree, some creative ideas, and a desire to put that all together. I had the opportunity to join this exceptional team who have supported me in gaining the skills needed to work at the intersection of science and business. I enjoy working with our clients to create beautiful, impactful solutions to support their marketing goals. At Maven, I am thankful to be challenged every day to learn and grow personally and professionally.
Personal Goal: Make my famous Brussels sprouts recipe for every person I meet who thinks they don’t like Brussels sprouts to convince them that they are the best vegetable.
Maryssa Edwards
BRAND MAVEN
Masters of Management of Innovation (UTM), Honours Bachelor of Medical Science in Biochemistry (Western University)
I joined Maven as an intern in April 2021, straight out of my master's degree in Management Innovation. I entered the role eager to leverage my scientific acumen from my Undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences in combination wth my business acumen from my Master's. I have since been hired on full-time as an Associate Brand Maven. I love working at Maven because of the abundant growth opportunities- both personally and professionally. My favourite part about Maven is the close-knit team that is always eager to support one another.
Personal Goal: To learn basic coding in HTML.
Danika Brooks
ASSOCIATE BRAND MAVEN
My background is in science and healthcare, but my passion belongs to coding and software development. I worked for almost 2 years as a Registered Physiotherapist in Ontario before making the big jump to web development full-time. I have been coding since 2017 while working in healthcare. Since changing careers, my goal is to develop tools that can be used for educating others in science and human health. I have a keen interest in the relationship between human psychology and physical health.
Personal Goal: Build a variety of web applications from back to front end.
Master of Science in Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences (Queen’s University),
Honours Bachelor of Life Science (McMaster University)
Adam Marsala
JUNIOR WEB DEVELOPER
Advanced Graphic Design Diploma (Seneca College), UX Design Diploma (Brainstation)
I have been a Graphic Designer for over 10 years in the medical industry. I challenge myself to conceptualize modern and unique design solutions, while adhering to brand standards. For me, the fun is in the creative process, coming up with concepts backed by sound reasoning and research. I am flexible with my design concepts, and encourage feedback from all perspectives to create effective final creatives. My goal is to bring my design skills and expertise in the medical industry to Maven, while learning and growing along the way.
Personal Goal: I want to travel more to educate myself about different cultures and countries while trying delicious food along the way!
Saheed Abdool
SENIOR DESIGNER
Bachelor and Master of Science,
Biophysics (Guelph)
I’ve spent a lifetime working in the pharmaceutical industry, from my teen years as a pharmacy assistant to the last decade+ in medical marketing as a medical writer and strategic partner to numerous Canadian, US, and global pharmaceutical clients. Along the way, I also found time to work in clinical trials and to gain knowledge in numerous “ologies”, including rheumatology, neurology, dermatology, respirology, and oncology. I’m excited to bring my expertise in developing innovative solutions for HCPs, patients, and to Maven’s clients, and to support the Maven team in developing their skills.
Personal Goal: To take my road bike to Europe and follow the route of at least one stage of the Tour de France (probably the shortest).
Stefko Waschuk
SENIOR BRAND MAVEN
Masters of Management of Innovation (UTM) Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology (Western University)
From science to business to technology, I bring a diverse background to Maven. My educational and work experience reflects my natural instinct to seek development opportunities in both my professional and personal life. Maven quenches my thirst for continuous learning, and I enjoy being at the forefront of the client experience.
Personal Goal: I recently completed a UX/UI boot camp at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. I would love to push that interest and practice what I learned from this boot camp and continue my UX/UI learning at Maven!
Faye Ounkham
ASSOCIATE BRAND MAVEN
Masters of Management of Innovation (UTM) Honours Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology (Western University)
Coming from a background in both clinical nutritional research and digital marketing in the pharmaceutical space, I’m excited to now be a part of the amazing team here at Maven! With my education stemming from the blend of science and business, it was always important for me to find a career where I can utilize both and Maven is the perfect place for me to do so. I strive in a fast-paced environment, and I know that being a part of this highly-specialized team will always keep me on my toes!
Personal Goal: To run a marathon in the next 5 years.
Tamara Klein
ASSOCIATE BRAND MAVEN
Master of Science in Management, Int. Business
Honours Bachelor of Science, Biopharmaceutical Science, specialization Medicinal Chemistry
Maven offers a unique and exciting opportunity for me to combine my educational background in both pharmaceutical science and international business with my desire to continue working in the fast-paced healthcare environment. After spending many years interacting with patients and HCP’s in a hospital setting, I look forward to working directly with Maven’s clients to continue making a positive impact in healthcare.
Personal Goal: To travel more and learn to grow a garden in downtown Toronto.
Erica McCully
ASSOCIATE BRAND MAVEN
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Amanda has a long history working with a variety of clients and agencies across Toronto. Her focus is on creative problem solving and creating effective and memorable design solutions. Inspired by the Maven team, Amanda enjoys working with others with similar goals, including bringing research and insight into a project to produce quality results that benefit the client.
Personal Goal: Apart from design, Amanda is a passionate yogi and her next goal is to attend a yoga/surf retreat in Bali, led by her favorite instructor.
Amanda Ryan
DESIGNER
Extended Team
Full-stack tech lead with experience finding the most reliable paths from inception to completion.
Chang Wang
TECH CONSULTANT
Full-stack developer with experience working on phone and web apps.
Jeffrey Burt
CODER
Arthur Tan is an award-winning medical writer and editor with over 30 years' experience in healthcare communications. Arthur is the Editorial Director of Art of Medicine, and also serves as an editorial consultant with Maven Medical Marketing.
Arthur Tan
MEDICAL WRITER