Tina Murray
PRESIDENT
Tina Murray is the wife of Greg and the mother of three amazing young women. She graduated from Houston Baptist University and was the recipient of the 2020 “Distinguished Alumnus Award.” Tina has also been recognized by her peers at the Media Alliance of Houston as a two-time Star Award Winner for Agency Principal and she is also the President and founder of this thriving boutique marketing agency.
Tina believes that “it’s not as much about the pitch, the plan, and the budget, as it is about the relationship.” At Mind Dance, relationships matter and are at the core of everything we do. We cannot understand your business, without first knowing who you are and what your “why” is.
Tina’s “why” in life is “to leave every person she comes in contact with, better than she found them.” This core belief is evident in both her personal and professional life. Whether it’s taking the time to send a supportive text or a congratulatory gift, mentoring team members, and engaging with people she meets, Tina takes the time to listen and encourage.
Mind Dance has grown due to her indomitable will and drive to succeed. Tina has a passion for marketing and activations, and her focus is always on the “vision” of what success looks like for your business.
When not working, you can find Tina spending a lazy day in her hammock, no doubt with chips and queso, and a Dr. Pepper nearby.
TINA
President
Leslie Gilbert
VICE PRESIDENT OF BRAND
Leslie comes to Mind Dance Marketing after serving in a variety of roles within the Chick-fil-A Inc. marketing department. Born in Irving, TX, (home of the Dallas Cowboys!) she was raised in New Mexico but quickly found her way back to the lone star state. Leslie has a son and daughter with her husband Kent. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University and therefore a die-hard horned frogs fan with a degree in Marketing.
Leslie enjoys working alongside the passionate MDM team that is always willing to jump in head-first no matter what lies ahead. She finds joy in building relationships with her clients and loves when she can work on projects supporting local children’s organizations, especially the children’s hospital partnerships. When Leslie isn’t getting the work done you can probably find her relaxing and recharging or decorating for the next holiday.
LESLIE
VP of Brand
Kristina Shackelford
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Kristina is best known as the gal to bring the fun and get the job done. Lover of traveling, trying new restaurants, decorating for the holidays and planning her next visit to see Kenny Chesney with No Shoes Nation. As wife to Amanda and mom to their son and daughter, it's safe to say she's always on the go these days but any chance to slow down and enjoy family time, or alone time, is welcome!
Kristina is a graduate of Northwestern State University of Louisiana and a proud Demon and therefore an honorary Cajun who has grown to enjoy crawfish and zydeco every now and then. She currently sits on the Katy ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers at her church doing outreach ministry.
You can usually find her networking and meeting new people over her caffeine addiction – coffee, or scheming up new ways to wow her clients. She enjoys building long-term relationships with new businesses and dreaming big for her brands. Most importantly, doing good work together while executing on a collaborative plan and vision that brings success is what really keeps her motivated. At the core of her work, and personal life, being a good human and "spreading kindness like confetti" remains her top priority.
KRISTINA
Director of Business Development
Kaylee Harper
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING
Kaylee comes to Mind Dance Marketing with an extensive background in accounting and financial management services. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she met her husband of 23 years, and they both bleed (and decorate in) bright orange! They have 3 children together and find themselves enjoying life the most when they are spending time with their family, especially through exhilarating activities such as snow skiing, white water rafting, zip lining, horseback riding and the most daring of all – family road trips together!
Kaylee is the financial backbone of the MDM organization. She got her start as an auditor for Deloitte and has led a number of organizations in increasing responsibility from SEC reporting to CFO. She is also a board member on a number of local non-profit organizations and foundations in the Houston area. Kaylee loves serving in her community with her Church. She has also developed her own ministry serving families in need of financial services during difficult times.
When Kaylee isn’t crunching numbers or being a soccer, baseball or dance-mom, she enjoys relaxing pool time, country music, reading and a good OSU football game! Kaylee lives in faith by Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed!
KAYLEE
Senior Director
of Accounting
Kayne Spachek
CONTROLLER
Kayne comes to Mind Dance Marketing with over 30 years of experience in bookkeeping in a variety of industries including manufacturing, marketing, medical and even as a small bookkeeping business owner herself for several years. She often says her hobby is her work because she loves it so much and would do it for free if she didn’t have bills to pay! While she is meticulous and detail-oriented, she has also been known to be spontaneous, like the time she eloped with her now husband of 30 years on New Year’s Eve. Together they have 2 daughters which keep their lives fun and interesting!
As a native from southern Louisiana but now a Texan; she loves a good Cajun meal but needs her Mexican food fix every now and then. Her mornings are best started with Southern Butter Pecan creamer in her coffee and a few puppy snuggles. When she isn’t hard at work you can usually catch her with her nose in a book, watching cooking shows or spending time with her family.
Kayne believes that kindness is underrated and enjoys any opportunity she has to help someone in need no matter how small or large the task. Kayne lives by Psalm 62:7-8 “My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people: pour out your hearts to Him for God is our refuge.”
KAYNE
Controller
Michelle Holmes
BRAND MANAGER
Michelle is a University of Texas graduate and former UT cheerleader who is a born and raised Texan. She comes to MDM with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience with a focus in the QSR and the hospitality industry.
As the resident Longhorn; her family is a house divided as she is mother to both a Texas Aggie and an Arkansas Razorback. Michelle is the resident fitness guru who enjoys morning workouts, outdoor activities, traveling and downtime on the lake. She is endearingly referred to as “Sporty” and one of her most proud accomplishments is being an Ironman. Michelle lives every day to the fullest and keeps her life motto at the center of all she does, “Keep moving forward.”
MICHELLE
Brand Manager
Casey Mitchell
BRAND MANAGER
Often referred to as the “girliest tomboy” you will ever meet, Casey has a vast range of interests and hobbies, which uniquely position her to connect with many different types of people and businesses. Her career path is just as diverse and has set the tone for her work at Mind Dance. With experience in marketing and event management in the NFL, fundraising and board development for two national nonprofits, and leading a team in print and digital media, Casey is equipped to not only bring the BIG IDEA to the table but also execute it with passion and precision.
When not “moving the needle” for her clients, you can find Casey with her husband, Ryan, traveling, playing golf, or watching her beloved Houston Astros or Texas Aggies. And if you spend more than thirty seconds with her, she will show you a picture of her two “dog-ters,” Darcy and Gabby Win. Making the world a better place is a passion of Casey’s. She sits on the Board of the Katy ISD Education Foundation and chairs fundraising events for them as well as several area nonprofits that focus on animal rescue, education, and seatbelt safety.
Casey loves a challenge and excels under pressure in that “make it work” moment and looks forward to taking your business to the next level.
CASEY
Brand Manager
Mariana Elliott
BRAND MANAGER
Mariana Elliott comes to Mind Dance Marketing with 18 years of experience working in the advertising industry. Throughout her career she has worked on accounts across diverse industries with national brands like BMW, Mahindra USA and IHOP, including working with local clients in the Austin, Houston and San Antonio markets.
From her clients, to friends and family, she is best described as a "people person" which is no surprise since she’s a Leo. One of her greatest assets and favorite things about her role at MDM is being able to build strong relationships with team members and clients through her laid back and easy-going nature. As a graduate of the University of North Texas and a Texas-native, she now lives in San Antonio with her husband, Chris, a die-hard Aggie, and 2 kids, Jackson and Sloane. When she's not working or enjoying time with her family & friends, you will find her at a nearby Orange Theory Fitness studio. She lives for a good facial followed by a soy latte. Her life motto that always keeps her in check is “Don’t sweat the small stuff!”
MARIANA
Brand Manager
Jennifer Palomo
BRAND MANAGER
Jennifer is a native Houstonian with a heart for the city and the people in it. Her passion for people drives her to build meaningful relationships, create fun and welcoming spaces & always put people above circumstances. With over 15 years in the non-profit industry, she understands what it means to put people first. She loves to roll up her sleeves and dive in, giving it 100%, but understands the importance of life balance. As a modern-day Brady Bunch, she and her husband Luis share 5 children and love making memories together.
If you can’t find her, Jennifer is probably at the ballpark cheering on her favorite team – the Houston Astros. Jennifer rolls with the punches and isn’t afraid to punch back. Her loyalty to the people around her, make her your biggest fan. She lives by the motto, “Bring it.”
JENNIFER
Brand Manager
Quin Roberts
ASSOCIATE BRAND MANAGER
Quin Roberts is the Associate Brand Manager at Mind Dance Marketing. As a small-town, born and raised Texas girl, she is often described as tenacious, graceful, and focused. She bleeds purple as a proud graduate from Tarleton State University. Many say she brings a sense of calmness and organization alongside a spirited energy to all things she does for and with her clients.
Quin is an avid baseball fan and roots for her hometown team, the Astros. If it isn’t baseball season you can find her chillin’ with her 6 best friends Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross and Joey – you may also know them as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Outside of client meetings, 90’s sitcoms and baseball; she lives by the motto “Enjoy the journey” by enjoying the simple things in life, like quality time with her friends and family, the outdoors – usually with her son, and some good Texas country music.
QUIN
Associate Brand Manager
Zoë Simmons
LEAD PROJECT MANAGER
Zoe is the do-er of all things and the make-it-happen kind of gal. As a native Texan she is a lover of all animals but especially her own personal compound of creatures including 4 (large) dogs and 3 cats making for a house never short of “fur-glitter” at any given time. She and her wife married in 2021 and will welcome their sweet baby girl in the fall of 2022.
From planning campaigns, executing the logistics for events or creating the next big thing – she’s all in when it comes to her clients and teamwork. Zoe feels blessed to be a part of the MDM family where coming to work never feels like a job with such a supportive group of teammates and stellar clientele.
When she isn’t tending to a baby, herding the animals or vacuuming up fur-glitter, you’ll probably find her knocking back a Red Bull or iced coffee just to keep up. Zoe never takes life too seriously and enjoys every day. She lives by the motto, “Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug!”
ZOË
Onboarding Specialist
Senior Project Manager
Alexia Huesca
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Alexia is the Operations Manager at Mind Dance Marketing and some may say the real magician behind the curtain that is MDM! She is a graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown and keeps the team running at full capacity through her ability to be adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Originally from Mexico but raised in Houston, she is a foodie, lover of dogs and traveling. Outside of work you’ll likely find her hanging out with her own furry friend while watching The Office.
ALEXIA
Operations Manager
Stephanie Torres
PROJECT MANAGER
Stephanie Torres is a Project Manager where she oversees clients in the South Texas markets, Coastal Bend, Laredo, Rio Grande Valley and El Paso/Las Cruses. She is a graduate from the Art Institute of Houston with a background in client services, project management and a focus on graphic design. Often described as being as cool as a cucumber, she always has her head down with the eye on the prize. Stephanie has a knack for completion with a goal of perfection always ensuring that projects cross the finish line on time and to the highest of standards. The most rewarding part of her role is helping others meet their goals.
Although a rarity, she is a native Houstonian who enjoys spreading her wings through travel – whether visiting cities, mountains, beaches, lakes or country roads, you can always count her in for shotgun. This may come as no surprise to those that get to know her though since her life motto is “Stay wild.” When she isn’t crushing projects or knocking back a cup of joe, you’ll find her in the gym hitting PRs, buying the latest sneaker or trying to tame her wild Frenchie Carti.
STEPHANIE T.
Creative & Digital Strategist
Tasha Coney
MARKETING SPECIAL PROJECT MANAGER
Tasha arrived at Mind Dance with over 30 years of experience in event promotion, broadcast media, and advertising. At MDM, she primarily serves as the “emergency kit” you forgot to pack. As the Specialist Marketing Project Manager, Tasha has the unique ability to step into any role and deliver remarkable experiences and results to our clients.
When not working, you can find her watching college football, or enjoying the smell of fresh cut grass and the “ping” of the ball off the aluminum bat for college baseball. Her love of sports and all things college extends into her roles as a volunteer, as she serves as a volunteer for the Lone Star Sports and Entertainment Texas Bowl, and she is an appointed National Panhellenic Conference volunteer.
Most people would describe her as having a calm demeanor, which she owes to her faith. Her life verse is Psalms 42:5, which always reminds her that there is no point in being upset because God is always in control, which means she can always be joyful.
TASHA
Marketing Special Projects Manager
Shanñel Schumer
PROJECT MANAGER
Shanñel lives by a quote from the movie Shenandoah, “If we don’t try, we don’t do. And if we don’t do, why are we here on this Earth?” This is probably why she is the first person to try everything…at least once. Shanñel’s background in broadcast media, print journalism, the music industry, and non-profits make her an indispensable resource for our team. She is also a website and graphic designer. This combined with her willingness to always “try,” has made her a favorite with clients and teammates alike. As a Project Manager at MDM, she supports clients in Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
As a devoted wife to Brent and dog Mom to Bobi and Paige, when she’s not working, she can be found playing team trivia at a local hang-out, making homemade dog food for her fur babies, and generally chilling in Ea-Do. Shanñel also volunteers with local animal rescue groups and is involved in her community’s Civic Club. She loves flamingos and “Baby Yoda”, enjoys watching movies, documentaries, and sports, and collects vinyl records. Because of her love of music, don’t be surprised if she randomly blurts out song lyrics that relate to whatever someone has just said.
SHANÑEL
Project Manager
Stephanie Peña
PROJECT MANAGER
Meet Stephanie, self-described as a hard-working lazy person who enjoys margaritas, power naps and hiding from her kids. While she will claim she has 4 kids it really includes her husband, so in all honesty she’s a mother to 3…along with a dog and a cat. The dog takes after her husband who is easily excitable and loves people while the cat speaks Stephanie’s true love language of being left alone unless there are snacks involved. She’s a lover of all things country music (George Strait is the King), Mexican food, flip-flops, 24-hour taco trucks and listening to Christmas music year-round…in flip-flops of course. While shy at first, once you get to know her you’ll find she’s a great storyteller….but don’t be fooled when she tells you something happened “the other day,” she’ll be referring to sometime between the day she was born and yesterday.
Stephanie is a graduate of both the University of Houston and West Virginia University with a background in nonprofit work. She enjoys building campaigns to support clients but thrives in the element of activating on care initiatives the most. Her life motto perfectly sums her up, “Pick and choose your battles wisely. If you fight them all, you’ll be too tired to win the ones that really matter.”
STEPHANIE P.
Project Manager
Tristan Bowen
BRAND MANAGER
Meet Tristan Bowen, Project Manager at Mind Dance. Tristan is often described as organized, optimistic, ambitious, pure-hearted, and gritty. Tristan is passionate about marketing and advertising and finds the industry fascinating. Tristan’s love for marketing can be seen through the organization and pride she takes in her work. She loves bringing innovation and fresh thinking to the table, so her clients can #dogreatwork when #planningforthefuture.
At heart, Tristan is forever in her early twenties and much like Peter Pan, never wants to grow up. Outside of meeting the client's needs, you can find her either showing cutting horses or exploring a big city. She is the “mom” of every friend group; making sure everyone’s needs are met and having fun.
TRISTAN
Project Manager
Tina Murray
PRESIDENT
Tina Murray is the wife of Greg and the mother of three amazing young women. She graduated from Houston Baptist University and was the recipient of the 2020 “Distinguished Alumnus Award.” Tina has also been recognized by her peers at the Media Alliance of Houston as a two-time Star Award Winner for Agency Principal and she is also the President and founder of this thriving and boutique marketing agency.
Tina believes that “it’s not as much about the pitch, the plan, and the budget, as it is about the relationship.” At Mind Dance, relationships matter and are at the core of everything we do. We cannot understand your business, without first knowing who you are and what your “why” is.
Tina’s “why” in life is “to leave every person she comes in contact with, better than she found them.” This core belief is evident in both her personal and professional life. Whether it’s taking the time to send a supportive text or a congratulatory gift, mentoring team members, and engaging with people she meets, Tina takes the time to listen and encourage.
Mind Dance has grown due to her indomitable will and drive to succeed. Tina has a passion for marketing and activations, and her focus is always on the “vision” of what success looks like for your business.
When not working, you can find Tina spending a lazy day in her hammock, no doubt with chips and queso, and a Dr. Pepper nearby
Ashley Carraway
PROJECT MANAGER
As a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, this Aggie is enjoying all that the marketing world has to offer her at Mind Dance Marketing. She enjoys collaborating with clients to create a strategic plan and be a part of the day-to-day operations of walking alongside them on their partnership journey.
Originally just a small-town gal, she’s enjoying the new twists and turns of navigating city-life one day at a time. As a coffee lover, mama to two fluffy cats and an avid summer reader by the pool; you can guarantee she will always bring the perfect balance of fun and the calm to any gathering. Ashley lives by the motto “You can do anything you set your mind to” and strives to be living proof of that every day.
ASHLEY
Project Manager
Kerri Walker
BRAND MANAGER ACTIVATION
Kerri Walker comes to Mind Dance Marketing with over 10 years of event management and execution under her belt. She is known as the ‘Activation Queen’ and thrives in an environment of excitement and sometimes organized chaos. Often described as laid back and easy-going but she is undoubtedly also always the “Get-it-Done” girl who will take events across the finish line no matter the obstacle.
Kerri is dog-mom to Gigi the Rottweiler, while also being human-mom to her son and daughter and wife to Johnny Walker (he’s real!). When she isn’t working, you’ll find her passionately supporting her husband and his dream of being a food truck owner!
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of University of Georgia; it’s safe to say she’s a die-hard Georgia Bulldog fan and college football is just a part of everyday life during the months of August – January. Kerri loves to travel, anywhere with sand and the ocean is preferred. She’s a self-professed hotel snob and will most always indulge in room service, 5-star resorts and Mexican food when she gets a chance. She is pretty much summed up by her life motto, “It will be fine!”
KERRI
Brand Manager Activations
Claira Goulet
DIGITAL MANAGER
Claira is the longest standing employee at Mind Dance, but has logged the least amount of in office hours (zero to be exact). Since joining the Mind Dance team in 2012 she has lived in 5 different cities across the US, as well as Japan for three years. And although she spent her formative years in the Lonestar State (and is a proud Texas Aggie), she originally hails from “Old Blighty”, and prefers her tea hot with a splash of milk. But regardless of whether she’s saying “Hi-ya”, “Howdy”, or “Konnichiwa”, she is passionate about helping businesses thrive through her diverse experience in digital, broadcast, and traditional advertising. With her problem solving abilities, self-starter personality, and strong marketing acumen, Claira brings a full playbook of tools to every client’s table.
Claira is loving wife to her husband Chris, and new Mum to their son. Besides learning the ropes of motherhood, she loves to travel, play golf, enjoy live music, try new restaurants, and take their boat out to the beach off the coast of Eastern North Carolina where they currently call home. Her music taste is deeply rooted in classic rock, but she did take a deep dive into the boy and girl band craze of the 90’s and early 2000’s, so her car karaoke choices will keep you guessing. Claira has her Mum’s Type A personality, and her Dad’s hardworking yet go with the flow attitude, and lives by the phrase “Nothing is permanent.” So try something new, go somewhere different, change what doesn’t serve you, and make the most of this golden ticket to life.
CLAIRA
Digital Manager