Bernstein & Associates, Inc - Public Relations Strategy

A native Texan, Patricia Bernstein was born in El Paso and raised in Dallas. She attended Smith College in Northampton, Mass., graduating with a Degree of Distinction in American Studies. She was named to Phi Beta Kappa her junior year. Following her graduation, she taught English at Smith for four years.

Ms. Bernstein has been a public relations professional in Houston for over twenty years. In 1983 she founded Bernstein & Associates, Inc., a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations firm. Ms. Bernstein’s clients have included the following, among many others:

Ms. Bernstein is also a writer and has published her articles in numerous publications, including The Smithsonian Magazine, Texas Monthly, Cosmopolitan, the Houston Chronicle and many other magazines and newspapers. Her first book, Having a Baby: Mothers Tell Their Stories, was published by Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, in 1993. The book is a collection of first-person stories of childbirth experiences from the 1880s to the 1990s. Her second book, The First Waco Horror, was published by Texas A & M University Press in early 2005. The book tells the story of the lynching of Jesse Washington in Waco in 1916.

Maria Piazza has been employed with Bernstein & Associates, Inc., since 1984. Prior to joining Bernstein & Associates, she was an employee benefits specialist in the human resources department at Medical Center Del Oro Hospital in Houston. Ms. Piazza has been an active volunteer for the Houston Independent School District as a Volunteer in Public Schools for the past eleven years.

In addition to her duties as office manager, Ms. Piazza is also responsible for the production of collateral pieces for Bernstein & Associates clients. Her work has included producing brochures, pocket folders, direct mail pieces, convention exhibits, advertisements and editorial reprints. Ms. Piazza also coordinates client media placements.

Amanda Owens joined Bernstein & Associates, Inc. in 2008 as an account executive. Born and raised in Washington, Amanda studied Communication at the University of Washington in Seattle where she received her B.A. earlier this year.

Owens has prior public relations experience in branded foods, such as Nestle – Lean Cuisine, Stouffer’s, Beneful, Carnation Instant Breakfast, etc. Additionally, she has a background in special events, which includes wedding planning and coordination.

At the University of Washington, Owens served as the elected vice president for the university’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter. Furthermore, she studied a variety of public relations topics including: PR writing for mass media, crisis communications, European media, public speaking, intercultural communications, media structures, and many others.

Currently, Owens works on many different accounts such as Blue Bell Creameries, Whole Earth Provision Co., The Stillman-Lack Foundation, and a number law firms. Her responsibilities include writing press releases, tracking and evaluating media coverage, planning media tours, store openings, and other special events, as well as publicizing and promoting special and new products.

STEPHANIE TAYLOR,
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Stefanie Taylor joined Bernstein & Associates, Inc. in 2008 as an account executive. Born and raised in Texas, Stefanie studied Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University of Huntsville, Texas where she received her B.A. earlier this year.

Taylor has prior public relations experience in special events through an internship with Houston’s Society for the Performing Arts, publicizing the venue as well as current performances.

In addition, she has served as the elected president of the Sam Houston State University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Taylor studied a variety of public relations topics including: planning and executing campaigns, global media, media law, designing publications and many others.

Currently, Taylor works on many different accounts such as Blue Bell Creameries, Whole Earth Provision Co., The Stillman-Lack Foundation, and a number of law firms. Her responsibilities include writing press releases, tracking and evaluating media coverage, planning media tours, store openings, and other special events, as well as publicizing and promoting special and new products.