The Agency: About Us
Dr. Amy O'Brien
Director, Public Relations Program/The Agency
Amy O’Brien is director of the public relations program and director of The Agency at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Dr. O’Brien specializes in public relations, branding, visual communication, storytelling, and reputation management.
With more than 25 years’ experience in teaching and public relations, Dr. O’Brien’s course offerings include Writing for Public Relations, Newsletter Writing and Design, Storytelling for Public Relations and Corporate Communications.
As director of The Agency at Kutztown University, O’Brien ensures clients’ needs are met while also encouraging her students to network and engage with clients and produce portfolio-worthy writing samples.
She is a member of the PRSA and adviser to Kutztown’s campus chapter of PRSSA.
For more information about The Agency at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, email Dr. O’Brien.
The Agency at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a two-semester capstone course designed to provide real-life public relations experience for undergraduate public relations majors. As members of the Agency staff, students build and execute actual public relations programming for local clients. They practice networking, build portfolios, and interact directly with clients as they develop their professional skills.
This year’s Agency is staffed by seniors from the PR program.
Ashley Guava (she/her)
Ashley Guava uses her combined education in public relations and audio production to bring a multifaceted, adaptable, and engaged approach to her work life.
Her previous experience includes media outlet and content research, social media planning, event coordination, content editing and promotion, and relationship building. Ashley serves as president of KU’s Public Relations Student Society of America where she has honed her ability to be decisive and capable in any situation. Understanding the value of teamwork and flexibility, Ashley is adept at facilitating groups and tailoring experiences toward set goals. She is interested in how effective communication can foster creativity, connection, and expand opportunity.
She brings her passion for storytelling and commitment to every client engagement.
Madison Delgado (she/her)
Madison is a passionate and creative graphic designer with an ability to transform an idea into a visual experience. She believes in the power of design to communicate, inspire, and connect with audiences on a profound level with the design philosophy that revolves around the idea that every image should tell a story.
With 4 years of Graphic Design experience in the property management industry, she has had the privilege of working with clients to help them build well-recognized brands through logo creation and various promotional flyers.
Madison shows her love of dance through country line dancing and being a member of the Kutztown University Dance Team.
Dana Wentz (she/her)
Self-motivated, dependable, and a strong communicator, Dana applies these skills to her responsibilities in the workplace. At McCombs Supply Co., she writes and edits descriptions for appliance parts and analyzes SEO content for the company’s website.
Specializing in writing and branding for the sports industry, Dana plans to apply her public relations training to promote athletes and sports teams.
Dana has combined her public relations major with three minors: fitness administration; professional writing; and women, gender, & sexuality studies.
Payton Mentzer (she/her)
Payton Mentzer is the student representative on the Kutztown University Council of Trustees, which works closely with the university’s president to set policy for KU. She also works as an Assistant Resident Director for the Office of Residence Life and is a Copy and Line Editor for the Keystone Newspaper. Payton plans to utilize her Public Relations knowledge to pursue a career in real estate.
Payton has experience in creating and implementing large-scale programs for the university. She enjoys connecting with and understanding people, which helps her meet clients’ needs. Payton plans to earn a master’s degree in public administration.
In her free time, Payton likes to watch baseball and football, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Juliana Danese (she/her)
Internships at Fifteen East Media Group and Aramark in social media and marketing have enabled Juliana to hone skills in social media content creation and engagement as well as perception research. She has worked in the areas of consumer relations and media relations and has developed a variety of promotional materials.
Juliana is a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma, where she has held multiple positions. She has experience planning events and leads by example with respect, positivity, and creativity. During summer and winter breaks, Juliana works retail in the King of Prussia Mall. Connecting easily with customers and a passion for communication make her a successful and valued employee. In her free time, she enjoys singing, writing, and playing music.
Josie DuBois (she/her)
A driven member of the Agency, Josie DuBois is captivated by the research, teamwork, and communication components that define PR.
With over five years of customer relations experience, Josie has represented numerous businesses, such as the Drop Café in Haverhill, Massachusetts and Zuzu Confections in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She pairs her undergraduate public relations major with a minor in professional writing.
Josie enjoys working with and motivating her fellow team members in the Agency to ensure professional goals are met efficiently and quickly. She believes kindness and respect are crucial in any work environment.
Josie appreciates spending time in nature and with her pets. She has a passion for cooking for others and loves the connections she builds when she shares her recipes.
Nicole Barbarito (she/her)
Nicole is passionate about supporting her local community. As a digital communications specialist with Free Fall Action Sports, she pairs her academic studies in public relations and gender studies to extend the reach and impact of the non-profit organization.
With a specialization in designing multi-media stories, Nicole is also experienced in fundraising development and execution.
At KU, she is part of the honors club, writes for the Keystone student newspaper, and is a member of the PRSSA. She is developing her content analysis research skills in her honors capstone project, working on a series of original research papers about hip hop’s applicability to understanding real-life issues such as addiction.
When she is not behind the camera, you can find her spending time outside cruising around her local skatepark, hiking, or with her loved ones.