Creative Design Group

Joel Kosanke

eLearning Designer

Joel began his training and development career 17 years ago as a training coordinator and manager with law enforcement. Using his experience in curriculum development and instructional design, he has developed technical training courses as instructor led, eLearning, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) for safety critical jobs with the National Guard, mining, and transportation industries as well as developing eLearning and skills assessments for new employee onboarding for the medical device industry.

When Joel is not trying to keep up with his 9 and 11-year-old boys, you can find him playing or coaching volleyball, which has been his passion for over 25 years.

Gary Rivera

Chief Executive Officer

Gary Rivera’s experience in television, filmmaking, live concert production and “corporate theater” spans 25 years. His credits include dozens of PBS documentary films, including an Academy Award nomination.  

Gary’s broad skills as a director, cameraman, editor and sound recordist are evident in all of his current projects. Since 1998, Creative Design Group Inc., has designed and produced films, videos, musical concerts, streaming media programs, DVDs, websites, press events and promotional events. 

 When Gary is not working, he enjoys his favorite hobby of flying airplanes! 

Kelsey Mesveskas

President

Kelsey Mesveskas is the President of the Creative Design Group.

Kelsey has worked in the retail and hospitality sectors creating meaningful experiences for customers and coworkers through planning and executing fully integrated communications and marketing campaigns. Efforts span national television broadcast, learning & development trainings, internal operations and alignment, amongst others.  Most notably, Kelsey has had the pleasure of supporting Subaru of America, the loyal customers of IKEA North America, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Loews Hotels, Karisma Hotel & Resorts & and a local favorite, Wawa. Kelsey holds a Bachelors in Communication at The University of Tampa, and will earn her Masters in Science in Corporate and Organizational Communications with a concentration in Leadership at Northeastern University this Spring. 

Phil Weskalnies

Chief Creative Content Officer

Phillip is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and brings over 33 years of television experience to CDG.  His background is rooted in network on air promotions, specializing in Ad Sales, Marketing and Affiliates campaigns.  As a Creative Director, he has been in involved in multiple network launches and re-brands including FiT-TV, Fox Family, and Disney/ABC Family.  In 2007 he co-founded M Studios, Inc. where he continued doing network on-air promotions, live event production and video post-production including years of work for CDG.

Phillip enjoys traveling and spending time on the lakes of northern Michigan. 

Lois Ungar

Chief Financial Officer

Lois is a chief financial officer with over 30 years of experience.  She started her career at Disney, DreamWorks, and Universal Studios before going on to grow consumer products, game, and market research companies.

She brings financial stewardship with a passion for strategically growing companies.    She holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. 

Aly Wister

Group Account Director

Aly Wister is the Group Account Director at Creative Design Group. She is experienced in marketing and communications, having supported clients and in-house teams in the retail and personal finance industries. At CDG, Aly brings thoughtful strategy to our clients through an understanding of their business needs.

Aly is passionate about spending quality time with her family and always leading with a positive outlook.

Bianca Urquia Ables

Senior Account Manager

Bianca is one of our Senior Account Managers located on the East Coast. She brings a wide range of experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, and account services within the dynamic automotive industry.  As a strategic thinker and adept communicator, she has successfully delivered creative solutions and impactful work while creating strong client relationships. 

When Bianca is not working, you can find her exploring her city of Philadelphia with her Husband, Jake and Basset Hound, Barney!

Maureen Kolodziej

Senior Account Manager

Maureen is a Senior Account Manager on the East Coast. She brings an array of marketing and client services experience with her in fields such as healthcare, banking, hospitality, packaged goods, and more. She’s supported marketing efforts for Fortune 500 companies such as Bank of America, FedEx, Campbell’s Soup, and Toll Brothers to name a few, and helped create and execute multi-channel campaigns in healthcare for BAYADA Home Health Care and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Karl Miller

Director of Customer Insights

For almost twenty years, Karl has used behavioral, demographic, psychographic, and emographic data to explain and predict consumer behavior. As Director of Customer Insights, he ensures that our approach is based on the best data-driven conclusions possible. In this effort, he works closely with our Instructional Design team so that our content and curricula have consumer and client feedback at their foundation.

My favorite book of all time is “Where the Wild Things Are”. It’s a model for living a happy life. 

Kristin Swift

Project Manager

Kristin is the Project Manager at Creative Design Group. She works closely with our Operations and Production teams to ensure all the moving parts within CDG run smoothly. Kristin joined the team with a background in event planning and production, bringing unwavering dedication to strategic planning, organization, and attention to detail to ensure the success of every CDG project.

Outside of work, Kristin likes to spend her time riding her road bike around the city of LA.

Joshua Ramos

Senior Operations Manager

Josh is the Senior Operations Manager at Creative Design Group. Utilizing his experience in Business Strategy, Operational Excellence, and Agile Project Management, Josh strives to develop and execute projects that not only deliver beyond the expectations of our clients, but help to achieve internal efficiencies and improve internal processes along the way. Outside of work, you can find Josh on a run training for the LA Marathon! 

Sami Barratt

eLearning Developer/Content Creator

Sami has a passion for design and innovation! She loves to apply creative solutions to design challenges to create meaningful and engaging learning pathways. Her responsibilities at CDG are to design and build digital learning products prioritizing the user experience and informed by research-led learning science. Sami is trained in ADA web compliance and is committed to ensuring all of her work not only meets but exceeds regulatory requirements for accessibility. She applies her background in visual design to bring excellent visuals and brand consistency to her learning design. 

Sami’s favorite hobbies are exploring the world through a camera lens and going on long runs, preferably in the rain. 

Brad Waller

Project Director

Brad has been online forever (ARPANET: 1985, websites: 1994, apps: 2008) so he has lots of experience in web, marketing, affiliate, mobile apps, VR/AR, AI, and more. Brad started his career in the Aerospace industry doing things he still can’t talk about, working in advanced Infrared technology, project management, and marketing.

Brad is also a serial volunteer, serving at every level of the PTA from local to national PTA. Brad previously served on two boards of education and three times on the board of directors for the California State PTA and is currently on the board of a few nonprofits.

Brad lives in Redondo Beach and daily drives his 1967 Chevelle.

Maureen Horan

Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director

Maureen Horan blends design expertise and an empathetic touch to craft compelling brand identities that are both stylish and reflect the soul of a company. She’s garnered over a decade of experience as an art director and graphic designer for a diverse clientele from up-and-coming small businesses to international enterprises.

Her portfolio includes an array of projects across various industries, including but not limited to restaurants, coffee shops, professional sports teams, fitness establishments, higher education institutions, and automotive brands. Maureen’s expertise lies not only in creating visually stunning designs but also in understanding the unique needs and values of each client, ensuring that her work leaves a lasting impact.

Laura Castro

Graphic Designer

Laura is a multifaceted graphic designer whose journey includes a wide spectrum of experiences. Starting as a kindergarten teacher and transitioning to producing award-winning music videos and commercials, and eventually establishing her own graphic design shop and became a StoryBrand Certified Guide. Her versatile skill set and adaptability enabled her to craft compelling design solutions for small business as well as Fortune 500 brands. Her curiosity and multifaceted interests drive her to continually expand her knowledge, enhancing her ability to deliver exceptional work and service experiences. Outside of her professional life, Laura enjoys playful moments with her children and creating delicious baked treats. 

Lori Burzminski

HR Consultant

Lori has 20+ years of human resources management experience and has provided outsourced HR support to companies since 2005.  Some of the industries that she has serviced are: High-Tech, Advertising/Public Relations, Real Estate, Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing and Non-Profit organizations to name a few. 

  

Prior to consulting, Lori was the Corporate Human Resources Director for a worldwide, public company that provides training to Information Technology professionals.  

When she’s not working, you can find Lori traveling to new places or quietly tending to her garden. 

Emily Newman

Associate Video Editor

Emily is an Associate Video Editor at Creative Design Group. She works closely with the team to ensure proper media management and helps with any post-production needs.

She brought with her a background in documentary filmmaking and her love for organization. After graduating from Ohio State University, Emily found she could use her passion for storytelling and creativity as an editor. Outside of work you can find Emily walking her dog or skating at the local ice rink!”

Mario Framingheddu

Video Editor

Mario has worked as a video editor, producer and cinematographer for 18 years. From Coffeyville, KS to Greenland, his work has taken him all over the world and has won multiple Edward R. Murrow & Webby Awards. He is always finding a way to bring his experience from his work in documentary, music videos, travel, food and lifestyle to the table when crafting videos at CDG. 

Jackie Rochlin

Production Specialist & Graphic Designer

It’s Jackie who makes the project jump off the page with the right color tones and font callouts. Jackie’s had 20 years of experience in a wide variety of industries including automotive, biotech, banking/finance, chemical/oil, health/fitness, civil engineering, electronics, non-profit and publishing. She specializes in print, web and digital design while her knowledge of marketing communications rounds out her ability to take your project from concept to final delivery. 

Nicole VanDaniker

Controller

With 29 years of experience in accounting and business management within the entertainment industry, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise to her role at CDG. She manages and oversees CDG’s financial operations, ensuring optimal cash flow, and providing payroll services.

Nicole is a devoted mother to three daughters. Outside of the office, she and her husband have shared a passion for professional bowling for many years. In her leisure time, you’ll find Nicole on the golf course, cheering for her favorite baseball, soccer, and tennis teams, or enjoying quality family time. 

Ana Patiluko

Senior Writer and Content Strategist

Ana is an Intercultural Creativity® certified learning and development strategist and writer. Ana creates course content that is easily digestible and relatable to all employees, while incorporating neuroscience-based learning methodologies. She believes in the power of telling stories to help increase the learner’s ability to remember the information being taught, to build cultural awareness and competence, and to create the human connection needed to establish competent, healthy, and productive teams. 

Sarah LaSpisa

Video Editor

Wisconsin native and Syracuse University graduate, Sarah came to LA to be an actress but found the art of video editing fascinating.

Currently as a video editor and producer and dabbling in After Effects, Sarah has worked on several documentaries, commercials and promos as well as podcasting, web series, and comedy sketches and specials.

In her free time Sarah enjoys traveling, walking dogs, riding a bike along the beach and laughing at a comedy club. 

Richard Bakewell

Director of Photography

Richard is an award-winning Director, Producer, and Director of Photography, and graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2002.  Richard has been in the business for over 20 years filming commercials, branded content, documentaries, narrative, corporate, and music videos.

As a Director, and Director of Photography, he has worked for some of the most prestigious companies including Pepsi, Time, Amazon, Yahoo, Disney, HBO, Doritos, and more.  Richard is also a member of the PGA, ICG, DSC, IDA, SOC, and the ATAS.

Ryan Patterson

Video Editor

Ryan is a Los Angeles area native. He majored in TV and film at California State University, Fullerton, and pursued production work at NBC. It was there that he discovered the fun in editing, propelling him into jobs with Disney, Sony Pictures and CDG.

Ryan enjoys staying active with his early morning runs. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, he loves to travel for his races both domestically and internationally. 

Send Resume