media skills training, crisis communications planning, media communication public speaker, spokesperson training, media interviewing skills, presentation skills training, BelAir Training based in Seattle

Candace has a wide variety of clients --- from successful startups to Fortune 500 companies. Here's what they say about her:

"Candace's professionalism, experience, and communication skills resulted in a training session that was among the very best I have ever attended."

Brian McCarthy, General Manager
Pacific NW Marketing Team
Microsoft

"You do bring out the best in people, Candace. Our Amazon and Microsoft teams loved working with you."

Georgette Verdin, Global Director
Leadership Development ITT

“Candace, you have been a wonderful influence on our Executive Team. I am extremely pleased with the results and feedback I have received from all participants. This has been a great investment!"

Eric T. Overton
President and CEO

“Candace has coached me through several presentations and has taken my public speaking up to a level I never thought I could achieve. She has allowed me to be myself and to find my own style of speaking while learning the art of capturing an audience.”

Court Stanley
President
Port Blakely Tree Farms

"Our experience with Candace was one of the best we have ever had with a training consultant. The quality of service and the value she provided to our executive team was amazing."

Brett Thompson
Senior Vice President
Human Resources
Classmates Online, Inc.

"I found Candace's class so useful that I quickly engaged her for speech-making advice. She is a skilled instructor and excellent speaker herself. She focused right in on my personal style with practical, targeted advice. Best of all, she gives you confidence!"

Linda Strout
Deputy CEO and General Counsel
Port of Seattle

“Instead of simply correcting my mistakes, Candace helped me find a way of speaking that leverages the unique aspects of my personality. I truly believe few coaches could have done this for me in such a short time."

Brent Turner
Vice President, Product Development

DrivePM, aQuantive

"I sent the Department of Natural Resource's top management team to Candace's Media Training, and all of us learned a great deal. She was both practical and entertaining. Her know-how as an experienced journalist is invaluable."

Doug Sutherland
Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

"Candace is an incredible teacher. Her insight, candor and first-hand experience are invaluable. I highly recommend her.”

Lori Butala
HR Director
Eddie Bauer

"Your session has really made a huge difference for me. Thanks again, Candace.”

Robin Bishop
International Program Director
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

"I recommend Candace for speakers' training without reservations. She is highly professional and insightful, and helped me specifically identify how to improve my public speaking."

Mary McWilliams
President
Regence BlueShield

"What a presentation! It was one of the best we've ever had. You left them stimulated, energized, and ready to go into the courtroom!"

Nancy J. Isham

Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

"Wow! Had I known what you could do for the Washington Wine Commission, I would have contracted with you years ago. You are the wine industry's secret weapon!"

Steve Burns
Executive Director
Washington Wine Commission

"Thank you for your effective and sensitive coaching. It is clear you are a professional and the time with you was incredibly valuable for me."

Anna Collins
General Manager
Search Marketing Operations

"Candace removes the mystery and anxiety out of speaking with the media. Her common-sense approach and her entertaining use of real examples make her training important for everyone, no matter how many times you've been interviewed by a reporter."

Norm Maleng

King County Prosecuting Attorney

"Candace is 'top notch.' She gave me great tips, and thanks to her, my speech went well."

Bob Nuber
Chairman
Clark Nuber

"Candace, someone needs to create a word that describes you. It would include vibrant, articulate, brilliant, down-to-earth, refreshing, inspiring, contemporary, relevant, and a bright spot in the day. You are truly amazing!"

Melissa Borders
Vice President
Washington Athletic Club

"Over the past several years, Candace has trained our key executives to respond confidently to media interviews of all types. She is truly 'Media Smart.' "

Diane McIntyre
Public Relations Director
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream

"Thanks to you. I'm already watching television interviews in a different way, far more aware of what succeeds and what doesn't."

Phil Ollila
VP Corporate Merchandising
Borders Books and Music

"As a former reporter, Candace knows the trade intimately and can instantly put you into a real interview. As an articulate presenter, she tailors her delivery to make the most effective use of your time. As a business-savvy coach, she speaks your language. I recommend Candace without reservation for any media or presentation skills building activities."

Dan Gerrity
President and CEO
Coinstar

"I went into our session thinking it would be just another management training and came out convinced that everyone in our company needs to experience the power of Candace's skills and abilities."

Gary Hogue
President
The Hogue Cellars

"I've had such training before. Working with you was the first time I felt I actually learned something."

Mark McNeely
Founder and Advisory Board Chair
Qpass

"You were very helpful, Candace. I really enjoyed the session and learned a lot. Thanks again."

Richard Molteni, M.D.
Medical Director
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center

“Thanks for an excellent day of Presentation Skills training. You were informative, challenging and supportive. You won over a tough crowd.”

Ken Mundt
Communications Director
Flow International Corporation

"Your Crisis Communications training was outstanding. The best way to learn is through practice, and the best way to practice is in a non-threatening environment."

Chief Annette Sandberg
Washington State Patrol

“Many of our managers considered your workshop on Crisis Communications the most valuable of the two-day meeting."

Duane Woods
V.P. and General Counsel
Western Region
Waste Management

“Media Training can be quite intimidating, but Candace's style makes you feel like she is really there for you and wants you to succeed. She makes the training informative and enjoyable."

Candice Douglass
Public Relations Director
Cell Therapeutics

“Top notch! Candace's presentation, "Surefire Techniques for Success When a CFO Speaks" drew a standing-room-only crowd and rave reviews. A great program from an engaging and entertaining speaker."

Richard Denmark
President
Financial Executives International

“Whenever I launch a new Public Relations campaign, I call Candace first."

Melody Biringer
President and CEO
Biringer Farm Products

"When I had the chance to put your media training into action, I felt relaxed and confident. I couldn't have done it without the preparation you provided."

Nancy Ham
General Manager
Healtheon

"Working with Candace really made a difference for me, so much so that I have since referred some of my executives to her for coaching."

Keith Oelrich
President and CEO
Apex Learning

"Thank you so much for your seminar on Making Effective Presentations. We received many positive comments from appreciative employees about the techniques and tips you shared for effective public speaking."

Jill Nishi, Deputy Director
State of Washington
Office of Trade and Economic Development

"Candace helped us focus on delivering a more professional presentation and developing confidence along the way. Any sales team armed with these skills will return more revenue."

Sophia Marciano
Director of Sales and Marketing
KONG-TV

"Candace was beyond our expectations with knowledge, experience and professionalism. A true expert.”

Judy Hommen
Director – Training & Development
Carey International, Inc.

"Thank you for your considerate and powerful coaching. We truly benefited from it, and will continue to practice!"

Douglas K. van Duyne
President and CEO
netRaker

"Candace brought her MediaSmart program to Valley Medical Center for a most successful media training session. She worked with us on developing key messages for numerous issues, crafting those messages for use with the media and our customers. I recommend Candace and MediaSmart highly."

Chuck Tiernan
Public Relations Manager
Valley Medical Center

"Your presentation was a terrific addition to our lineup of seminars addressing issues that affect our owners, managers and agents."

Jeanne Grainger, President
Marketing and Communications
Windermere Services Company

"Candace is the consummate Public Relations professional. She gets results.”

Lane Hoss
Marketing Director
Anthony's Restaurants

"The public relations tools you gave us were invaluable. All of the Forum members rated your content and 'take home' value excellent.”

Tim McGarvey
Executive Director
Chief Executive Forum

"At PR Newswire, we are very selective in what we present to our clients. We are constantly thinking of new and better ways to bring value-added programs to companies that trust us with their corporate news. I can say without reservation that your session was of value to myself, my associates, and our collective client base."

Derek Farley
Bureau Manager
PR Newswire

“Thank you for giving us useful, practical information that we can put to use immediately.”

Betsy Pozzanghera
Educational Director
Washington Restaurant Association

"You knew more than we knew to ask."

Bill Garrity
Executive Director
Consulting Engineers Council of Washington

"We could not have asked for a more qualified individual to teach us how to work effectively with the media. Your teaching style was stimulating and refreshing."

Kim Larson
Public Relations Chair
Washington State Dietetic Association

"Outstanding! Your presentation was informative, relevant and specific in suggesting how we can respond appropriately to the media in times of crisis."

David Munshine
Executive Director
Theta Delta Chi Foundation

"As scientists, we are comfortable with technical information, but we need help in communicating that information in understandable language. You provided that help."

Kathryn E. Kelly
President
Environmental Toxicology International

"Your workshop was well-designed to give practical tips and ideas, with clear and doable instructions. Your presentation was warm and enthusiastic - it was a truly fun evening! I know the merchants found it to be well worth their time."

Sue Gilbert Mooers
Communications Specialist
Pike Place Market

"The feedback and the evaluations from our attendees was outstanding. The results reinforced your high level of enthusiasm, your extensive expertise, and your exemplary communication and presentation skills. These added up to a wonderful learning experience for us all."

Steve Spitzer
Associate Managing Director
Seafair

"Thank you very much for a wonderful staff media training. You not only met our objectives but did an excellent job of relating all of the training material to our organization and how our employees could apply it."

S. Marie Wright
Communications Director
YMCA of Greater Seattle

"Candace has the rare ability to understand the media and to coach teams of professionals to prepare for speaking to the media, and being promoted in the media. Her expertise is vital to any organization needing a consistent, professional dialogue with the public, or more targeted market. I was extremely impressed with her presentation in all aspects."

L. Dan Ramirez
Executive Director
Leadership Redmond

Many other client referrals available upon request.