About
who we are
Our Story
Head quartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Serving small businesses across the United States. Moonwake Collaborative is your not-so-secret weapon for scaling your business, increasing efficiency, and closing the gap on the many deliverables you're managing in your business.
Supporting Small Businesses From the Start
Moonwake Collaborative was created in 2021 as a dream project of the founder, Jennifer Speers. Jen grew up in an entrepreneurial family. Her father owned a family-run restaurant, and she was taught from a very young age to "support local". As an adult, she realized she still had a deep desire to support small businesses. Using her experience of almost two decades in sales and marketing, she started a small virtual assistant business in late 2020 during Covid. What was initially just Jen quickly became a team of hand-picked experts in copywriting, design, social media, SEO, and more. Soon after, Moonwake was born! Jen wanted to have a business that was truly a one-stop-shop for business owners that needed support.
Operations
Strategy
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Solutions
What Sets Us Apart
meet the team
Moonwake predominantly serves clients all over the United States. Which means no language barriers, time difference of no more than 2-3 hours, and a team that deeply understands the uniqueness of your target market demographics.
We serve a wide variety of industries. VAs are especially valuable for small businesses that may not have the budget to hire full-time staff but still need reliable, flexible support.
the founder
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Jen Speers
Founder / Owner
Project MGMT
Operations
Strategy
📍 Des Moines, IA
Jen Speers is a force to be reckoned with and a fierce supporter of amplifying the voices and brands of small businesses that are doing great things for their communities. With over 15 years in the sales and marketing industry, Jen has always been a team leader and at one point led a team of over 1000 sales people.
Her extensive background has made her an expert project manager and marketing consultant. She loves to hear the stories of her clients and then turn those ideas and dreams into actionable steps. Helping clients reach milestones they didn't think possible is her favorite part of running Moonwake Collaborative.
When Jen isn't working, she lives in the Des Moines, IA area with her husband and three children and likes binge watching Bravo and reading banned books.
I love to ghost hunt!
our crew
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Kristen Strickler
Paid Ads Specialist
Project MGMT
Paid Ads
Copywriting
📍 Milwaukee, WI
Kristen is a former teacher turned paid ads strategist. After six years in the classroom, she decided to pivot to a new career where she could use many of her skills from the classroom in a different way. Most importantly, her desire to support others on their journey to success stays at the forefront of all that she does. She loves having the opportunity to work with small business owners and cheer them on as they hit milestones in their business. Kristen loves working closely with clients, developing a strong understanding of their business goals, and putting ad strategies in place to help business reach new heights.
When Kristen isn't working, she's chasing her toddlers, listening to an audiobook, or binging the latest trending shows on Netflix.
I used to be a Milwaukee Brewers racing sausage.
Amanda Bekric
Senior Strategist
Project MGMT
Strategy
PR
📍 Minneapolis, MN
Amanda Bekric is a marketing professional based in Minneapolis with extensive experience in strategic brand management, social media marketing, and project leadership. With an MBA and a BA in Marketing from Concordia University, St. Paul, she specializes in helping businesses grow their digital presence and develop impactful marketing campaigns. Amanda currently works with Dady & Gardner, P.A. as a social media strategist in the legal field. She is affiliated with the American Marketing Association and is an active member of the Legal Marketing Association.
I cannot wink lol
Tahjma VanBuren
Podcast/SEO Specialist
Project MGMT
Podcasts
Strategy
📍 Greensboro, NC
With the rise of YouTube and social media changing how people consume content, Tahjma VanBuren recognized that reading was no longer as dominant. This shift inspired her to dive into podcasting, where storytelling could be both powerful and accessible. Tahjma specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Podcast Management, helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices in this digital age.
Coming from a family of small business owners, she learned what it takes to build something from scratch. After witnessing the hard work and sacrifice behind the scenes, she felt compelled to disrupt the obsession with leaders' highlight reels. Tahjma uses her talents in community-building and storytelling to help entrepreneurs and community builders share their authentic journeys with wider audiences.
When she’s not working, you can find Tahjma in a local bookstore, spending time with her sisters, or baking up something sweet.
Baking is my ultimate stress reliever — ask me about my lemon cake!
Bridget Dublin
Senior Copywriter
Project MGMT
Copywriting
Social Media
📍 Chicago, IL
Bridget Dubin is a writer, editor, and sometimes-designer based in Chicago, Illinois. Having dabbled in many areas professionally and creatively – notably spending 8+ years in Chicago’s comedy scene – they ultimately brought their passion for storytelling and communication to the digital media industry in 2021.
While they have a full breadth of work experience in the field, Bridget specializes in all things messaging and written communication, with an emphasis on brand voice and identity development. They have worked with clients from a wide range of industries, including but not limited to environmental tech, finance, non-profits, real estate, and consumer goods. More recently, they have delved into advocacy-focused content writing, particularly in the realm of public health.
Bridget is passionate about creative writing outside of work as well. They were the editor-in-chief of the literary humor site Little Old Lady from 2024-2025, and have most recently been working on their first science fiction novel. Aside from writing, they are an avid baseball fan, Dunegons & Dragons player, and travel enthusiast. You can most often find them hanging out with their cat Luna and watching documentaries about things they have no professional reason to know anything about.
I'm on a mission to visit all 30 active MLB stadiums – at 21/30 as of 2025!
TJ Jackson
Audio/Video Specialist
Video Editing
Podcasts
Copywriting
📍 Northwest Indiana/Chicago, IL
In 2016, Terrel Phillip Jackson (TJ) graduated from Ball State University with a B.A. in Telecommunications that focused on Digital Video/Audio Production & Emerging Media. Now what do all those words mean?
He'd like to think that those words, and the experience that comes from them, make him an extremely versatile person to have around.
TJ has spent time working in numerous positions and situations throughout his career so far. Whether it be actor, writer, comedian, director, production assistant, video editor, or any of the many other hats that he's worn over the years, one title encompasses them all: CREATIVE.
No matter his path, TJ has always strived to create stories that leave a mark on the lives of those that give him the privilege of their attention.
He's currently an Indiana resident and Chicago-based creative professional who works for Moonwake Collaborative as a Copywriter & Video Editor who moonlights as an actor, comedian, and a founding member of the Chicago Sketch Comedy group, The Culprits.
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I'm a former collegiate judoka (Judo player)
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I'm (technically) an ordained minister
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I'm a former Mayor of Hell, Michigan
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Bri Dennison
Project Manager
Project MGMT
Admin
Social Media
📍 Running Springs, CA
As a Project Manager and social media enthusiast, I help small businesses across the U.S. boost their online presence. With a knack for crafting newsletters and creating Reels that grab attention, I help brands connect with their audiences. When I'm not helping my clients stand out, I'm serving on the board of directors for Sierra Service Project—a nonprofit strengthening communities through volunteer work and making home repairs accessible to those who need it most.
Off the clock, you'll find me gaming on my Switch or PC with my husband, Tony—because couples who game together, stay together, right? I recently completed my first half marathon and am gearing up for a full one soon. I enjoy a variety of crafts, love getting lost in a good book, and hanging out with our pets—cats Todd and Gideon, and our dog Kaida. My mission? To add a little extra fun, engagement, and effectiveness to every project I touch!
I'm a huge book nerd and usually read at least 50 books per year
Addison Brown
Project Manager
Project MGMT
Copywriting
Strategy
📍 Chicago, IL
Addison Brown (she/her) is a creative writer and project manager residing in Chicago, Illinois. After receiving her degree in Arts Management and Theater from the College of Charleston, she moved to the Windy City to pursue comedy. She continues to write and perform in theaters all across the city, namely iO Chicago and The Den.
Her journey in creative and digital marketing began in 2016 with several marketing internships at some of Charleston’s leading theaters and art galleries. It then continued in 2021 when she wrote, produced, and promoted two seasons of her own podcast, “Flirting With Failure.” Now, she’s a co-editor of Little Old Lady Comedy, a long-running literary humor website, along with her fellow Moonwake superstar, Bridget Dubin!
When she’s not working or being hilarious, you will find her at home obsessing over her two cats, Otis and Peach, in a coffee shop maniacally filling out a crossword puzzle, or playing Stardew Valley.
I am obsessed with crossword puzzles!!
Heather Roy
Website Designer
Website
Project MGMT
Strategy
📍 Alexandria, VA
Heather Roy brings a wealth of experience in website maintenance, development, and design. Her meticulous attention to detail and keen eye for aesthetics ensure that every website we maintain remains visually appealing and engaging to visitors. When not behind the desk, Heather enjoys spending time immersed in live music or nature, particularly near the ocean. She currently resides in Alexandria, VA with her fiancé and her sweet boxer mix puppy, Remi.
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My favorite National Park is the Everglades
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I've been practicing Yoga for almost 20 years
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Not so fun fact: I am allergic to avocados
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Simone Hargrett
Art Director
Graphics
Branding
Design
📍 Minnesota, USA
Simone Hargrett is a designer and illustrator based in Minnesota, USA. With nearly 5 years of experience, Simone's unique blend of science smarts and artistic flair results in eye-catching work that combines vibrant colors and dynamic typography. She's passionate about bringing clients' wildest dreams to life and creating designs that are both meaningful and impactful. Beyond her professional pursuits, Simone is an emoji aficionado and a lover of cinnamon rolls. She believes that life is too short to be boring, and her fun-loving spirit shines through in her work.
I love jigsaw puzzles. I love strawberry lemonade. I have been to all 7 continents.
Melissa Eberts
Project Manager
Executive Asst.
Project MGMT
Social Media
📍 Foley, AL / Vermillion, SD
Melissa Eberts is a creative multitasker with a passion for small businesses. With a background in working for a small-town Chamber of Commerce, Melissa is proficient in writing everything from blogs to social media content, grants, and organizing emails like a pro. She even dabbles in graphic design and loves setting up processes to keep things running smoothly.
Splitting her time between the Gulf Coast in Foley, Alabama, and Vermillion, South Dakota, Melissa is living the dream as a part-time snowbird. When she's not busy working or enjoying sunshine on the beach, you can find her hitting the pavement—she’s gearing up for her first marathon next fall!
I love Guitar Hero and recently started playing on expert level!
Eliana La Casa
Executive Assistant
📍 Chicago, IL
Eliana La Casa (she/her) is a stand up comedian and virtual assistant on a lifelong quest to be as efficient as possible. She brings the same attention to detail when she’s crafting a joke as she does when she’s getting her clients to inbox zero.
From managing her own successful career in comedy, to working for a large entertainment company, Eliana has learned to support and meet the needs of clients of all sizes. Hard-working and goal-oriented, she loves to see exciting projects come to fruition.
Originally from Argentina, Eliana moved to Chicago in 2021. Since then, she’s assisted homeowners, businesses, and a major university organize and optimize. Her hands-on approach leads her to get involved with the causes she supports. She is passionate about women’s rights, animal welfare, and protecting the environment.
She's the only Argentinean who doesn't like soccer.
Matthew LeFort
Google Ads Strategist
Google Ads
Project MGMT
Strategy
📍 Sacramento, CA
I’m a full-stack web developer turned digital marketing strategist with a passion for helping small businesses thrive. I specialize in leveraging Google Ads, SEO optimization, and workflow automation to simplify life for business owners and drive real results.
After years spent engineering custom automations, backend systems, and intuitive website interfaces, I discovered my rhythm in digital marketing, particularly in paid search. Today, I work full-time as a marketing partner for local service providers and e-commerce shops, helping them scale what’s working or launch strong with a smart foundation.
My tech-savvy background and people-first mindset make Google Ads an ideal focus. I connect the dots between complex technical setups, like debugging Google Tag Manager, configuring server-side tracking, or refining audience segmentation, and strategic, results-oriented marketing. My goal is to help great businesses reach the customers who need them most.
When I’m not deep in spreadsheets or ad reports, you’ll find me camping with my wife and son or working on new CNC woodworking projects in the garage.
Let’s turn clicks into customers with strategy, integrity, and efficiency.
When I’m not deep in spreadsheets or ad reports, you’ll find me camping with my wife and son or working on new CNC woodworking projects in the garage. Ask me to share some photos, I love showing off the places we found and the latest project!
Meridith McCarty
Project Manager
Operations
Systems
Strategy
📍 Des Moines, IA
Meridith McCarty is an experienced project manager specializing in business systems, automation, and operational efficiency. With over six years of experience managing complex projects, she has successfully led teams, streamlined workflows, and implemented scalable solutions to improve productivity. Meridith has managed high-impact initiatives, overseeing project timelines, resource allocation, and process optimization to ensure seamless execution. She brings a strategic, systems-driven approach to project management, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and results for every project she leads.
I'm a mom of three under five, a vintage jewelry lover, and a Bravo superfan who definitely can't live without iced coffee and my calendar.