About Me | CK Communication Services

Facts, science, and data are important, but they don't change people's minds or behaviours to create a more just, biodiverse, and healthy world.

This is where the power of storytelling comes in.

Hi - I'm Carmen Koessler (née Smith)

Storyteller | Communications Strategist | Science Communicator

I am a Canadian science communicator and communications strategist with 10+ years of experience delivering creative communications and public engagement programs in Canada and Australia.

I am deeply committed to recognizing and using my privilege as a straight, white settler to ally with justice-seeking groups through my work effectively. I love working with purpose-driven organizations to help make the world a more just, kind, biodiverse, and sustainable place.

I am a strategic problem solver and big-picture thinker with a proven ability to connect people and communities to campaigns, projects, and stories.

Interested in unlocking the power of your story?

Let's Chat

Bravery

I model bravery and vulnerability, as I believe it to be essential in storytelling.

You can trust that I will always be honest and share my thinking and ideas in the spirit of generosity and openness.

Creativity & Learning

I love the creativity that storytelling affords me and strive to be a lifelong learner.

I value your ideas, wisdom and teachings and recognize shared knowledge as a gift.

Heart & Empathy

Being an 'empath' and leading from my heart is my superpower. I care deeply about others and bring this to my work.

I am passionate and lead and live with my heart on my sleeve.

Relationships

I value my relationships (personal and professional) and do my part to foster and priortize them.

I will always want to know who you are as a person (not just your job title), and will share these aspects with you as well.

Certifications, Training &
Technical Skills

Video Storytelling Certificate – UC Berkeley Advanced Media Institute (2022)
Data Visualization for Storytelling Certificate – UC Berkeley Advanced Media Institute (2021)
VisualStory - Developing Persuasive Presentations - Duarte (2018)
Media & Communications Master Class – Science in Public (2018)
Business Development Training - Richard Woodward (2016)
Coaching & Counselling Training - Warner Consulting Auz Pty (2015)
Conservation Conflict Transformation Training – Conservation for Peace (2013)
Alliance Française - Elementary French (2020 - 2021)
Pleasure Cruise Operating Card - Transport Canada (2013)
SEACR Marine Naturalist Course (2012)
PADI Open Water Diver Certification (2006)

Education

Awards & Recognition

3rd Place in Canada - TD Canada Go Green Scholarship for short video featuring aquaponics research.

Bachelor of Science - Major in Biology, Minor in Geography.

University of Victoria

Victoria BC Canada - (2008 - 2013)

Graduated with Distinction (top 20% of my class)

Directed Resarch

Coastal gray wolf (Canis lupus) diet on Calvert Island and the Goose Islands in BC - University of Victoria (2013)
Chronic oil pollution: the biological impacts and unforeseen risk associated with introducing supertanker traffic to BC coastal waters - University of Victoria (2013)
Independent Research on Aquaponics - University of Victoria (2011)