The SpeechComm team is comprised of communications professionals with decades of experience in the fields of marketing-communications, media creation and production, corporate messaging and brand strategy. Team members bring their unique subject matter expertise and real-world experience to each of the trainings they are called upon to lead.
Elise Simard
Elise is a seasoned Employee Development and Corporate Trainer with an extensive background in broadcast production and business development. Over the past decade, Elise has worked with companies to advance their organizational growth by fostering employee professional development. Elise’s experience in the broadcast field includes working with stations such as WCVB-TV Channel 5, Sports Channel New England, ESPN, and SVS, Inc.
As a producer, she developed content and stories for the US Department of Education, CNN, SAT 1 German TV, Reuters, and E! Entertainment Television. She became a highly sought after communications specialist recognized for effectively preparing speakers for live shot interviews and media tours. Currently, Elise serves on the faculty of Impact Skill Sets, Inc., a leading business professional development company that has successfully trained over 15,000 people in under 5 years for various corporations. As President of SpeechComm Communications Consultants, she has successfully developed and delivered training seminars to top financial institutions, engineering firms, banks, construction companies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations. Elise is dedicated to the process of continuous research in business communication methodologies and on-going refinement to the programs based on the most current training philosophies. Her training and corporate coaching style reflect her belief in immediate implementation to maximize tangible results.
“It’s really difficult to overrate the experience SpeechComm delivers to our clients during the media training sessions they have been conducting for us through the years. Whether its C-level executives, product evangelists or newly minted corporate spokespeople, Elise’s expertise, energy and engaging personal style combine to help clients achieve their personal best in their roles as stewards of the corporate or product brand. Once a client experiences a session with Elise and the SpeechComm team, they no longer have to be “persuaded” that media training is valuable. A really great experience!”
Lora Vivilecchia
As the Founder of SpeechComm, Lora has been creating and developing training programs for over 25 years. She is a results driven corporate trainer, communication specialist and speaker with extensive expertise consulting for C-level executives, banks, utilities, high tech, professional associations and health organizations. Prior to founding SpeechComm, Lora was a corporate trainer for APEX Training and served on the faculty of Suffolk University’s Executive MBA program, The New England Institute of Law Enforcement Management at Babson College, Regis College and Emerson College.
Michael Azevedo
Michael is a multi-faceted communications professional who has led and managed diverse teams in online, broadcast, video, print, brand strategy and digital marketing initiatives for more than fifteen years. He has put his talents--as a speaker, presenter, producer and writer--to use in the service of renowned organizations and companies of all sizes: from some of the world's leading investment and telecommunications firms, to top-tier public broadcasting networks and myriad prestigious non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing education, public policy, healthcare and the arts.
Outfitted with a comprehensive range of experience as an effective storyteller, brand strategist and manager, Michael guides SpeechComm clients in identifying and amplifying those aspects of their message that can resonate most effectively with target audiences.
Elizabeth Dinitto
Elizabeth McLean is a practicing Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with extensive experience in motivating students to strive for their personal best. In practice for over a decade, Liz’s profession as a counselor has provided her with the background and experience for successfully coaching individuals in their personal growth and professional development.
Concurrent with her position as a SpeechComm U Senior Trainer, Liz also works as a school adjustment counselor and high school placement coordinator where, among other things, she advises school staff in providing social and emotional support to students. She guides students throughout the entire high school application process which includes meeting with Admissions Officers, researching the appropriate school for each student, visiting high schools with students, assisting students and families in completing applications and financial aid forms, essay writing, and interview preparation. Liz is passionate about advising students on the steps they need to take for their personal development, skills that are easily transferable to her role of trainer at SpeechComm.