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Meet Vita Associates
Jeanine Colini
A transplanted New Yorker, Jeanine earned her bachelor of fine arts degree in communications design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she graduated with honors. Jeanine worked as a designer for the renowned Pentagram Design in New York City before moving west to establish her own firm in 1986. Jeanine has taught graphic design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and is a guest lecturer at Woodbury University in Burbank, where she serves on the advisory board of the school’s graphic design program. She has also stepped in for a colleague at Cooper Union in New York on occasion. She is an active member of the Los Angeles chapter of International Association of Business Communicators and has twice been honored by the group—as the 1993 recipient of the John Cartwright Memorial Award for exemplary service, and as 1998 Communicator of the Year, the chapter’s highest honor. After a busy day of orchestrating the day-to-day business of Vita Associates, Jeanine enjoys fine-tuning her musical skills on the flute, oboe and piano, and performing with the flute choir, Highf’lutin. On a different note, she also loves spending quality time with the official Vita Associates mascots to keep her attitude upbeat.
Vita Associates relies heavily on award-winning graphic designer Ryan Achzet for his expert implementation of marketing communications and publication design. From the big picture to the smallest detail, Ryan produces targeted solutions that effectively engage and inform the audience. Ryan began working with Vita Associates as a student intern in 2002—the same year he graduated magna cum laude from Woodbury University with a bachelor of science in graphic design. He continues to work with the firm, providing his expertise in both print and online design and production, and working in a collaborative way that enhances our creative process. Design awards include the Woodbury University Senior Portfolio Award of Design Excellence and the Public Relations Society of America’s Pinnacle Award, given by the Las Vegas chapter in recognition of his outstanding Web design for a Vita Associates client. On weekends, Ryan enjoys shifting his design skills into overdrive by customizing cars and trucks.
Jane Teis Graphic Services has been going strong since 1983. And for close to 15 years, she has worked closely with Vita Associates to handle the bulk of the firm’s production work, including reproduction art for printed materials such as annual reports, brochures, catalogs, newsletters, and marketing collateral. Prior to founding Jane Teis Graphic Services, Jane spent four years at Harte, Yamashita & Forest, where her client list included Avery Label, Carnation Company and Kiron Company. In her early career, she served as production manager for the advertising department of Big 5 Sporting Goods, and later, for House of Design. Jane is a proud alumna of the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree in design. While Jane consistently bowls us over with her impeccable execution and incomparable attention to detail, she enjoys spending her spare time striking out for a relaxing night at the local bowling alley.
Laura Bennett delivers critical computer-based accounting services, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure the financial accuracy and integrity of Vita Associates. Laura brings more than 20 years of experience in computer accounting to the firm. She started her own accounting firm in 1995, and she’s been balancing and reconciling for Vita Associates ever since she first took on the firm as a client in 1997. She enjoys working with Vita Associates for a number of different reasons—including the personal connections she’s developed with the staff, the fun-filled, fast-paced working environment, and of course, the office dogs. Above all, however, she values the atmosphere of energy and inspiration that comes with working as a member of a creative group. When she isn’t crunching numbers for Vita Associates and other clients, Laura expresses her creative spirit through music performance, landscaping, and other artistic endeavors. She is also an avid snowboarder.
Although Patsy and Foster have passed on to a different plane, their spirit remains as the firm’s original canine icons. Patsy found us at a press check in Rancho Cucamonga, when she wandered onto the premises and instantly won us over with her spunk and personality. Foster—the ever-contemplative member of our pack—joined the group a year later, bringing with him his own unique brand of canine wisdom. Jessica’s disposition is shy and sweet, yet she is always keenly aware of her environment. She is also a consummate people-watcher, and not much gets by her. If you hear barking in the background when you call, you can be sure it’s Crystal. She is assertive, energetic, and clever, and she delights in keeping us all in line. | ||
Ryan Achzet 
Laura Bennett