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Strategic Communications & Marketing Consultant

Stories that cut through complexity,
build trust, and
drive growth.

Tori Barnes, Communications Consultant

The companies that win aren't always the ones with the best product. They're the ones that tell the clearest story about why they matter.

In an era of infinite content and AI-generated noise, most companies — especially in healthcare and technology — struggle to articulate a narrative that people can understand, trust, and repeat.

Messaging becomes fragmented. Differentiation gets lost. And what's said internally doesn't match how the company shows up externally.

Communications & brand leadership
for health, tech and wellness brands

01
Fractional Communications & Brand Leadership
6-month minimum · Limited 2026 Availability
"Our business is evolving fast and our story isn't keeping up."

Embedded communications and brand leadership designed to define and reinforce your story with the audiences who matter most: media, investors, clients and partners, consumers, and your own employees.

  • Narrative development & differentiation
  • Media strategy & thought leadership
  • Integrated campaign strategy
  • Employee communications & advocacy
02
Milestone Projects
3-month minimum engagement
"We need to announce ______ , and it needs to break through."

High-impact engagements for the moments that define your company's trajectory — from new categories and funding rounds to M&A, executive transitions, and partnerships. I help you craft the story, own the moment, and sustain momentum long after launch.

  • Funding & fundraising milestones
  • Early-stage brand building & category creation
  • Narrative refreshes & product launches
  • M&A, executive & partnership announcements
03
Crisis Communications
Scope & pricing based on issue complexity
"We need to control the narrative before it controls us."

From data breaches to leadership changes and restructures, some of my strongest work lives in the stories that never made the headlines.

  • Risk readiness & crisis planning
  • M&A, activist & capital situations
  • Cyber, data & security incidents
  • Executive transitions & workforce change
04
Employee & Internal Communications
Scope varies by engagement
"We're struggling to stay aligned internally as we grow."

The biggest risk comes when your internal and external perception fall out of sync.

  • Internal communications strategy
  • Change management communications
  • Culture & values messaging
  • Employee advocacy programs
05
Advisory
3-month minimum engagement
"When do I hire a communications leader? When do I need an agency? I'd love a thought partner."

A high-trust strategic partnership for communications and marketing leaders navigating growth, complexity, and constant tradeoffs.

  • Strategic & annual planning
  • Team & resourcing counsel
  • Cross-functional integration
  • Executive & leadership coaching
06
Custom
Let's talk

Don't see exactly what you need? Every communications challenge is different. I'm happy to build something tailored to your situation, team, and goals.

Start a conversation

Experience across D2C, B2B, B2B2C and everywhere in between

Headspace Ginger athenahealth Teladoc Health FamilyWell Health Fitbit Revive Health Burson

and many more

I help companies tell stories that matter.

With over 15 years of experience spanning startups, health systems, and global brands, I've led communications through some of healthcare's most meaningful transformations — most recently at Headspace, where I guided the brand's evolution from a meditation app to a global mental health company at the forefront of AI.

As a consultant, I partner with CEOs and leadership teams for fractional communications roles and focused, high-impact projects. As a passionate advocate for mental health and purpose-driven leadership, I'm drawn to work that helps people and organizations thrive from the inside out.

Human-First

Good communication makes people feel seen, heard, and valued — whether they're employees, patients, or investors.

Clarity-Led

I distill complexity into the essential message and build everything around it.

Calm Under Pressure

I bring structure, thoughtfulness, and discipline during the moments of uncertainty that matter most.

Let's connect

Whether you're navigating a pivotal moment or building something entirely new, I'd love to hear what you're working on.