A cactus thrives in the harshest environments — just as great communication must thrive in challenging markets, crisis moments, and crowded media landscapes.
1. strategic communication
Clear messaging, media relations, and creative campaigns that make you memorable.
2. reputation & resilience
Crisis communication, media training, and dispute resolution to protect what matters.
3. growth & engagement
From sponsorship strategy to stakeholder engagement, we help you strengthen community connections and create meaningful impact.
4. community & business support
Public relations training is key to success. It equips you with the tools to prevent and handle crises, speak effectively to audiences and the media, and represent your organization with confidence.
Crisis communication plans reduce negative media impact
by up to 60%
A well-timed press release can boost web traffic
by 200%
PR-driven social content gets
3x more shares
meet the team
Natasha DeActis
Strategic leader, Professor, Public Relations Practitioner, Community Advocate.
Natasha holds a Master’s degree in Communication, specializing in Public Relations and Organizational Communication, from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She also earned a Communications degree from the University of Windsor.
With a diverse career spanning government relations at both the federal and provincial levels, as well as event management and communications in the not-for-profit sector, Natasha brings a wealth of experience to her work. Her specialties include community relations, crisis communication, and negotiation and dispute resolution, where she has led critical initiatives and managed sensitive, high-pressure situations with success.
A dedicated educator, Natasha has been teaching for over 15 years at both college and university levels. She is currently a professor in the Communication Department at Lake Superior State University, where she mentors and inspires the next generation of communication professionals.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Natasha is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and inclusive communication strategies that empower individuals from all backgrounds. She finds joy in connecting with people, building meaningful partnerships, and making a lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Outside of work, Natasha loves travelling, fresh flowers, and the perfect iced coffee. She cherishes time with her husband, children, and their loyal dog, Ayla.
Gino Cavallo
Broadcast Journalist, Public Relations Practitioner, Community Engagement
Gino is a proud Sault Ste. Marie native with a lifelong passion for communications, community, and sports. He studied Communications at the University of Windsor and completed Broadcast Journalism studies at Fanshawe College before launching his career in broadcasting.
Gino’s career has included leadership roles such as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Soo Greyhounds, sales and marketing with Cliffe Printing and teaching Public Relations and Event Management at Sault College. Deeply involved in the local community and sports scene, he is currently a member of the SSM Airport Development Corporation, he is chairperson of the Sault Ste. Marie Hockey Hall of Fame Committee and has held positions including vice-chairman of the SSM Parks; Recreation Advisory Committee, chairperson of the SSM Sports Hall of Fame Committee, and vice-president of the G. Marconi Society.
An avid sports enthusiast, Gino has been a familiar voice in the community as a hockey play-by-play broadcaster for Soo Greyhounds games on Rogers TV. His love for sports extends beyond the rink — he has spent decades volunteering for events that celebrate athletic achievement and promote recreation in the region.
A sought-after Master of Ceremonies, Gino has hosted countless public and private events, known for his engaging presence, quick wit, and ability to connect with audiences of all sizes. Whether behind a microphone, leading a ceremony, or cheering from the stands, Gino brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and a deep dedication to his community.
Beyond his work, Gino enjoys traveling with his wife Tracy, exploring new cultures, and spending time on the golf course.
Jim Cronin
Award-winning PR professional with decades of senior-level expertise.
James R. Cronin is an award-winning public relations specialist with 25 years of senior PR experience in the public and private sector. He received his professional accreditation in public relations (APR) through the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and was recognized with an ACE (Achieving Communication Excellence) award by the national public relations body.
He was the Director of Public Relations for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation until his retirement in 2009.
Prior to his PR career, Jim worked in radio and television news as a reporter, on-air announcer, and news director for almost 20 years and was a long-time member of the Canadian Radio- Television News Directors Association (RTNDA).
Jim was instrumental in developing, coordinating, and teaching a post-graduate program in Public Relations and Event Management at Sault College. The program ran for eleven years and produced many high-quality PR practitioners.
Since retirement from the public sector, Jim has conducted media training workshops with many public and private sector companies including Parks Canada and the Great Lakes Forest Research Centre. His extensive background in the media combined with his senior level public relations experience gives him a unique approach in the media training workshops.
Jim is a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society and holds an APR.
Jim enjoys travelling, pickle ball, golf and biking.
Penny Perrier
Educator, administrator, business strategist, community leader.
Penny Perrier enjoyed a distinguished career in post-secondary education, serving both as a professor in the School of Business and Hospitality and later as a senior administrator. With a Master of Business Administration and a Certificate in Adult Education, Penny brought expertise and innovation to the classroom, teaching both young professionals and mature students pursuing new career paths.
Her passion for International Business led to the development of courses for college and university programs, along with specialized certificates on “Doing Business with Other Countries.” Dedicated to experiential learning, Penny guided students through team-based projects, entrepreneurship training, and the creation of business plans—several of which resulted in successful start-ups.
Beyond teaching, Penny played a leadership role in program development and institutional growth, contributing to initiatives that addressed local business needs and labour market demands. Most notably, in her final year before retirement, she was instrumental in launching a Public Relations Program.
Prior to her academic career, Penny held leadership positions in the financial sector and gained entrepreneurial experience. She has also been deeply engaged in the community, serving on boards such as the Chamber of Commerce, Regional Literacy Association, Ontario Exports, and Provincial Heads of Business.
Now retired from her role as Chair of the School of Business, Hospitality, and Computer Technology, Penny continues to share her expertise through advisory committees and mentorship, maintaining strong connections with former students and colleagues.
She enjoys painting, traveling, and camping at Batchawana Bay.
voices that matter
Megan Scott
Owner of Trimount Construction
We absolutely love working with CAVACTIS! Their attention to detail and creativity makes our social media effortless, and it’s such a weight off our shoulders not having to worry about content. Natasha and the team always go above and beyond!
Jonathan Boyer-Nolan
Communication Manager Nogdawindamin
Working with Cavactis on our audit was an outstanding experience. They guided us through every step of the process, ensuring everything was organized, clear, and handled professionally. Their expertise and attention to detail gave us confidence, and their support made the entire audit smooth and stress-free. We truly appreciate their dedication and partnership!
Steve Roberts & Mike Vallee
Owners of Permanent Electric
Working with Cavactis has been such a great experience! They’ve helped us with our sponsorships and social media in a way that feels seamless and professional. We love having their support behind the scenes—it makes a huge difference for our business.
Ryan Gridzak
Great Canadian Baker contestant
Natasha and her team went above and beyond to share my story. Their hard work, dedication, and incredible connections made the whole experience amazing!
Yazmin Roman Castro
Tenaris
We had the pleasure of collaborating with Natasha for a series of soft skills trainings aimed at our young professionals, focusing on leadership development and building self-confidence. Natasha also led a specialized session for our internal instructors on how to maintain engagement during training delivery.
Her communication throughout the preparation and execution of these sessions was exceptional. She demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding our needs and incorporating feedback to continuously improve the experience. Natasha's energy, positivity, and professionalism created an inspiring and dynamic learning environment that was highly appreciated by all participants.
We are grateful for her contribution and look forward to future opportunities to work together.
Ready to thrive where others stall?
At Cavactis Communications, we help businesses, teams, and communities cut through the noise, protect what matters, and grow with purpose. Whether you need sharp strategy, crisis support, or training to empower your people, we’re here to make your message unmissable.