WHO WE ARE

Our Helm creative crew is a group of creatives and strategists who are passionate about creating while leaving a positive impact in the process. We’re driven by the story in each business or brand, the people who we’re honored to meet, and the ones who haven’t yet been told. We’re personable, respectful, create with a sense of calmness and efficiency, and know how to enjoy each moment.

A distinguishing factor of our creative crew is our culture - we fiercely protect and align ourselves with a culture of creative health so that we can give our best to our clients and our project and, even, each other. Our level of respect for each crew member within our company is evident from on-site to internal collaboration. We work hard and we enjoy our lives, who we get to meet, and what we get to do. It’s the rarest form of creative excellence and we’re aware of it, value it, and do everything we can to keep it. 

Meet Our Team

  • Professional shot of Ashlee Hollis sitting on a chair smiling at the camera with her legs crossed and one hand propped under her face.

    Ashlee Hollis

    President/Founder

    Visionary leader with the ability to champion creatives.

    With multiple degrees in Business Administration, Digital Marketing, and Philanthropy, Ashlee has merged her intelligence with her empathy for people by building a team culture where creatives can thrive. She is passionate and values the importance of connection and relationship building. Ashlee has fiercely set out to ensure that she invests in work that also results in positive social impact, determined to do the best for both client and team. She honorably received a 2024 American Business Award for “Maverick of the Year,” of which she won a silver Stevie Award, in recognition of an individual executive or manager who’s affected the most positive change on his or her company and/or industry since 2022. Ashlee has been distinguished as one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders of Philadelphia for 2024” and 2025 by Women We Admire and named in Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list for 2026. Ashlee has pushed every limit, leading Helm to give back $1 million in cash, donations, and in-kind services. She is always focused on the next generation and creatives, paving the way to set their future up for success. Along with her husband and Helm’s Chief Storyteller, Elijah, they have additionally founded The Story Factory, CHANGE Church, and have received a citation from the City of Philadelphia for their commitment towards positive social impact within the city. Leading The Story Factory, Ashlee has set up a Qualified Production Facility within Philadelphia City Limits, creating a home where creatives can thrive. After a day leading her team, Ashlee can be found spending time with her family, taking a workout class, or discovering the next best coffee shop.

  • Headshot of Elijah Hollis staring directly into the camera in a closeup shot.

    Elijah Hollis

    Chief Storyteller

    Ability to see the world not just as it is, but also how it could be.

    Elijah is a storyteller and videographer, director, writer, producer, voiceover artist, and musician. His dynamic skills also include speaking, teaching, idea-generation, and creating organizations that last. Along with his wife, Ashlee, they have founded Helm Creative Studio, CHANGE Church, and The Story Factory, a space that is focused on city transformation and cultivating a place for creatives to find a haven and creativity to find a home. From classrooms to stadiums, he is committed to telling stories that are exceptionally crafted and beautifully human. He is passionate about helping those that cannot help themselves, resourcing the next generation to become the best version of themselves and become leaders of tomorrow. Elijah has the propensity to take risks and bring his visions to life while executing with intentionality, excellence, empathy, and compassion. He is committed to leaving people with stories that inform, move, and inspire others to change from when or where the story found them, reshaping the idea of philanthropic storytelling and redefining what it means to be creative, from grit to global impact. Elijah had the immense honor of capturing footage for the Robert Irvine Foundation, and making Helm Creative Studio a Gold Winner for the Telly Awards in 2025 for his storytelling and videography capabilities. When he’s not behind the camera, Elijah can be found spending time with his family, leading CHANGE Church, and listening to new music.

  • Headshot of Sadie Wilson standing slightly away from the camera with her hands on her waist while smiling.

    Sadie Wilson

    Vice President, Client Relationship Manager

    Organizational expert creating exceptional and impactful experiences.

    Sadie is focused on the entire process, not just the results. With her degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Leadership from Temple University, she has a rare work-ethic and attitude towards her own experiences that has cultivated opportunities to grow. She has blossomed into a masterful organizer with the ability to lead others through both challenge and triumph. Sadie has embraced working in the city and has used it to fuel her understanding of how to better engage with people with varying perspectives, while remaining dedicated to building relationships and fostering connections at Helm. When she’s not building client relationships, Sadie can be found building her strength at the gym or taking her dog, Winnie, on a walk.

  • Headshot of Sara Norcott standing to the side with her head angled towards the camera as her right arm grabs her left while smiling.

    Sara Norcott

    Idea Alchemist & Client Relations

    Writer, editor, idea-generator, creative manager, and content creator.

    Sara has over 10 years of experience in creating content for businesses and brands, including incredible work for Fortune 500 and 100 companies. With degrees in Communications and scripting in Writing for Stage & Screen, she approaches storytelling with precision, excellence, and an emphasis on how a story resonates with an audience. Sara is a firm believer in the power of a good story. She is sensationally passionate about seeing others create and tell their best stories, both personally and professionally. After 5 years living in Los Angeles, sharpening her tools in storytelling and voice by working with both brands and screenwriters, Sara has started a new scene in the script of her life by returning to the East Coast. After a day on-site, Sara can be found baking, enjoying matcha lattes, reading a book, or writing something new, in order to continuously move towards her creative dreams.

  • Headshot of Bryan Barlow standing slightly on an angle from the camera and smiling with his arms crossed.

    Bryan Barlow

    Senior Video Coordinator

    Caring for people while storytelling.

    Bryan is a creative and musician in his own right, with a B.A. in Media Studies and Production from Temple University. He is fully committed to ensuring his work has a lasting meaningful impact, in each and every way. Bryan is welcoming to others in a way that allows him to see the story within the person and to see opportunities in a fresh and exciting way. He leads our incredible team of editors, overseeing the creative storytelling to bring our clients' visions to life while traveling around the country and the world. Bryan delivers a unique and unwavering positive attitude to his work, determined to be open to new experiences and to keep creating unlimited possibilities in storytelling. When Bryan steps out from behind the camera, he can be found at Philly sports games, spending time with his twin brother, or enjoying life in Philadelphia.

  • Headshot of Eve Turner standing and angled towards the camera while smiling.

    Eve Turner

    Strategic Specialist

    Storyteller and strategist, championing human and client connection. 

    Eve compassionately collaborates both behind the scenes and on-site. Earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Tampa, she is passionate about learning, understanding, and leading with empathy. With extensive experience in dance and creative arts, she recognizes the value of ensuring stories are felt by those who see and hear them while leaving a lasting impact. Eve is determined to appreciate the value of taking risks, she lives authentically, and celebrates humanity throughout the creative process. When she’s not connecting with others, you can find Eve taking workout classes, going to coffee shops with her friends, enjoying music concerts, or spending time with her little sister.

  • Headshot of Matt Kee, also known as Doc, leaning against a metal door while looking into the camera with a city view behind him.

    Matt Kee AKA "DOC"

    Videographer & Audio Engineer

    Singer, audio musician, skilled songwriter, and recording artist.

    Doc is the Youth Coordinator of Takeover Youth Program at CHANGE Church, an initiative built on giving students within Philadelphia opportunities to connect and grow towards positive outcomes with community support. He is passionate about creating sounds that move people through a self-taught mastery of mixing, recording, and artist development. With over ten years of experience in touring and achievements heard through radio, major festivals, and multiple well-known artists, Doc is passionate about investing into others, particularly the next generation. He is continuously giving back to his native city of Philadelphia, which contributed to his own growth as an artist. Doc is revolutionizing what it means to repurpose pain into creativity from the students he reaches to the community he calls home. When Doc takes off his headphones, he can be found spending time supporting Philly sports teams, spending time with his family, or working out.

  • Headshot of Haley Rae Adair facing the camera and leaning to her left with an arm across her midsection and another up near her shoulder.

    Haley Rae Adair

    Photographer

    Photographer, artist, and moment magnifier.

    Merging talent with perception to see people beyond the camera lens, Haley captures the uniqueness which characterizes each person. With a degree in Fine Art in Photography from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Haley is consistently uncovering what it means to ensure stories are celebrated beyond an image. Her understanding of how people view themselves and how they want to be seen brings a unique eye to her photography. Haley utilizes her skills and her values to listen, learn, and honor the people who fill her work. When she’s not capturing smiles, Haley enjoys photographing and enjoying the world around her.

  • Headshot of Rob Lista with arms behind his back while looking at the camera.

    Rob Lista

    Video Editor

    Media creative, storyteller, and value-driven communicator.

    Rob enjoys telling an emotional and thought-provoking story to authentically communicate its message and values. With his B.A. in Media Studies and Production from Temple University, he is passionate about narrative storytelling in diverse mediums, and understands the value behind each person’s story. Rob has a strong love of media across several genres, understanding how each can contribute to an impactful story. When he’s not editing videos, Rob can be found playing board and card games, going outside to the softball field, or relaxing by reading or watching movies.

  • Headshot of Bryson Christopher smiling and standing with hands in pocket

    Bryson Christopher

    Video Editor

    Storyteller, editor, and narrative shaper. 

    Bryson is a passionate storyteller within various mediums. He is studying Film & Media Arts at Temple University, with a concentration in screenwriting. With such a deep appreciation for music, literature, and fashion, he brings his creative knowledge to everything he crafts. He is driven by people’s unique stories that shape their narrative. Bryson brings a new perspective to each video he creates, editing with passion and creativity to convey a propelling story. When he’s not editing videos, Bryson can be found reading or writing, especially the classics, Sci-fi, and Fantasy!

  • Headshot of Julia McGuigan, smiling looking forward

    Julia McGuigan

    Video Editor

    Dancer, editor, and relationship-driven storyteller.

    Leading with human connection and empathy, Julia earned her B.S. in Television and Digital Media Production from Ithaca College. She feels where art and relationships intersect in storytelling, finding movement through dance and narrative through music. Julia brings her own unique perspective when editing stories to lead them with value and understanding, concentrating on human connection and relationship. When not editing videos, Julia enjoys exploring new activities, art, music, reading, movies, and strengthening her cooking skills.

  • Headshot of Andie Paine standing with crossed arms while looking at the camera.

    Andie Paine

    Digital Marketing & Client Relations

    Passionate and determined, never dropping the ball. 

    Andie is a hard worker who sees potential in everything she creates. She is studying Advertising in Account Management and Media Planning at Temple University, and is passionate about fashion and sustainability while striving to achieve her goals. Always uplifting the team, she takes initiative when a task needs to get done, serving others so they can be at their best. Prepared and undeterred, her willingness to try new ideas and hone her skills to deliver her best is unwavering. Her drive and determination continually at the forefront, Andie recognizes creativity as ever-growing and strives to think outside the box in her creative endeavors. When she’s not at class or uplifting the team at Helm, she can be found hanging out with friends, drinking coffee, thrifting, traveling, or pursuing new adventures.

  • Headshot of Ava Soucy, smiling with arms crossed

    Ava Soucy

    Content & Digital Assistant

    Creative strategist, observer, and empathy in action. 

    Ava, a recent Pennsylvania resident originally from New England, holds a B.S. in Marketing Communications from Emerson College. She is passionate about the creative process, from ideation to execution. As an observer at heart, Ava sees opportunities and beauty in everything she creates, while strategically understanding each aspect. She leads with empathy and consistently adds value to foster deeper connections. Ava finds true fulfillment in creativity, incorporating it into her everyday life. When not creating, Ava can be found outside walking, hiking, and playing lacrosse. She also likes indoor activities such as watching movies, crafting, and reading.

  • Headshot of Elisa Lee, smiling with hands on hips

    Elisa Lee

    Graphic Designer

    Visual storyteller creating meaningful, connection-driven design. 

    Elisa strives to elevate visual design and bring every story to life. Earning her BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design from West Chester University, she is truly passionate about illustration. From pencil to print, her versatility and intentionality guide every project. With an artist’s hand and eye, she views beyond her design’s foundation to bring layers and complexity with every touch. Elisa enjoys storytelling with art and design, valuing human connection with every artistic endeavour. When Elisa is not designing, you can find her playing video games and indulging in her illustrative and fiber art hobbies. Usually, she tends to multitask and do both at the same time!

  • Headshot of Sirena Alvarez with arms crossed and smiling

    Sirena Alvarez

    Graphic Designer

    Designer, artist, and story magnifier. 

    With passion about creating, Sirena understands the beauty in design and art. Earning her BFA in Graphic Design with an Art minor at James Madison University, she enjoys telling a visual story to communicate the proper message. Sirena views the world as an opportunity for new experiences, adventuring and embracing the highs and lows to learn and grow. Bringing a detailed fine arts lens to graphic design to shape her work, she embraces both skillsets as a unique part of her process. Sirena values human connection and showcasing positivity when creating, and inspires others to follow. After a day in the office, you can find Sirena outside, soaking in the sun or walking along the beach with a book in her hand, taking a break from the screen to delve into a tantalizing story.

CORE VALUES

Every story needs structure. And so do we. We fiercely protect, cultivate, and maintain our company culture, which is part of what makes us so very “Helm.”

Graphic of an outline of three people above text: Value people over production.

Value people over production.

People - their stories, their bravery, and their creativity, will always be our priority. 

Graphic of quotation marks above text: Weigh your words.

Weigh your words.

Our words can wound or create wholeness - we choose to speak truth with kindness and care.

Graphic of a thought bubble above text: Walk in what you dream.

Walk in what you dream. 

Take action on what matters most and decide to live in what you imagine. 

Graphic of a heart above text: Feel, first.

Feel, first.

We can’t expect audiences or clients to feel what we aren’t willing to experience or feel, first - we lead the way for stories to be seen, felt, and heard because we go there, first.

Graphic of a heart with a line of its electrical activity or tracing above text: Honor creative health.

Burnout may get quick results but leaves lasting scars - healing and wholeness is always our intention.

Honor creative health.

Graphic of a circle with a check mark in it above text: Multiply positive impact.

Multiply positive impact.

Our choices create a rippling effect in the world - we are responsible for our words, actions, and creativity. 

Graphic of a person walking above text: Kindly lead your story.

Kindly lead your story. 

We are remembered for how we treat others and not only for the work we produce - and leadership or position will never excuse bad behavior.

Graphic of a person climbing a mountain with a flag at the top above text: Cultivate courage.

Cultivate courage. 

Solutions are found when we believe that solutions are possible to any obstacles, and that challenges can serve us in refining our skills. 

Graphic of a hand giving a thumbs up above text: Fuel dreams through failures.

Fuel dreams through failures.

If you’re doing anything great or worth risking over, failure is a sign that you’re trying - you’re in the game. We celebrate bravery to dream, try, fail, and keep moving forward.

Graphic of a five differently-sized sparkles above text: Integrate imagination.

Integrate imagination. 

Don’t lose your sense of wonder for what’s possible and what we are capable of creating.