It Takes An Incredible Team To Make Incredible Connections

Cat’s passion for matchmaking and connecting people via modern dating outlets has kept her at VIDA since 2010. A matchmaker for years, she also managed the matchmaking team before becoming VIDA’s General Manager, and now the COO. Cat excels at building and shaping VIDA’s core teams, and searches far and wide to find the best people to manage them. She’s also lived all over the world, which gives her a unique understanding of dating in different areas. Currently residing in Seattle, Cat is passionate about raising her three bilingual children, living a healthy and natural lifestyle and exploring the outdoors locally and across the globe.

Hailing from Raleigh and currently residing in Austin, Meagan puts her Master’s in organizational leadership to good use leading and inspiring VIDA’s entire team. A true dating expert, she ensures VIDA stays on the forefront of matchmaking, using the best sites, apps, and technology for VIDA’s clients. She’s dedicated to helping men and women find their ‘someone special,’ and especially enjoys keeping up with clients after they have found The One through VIDA.

Madison is naturally creative, and has an extensive background in styling, fashion, and luxury customer service. She considers matchmaking a natural strength of hers, and has a knack for figuring out what people want, then helping them find it – whether that’s their ideal partner or the perfect outfit for a first date. When she’s not hard at work for VIDA’s clients, she loves to draw, bake, sew and expand her art portfolio, and is very active with her church community. She lives near the beach in Toronto with her family, boyfriend, and cat Sasha, and also fosters rescue cats.

Born in Amarillo and raised in Midland, Stacy visited Austin, TX on spring break from college and never left. Armed with a bright social personality and a cheerful disposition, she’s a dedicated matchmaker for VIDA’s clients. With her natural talent for “getting” people and her extensive background in sales and marketing, she quickly became VIDA’s lead strategist and helps her team of matchmakers formulate a detailed strategy for each client. In her spare time, she helps out her husband with his small business, runs around minding her beloved kiddos and keeps the household going. She also somehow finds time to volunteer for Meals on Wheels and keep up with a large group of friends, whom she sees regularly and invites over weekly for the Sunday games (Go Broncos!) Besides being great at getting her clients on dates, she’s also known for her cooking and entertaining skills.

With her natural creative eye and penchant for data analysis, Michelle excels at determining a client’s strongest, most attractive photo lineup. She loves helping clients present their “best” selves online, and chooses photos that highlight their most intriguing traits in a natural, genuine way. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, yoga, and hitting the gym and running trails. She lives with her family in Burnaby, BC, and has seen just enough of the world to know she needs to see more.

Ellie is a veteran matchmaker who always makes sure everything goes exceedingly well for her clients. She is kind, caring, and empathetic, a result of the exciting life she once led while living in a very remote village in Mexico and learning about the realities that others face. Her background is in public health and social services. Originally from Minnesota, she now lives in Austin, Texas with her handsome husband and their adorable children. Besides helping her clients find their ideal dates, she’s busy being an awesome mom.

A resident of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Erin lives near Seattle with her husband, whom she met on Plenty Of Fish. She loves helping clients find their “perfect person,” and interacting with people all over the world. Erin comes from a business background, where she did everything from scheduling to event planning. In her free time, she enjoys “Pinteresting,” watching terrible reality TV shows, and playing old school Nintendo games. She’s also a fan of the mountains, whether it’s hiking, tubing, or building snowmen with friends.

A true Texan, Sheri has lived in the Austin area her entire life. Her family is a huge part of her life, and she looks forward to Sunday dinners that also include her mom, siblings, aunts, and cousins. Sheri has been married for 19 years, and has 3 amazing teenagers. She still occasionally cries about the fact that one is now off at college. She loves that VIDA gives her the opportunity to help her clients find someone to start a family of their own with, and that she has the flexibility to work from home and be present for hers.

With almost 5 years as a successful network marketer, Hayley’s outgoing personality and ease with people makes her an ideal matchmaker. When it comes to building long lasting bonds with her clients, she’s a natural – and loves being part of VIDA’s close-knit matchmaking team. She lives with her family in British Columbia, and enjoys spending time at the beach, playing video games with her kids, and showing off her talent for recalling Harry Potter facts during trivia nights.

Currently based in Ontario, Olivia has a professional background in social media marketing, and at one point ran her own company helping small businesses market themselves effectively. She also has a degree in fashion merchandising, and loves doing anything with a creative bent, especially graphic design. In addition to training all new matchmakers, and supporting all of VIDA’s clients she gets to work with, Olivia is devoted to helping her fellow LGBTQ+ clients, who share this important aspect of their lives with VIDA. She is experienced with non-traditional relationship structures and active within her LGBTQ+ community. In her spare time, she practices yoga daily, and hangs out with her cat, Ella.

Before joining VIDA as a matchmaker, Lana worked in the film industry for a decade. In addition to a passion for movies, she’s also musically inclined – she plays both the ukulele and the guitar. A resident of Vancouver, BC, she enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding. Her favorite part of matchmaking is talking to the clients, hearing their stories, and figuring out to help them find love. She’s definitely got a talent for it, which she showcases in the articles she writes for her relationship and self-help blog.

Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in sales and brand management to VIDA, and she loves igniting connection and bringing confidence to clients who feel overwhelmed with all the frustrations of modern dating. She feels deeply passionate about being part of the journey that ultimately changes someone’s life! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and creating interesting new fusion dishes. She also enjoys singing and playing the guitar, and has published a children’s book. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada.

With almost a decade of experience in customer service, Catherine is an expert at effectively communicating with her clients. She studied political science and philosophy while at University, and loves getting into deep and meaningful conversations with friends – and she’s great at drawing information out of clients as well! In her spare time, she loves planning her next trip abroad, and helps others whenever she can. She lives with her partner in British Columbia, Canada.

Anna has a deep curiosity about people, and loves to listen to their stories. She’s adept at getting to know her clients, and is in love with the idea of finding them love. Her background is in the tourism and hospitality industry, and she’s lived and traveled all over the world. In her spare time, she enjoys scuba diving, yoga and theater, and was a working actor in film and television throughout most of her teenage years. She’s passionate about the environment, and is a vegan who strives to live as waste-free as possible.

Currently living in the South of France, Catherine has a keen interest in sociology, and enjoys getting to know people from all walks of life and learning their personal stories, which helps her excel at truly understanding her clients! Conversational in English, Spanish, French and ASL, she loves speaking with people in their native tongue. She’s also culturally prideful of her Caribbean roots, and spends time helping revive those indigenous traditions in her community. Catherine is a planner at heart, and has helped her friends plan everything from weddings to vacation itineraries. At 4’9”, she’s heard every short joke out there, and so far has only been impressed by one.

A former restaurant entrepreneur and real estate agent, Angie has worked with a wide range of clients and loves cultivating new relationships. She has a natural talent for getting to know each client’s story, an essential part of the matchmaking process! A native Texan, she loves heading outdoors whenever she can, especially if it’s for a camping trip. Her latest passion is learning to turn wooden bowls, and playing rummy with a group of close friends has always been a favorite pastime.

With a degree in psychology and a passion for understanding how it applies to dating, Kala is a natural matchmaker! She loves talking to clients all over the world, getting to know them and then helping them identify what’s most important to them in a relationship. And, of course, finding that someone special… Currently living in Arizona, Kala also runs a soy candle business, and helps educate people about the need for non-toxic products in their home. In her spare time, she hangs out with her son as much as she can, practices yoga and meditation, and collects crystals and stones that help with healing and grounding.

A business coach and corporate trainer, Karen is a true people person – she’s at home in front of a crowd, whether she’s teaching a group of 8 or 3,000. She also has a natural talent for sales, and loves the opportunity to introduce VIDA’s services to people who are looking for real and lasting relationships. Her ability to connect with people and passion for helping them improve their lives makes her a perfect addition to VIDA’s team. Karen is currently living in Georgia, and enjoys spending as much of her freetime as possible on the lake with her family.

John brings a wealth of experience to VIDA, from achieving the rank of Command Master Chief in the Navy to starting his own thriving consulting firm. He’s also an accomplished keynote speaker, a former consultant for The Gallup Organization, and a published author – so he knows a thing or two about building relationships! John is a firm believer in the “power of two,” and loves knowing he’s helping clients find happiness. John lives with his wife, snow dogs, and cat in a log cabin home in the wilds of North Carolina.

MacKenzie brings a wealth of matchmaking experience to the VIDA team, having worked in the industry for over 15 years at some of the most exclusive agencies in the country. She’s also a life and relationship coach, helping people recover from breakups and divorce, ease the pain of heavy emotions, and build self worth and clarity for the future. MacKenzie currently lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and 2 kids. She loves to hike, take Barre class, shop and read. She’s read countless books on relationships, and loves that she helps VIDA’s clients find true connections with others.

Simeon is a freelance photographer and image expert living in Bulgaria. With over 5 years of experience editing and retouching photos professionally, he helps ensure VIDA’s clients look their best online while still looking authentic and natural. When he’s not retouching photos, he’s an avid martial arts enthusiastic. Not only does he have a black belt, he also judges competitions and teaches karate and self defense.

With a background in psychology and years of experience in the dating advice industry, Ben now leads VIDA’s team of Dating Specialists and truly loves helping people meet their ideal partners. He’s also in charge of Message Research & Development, analyzing data and trends to continually improve the messaging process and ensure the writing team always takes the best approach for each client. In his spare time, he enjoys street photography, watching classic films and drinking chai.

A seasoned expert at helping singles portray themselves online in an attractive and genuine way, Alberto was the perfect choice to lead VIDA’s team of professional Profile Writers. He’s also an experienced dating coach, and is on hand to help clients achieve their relationship goals and successfully navigate all kinds of “offline” situations, from first dates to text messaging and more. Originally from San Diego, Alberto now lives in Austin and enjoys playing the guitar and the drums, hitting the gym, and channeling his inner Bobby Flay in the kitchen.

As a Team Lead, Alexander works hand-in-hand with each Profile Writer, ensuring that every profile captures the essence of the client in an attractive, genuine and compelling way. He calls Britain home, but has spent the last several years traveling. A photographer by trade, he’s currently in Sweden, where he specializes in astro-photography and the Aurora Borealis. He’s logged more than 1000 hours underneath the Arctic skies since he was 16, camera in hand.

Andie is a published author and award-winning photographer who works her incredible writing magic across all of VIDA’s platforms. She leads a team of writers to pump out excellent blog posts, and is the assistant lead for the writing team. A former magazine writer and editor with a degree in Journalism, she has been a freelance writer and photographer for over 20 years. She lives in Northern Minnesota on a hobby farm with her husband, and documents all the shenanigans on her blog. A passionate writer with an appreciation for the freedom to spend time with her family, she loves working for VIDA and knowing that something she writes might just help two people make a special connection.

Based in Ukraine, Andrew is a professional retoucher with over 6 years of experience in the photo industry. He’s one of the best in the business when it comes to enhancing photos in a way that still looks natural.

One of Oleg’s true passions is photo editing and portrait photography, which he has done as a freelancer for over 4 years. After working with hundreds of clients, he is now an integral part of VIDA’s Photo Team. Oleg lives with his family in the Ukraine, and with the Carpathian Mountains only an hour’s drive away, he loves hiking, snowboarding and downhill biking.

Oksana has been a designer in the Ukraine for over 7 years, and has always been interested in photography and image manipulation. She feels lucky that her long-time hobby has become her job, and truly enjoys helping VIDA clients look their best in a genuine way. In her spare time, she performs with an amateur theatre group, and loves drawing both on paper and in Photoshop.

Currently living in Bangladesh, Sagad has been professionally editing photos for companies all over the world for over 4 years. He specializes in “natural” editing and retouching, and helps make sure VIDA clients look their very best across all the dating platforms they choose to use. His positive energy and enthusiasm for helping people shine is infectious! When he’s not hard at work manipulating pixels, you’ll likely find him eating pizza. He’s passionate about creating the perfect pie – and practices every chance he gets.

Daria has a background in digital design, most recently creating book covers for contemporary romance novels. She’s an accomplished freelancer, and loves the freedom working remotely gives her to travel the world. She also knows the importance of a strong photo lineup – she met her husband online! Her ability to combine analytical thinking with a creative eye helps ensure clients look their very best online.

Connor’s wealth of life experience provides excellent material for his expertly written online dating messages and profiles. His adventures include hitchhiking from London to Berlin packing nothing but cans of Red Bull for a contest (no phones or money allowed!), and driving from England to Mongolia with friends packed into a tiny Fiat. His background in philosophy, screenwriting, and graphic design makes him one of VIDA’s most well-rounded writers, and the perfect person to mentor and train VIDA’s newest closers. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar, waterskiing, and studying film production in Vancouver, BC.

Andrew combines expert skills in the areas of writing, sales, and dating dynamics to craft witty and engaging messages that get results. As a

Arielle is a life coach, artist and writer currently living in Lawrence, Kansas. She prides herself on rebelling against every plan her family had for her, and happily bid corporate America goodbye, choosing to pursue more creative opportunities. Her hard work ethic and writing talents are a great asset to VIDA’s clients. When she’s not crafting online dating messages, she enjoys playing the cello, collecting exotic weapons, and helping her family. She has traveled all over the world, and plans to study the fine arts in Europe.

Ben is a professional writer who is living in London and editing his first book. He enjoys the freedom of working remotely, and writing messages for clients all over the world. When he’s not helping people connect with their soulmates, he enjoys all kind of literature and anything related to the Beatles. A dedicated superfan, he’s played the very same piano that was used to record ‘A Day In The Life.’ His lifelong dream is to see his novel displayed in Foyle’s, his favorite London bookshop.

A fairly new transplant to the Pacific Northwest, Cammi is already falling in love with the region’s melancholy energy and natural beauty. She enjoys reading literature (the more pretentious the better), playing games, watching horror movies and communing with the family of raccoons living behind her house. Cammi has a degree in English and a background in writing and editing, which she puts to good use writing witty messages on behalf of VIDAs clients. She loves knowing that she’s laying the groundwork for people to create meaningful connections offline.

After reconnecting with his high school sweetheart via Facebook, Jarred now lives in Orlando with his blended family. He’s passionate about his family and traveling, and draws on his journeys throughout Europe, the US, and Puerto Rico to make the messages and profiles he writes especially vivid. His talent for recalling random facts – from music to movies to books – also comes in handy. He often jokes that IMDB has to check with him when its employees are arguing over trivia, and he’s been an avid participant in the World’s Largest Scavenger Hunt for three years in a row – and even has a tattoo to prove it.

Jessica calls Columbus home, but she teaches dance all over the country. She also enjoys writing poetry, horseback riding, and backpacking – especially along the Appalachian Trail. Jessica is passionate about helping people make connections, and loves that she can use her writing skills to do just that. She strives to be more open, empathetic, and communicative in her daily life, and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she enjoys competing in cuddling competitions and currently holds the title for the entire East Coast.

David currently lives in Ottawa, Canada, and brings a strong background in sales and marketing to VIDA’s closing team. When he’s not writing compelling messages on behalf of his clients, often while rocking his favorite baby blue Sean John sweater, he enjoys exploring new places with adventurous people. He includes hot sauce tester, cheesy music connoisseur, and self-taught juggler on his list of talents, and has been known to brag about speaking French (at an 8-year-old’s level).

At 5'11', it’s no surprise what inspired Bree's nickname. She's currently living in Portland, Oregon after a 7-year stint in NYC. A veteran online dater herself, she met her fiance on Tinder and has helped many friends with dating profiles and messages as well. Bree's clients now benefit from both her expertise and her creative writing skills. When she’s not hard at work playing Cupid, she enjoys making her own journals from scratch to use and sell, and living an active lifestyle.

Kayla has a background in social services, and is no stranger to writing and research. She’s also an empathetic person who excels at customer service, and she truly enjoys reaching out to intriguing, interesting people on behalf of VIDA’s clients. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and kids in Vancouver, WA where they reside. And when she can, she enjoys traveling the world to attend music festivals and events. Most recently she flew to Hong Kong to see her favorite DJ trio Above & Beyond.

A traveler from Toronto, Liana has a background in music, therapy, and education. With two degrees in psychology, Liana’s an expert at instantly “getting” what makes people tick, and turning those insights into compelling profiles for VIDA’s clients. They specialize in writing for queer, kinky, and open/polyamorous clients, reflecting their personal and professional interests. When Liana isn’t writing, this classically trained pianist enjoys rock climbing, making jewelry, volunteerism, working as a musician and therapist, and watching The Princess Bride (which they’ve seen at least 17,209 times).

An online dating veteran, Ben has always been very successful in meeting intriguing people through sites & apps, and met his wife on Tinder. He’s a huge fan of travel, and recently got back from a 6-month trip around the world which he documented on Instagram. Originally from Upstate New York, Ben now lives in Utah and is thrilled he can combine his talent for writing with the ability to work remotely. In his free time, he enjoys photography and watches every Arsenal game religiously.

A regular in Vancouver’s stand up comedy circuit, K.C. excels at writing in character voices – making her a natural fit for VIDA’s professional writing team! Not only does she have a background in copywriting, she’s also working on a graduate degree in scriptwriting in addition to teaching public speaking skills to students of all ages. She was able to overcome a severe case of stage fright by pursuing Acting at NYU, and at 6’1” is sympathetic to anyone who finds dating hard for any reason.

A veteran professional freelancer and project manager with a Master’s in writing, Laura is the go-to source of creative inspiration for friends & family who need help with birthday cards, apology letters, love letters, war declarations, eulogies etc. – all the good stuff. She excels at capturing each client’s “spark” in an authentic way in their profile, and genuinely loves learning each person’s story. Currently living in Australia, she travels whenever she can and has made it a point to never, ever be home on her birthday.

With an MBA in Human Resources and 15 years of corporate experience, Maithreyi is a valuable asset to VIDA’s team. She loves being connected to co-workers all over the world who are dedicated to the common goal of helping people find love. Maithreyi speaks 6 different languages, and enjoys DIY interior decorating projects, dancing, and reading fantasy fiction. An avid traveler, she looks forward to her yearly beach vacation with her family.

With over 7 years of HR recruitment and selection experience in several different industries, Judy loves scouring the world for the very best people to join the VIDA team. In her spare time, she’s an avid reader and loves spending time with her four dogs.

Grace brings over 9 years of experience in recruitment and operations management, and is a natural when it comes to identifying highly qualified candidates. Her favorite thing about VIDA is helping both job seekers and people looking for serious relationships, and the fact that skipping the commute gives her more time to spend with her 3 kids.

Steve brings a wealth of IT experience, having worked in positions ranging from software development to system administration and management at places like IBM, the US Army, and the State of Kentucky. He lives in the heart of the Bluegrass region, and loves working with a sharp and energetic international team. In his spare time, Steve enjoys playing the piano, cooking Italian and Mexican dishes, and riding motorcycles.

With his expertise in IT and development, Vlad ensures VIDA’s clients benefit from all the latest tech. Not only does he work hand in hand with our data team, he also troubleshoots IT issues and streamlines processes and procedures for maximum efficiency. When he’s not behind a screen working on VIDA’s latest technical innovations, he’s likely skydiving or rock climbing. A self-professed adrenaline junkie, he’s tried just about every extreme sport there is.

Fredy currently manages VIDA’s extensive database and innovative reporting system. He works alongside other analysts to make sure VIDA continues to be one of the most technologically advanced matchmaking services in the industry. When he’s not knee deep in data, he’s likely to be spending time with his daughters, enjoying a craft beer with friends, or traveling with his family.

In addition to leading VIDA’s dedicated team of Scouts, Isabel also works hand-in-hand with the Matchmakers to ensure client accounts run smoothly behind the scenes. She love being part of a team of people working hard to find clients the love of their lives. In her spare time, she loves reading crime and fantasy novels. An avid Harry Potter fan, Isabel also enjoys listening to podcasts and doing arts & crafts projects.