Alone we are a drop of paint, but together we form a masterpiece.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the ELYSIAN family. From Sarah Hunt, the youngest member of our team and the first face of the magazine, to Diane High, our octogenarian copy editor who I feel is the greatest on the planet, the contributions of our team span generations and perspectives. Here are a few highlights from their remarkable year.
ELYSIAN Creator-in-Chief and award-winning Art Director Ryan Stalvey continued to elevate the brand’s visual identity this year, earning national recognition at the prestigious Eddie & Ozzie Awards, where he was honored as Art Director of the Year. His work blends imaginative artistry with meticulous craftsmanship, and the results can be seen across every page and platform ELYSIAN touches. Ryan’s accomplishments reaffirm his position as one of the most innovative visual storytellers in the industry, and we are deeply proud to celebrate his success.
Overseeing ELYSIAN’s digital marketing and newsletter, Amber Edwards brings a rare blend of creative design talent and calming, steady leadership. Her thoughtful touch can be felt in every layout, visual, and campaign — contributing significantly to the newsletter’s remarkable growth over the past year. Amber’s work consistently reflects the heart and clarity that define ELYSIAN’s digital voice.
Without Nicola Doring’s steady hand and production oversight, our operations would be at a standstill. Heralding from Great Britian, not only does Nicola oversee our ELYSIAN family, but she cultivates valuable relationships throughout Europe and America.
ELYSIAN’s lead in film and video, Garrick Lane has shaped the cinematic vision of our storytelling across projects both artistic and humanitarian. He served as producer, cinematographer, and editor on all four of ELYSIAN’s major films — the two CatWalk FurBaby documentaries, Fight for Ukraine: 12 Women’s War, and Ukraine: For the Children — bringing a cohesive visual language to each. Garrick continues to guide and elevate our film aesthetic with his distinctive eye and craft.
Comptroller and Human Resources Director Anna Christian handles the financial heartbeat of ELYSIAN, managing our books and keeping everything running smoothly.
As our digital and app innovator, Joey Iannetta drives the growth of the ELYSIAN app and supports a variety of creative and production initiatives across the brand.
An award-winning journalist, Jason Spencer is often overlooked but utterly vital — bringing clarity, heart, and dependable craft to ELYSIAN’s writing and editing needs.
President of Palladian Public Affairs Boone Peeler leads our year-round engagement strategy — strengthening relationships, supporting key initiatives, and navigating the legislative landscape. His stature and credibility across the United States elevate every facet of our public affairs outreach; his guidance is indispensable to the strength and success of our efforts.
As director of ELYSIAN Impact and our subject-matter expert on philanthropy, Kimberli Scott Still guides the mission-driven heart of our organization. She plays a central role in shaping and stewarding our charitable initiatives, including the ongoing evolution of CatWalk FurBaby.
Leading ELYSIAN’s digital strategy while also serving as our exercise subject-matter expert, Christiana Purves blends analytical strength with a deep commitment to wellness and clarity of vision.
Leading our web design and development, Elliot Derhay is the quiet force who keeps ELYSIAN connected, supported, and running without interruption.
Legal counsel Eric Nodine brings clarity and dependable expertise to the legal considerations essential to ELYSIAN’s work.
Serving as our audio production specialist, Ark Tofan brings his talents in composition, recording, and editing to create the musical foundation of ELYSIAN’s film work.
Serving as editorial assistant, Marcy Dubroff blends her experience in educational leadership with her creative work as a writer, poet, and photographer to support ELYSIAN’s editorial vision.
As community liaison, Rita Allison blends decades of legislative experience with an unparalleled network of connections, anchoring ELYSIAN’s engagement throughout South Carolina.
Overseeing Community Affairs, Ann Bible brings decades of leadership across real estate, business, and community engagement, helping anchor our relationships throughout the region.
ELYSIAN’s lead photographer Michael Paniccia brings a fine-art lineage and fashion-forward sensibility to the visual work that defines our brand. His images — rooted in narrative depth and featured in both museum and private collections — carry a sophistication that elevates every story we tell. His broader portfolio includes striking editorial work for major publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and others within the global fashion sphere. Michael’s artistry helps shape the aesthetic experience of ELYSIAN and ensures our visual voice is as compelling as our editorial one.
Known for her distinct blend of fine art, fashion, and photojournalism, Joy Marie Smallwood infuses ELYSIAN’s photography with a signature style that is both evocative and timeless. Her work, shaped by years of capturing high-profile destination and celebrity weddings, reveals beauty in its most natural and expressive forms. This year, her creative excellence was recognized globally when she was named Top Creative Director of 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals.
As our longtime office manager, Becky Kerr brings warmth, dependability, and a deep sense of continuity to the front desk — an anchor of support for Karen and the entire team.
Aidan Stanton supports ELYSIAN in countless practical ways as property manager, bringing reliability and good spirit to every task.
I am grateful as well for the many additional contributors who enrich ELYSIAN’s work each day: public-relations specialist Norah Lawlor; printer Joe Giuffrida of Mega Mailers; circulation specialist Greg Wolfe; our dear friend and consultant Carmel Fauci; and our many talented copy editors and contributors.
A scientist, author, and multi-patent-holding innovator, Dr. Christina Rahm brings a rare combination of intellect, imagination, and heart to ELYSIAN. Her global work in wellness, research, and regenerative science shapes not only the women she mentors but the world she serves. Since joining ELYSIAN, she has expanded my vision of what is possible and illuminated new paths for our Aspiring Women. Christina has also become a dear friend and “sister”, someone whose wisdom and warmth enrich my life as deeply as they elevate this brand.
In the masterpiece we are creating together, her presence is a defining stroke of brilliance.
– Karen Floyd,
ELYSIAN founder and publisher