COMMUNICATIONS
THAT CONNECT
ABOUT SMART COOKIE
Smart Cookie is a communications and marketing partner for schools and organizations, helping teams build capacity and strengthen their impact. Always people-focused, we work with purpose to create usable, high-quality strategies and communications that grow with the organization – all while bringing joy and true collaboration to those we work with.
Smart Cookie specializes in helping K-12 schools and mission-driven organizations connect with their communities and elevate their stories through strong messaging, engaging brands and thoughtful strategies. Our work is grounded in listening first – understanding what makes each organization unique, and translating that into authentic, accessible strategies and storytelling that resonates.
At our core, Smart Cookie is about making things simpler and more effective, always with long-term sustainability in mind. We bring structure to complex ideas, clarity to messages and a collaborative approach that makes the process feel manageable. Whether we’re building a brand, launching a website or supporting a campaign, our goal is always to help organizations communicate with confidence and best reach the communities and people they serve.
our story
Founded by Erica Mitchell and Sarah Freeman, Smart Cookie is a dream these long-time colleagues and friends have shared for decades. They first worked together as students in Colorado State University’s Office of International Programs, and later reunited at Denver Public Schools, where they each spent nearly a decade as communications and marketing leaders for the largest school district in Colorado.
Today, teaming up as Smart Cookie, Erica and Sarah feel lucky to partner with mission-driven organizations to support everything from big-picture strategy to the smallest details – and everything in between!
As a team, they bring complementary strengths, shared values and a true commitment to the organizations they serve.
the team
meet erica
As a skilled marketer and former educator, I bring a unique perspective to my work helping organizations get their message to the right people using the best channels. I’m also fluent in Spanish, and I take pride in helping clients connect authentically with their community across languages and cultures.
I worked at Denver Public Schools for more than a decade, including many years as a senior leader on the Communications team. As the Director of Marketing, I managed all aspects of the brand, our district-wide and school marketing efforts, and external and crisis communications strategy and support. Through it all, one of my favorite parts of the job was working closely with school teams to build their brand, tell their story and stay connected to their communities.
Prior to my time in public education, I managed accounts for a multicultural marketing agency specializing in culturally relevant campaigns geared toward Denver’s diverse communities. I’ve also spent time living and working abroad, and leading marketing efforts for organizations in international and higher education. Within all of my roles, I’ve especially enjoyed putting my Spanish skills to use to improve and broaden communications efforts and outcomes.
Today, I take pride in my role helping organizations articulate who they are and why it matters. I believe a strong visual identity is a communications tool in itself, and it’s exciting working with clients to discover who they are and turn that into something visual, whether it’s a social media graphic, refreshed logo or a complete brand overhaul.
I’m a proud Colorado native and I love to venture out of my home state to explore the world every chance I get. I especially enjoy discovering great food – whether checking out a local restaurant or trying a new recipe at home. I’m married to a creative director who makes sure I never fall behind on design trends, and together we’re raising two spirited redheads.
meet sarah
I’m a longtime writer and communications professional with a passion for building community and bringing people together. I believe any organization or publication should put people first, and I aim to infuse that in all of my work through storytelling and an authentic voice.
I began my career as a daily newspaper’s features writer and reporter. It was a role that allowed me to meet interesting people every day and shine a light on parts of life that might not otherwise have a platform – from people’s hobbies to heartaches, and communities to kitchen tables. It also brought a fair share of adventures, from covering tornados to bank robberies and even “Balloon Boy.”
I continued serving the community when I joined the Communications team at Denver Public Schools, where I spent more than 10 years, most of which as the Director of Internal Communications. My role was centered around ensuring all 15,000 employees were informed, engaged and feeling valued, and building an organization-wide sense of team. This role also came with its own unexpected experiences, as I led internal communications through the 2019 Denver teacher strike and COVID-19 crisis.
At Smart Cookie, I love getting to know the people behind the organization and their own “why” behind what they do. One of my favorite parts of the work itself is writing content – whether for a website, one-pager or social post – to showcase that spark and amplify it for everyone to see.
Outside of my career, I’m a proud mom of two girls who keep me and my husband laughing every day. We love exploring, and get into the beautiful Colorado outdoors or hop on a plane whenever we can. You may also find me at a local concert, with a Colorado craft beer in hand.
Smart Cookie Communications & Marketing 