At Citizen-Designers our communications strategy is simple: to support and amplify your business communications through integrated media stories. We don’t brand; we amplify. We measure growth in identity clarification.  We build your integrated tech stack through value-driven messaging.

Our team is focused on your scaled, organic growth. Our roots are rural. Our horizons are broadly defined. We look to reduce the noise, clarify the message, and make work of value. We honor traditional craft and village democracy.

Stephen Pite, Citizen-Designer

[changemaker, filmmaker, designer, educator]

Stephen has been collaboratively engaged in community and organizational leadership as a creative communicator since the 90s. In 2002 Stephen authored, The Digital Designer, a national collaboration in digital media that became a college text, adopted at 80 universities across the country. In 2008 he co-created Blue Sky, Green Earth, a monthly magazine dedicated to the sustainable economy in northeast Kansas. He has won awards for filmmaking and design. including a national award by the National Organization of Farmers Markets, and has film credits on numerous short narratives. His work in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution and the International Center for Photography in NYC.

Stephen has been the Vermont Governor’s Appointee to the Board of Trustees of the Vermont Arts Council since 2016. He was formerly a design director for a division of JP Morgan Bank, and his freelance clients include colleges and universities, pharmaceutical agencies, entertainment industry giants, and local small businesses.  

Stephen has served in academic and administrative leadership positions at the School of Visual Arts (NYC), the Southern California Institute of Architecture (LA), the Kansas City Art Institute, the Art Institute of New York City, Concordia University, Vermont College of Fine Arts, the Community College of Vermont, Norwich University, and Goddard College.

Kaitlyn (Kait) Zwagerman Tyler, Citizen-Connector

[Marketing & Communications Specialist | Community Connector | Yoga Educator]

Enthusiastic, innovative, and a natural connector, Kaitlyn (Kait) Zwagerman Tyler is passionate about bringing people, businesses, and ideas together. A marketing professional, yoga educator, independent business owner, and lifelong creative, she thrives on helping mission-driven brands grow through strategic storytelling, community engagement, and brand development. Currently, she provides freelance marketing services for organizations like GNAT-TV and Edible Vermont Magazine, crafting content that amplifies their reach and impact.

Kait has a proven track record in social media and email newsletter marketing, delivering incredible engagement and conversion rates. Whether managing digital campaigns, writing compelling content, or optimizing marketing strategies, she knows how to captivate audiences and drive results.

Kait began her career at Commission on Economic Opportunity, a nonprofit organization, where she provided food security services and corporate trainings to 18 counties across eastern New York State. In this role, she facilitated educational programs, supported community initiatives, and helped strengthen regional outreach efforts. This experience deepened her passion for mission-driven work and community engagement.

She then transitioned to Stratton Mountain Resort, where she served as Assistant to the CEO and Corporate Offices. In this role, she worked closely with executive leadership, gaining valuable insight into the resort’s operations and strategic vision. Recognizing her talents in communication and branding, she was soon pulled into real estate marketing as a natural fit. While serving as Marketing Manager for Stratton Real Estate, she created and launched a program that increased seasonal rentals by 30% year-over-year, strengthening the brand’s market presence and customer experience.

Kait took her marketing expertise to Old Mill Road Media, the parent company of Vermont Magazine, Stratton Magazine, Berkshire Magazine, and The Vermont News Guide. As Director of Marketing & Business Development, she led marketing initiatives, built strong relationships with key industry leaders, and played a pivotal role in content strategy. She was on the planning committee for the 2020 Vermont Tourism Summit. She also served as Editor of The Vermont News Guide, overseeing editorial direction and community storytelling.

A dedicated yoga teacher (E-RYT 200, RYT 500) since 2013, Kait teaches weekly classes and leads workshops at Heart of the Village Yoga. In the past, she has provided corporate workshops for Orvis among others. She founded the Yaksha Yoga & Wellness Weekend at Stratton Mountain Resort, facilitated retreat for LifeYum, launched Stratton's Stand-Up Paddle Board Yoga and Fireside Flow Yoga programs, and headlined the Löle Lives Out Loud Tour in 2017. Her teaching is warm, empowering, and deeply rooted in making yoga accessible to all.

Kait is a cheerleader for the businesses and organizations she works with—excited for your success and ready to help you shine. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Manchester Business Association, which runs ManchesterVermont.com, and contributes her expertise on the Events and Marketing Ad-Hoc Committees. She also volunteers on the Board of Directors as Events & Social Chair for the MEMS PTO, fostering strong community connections and engagement.

With a background in media, real estate, lifestyle and tourism marketing, Kaitlyn brings a strategic mindset and an infectious enthusiasm to everything she does.

She holds a B.A. in Anthropology & History from Union College, with international study at the University of Cape Town. She has additional certifications in nonprofit management and advanced styles of yoga training.

Kait’s website

www.wanderingsparks.com

Trish Weill, Citizen-Designer

[multimedia artist, designer, and educator]]

I’m a multimedia artist, designer, and educator based in southwestern Vermont, with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations communicate effectively through creative visual strategies.

As a professor at the Community College of Vermont, I’m passionate about educating the next generation of creative professionals. My teaching and hands-on experience allow me to stay at the forefront of design trends and marketing strategies, which I apply to help indie businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions build and grow impactful brands.

From my early days designing for The Orvis Company, to consulting for coffee roasters, schools, libraries, and country stores, I’ve always sought to understand how people perceive and interact with visuals. Whether it's through digital platforms or in physical spaces, I love exploring new ways to craft meaningful, memorable designs that connect with audiences.

Let’s work together to bring your vision to life!

trish’s website and work… @trish weill

Gaia Gulcin Neftci, Citizen-Designer

[interactive art director, sr. user experience designer, educator]


Gaia Neftci is a Senior UX Architect, educator, and creative director with a passion for blending design, technology, and storytelling. With years of experience leading UX and digital design teams at companies like FCB Health and Anthem Inc., she specializes in crafting user-friendly experiences that bring clarity to complex ideas.

In addition to her industry work, Gaia is an educator, teaching UX Design, Digital Imaging, Storytelling Through Media, Social Media, and Interactive Animation at Southern New Hampshire University, Bellevue University, and Vermont State College, where she has also developed UX-focused courses. She believes that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about function, accessibility, and making things work beautifully. She is also a firm believer in the magic of storytelling.

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Gaia draws inspiration from the city’s energy—whether she’s exploring contemporary galleries, discovering new restaurants, or immersing herself in the latest design trends. When she’s not teaching or designing, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen or spending time with her two human kids and two furry ones.