Small Adventures
Big Results
At Small Adventures Communications, we believe the most powerful change begins with stories. Stories connect us, reflect us, and move us to action. They don’t need to be loud or flashy — they need to be clear, true, and told with heart.
We are a public relations agency in Iowa helping nonprofits and mid-sized organizations share their stories with confidence. Through strategic storytelling, media training, and crisis communications support, we make sure your message is heard — in ways that feel natural, comfortable, and compelling. Whether you need to earn media coverage, train spokespeople, or strengthen your reputation, we’ll guide you there.
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We believe in:
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Public relations as a tool for education, inspiration, and collective change
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Messaging that ties directly to mission, goals, and measurable impact
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Storytelling with clarity, confidence, and heart
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Making the most of every opportunity to connect with media, supporters, and community
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Integrated, thoughtful communication strategies for lasting results
About Alexson Calahan, APR
Nonprofit + Chronic Disease PR Expert
Hi, I’m Alexson — founder of Small Adventures Communications.
For nearly 20 years, I’ve helped leaders and teams find the words, the courage, and the focus to share stories that matter. My background spans nonprofit health communications, agency work, and national campaigns — securing coverage everywhere from NPR to Good Morning America. But what I love most is helping organizations discover that their voice is already enough.
Clients choose me as their PR consultant and communications strategist because I know how to spot patterns, break down big visions into manageable steps, and prepare teams to shine in media interviews and public moments. I believe confidence is built through practice, and that the best ideas are the ones that meet the moment. My role is to create a soft place to land for your stories — and a strategy that makes sharing them both possible and powerful.
I’m accredited in public relations (APR) with degrees in Marketing, Management, and Communication Leadership from Drake University. I serve on the board of NAWBO Iowa and stay active with PRSA, Heart of Des Moines, and community organizations in Urbandale.
And when I’m not working? You’ll find me around a campfire with my kids, in the garden, or curled up with a book — always curious, always listening for the next story.
About Brigid
The Small Adventures Communications logo stars Brigid, a very noble and adventurous groundhog.
Groundhogs dig deep, stay observant, rest when it’s time to rest and are always on the lookout for brighter days ahead. We love all those attributes and apply them to each project.
Memberships
Clean Creatives
Clean Creatives is a movement to bring together leading ad and PR agencies, their employees, and clients to end the creative industry's work with fossil fuel companies or their front groups.
Heart of Des Moines
The Heart of Des Moines coalition is dedicated to professional development and sharing resources to elevate our practice as nonprofit consultants living and working in Central Iowa.
Iowa Nonprofit Alliance
Strengthening Iowa’s nonprofit sector through high-quality and affordable resources for nonprofit leaders and those who serve the sector; educational opportunities; an organized network of nonprofit professionals and volunteers; and a unified voice on issues impacting nonprofit organizations and the people those organizations serve.
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
For more than 62 years, the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice for businesses in and around Urbandale, Iowa.
Public Relations Society of America
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities.
The National Association of Women Business Owners
​The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide by strengthening the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community. It also creates innovative and effective change in the business culture, builds strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations, and transforms public policy while influencing opinion makers.