Meet the Team

Kris became President of CISabroad in 2016 after a decade as its Director of University Relations. As such, she is responsible for the strategic direction of the company and developing and maintaining the CISabroad brand at home and abroad. She comes to education abroad from the international public health field and holds an MPH from the University of Michigan. Kris is the author of a travel narrative, Monique and the Mango Rains, based on her experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa, and co-author of Shores Beyond Shores, the memoir of a Holocaust survivor. She deeply believes that international experiences transform individuals, who in turn create a more connected and compassionate world. She is the proud mom of two sons who have studied and volunteered abroad in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Thailand. She lives in Northampton, MA, with her husband and their giant black poodle.

Jeff holds a BA in Biology from the College of Saint Scholastica (MN), an MA in Management from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU), and his international experiences include working and traveling in more than 35 countries both with CISabroad and in past US university administrative positions. Jeff founded CISabroad in 1999 with the idea that field needed a education abroad provider that was more in tune with the changing diversity of participants studying and interning abroad. Today CISabroad is a leader in meeting the needs of students who come from a variety of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, who identify across the spectrums of gender and race, and who purse a myriad of academic opportunities. Outside of the office, Jeff keeps busy hustling around the basketball court, spending time in the woods and water, volunteering with impactful, local organizations, and spending quality time with his wife and two sons.

Joe Debiec received a BA in anthropology from Vassar College and an MA in international education from the School for International Training. While growing up, Joe was always on the move, but stayed close to home in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate NY. His international adventures began in East Africa during his junior year of college, and since then he has spent the majority of his time abroad. Joe has studied, lived, and worked in Kenya, Japan, Oman, Senegal, Thailand, and Vietnam. These days, many of Joe’s adventures take place close to his home, in Northampton, MA. Among Joe’s favorite activities are eating sushi, drinking micro-roasted coffee, scuba diving, relaxing in hot spring bath houses, exploring places for the first time, bicycling, snowshoeing and snowboarding.

Dr. Engel earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from the University of South Carolina with an emphasis in international higher education, and holds a Master’s degree in student affairs from Bowling Green State University. Prior to joining CISabroad, Jennifer served as the Executive Director of International Programs at Loyola University Chicago, responsible for partnership cultivation, program development, general administration and the functional areas of: study abroad; international student and scholar services; English as a second language; the International House; and recruitment and support for the University’s three Global Centers. She previously held administrative and teaching positions at the University of South Carolina and Marygrove College. Jennifer has been involved with NAFSA, The Forum and AIEA, holding leadership positions and presenting nationally and internationally.

Jess was born into the world of international education to school-teacher parents, in Mussoorie, India. She grew up attending American International Schools between India, Kuwait, Pakistan, Indonesia and The United Arab Emirates. Jess’ first time studying abroad was moving “home” to her passport country to attend college at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in French and Comparative Religion. She became very involved on campus and in the community through Amnesty International, as a Peer Advisor and student worker in the study abroad office, and through The Luckyday Service Learning Scholarship Program.

Immediately following graduation, Jess served as the resident director for a first and second year semester program in the Loire Valley in France (the Abbey Program), the same program on which she studied abroad. Following France, Jess spent six months traveling around the U.S. as a Senior Leadership Consultant for Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she focused on brand and member development, and marketing and recruitment at the collegiate level. Jess visited 20 university campuses before moving to Newark, DE, to start the Theta Delta chapter of the organization at The University of Delaware. After a year and a half with ADPi, Jess moved back to MS to work in the study abroad office at her alma mater. During her tenure at Southern Miss, Jess again experienced life between cultures as she traveled between France, London, and Hattiesburg to manage The Abbey Program in the spring, the British Studies Program in the summer, and and incoming exchange programs to Southern Miss in the fall.

Jess fell in love with CIS Abroad when she first met a few members of the team at a NAFSA conference in Vancouver, and was immediately drawn to the shared purpose of sparking growth and creating a more connected and compassionate world, one student at a time. Jess lives in Northampton, MA, where she enjoys having four “real” seasons (even in winter) with her husband, son, and cat.

Studying abroad was the best thing Brian has ever done with his life. He wanted to help more people have a similar experience, which sparked his interest in working for CISabroad. Brian earned a BA in political science from Siena College. He studied abroad in Ecuador and Namibia. He has traveled and worked in Argentina, Ecuador, England, Mexico, Peru, and South Korea. Brian enjoys having fun and taking it easy through consistent exercise in the form of hiking, running, cycling, and going to the gym. If he can be outside all day, he’s happy.

Alexandra has always had a love for travel, but experienced traveling alone for the first time when she decided to study abroad in the French Alpes while earning her bachelors degree at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Following graduation, she taught English in China, France, and South Korea. Alexandra also holds an MA in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont. Alexandra looks for opportunities to practice French and Mandarin as often as possible, and in her spare time likes repairing old typewriters, getting outdoors, writing poetry, and gently annoying her cat.

Joan’s study abroad semester in London as an undergrad was the key experience that inspired her career in international education. She has since worked in the areas of study abroad, foreign exchange, marketing, and international graduate admissions. Joan holds an MA in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute, and served for three years in Peace Corps Dominican Republic. She is a dual citizen of the US and Ireland, is fluent in Spanish, and has traveled to more than 30 countries. Outside of work, Joan enjoys spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, and looks forward to traveling with her two young boys to introduce them to the world.

Molly graduated from the University of Georgia in 2013, and cites the semester she spent studying in Oxford, England as what hooked her on international education. Since graduating from UGA with a B.A. in history and Spanish, Molly has taught in northwestern Spain, worked in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, and traveled to over fifteen other countries somewhere in the mix. She is especially passionate about encouraging students to learn a second (or third) language. Molly is thrilled to be at CISabroad, enabling other students to have the same earth-shaking learning experiences she has been blessed enough to have. In her spare time, you can find Molly with her nose in a book and feet on the dance floor (or in running shoes, on bike pedals, in hiking boots, etc.) – anything that gets her head and feet on the move.

Linda was born and raised a small coastal village in southern Sweden. She spent her childhood traveling extensively around the world and discovered early on that she had a passion for learning about cultures, history, and languages. After graduating high school in Sweden, she packed her bags, boarded a plane to the United States, and never looked back. She has now spent more than 20 years studying and working in the U.S., Australia, Italy, and the United Kingdom. An international student for more than seven years, Linda holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.

Having worked for Gonzaga University for more than eight years before joining CISabroad in 2015, much of her professional experience is in the field of Student Development and on-site program managment, but she also spent more than six years as director of Gonzaga’s in-house travel learning program, offering American study abroad students custom-built travel opportunities by connecting academic knowledge with practical learning opportunities throughout Europe and beyond. In her spare time, Linda (still!) loves to travel and explore the world – preferably with a good cup of coffee in her hand and a book close by.

I am a student at Bay Path University with a minor in Liberal Studies and minor in Communications. Since I started at Bay Path and through my involvement in the Communications club I have taken part by speaking at many women empowerment functions such as On the Move in Springfield, Academic Achievement Day, and Day of the Girl. I received an award in excellence and participation as a co-founder of the BPU Newsletter. In the spring semester of 2019 I studied abroad at the University of Westminster in London, England. But even before the amazing experience abroad I had already traveled many times around the around in countries and cities such as Japan, Paris, Greece, and Rome. While abroad I expanded in to more destinations like Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, and Austria. After my return home I became an alumni ambassador for CIS Abroad for my home school. I am excited for the future and what international education with continue to bring me in many aspects of my life.

Hello! My name is Karina Vaid. I love travel and adventure! I studied Sociology at the University of Massachusetts. I have lived in the US Virgin Island and Canada. I’ve been to several countries, my favorites being Spain and India. I love learning about different belief systems and ways of life!

Marina was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina.​ She is passionate for traveling, animal and specially dogs lover and defines herself as an aspirational veggie. Over the last ​ten years she has been working on a small business of her own, dedicated to build travel programs for groups that want to experience Buenos Aires in an alternative way. ​She ​studied Social Communications ​a​t the University of Buenos Aires​ and specialized in Digital Strategies and Content. She is very happy to be part of the growing CIS Abroad, offering her expertise​ as a traveler and as a pure “Porteña” ​ to excited students. In her free time she practices yoga, ​paints, cooks healthy food​ and enjoys meeting with friends. She is married and has a dog named Dar​k – but she calls him Pepino (cucumber).

Jackie has a passion for international education and travel having lived, travelled worked and studied overseas. Jackie was born on the Central Coast, NSW (on the coast half-way between Newcastle and Sydney) and now lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Jackie holds a Masters in Communication (Corporate Communication) from Bond University, QLD and a Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation and Tourism) from Newcastle University, NSW.

During the second year of her undergraduate degree Jackie received a student exchange scholarship to participate in a study abroad semester at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Upon her return from the US Jackie was employed by the International Office at University of Newcastle involved in Student Support and later International Admissions. Since this time Jackie’s 16 year career has been predominantly based in international education, including a two year position in Denver, Colorado working for a leading study abroad provider then continuing as their national Australian on-site resident director for another three years. Jackie has since worked in various marketing and management roles focused primarily on project management, large scale event management, sponsorship, new business launches and strategic planning.

The love of travel has always remained and has seen Jackie visit more than 21 countries including favourites Finland, Vietnam, Japan, Nepal and New Zealand. Jackie enjoys hiking, yoga, stand up paddle boarding, beach time, family adventures with her two amazing sons and did we mention travel!

Sydney born, and raised Steph loves that CIS Abroad students help her to continue to discover and explore her own home. She was bitten by the travel bug in high school when she visited France on a language tour, and has been chasing a never-ending must-visit list ever since. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts at Macquarie University, during which she spend a year on an exchange program in Richmond, Virginia and interned at a social enterprise in Vietnam. Now completing her Masters of Education at University of Sydney, she hopes teaching will take her around the world – but for now, her passion lies in helping CIS Abroad students and interns to have the best possible time in Sydney and to point them towards the best pizza in town.

Gemma is a born and raised Newcastle girl. She spends as much time in the water as possible and despite all her travels loves to return to her home in ‘Newy.’ She is in her penultimate year of law at the University of Newcastle (UoN). Throughout out her studies she has had the opportunity to travel to The University of Technology, Troyes in France to complete an intensive French language course and spent a semester studying history at McMaster University in Canada. Gemma has also worked as a theatre specialist at Camp Timberlane in Haliburton, Canada. Gemma is excited to help all study abroad students see the best of what UoN, Newcastle and Australia have to offer. Gemma is excited to use her international experience and her position as Vice-President of the University of Newcastle Exchange Student Network to help her in her role as Newcastle’s Site Director.

Originally from Philadelphia, Hillary completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Washington University in St. Louis. Her adventurous grandmother exposed Hillary to travel from a very early age, so studying abroad felt totally natural. After studying in Florence, Italy, Hillary landed a job in Barcelona, Spain. Ready for a career change and having truly caught the travel bug, Hillary then moved to Australia to pursue a Master of Science in Marine Biology. She now lives in Australia and has traveled to 22 countries on six continents and counting! When not exploring new places, Hillary can be found windsurfing, cuddling her dog, or cooking. Hillary believes that travel provides not only fun and memorable experiences, but also helps us to find our true selves. She is so excited to be supporting students at JCU and to help them fully explore their tropical study abroad home.

Jemimah, originally from Kenya, is a graduate of Bond University, Australia and now pursuing her Masters in International Sustainable Tourism Management in Melbourne. She is passionate about travel and meeting new people from different backgrounds and cultures. Jemimah has worked, studied and volunteered in various countries, she is easy going and loves adventure, exploring new places and doing new things.

If you told a 12-year-old Jas that she’d be working in international education as an adult, she wouldn’t believe you. Jas was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia where she still lives after a few adventures. Jas holds a Bachelor of Arts, English major with a Bachelor of Media (Honours) from the University of Adelaide – she spent an extra year researching magical girls to get the fancy “Honours” title at the end.

During her degree Jas travelled to Japan to participate in a study tour with Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. When she returned to Adelaide she interned at the University of Adelaide’s outbound exchange abroad office which got her foot in the door for the world of international education. From there things snowballed. She lived and worked in the US for a year as an Aussie intern with CISabroad at their office in Northampton, MA. While gaining a hands-on experience during her international internship, she found a new home away from home. This connection is still ongoing now that she is CISabroad’s Adelaide site director.

Besides being a little travel bug, which is a given in her profession, Jas is a bookworm that owns enough books to start up her own library and has a secret talent where she can sneeze like a cat. She also enjoys her flat white coffees, supporting local Aussie artists, and roaming the Adelaide Central Markets for food.

Lisa was born in Costa Rica and has lived in the United States on several occasions. She is an alumni of Veritas University, where she majored in photography, and is currently pursuing her bachelors degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She is passionate about travel, and has had 10 years of experience leading study abroad groups all throughout Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. In her free time Lisa enjoys going to art exhibits, watching movies, dancing and learning new languages. She speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese, and is currently learning French.

Leah Takata was born in Toronto, Canada and graduated from the University of Toronto with a BA in Arts Management with a major in Art History. She worked for seven years at the University of Toronto as Cultural Affairs Coordinator organizing arts and cultural events for the students, faculty, staff and surrounding community. During her time at the university she produced and organized four international theatre exchanges with Ypsilonka Theatre and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) in Prague. This unique project brought together theatre students from Canada, Czech Republic and professional actors from First Nations theatre group “De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group” (Manitoulin Island). Leah is excited to once again work with university students and impart the beauty and spirit of, “The city of a hundred spires.” Leah has lived in Prague since 2007 and spends her free time with her two children, partner, as well as her growing photography and graphic design business.

Diana Balarezo is a trilingual (Spanish, English and French) Ecuadorian that has worked in the tourism industry for many years. An active volunteer of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Development and Hospitality and a Master’s degree in Social and Environmental studies. Diana was the Ecuador national coordinator of a volunteers’ non-profit organization with more than eighty member countries, as well as the US market leader of the biggest tourism company in Ecuador. She lived in the US as a student and after, as a restaurant manager at a Ski Resort in Idaho, where she learned to snowboard and still misses it. She has traveled extensively around Ecuador, backpacked in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico. She has camped in some National Reserves in the US and Canada and has visited Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Austria, among others. Diane’s hobbies include sports such as trail running and mountain biking, as well as watching movies and reading a nice book.

Linda was born and raised a small coastal village in southern Sweden. She spent her childhood traveling extensively around the world and discovered early on that she had a passion for learning about cultures, history, and languages. After graduating high school in Sweden, she packed her bags, boarded a plane to the United States, and never looked back. She has now spent more than 20 years studying and working in the U.S., Australia, Italy, and the United Kingdom. An international student for more than seven years, Linda holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.

Having worked for Gonzaga University for more than eight years before joining CISabroad in 2015, much of her professional experience is in the field of Student Development and on-site program managment, but she also spent more than six years as director of Gonzaga’s in-house travel learning program, offering American study abroad students custom-built travel opportunities by connecting academic knowledge with practical learning opportunities throughout Europe and beyond. In her spare time, Linda (still!) loves to travel and explore the world – preferably with a good cup of coffee in her hand and a book close by.

Anna holds a B.A. in English and German from Ca’Foscari University of Venice. The Italian village where she was born was never enough for her, and from a young age she decided she wanted to see the world and meet a lot of people from different cultures. Fascinated by foreign languages and traveling, she first studied abroad in London when she was in high school and then at Humboldt Universität in Berlin a few years after. New York City holds a special place in her heart, ever since he was an intern at the Italian Cultural Institute there. After volunteering and working for the not-for-profit association AFS Intercultural Program, helping hundreds of high school students enroll and prepare for their experience abroad, she moved to London and focused on working with university students. She has been part of the CIS Abroad on-site team in London for almost five years now and has extensive knowledge about all our London programs. She loves musicals, fashion, playing tennis, hiking, drinking green tea and matcha, and is an intrepid backpacker.

Drasko was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and graduated from the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Law, where he also obtained a master’s degree in constitutional law. He worked as an associate in a law firm in Belgrade and was hired by the Official Journal to analyze the jurisprudence of the Serbian highest courts. However, he decided to continue his studies abroad and came to France in 2013, where he obtained a second master’s degree in comparative law at Sorbonne University. Drasko was a participant of numerous seminars, conferences and summer schools in Serbia, France and worldwide. He is a national rowing umpire in Serbia and in France and he raced several half marathons. He completed a skydiving course and has an international diver certificate. Drasko is a self-proclaimed expert in finding the best low-cost train and airplane tickets.

Christelle Le Gars has been an administrative assistant at IAU since 2018, focused on aiding students with work-study, excursions and administrative requirements. Christelle Le Gars joined IAU after working in England for more than ten years in secondary schools specialized in international teaching and learning. She has a License in English studies (Lille 3 University) and an M.A. in Communication (Celsa, Paris Sorbonne). She is fluent in English and French.

Upon completing my Bachelor’s degree in Law at the University of Athens, I set off to the majestic south of France for my Master’s studies, an experience that has left a strong impression on me and planted the seed for wanting to work with international students. After practicing law for nearly 10 years I decided to take a career turn and become a certified Counselor which led to my enrollment for a Master’s program in Psychology at Hellenic American University. This is where I found myself in a highly multinational environment and I had the chance to take in the wealth of experience and perspective that comes with interacting with people from different cultures. The time had come for that seed to sprout! When not lost in my Psychology books, I love to ride my bike uphill or attend my traditional dance classes.

Sharon is from North Carolina and she has lived in Ireland for over 30 years. Ireland is now her second home. From the rich Irish culture to the warm community spirit, Ireland is a gem! Sharon has worked with a number of Irish rural festivals; the very heart of Irish culture and traditions. Sharon loves discovering ancient sites and historical castles in her spare time. Her hobbies also include playing the violin, clay sculpturing and finding the best vegan cuisine in town!

Romina is a native Roman with degrees in International Communications (2005) and International Relations (2007) at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Shortly after graduating, she moved back to Rome and began her study abroad career working for IES. In Rome, she began pursing her M.A. in International Affairs at the SIOI. After completing an internship at the Italian Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome, her career took a turn as Romina was offered a position to work as a Communication and Public Information Officer within the civilian component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Herat for the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Between 2008-09, Romina completed two missions in Afghanistan. In 2009, she began working for the Italian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, which then led her to cover the same position at the Italian Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen. In Spring 2011, the Italian government ordered embassy staff to return home due to the uncertain situation of the Arab Spring. Ever since, Romina has enjoyed her return to the eternal city, and to her career in study abroad through CIS Abroad.

Alessandro Bruno was born in Maryland, United States, and was raised in Rome, Italy. He has traveled extensively through Europe, Central America, North America, and China. He definitely considers himself a citizen of the world. During his travels, he acquired a passion for the environment and preservation, cultures, and languages. This passion led him to obtain a B.A. in Geography with a minor in Chinese Studies from Humboldt State University. In 2010, Alessandro spent a semester studying abroad at the University of Shanghai in China and has since become an even stronger proponent of study abroad programs, no matter where. Alessandro has also successfully completed the National Park Service Law Enforcement Training Program and a Wilderness First Responder course, and returned to Italy to join the CIS Abroad Site Director team in 2015. Aside from traveling, Alessandro’s other favorite activities are wake-boarding, kayaking, diving, eating sushi, learning new languages, cooking, and getting lost on purpose.

Originally from Florence, Italy, Chiara graduated from the London College of Communication in Photography with a special focus on alternative processes and darkroom printing. Following graduation she exhibited her work and curated exhibitions in Italy and abroad, slowly approaching the education field by designing art workshops and educational programs. More and more interested in languages and cultures she obtained a CELTA teaching certificate and taught English in Italy and Italian in Australia. She spent the past year working and volunteering in Melbourne, teaching, facilitating, curating, travelling, making art and making friends. Since a young age she has been an avid traveller and explored Europe thoroughly. Throughout the years Chiara also visited the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand. She believes International education is the key to gain a global mindset, to step out of your comfort zone and discover more about yourself and the world we live in. Outside of work Chiara wonders around museums and galleries, hikes in the woods, reads, fights for the environment and plays hide and seek with her precious maltese Charlie.

Will is a graduate of the College of William & Mary, where he studied Political Science and Environmental Policy. He also holds a M.Sc. in International Public Management and Policy from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. Originally from the beautiful city of Vicenza, in northeastern Italy, Will is an avid traveler and has lived or worked in 6 different countries throughout his life. His fondest study abroad experience was exploring a puffin colony on a remote Scottish island while a student at the University of St Andrews. Bilingual in English and Italian since childhood, Will also speaks some Spanish and is currently learning French. While he loves Italian food the most, he enjoys other cuisines too, and will often be found experimenting with new ingredients. Outside of the office Will also likes hiking, skiing, gardening and exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Originally from New Jersey, Jeff attended Rider University where he studied Business Administration. After graduation, he started working for a small college in northern New Jersey where he started the Office of International Programs, study abroad programs, language programs, and established international exchange programs. He was sent to tour Asia to establish international educational exchanges and continued expanding exchanges over the course of the next decade. He then moved to Tokyo, where he continues to develop programs and support systems for students studying in Japan.

Helena was born and bred in Wellington, New Zealand but a curious spirit and a former career took her to Australia and throughout Europe. Since returning to NZ she, started “a pay it forward” social enterprise called the Steampunk Food Van that provides meals for people living on the street or in poverty. She is a passionate social entrepreneur who is forever exploring and learning new things about people, community and environmental sustainability. In her spare time you will find Helena frollicking about the vast area of NZ that is protected national park, or enjoying a specialty coffee at one of the many cafes that are popping up: New Zealand is fast becoming a nation of coffee drinkers, whilst many Kiwis will still ask if you’d like to join them for a “cuppa tea” when you visit their home.

Milagro was born in Cusco, Peru where she completed her primary and secondary studies, as well as her bachelor’s degree in accounting. After graduating, she began working for a variety of public and private institutions, including serving as the director of the Charity Pharmacies of Cusco. Mila has also worked for many different municipalities as a supplies and logistics specialist and held the post of Administrative Director for the Municipality of Urubamba. In 2003 she joined the ProPeru, which hosted study and internship opportunities for international participants in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Mila later assumed the post of Administrative Director of ProPeru in 2009 where she was very highly regarded. Most recently, Mila has been working on her master’s degree in administration with a focus on tourism at La Universidad San Antonio Abad del Cusco.

For almost thirty years Patricia has been working in the field of international education. She loves her country and enjoys sharing the generosity and variety of Lima cultures to her students. She has lived abroad: three years in Chile, Washington D.C. almost four, Florence for eight months and Rome two years, Guayaquil, Ecuador six years as well as in Holland for six years. Patricia is a mother of three children, now grown, and each of them have been students abroad so she knows what it is like.

Jeanna was born overlooking Loch Ness and grew up in the Highlands of Scotland. She studied in Edinburgh, and after majoring in science went on to work in local and central government. She believes in lifelong learning and remains a student of life! Jeanna has eight years of experience with CIS Abroad (seven as Site Director) and strongly believes in equity and accessible education for all.

“Learning and education has been a strong influence in my family over generations. Education goes beyond the school. Studying abroad is a life changing experience. It allows you to see the world from a new different perspective and to be better prepared for your future in the increasingly globalised world we live in. My job to help you make the most of the many opportunities studying and living in Scotland affords you, and to ensure you have a successful, fun and memorable experience. I have strong Scottish heritage. My Celtic roots give my family our language, music, fun, compassion and culture which continues to this day. Like many Scots, I enjoy the unspoilt nature and landscape here, from great sailing, (and yes surfing) in the West, off-road motorcycle, hiking and skiing in the Highlands to the diverse cultural and multi cultural activities flourishing in many aspects of daily life here.”

Sonya Bell – the youngest of 3 – decided that on completion and graduating with a National Diploma in Travel and Tourism, she would travel the world. Participating in a cultural exchange program led her to Vail, Colorado where a 4-month working visa allowed her to experience what being away from home was all about. Upon returning home, itchy feet resulted in a 9-year career as a Flight Attendant for South African Airways, where she could satisfy her appetite for travelling and experiencing different cultures. Unpacking the suitcase for good was done with a heavy heart but still wanting to interact with international travelers to Cape Town, she joined Cape Town Tourism (CTT) as a Supervisor. Fast forward 9 years – Sonya ventured into self-employment by being appointed as an Accredited Assessor for the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. This allows for flexibility as far as time management is concerned as well as working from home where she can spend some time with her husband and 2 fur babies. With additional time on her hands and wanting to make a difference, Sonya looked looking for opportunities that allowed her to put her skills gained at CTT to use without compromising her current responsibilities with TGCSA. Enter – CIS Abroad! Excited to be able to tap into her own experience in working abroad, Sonya enjoys offering support and guidance to those embarking on new journeys, forming new relationships, and showing off her beautiful home country.

Pasqual, a South African born and raised in Cape Town has a passion for people and travel. The travel bug bit her when she embarked on an exchange program to Italy at only 16 and she hasn’t stopped since. She completed her Psychology Honors degree at the University of Stellenbosch, volunteering in many organisations assisting the local townships in the surrounding areas, it was there that she was introduced to the international volunteer and student community and witnessed how much they got out of experiencing the uniqueness of South Africa. It is flavor and beat which she wishes to share with you. After her studies she worked as a tour guide in Europe for three years solidifying her passion for making peoples holiday dreams a reality. She then went on to work in operations for the tour company as they made their big move to South East Asia. After living in Thailand for a year she heard the call for home and has since returned. As a registered tourist guide in South Africa she hopes to continue sharing her love for people, travel and her country.

I believe that education – and particularly international education and cultural exchange – empowers people and advances society. Through my experiences as an educator, I have planned and executed many kinds of degree/non-degree programs across a wide range of fields, including HR, program design, international student recruitment, international cooperation, international student admissions, business incubating management, and government funding. I like to meet people and communicate with them in global settings. I am also very happy when I am working with other people in a new and challenging environment.

Sara Hazzard moved to Madrid from her hometown of Philadelphia, PA. She received her M.A. in International Education/Bilingualism from the Universidad Camilo José Cela and proceeded to work in the field as an English language teacher. Passionate about exploring and cross cultural exchange the move to Spain was a natural fit. Sara’s first encounter with international travel was during her undergraduate studies when she decided to study abroad in Granada, Spain. Falling in love with the Spanish language, she continued on to Buenos Aires, Argentina to extend her awareness of different accents and linguistics. Finally settling in Madrid, Sara applies her own experiences as motivation to support students while studying and living abroad. As Site Director in Madrid, her goal is to welcome students to Spain’s vibrant capital, engage them with the locals through different activities, and deepen their understanding, along with their appreciation, of Spanish culture. In her free time, Sara tours different villages and cities in Spain. She also enjoys cooking, running, and a good book written in Spanish.

Elena was born in Girona, but has lived in a variety of cities in Spain. She earned a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona and an M.A. in Communication, Tourism, and New Technologies (e-Tourism) from the University of Barcelona. Her previous work experience was at UPF in the Communications Department and research focused on Place Branding Online. Elena is also the co-founder of the International Exchange Erasmus Student Network at UPF, which helps welcome university students to Barcelona. She worked and studied in various countries throughout Europe, including Italy, England, Ireland, Holland, and Turkey. Elena has been working since 2010 helping and mentoring international students. Currently, she is perusing a Coach Training Certification. Elena loves languages, dancing, traveling, culture, and, above all – people.

David was born in the UK and moved to the US when he was 16 and completed high school and University in Colorado. As an avid traveler, his first thought on graduation was to travel to Asia. He volunteered and lived with a family in Kathmandu for 2 months before traveling to Thailand. He quickly fell in love with the country and for the last 12 years has worked as a teacher, as a development officer in NGOs, and has worked with volunteers and study abroad programs for the last seven years. He has an MA in Asia Pacific Studies and is fluent in Thai. He loves his work because it allows him to share his love of Thailand and its people with participants and at the same time support the great things that people all over Thailand are doing every day.

Chutinan Klinmalai is  the Bangkok Site director for CISabroad and  has been working with the program for more than 2 years covering all field visits and leisure activities. Chutinan graduated his bachelor’s degree in Political Science (International Relations) and currently doing master graduate program in Disaster Management at Asian Institute of Technology. Apart from CIS work, he is a professional career diplomat with Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Thailand. He always participates in social activities and volunteer works especially environmental or local community service programs. Comedy is his favorite movies genres. Exploring nature  is one of his favourite activities

Lisa has been the CISabroad Site Director in Hawaii for over 7 years. Lisa is very active in the movement to rejuvenate Hawaiian culture and language and has directed the US Federal Grant devoted to re-integrating the Hawaiian language into the local schools curriculum for several years. She also helps at risk youth as a mentor. She arranges numerous excursions throughout the term that are customized to each group’s interests. Past excursions have included surfing or fishing trips, camping, or trips to local restaurants if you love to eat! Lisa also arranges a day of community service for all the students during your time in Hawaii.

I was born and grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the biggest and most popular cities in Vietnam. I earned my BA in Sociology from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City and spent more than a year in Holland for the certificate of International Communication. Since that study abroad experience, I have been always working in the field of Education, especially assisting Vietnamese students with planning and preparing for studying abroad. I have had opportunities to travel and explore different parts of the world such as Europe (Holland, Belgium, France, Germany), Australia, and Asia (China, Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore). I’m keen on sharing my Vietnam with visitors. I enjoy spending time with my son, my friends and relatives, writing my own fiction stories, and watching television series.

Kerry, a New Jersey native, but a self-described New Englander at heart, received her BA in Public Relations and MS in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. The travel bug bit her young because by the age of 10, she had seen the house where her grandmother was raised in Ireland and had touched the Berlin Wall before it came down. She spent a year plus working for CIEE as Senior Manager of Institutional Relations helping her find a true fondness for the international education field as education is very important to her. Prior to that, she moved her way up at United Way to the Director level where she had the privilege of helping the residents of Greater Portland raise money by managing national campaigns. In her spare time, Kerry likes to ride and race motorcycles (at very, very fast speeds!), sip earl gray tea, enjoy time with friends over a nice glass of red wine and seek out new adventures.

Emily received a BS in business administration with a concentration in marketing and minor in international studies from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree in international education from SIT Graduate Institute. Her journey towards a career in international education began when she traveled to China in high school and later studied abroad in Seville, Spain. She later returned to work as a language and culture assistant in Malaga, Spain. These experiences helped her to gain an understanding of and appreciation for different cultures and a desire to help other students have similar experiences. In her free time, Emily loves to hang out with her husband and baby girl, explore thrift and antique stores, do arts and crafts projects, and relax on her backporch with coffee in hand as she contemplates her next adventure!

Kylie holds a BA in intercultural studies and international politics from Westminster College and a MA in international education from SIT Graduate Institute. As an undergrad, Kylie studied abroad in three different countries: Australia, Ireland, and Spain. Her various positions in study abroad offices have allowed her to travel extensively in Australia, Europe, and Latin America. Because Kylie’s own experiences abroad proved to be transformational, she’s dedicated to helping students have their own life-changing experiences through travel. She is a firm believer in facing her fears and taking advantage of each opportunity, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it may be. Originally from Pittsburgh, Kylie now calls San Diego home, where she can be found hanging out at the beach, cooking for friends, and preparing for new adventures. Kylie is a member of the NAFSA Trainer Corps. She also serves as an FEA scholarship reviewer annually.

Zachary joined CIS Abroad in May 2018, bringing more than a decade of experience in the field of international education. Past experience includes serving as the Assistant Director of the Office of Study Away at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, for four years and as Senior University Relations Representative at ISA for five years. Originally from Austin, TX, Zachary received a B.A. in International Affairs and Spanish from Emmanuel College in Boston and an M.A. in Public Policy from Trinity College.

As an undergraduate, Zachary was a self-described “superuser” of his study abroad office: he studied abroad for a semester in Puebla, Mexico, for a full academic year in Lima, Peru, and for an extended summer session in Madrid, Spain. He also participated in faculty-led programs in Rome and Australia. Zachary makes a point of practicing what he preaches when it comes to travel, and recently set foot in his 60th country (thank you, Bosnia and Herzegovina!). Zachary has presented extensively at professional conferences, and his areas of expertise include custom programming, issues surrounding equity and access, curriculum integration, social media, marketing, and faculty partnership.

When he’s not on the road for CIS Abroad, Zachary enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the Northeast through day trips and long weekends, cooking with his partner at their home in Connecticut, and – of course – planning his next big adventure.

Kent’s winding path to a career in international education began as an undergraduate at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a BS in International Business and Accounting. After education abroad experiences in Thailand, Spain, and India, and a year as an undergraduate peer advisor, he was thoroughly convinced that studying abroad is one of the best steps a person can take, both for themselves and for the world. After college and with this credo in mind, Kent created a website that serves as an orientation resource for education abroad participants. Before joining CISabroad, he was living and studying in the Netherlands, where he earned his MA in International Relations from Leiden University. Kent has traveled widely in Europe and Southeast Asia, but can usually be found in the Triangle of North Carolina, playing soccer, cooking with his partner, hiking with friends, or making large piles of sawdust.

For as long as Veelie can remember, she always knew she wanted to work in an international setting that values cultural learning and engagement. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in International Management and completed a MA in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute. She studied abroad in semester programs in Beijing, China and Barcelona, Spain. She speaks Spanish and Hmong, and has dabbled with Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese. Veelie’s professional journey includes diverse experiences in talent acquisition, sales, retail management, youth programming, teaching, and higher education. Prior to joining CISabroad, Veelie directed the study abroad office at a small university in the Twin Cities. Her favorite travel destination has been to Tibet. When she is not exploring the world, she enjoys being with her dogs (Chato and Apollo), dancing, hanging out with family and friends, painting, gardening, hiking, biking, kayaking, and reading fiction.

Keara joins CISabroad from the University of South Carolina, where she went from Program Manager to Senior Study Abroad Program Advisor over the previous 4.5 years. She received her undergraduate degree in European Culture Studies & German Language and Literature from Brandeis University. In 2013, she earned her Masters in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Keara has presented at numerous conferences, and was most recently awarded Diversity Abroad’s 2018 Rising Star Award.

“I like to think that I started in international education when I was 5- my family moved to Lagos, Nigeria and I’ve been travelling ever since! I’ve been to about 30 countries so far, and my favorites are South Korea, Germany, and Chile. I love that I get to have the kind of job that opens up the world for students and allows them to learn all about new languages, cultures, and people. I also love podcasts, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, and dogs- especially my dogs, Dennis and Colton.”

Adam has been involved in international education since his days as an undergraduate, where he was closely tied-in with the international student community. After a semester in India and a few years of AmeriCorps service, he decided to follow his passions full time. Upon earning a Master’s degree in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute, Adam joined CIS Abroad as a Faculty-led Programs Coordinator in 2017.

Now, as a member of the University Relations team, he has presented his work at state, regional, and national conferences. Adam has been published on Diversity Abroad’s website and currently serves as the Chair of Diversity Abroad’s Religious Identity Task Force and the Education Abroad Co-chair for the Michigan Association of International Educators (MAIE). Adam’s interests lean toward research and understanding how international education can adapt to suit the new generations of students moving forward.

Arden grew up in Marietta, GA, but has called New England home for more than 14 years after a move in high school, which gave her the idea that “life is not meant to be lived in one place.” During her time in college at Mass Bay Community College and the University of Massachusetts – Boston, Arden used her job at a cell phone company to fund her travels to South America and Europe as often as possible and discovered her passion for international education during the CIS Abroad Barcelona Summer program in 2014. Since then, Arden has worked in travel and international education, specializing in South America and Greece, with a focus on helping commuters and student athletes overcome obstacles and get abroad!

Colin first studied abroad after high school in Santiago, Chile, where he caught the travel bug. While studying philosophy, political science and Spanish at Washington State University, he was able to study in Cadiz, Spain and travel throughout Western Europe. Having seen and lived through the benefits of international education, he is determined to help others have similar transformative global experiences. He joins CISabroad after serving as the Study Abroad Advisor and Outreach Coordinator at Montana State University, where he is also pursuing a Masters in Public Administration. When not getting lost in the mountains of Montana, you can find Colin playing soccer, jamming to a local band, or planning his next international adventure.

Originally from Austin, TX, Sydney joined CIS Abroad in September 2018 after living in Australia for almost four years. There, she interned abroad and then completed her Bachelor of Marine Science at one of CIS Abroad’s on-site partners – James Cook University (JCU). During her time there, she volunteered supporting international students and was elected to the JCU Student Association to advocate for the needs of international students across campus. Her commitment to international student advocacy also earned her a place on the Queensland International Student Advisory Panel, run by Study Queensland, where she had the opportunity to attend and speak at state and national international education conferences across Australia. Upon return to the U.S., Sydney pursued her passion for international education and landed her role with CIS Abroad. She now gets to call Austin home again and enjoys all of the recreational activities and live music the city has to offer.

Professionally, Sydney has experience presenting on the benefits of interning and studying abroad, co-hosting pre-departure orientations, and advising returnees about how to talk about their study abroad experience in professional settings. In her role, Sydney enjoys providing helpful tools and support to study abroad offices and advisors. She’s ready to help you with anything you might need – her goal is to feel like an extension of your office!

After two amazing years with IEP (CISabroad’s on-campus division) as the Campus Coordinator of The University of South Alabama, Jess is staying within the family and transitioning to CISabroad! Born and raised in Mobile, she graduated from South with a degree in Foreign Languages and International Studies. During her time there, she studied abroad in Spain where her passion for international education began. She enjoys spending time with her partner and their pets, cooking, and running to a good K-Pop playlist.

Danielle Salvatore is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor’s Degree in International and Global Studies – Concentration in Human Rights and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Born and raised in North Carolina, Danielle had a desire to live abroad from a very young age. She took the first opportunity possible to go abroad and studied for a year at the University of Leicester in England. That experience sparked her desire to live abroad as many times as possible. She participated in a summer program at the Technological University of Querétaro in Mexico and after graduation she did a Working Holiday Visa in Melbourne, Australia. Living and experiencing the life changing impacts of study abroad, Danielle knew her career would lie in the field of International Education. In her free time, you can find Danielle curled up reading a book, drinking a coffee, attending a Carolina Panther’s game with her partner or planning her next adventure.

Having studied abroad through CISabroad in the Spring 2014 as a part of the Semester in Costa Rica cohort, I developed a strong passion for study abroad. After my time abroad I became an Alumni Ambassador, which furthered my interests within International Education and outreach. I graduated in the Spring of 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and with a minor in Spanish and eventually worked for CISabroad as the Midwest Institute Trainee. During my time as a trainee, I was able to share my desires of Diversity and Inclusion within our amazing organization through projects such as our Diversity Marketing Audit and Diversity and Inclusion trifold. Most recently, I became an English Language teacher in Ambato, Ecuador and absolutely loved my time teaching ESL students. Through my abroad experiences I have learned the importance of education abroad being accessible to underrepresented students and how representation matters for people of all backgrounds. In my free time, I love to read with a cup of coffee, hang out with family and friends, and cook new recipes.

Tiana recently graduated from Clark University, earning a Bachelors degree in International Development and Asian Studies, with a concentration in China. She was born and raised in Boston, MA and had her first international experience during her sophomore year in high school. She hosted a Chinese exchange student then went on to visit China for the first time. Upon returning from this trip, Tiana developed a drive to explore the world and all the amazing things it has to offer. Not only did she discover her passion for international exchange, but she also fell in love with China, the language and culture. She was certain that she would make it back to China in the near future, and that she did! Continuing her studies at Clark, Tiana spent 6 months studying abroad in Beijing and Shanghai, China, where she further unwrapped her passion for international education. Since then, Tiana has been able to share her experiences abroad by serving as a study abroad ambassador at her university. As a first generation student of color, Tiana has learned a lot about the importance of representation, Diversity and Inclusion within education abroad. She hopes to continue to share her experiences and encourage everyone, especially those belonging to underrepresented communities, to take that leap and explore the world! During her free time, Tiana enjoys cooking, baking, dancing and going on walks.

I am a recent graduate of NC State University where I majored in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. While in college, I had some cool internships, the most unique being working at Mount Rushmore (and yes, there is a hidden room behind the faces)! I studied abroad my freshman year and completed a Maymester in the French Riviera. However, my first international experience was a trip to Toronto, Ontario when I was a sophomore in high school. I planned my entire family’s trip – and none of us had ever been out of the country before. During this experience my eyes were opened to the cultural diversity in the world and jumpstarted a passion for travel and international education…I wanted everyone to experience the world and all it has to offer! Outside of work and academics, you can find me hanging out at a coffee shop, playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, or settling in for a night of board games!

Though I am Rhode Island born and raised, travel has always been a huge part of my life; from traveling all over the country for softball to hopping on cruise ships for family vacations. I graduated from Saint Anselm College where I studied Criminal Justice and played softball for 2 years. I had always been a homebody and never thought I would go abroad until my friend KT gave me the push I needed. I studied in Orvieto, Italy spring semester of my junior year. When I returned I couldn’t stay away from Study Abroad so I worked in St. A’s Study Abroad Office as a Student Rep. and Social Media Content Manager. My wonderful boss, Jane, urged me to follow what I loved which lead me to pursue a career in International Education! In my free time I love being with my family, my puppy Ace, skiing and hiking!

Angelo is biased toward the long-term experience overseas and passionate about student development. He spent two academic years abroad: one as a high school exchange student in Germany, the other in Morocco during undergraduate studies at Lock Haven University. Within each of those experiences, he did educational travel in Poland and Turkey. Eventually, Istanbul became home for three years while teaching English. Earning his master’s degree in International Education from the School of International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute in Vermont, he made the full-time move to New England in 2016. Angelo has presented on “code switching” in working with faculty on campus for his SIT thesis, on working abroad at Lessons From Abroad – Georgia at Kennesaw State University, and on the learning partnership model with many colleagues in the Northampton office.

Since a young age, Chris always enjoyed the thrill of traveling, be it abroad or to a neighboring town. Before completing his B.A. in psychology from Keene State College, Chris studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and became enamored with the culture and the language. He believes that making friends on site is the best way to learn different cultures and to cultivate professional connections. Chris believes that when participants take ownership of their study abroad experience, they immediately have more fun and gain valuable insights about themselves and the world around them. Chris has been working for CISabroad as an advisor since 2012, and he’s helped out on site during the summer in Italy ever since.

Patrick graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a BA in anthropology. During his senior year, he studied abroad in Madagascar and Kenya. After graduation, he volunteered at a baboon research outpost in Awash National Park, Ethiopia, for nine months. A year later, he then traveled to Malawi where he volunteered at a village community center, teaching IT to students and adults. Studying abroad was one of the defining characteristics of his undergraduate career, and is something that Patrick believes every student should take part in. The new cultures and people he experienced and met instilled a great love for the world outside the US. It’s the reason he continues to champion the benefits of studying abroad through CISabroad.

Anna graduated from Hampshire College with a B.A. in Literary Translation, made possible by an incredible year spent in Valparaíso, Chile! Above all, her time in Chile taught her that our differing experiences make life most interesting. She firmly believes that travel is one of the best ways to experience that difference first-hand. Because of this, she is passionate about making study abroad accessible to as many people as possible! In her off hours, Anna can be found devouring a good book, listening to podcasts, or planning her next translation project.

I am a senior studying communications at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Three quick things about me are that I’m a twin (she also goes to UMass so our friends get very confused when they see one of us on campus and think it’s the other one!); I work with sheep and llamas (I was briefly an animal science major before settling on communications); and I am a MASSIVE dog enthusiast (if you ask me about my puppy, I will not hesitate to inform you about Dakota, a.k.a. “Ducky,” who is my literal baby!).

Ever since I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy in the spring of 2019, I have found a new sense of fulfillment from traveling. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to study abroad and be properly informed so they can make the best decisions for themselves in terms of location, classes, and weekend adventures!

Michelle has had severe wanderlust since her first trip abroad at the age of 17 and doesn’t see it coming to an end any time soon! Michelle has traveled to almost 50 different countries and lived in Ireland for several years – hon the Premier County! A graduate of Boston University, she studied and interned in Paris while completing her B.S. in Journalism and a B.A. in International Relations. Since then, she has worked with international and U.S. students, both in the ESL industry and higher education. She is a library enthusiast, and when she’s not chasing her son around, can be found snuggled down with a good book and a giant mug of coffee.

Maggie graduated from Bates College in 2008, having studied abroad in London, Rome, and Hungary. Armed with a TESOL certification and some very basic Spanish, Maggie went on a fantastic adventure in Peru and Ecuador, teaching English as a Second Language and studying Spanish for a couple of years. She found her way to CIS Abroad in 2017, ready to help others access the life-affirming magic of living abroad. Since joining the team, she has helped more than 600 students study abroad and is grateful every day to share in the excitement of international travel and education!

Originally from southern Massachusetts, Emma received her bachelors from the University of Rhode Island. Having her first international travel experience in grade school Emma knew she wanted to study abroad in college. After studying abroad in Australia, Emma instantly fell in love with the location, people and culture. She knew she wanted to help other students study abroad and make international education her career. Her travels have taken her to Europe, the Caribbean and Oceania. Emma is an avid coffee drinker, book worm beach goer and dog lover. Outside of work Emma loves to cook, attempt yoga, exercise and hangout with her animals!

Julia credits her study abroad experience in Galway, Ireland, for her lifelong appreciation for and commitment to travel. After receiving her master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Canisius College, she decided to pursue a career in international education, where she could help students study abroad and see the world! Julia is a firm believer in the life-changing learning experience that international education provides. Julia is grateful for every travel experience, including her latest adventure to Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, visiting CIS Abroad’s wonderful programs in Asia! In her spare time, Julia can be found perusing the local library, running, exploring the local vegetarian cuisine, or hanging out with friends and family!

Zach’s passion for international education came after a life-changing experience while studying abroad with CIS Abroad on a multi-country program to Italy, France, and England. The following summer, he helped coordinate a study abroad program for university students from around the world at Corvinus University of Budapest in Hungary. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, he moved to Austria, where he worked as a U.S. Teaching Assistant for two school years. Outside of work, Zach keeps himself busy with various outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. Other than that, he can be found in local coffee shops or playing with any dog he can find. Zach is thrilled to be back with CIS Abroad, this time helping students have an experience of a lifetime through studying abroad as he did!

Juliana first started exploring the world as a 13 year old when she went abroad to live in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since then she has graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst with a dual degree in Psychology and Public Health. While she was an undergraduate she had the wonderful experience of studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. After she graduated she wanted to see more of the world, so she taught English in Madrid, Spain for two years while receiving her Master’s Degree in Teaching at the Universidad de Alcalá. She has worked in Thessaloniki, Greece with study abroad students and has taken the time to immerse herself in new cultures all over Europe. In her free time you can find Juliana sipping coffee at a local cafe, reading or journaling, practicing yoga, hiking and exploring the places around her. Juliana is thrilled to help students pursue all the wonders that come from studying abroad!

Hadley is rooted in Western Massachusetts, where she received her B.S. from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She studied Hospitality & Tourism Management with a focus on Sustainable Community Development. Hadley is a travel advocate who believes in the value of expanding comfort zones as a way to better understand and coexist with neighbors across the globe. An avid explorer herself, Hadley enjoys music, dancing, cuisine, and conversation – wherever life takes her.

Jess is a Brooklyn, NY, native who made it out of the city and into Western Mass to attend UMass Amherst, where she got her bachelor’s in Public Health and Psychology. She adored traveling since she was young, but truly fell in love with abroad experiences when she studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and conducted independent research in Yunnan, China. She enjoys the role of advising interns and hopes to someday transfer these skills to a career in counseling! Outside of work, Jess loves spending time with loved ones, going to concerts and performances, watching TV, and can get excited about really anything!

Jen is a lifelong Massachusetts resident whose passion for literature and history inform her enthusiasm for travel. She has been to all four corners of the continental US, and particularly loves to take photographs of unique landscapes and foliage she encounters. One of her favorite photos was taken at the Grand Canyon as the sunset shone through a sudden rainstorm. When at home, Jen likes to invite friends over for tabletop games or listen to podcasts while she plays with her two pet rats.

Emma’s excitement for travel started during her semester abroad in Cyprus where she had opportunities for short travel excursions to Greece, Italy, Egypt and Turkey. Seeking more chances for travel and growth, Emma moved to Cape Town, South Africa to take up a 6 month internship with a local non-profit organization. The beauty and excitement of living in Cape Town captured Emma for 8 years; she has now moved back to New England to be closer to family, and is passionate about helping others to have the chance to travel and add value to international institutions.

As a graduate of UMass Amherst with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Hailey has spent much of her time involved in various research labs focusing on international peace building and social cognition. From a people-oriented perspective, Hailey is driven to experience the beauty and cultures of communities around the world, and has thus far traveled all around the U.S. and an array of islands. In her free time, Hailey loves to run, read, and enjoy live music and comedy performances.

Hello! My name is Karina Vaid. I love travel and adventure! I studied Sociology at the University of Massachusetts. I have lived in the US Virgin Island and Canada. I’ve been to several countries, my favorites being Spain and India. I love learning about different belief systems and ways of life!

Aaron earned both a B.A. and an M.S. in international studies from Central Connecticut State University. Over the years, he has studied and lived in France and Malta and has traveled around Europe, East Asia, and Latin America.

In his career in international education, Aaron has served as a campus-based study abroad advisor, an enrollment coordinator, a university relations representative, a diversity and inclusion strategist, and a custom program coordinator and manager. In the field, he has presented on LGBTQIA+ student support, first-generation college student advising, and inclusive and accessible education abroad programming. He has also previously served as Chair of the First-Generation College Students Task Force for Diversity Abroad.

Aaron is passionate about making international opportunities accessible to today’s diverse student population through capacity building for U.S. university staff and through innovative program development. When Aaron is not working, he’s surely planning his next trip in order to keep his number of countries visited in line with the years of his age!

Jamie, a New England native, somehow managed to complete both her undergrad and graduate studies in California before winding up back in Massachusetts working with CIS Abroad. Jamie holds a B.A. from Pomona College in environmental chemistry (2011), and an M.A. in international education management at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies (MIIS) in Monterey.

She’s been working with custom faculty-led programs at CIS Abroad ever since graduating from MIIS in 2014. In her time with CIS Abroad, she has had the opportunity to work onsite with faculty-led groups in Italy and Southeast Asia, which has helped fuel her passion for the work we do. When not at her desk, Jamie enjoys spending as much time as possible outside with her husband and son!

Beth graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in international studies and a minor in Spanish (GO CATS!). The summer after her junior year, she studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain. She knew she wanted to spend more time abroad. After graduation, she returned to Spain to teach English in Madrid for one year. In addition to an amazing time in Madrid, Beth traveled throughout much of Europe. Some destinations included Greece, Hungary, Iceland, and Scotland. A random search for a warm place in Europe in March turned into an adventure in Malta, which has become one of her favorite places. Beth enjoys hanging out with friends, playing volleyball, hiking, and exploring new places!

Marcella graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in English and Classical Studies. While there, she spent a life-changing semester studying in Rome, Italy which kickstarted her love of travel. After graduating she decided needed another taste of life abroad, and went to spend a magical year teaching English at a secondary school in Madrid, Spain. These experiences have made Marcella sure that travel and the world of education abroad is the life for her. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, as well as to Colombia to visit family. In her spare time, she loves to cook, read, and spend as much time as she can with friends and family.

Kate graduated in 2008 from Smith College with a B.A. in Anthropology. After spending an incredible year studying abroad in Ecuador, she continued her travels across the globe to the UK, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Italy, and even Australia, where she remembers eating the best pumpkin soup of her life while looking out at the Blue Mountains. After receiving her M.A. in Education at UC Berkeley (2016) and teaching in Oakland, CA, she returned to the Pioneer Valley with her wife and two cats (Beans & Dragon Pepper) to reconnect with her passion for international education and travel at CIS Abroad!

Kezia’s love for travel was first inspired by her mother, who always strove to take family vacations somewhere new and exciting. After traveling to France and Costa Rica in high school and spending a semester abroad at the University of Westminster in England, she graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in English. She spent the next two years touring the U.S. and Canada with various musicians, then decided to move to South Korea, where she lived and worked as an English instructor for three years. She recently moved back to Western Mass after a working holiday in Australia, and has traveled to more than 20 different countries, with Laos, Vietnam, and Japan being some of her favorites. She has deep love for photography and taiko (Japanese drumming), and likes to bake, eat the things she bakes, and practice yoga (to continue to eat the things she bakes).

Emily’s interest in international travel was first piqued by an educational trip to Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand when she was thirteen. Since then, she has traveled to Ecuador, France, and Scotland, and spent a year and a half living in England. She studied archaeology at Barnard College, where she loved having the chance to explore New York City every day and meet people from all over the world. She is excited about anything that will broaden her understanding of all the different ways the world works and she’s always looking for her next chance to experience new places. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, making things, and taking care of her ever-growing hoard of house plants.

The first time Emma traveled by plane she was ten years old, alone, and excited to visit her best friend who recently moved across the country. Emma’s wanderlust and desire to step outside her comfort zone remains ever present. After completing Greenfield Community College’s Outdoor Leadership Program, Emma studied sustainable environments in New Zealand and later graduated with a BA in Natural Resource Studies and Conservation from UMass, Amherst.

Emma spent two seasons working in Denali National Park in Alaska, taught English in Lithuania, spent three months backpacking through South America, and explored parts of Western Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Most recently, Emma worked with more than 100 businesses to implement food waste, food donation, and recycling programs. Emma is honored to be part of an organization that provides educational, impactful, and life-changing immersive travel experiences.

Jennifer graduated from Dickinson State University in North Dakota with a degree in University Relations (emphasis on Journalism and Writing). Their marketing and communications background includes working in the fields of higher education, non-profit advocacy, B2B marketing in the engineering sector, and member-led, community-based organizations in the Midwest, establishing public education curriculum and outreach for LGBTQIA+ communities.

They’re passionate about customer experience and knowing what’s most important to our Gen Z customers. Jennifer has presented at the Diversity Abroad Conference in 2018, sharing CIS Abroad’s Marketing Audit Tool. Jenn relocated to Western Mass from the Midwest in 2017 – still cold, just in a different way! Outside of work, they love exploring the outdoors with their partner, Aaron, toddler, Hazel, and two dogs, Walter and Wilson. Their hobbies include gardening, cooking/baking, home projects, and learning more about their new home of western Mass.

Siobhan graduated with a BA in English from MCLA after having originally been a Fine Arts major. A love of painting and drawing has since morphed into creating logos, flyers, and emails in both her professional life and through volunteering with local nonprofits. Having grown up in a small town, Siobhan didn’t get the opportunity to travel until after high school. Her very first trip was to Canada and since then she’s been to Ireland, Italy, Japan, the U.K. and Iceland. She currently enjoys going to spin classes, singing along with musicals in her car, spending time with her husband and puppy, and of course planning her next travel adventure!

Born & raised in western Massachusetts, Ruthie was always curious about the sounds, tastes & sights outside of rural New England. While studying film & marketing at Emerson College, Ruthie had the opportunity to study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark where she got her first immersive look into another way of life. Once the travel bug’s bite had taken hold, Ruthie found CISabroad in 2016 and was able to combine her love for traveling and visual storytelling.

Originally from central California, Zoë came to Western Mass to study gender, theatre, and German at Mount Holyoke College. Studying abroad her junior year added the Netherlands to her list of foreign destinations: Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Norway, Belgium, and Canada. Zoë escaped from the North East’s cold winters for two years to get her MA in Performance Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, but is happy to be back in the land of bike trails, farmers markets, and mountains. She is passionate about storytelling, LGBTQ+ communities, and cooking with her partner and their cats Milo & Freya.

Catherine, a Pioneer Valley native, graduated from U-Mass Amherst with a BA in Sociology. During her senior year, she landed in Australia for a semester abroad at the University of Newcastle. This life-changing experience solidified her passion for travel, culture, and international education. After many travels throughout the U.S. and Canada, and a year-long move to Texas, she’s excited to be reconnecting to her roots in the Valley. Outside of work, you can find her watching bad movies, going hiking, or spending time with her family and friends.

Hilary grew up in a college town near Philadelphia, where she first found my love of being a student. She moved to Massachusetts to attend Hampshire College where she studied folklore, media, and psychology. Hilary was attracted to the non-traditional, unique academic environment of Hampshire and the access she would have to a vast amount of resources through the five college consortium. Since graduating, Hilary moved to Northampton, where she’s worked and commuted to Holyoke Community College for their Deaf Studies program. In the past, she’s traveled to Scotland, Ireland, and France. Although she hasn’t found a good time to venture out of the Happy Valley, the countries she dreams about visiting the most are Italy and Switzerland. Outside of work, Hilary loves photography, movies, knitting, gardening, and spending time with her cat!

Elayna traveled to Montreal, Canada, in high school, and fell in love with traveling. It was a brief love affair, and her passion for travel continued in Costa Rica and Spain. She is responsible for day-to-day coordination of all HR, IT, and general office management. Elayna is an avid, albeit untidy, organic gardener. Her passions in life are the fabulous world of visual arts, all things French, and Scrabble. She spends her small amount of “spare time” with her husband watching in wonder as her young daughter grows, and planning their future fantasy life living in southern France. Elayna lives in South Deerfield with her husband, daughter, and their guard-cat, Phil.

Tyler is coming to the team after spending the last 15 years growing a local tech startup here in the Pioneer Valley. With a background in Computer Science and Finance – he has spent the last 15 years serving in all functions of a rapidly growing business, but has had a very specific focus on the Information Technology Management, Organizational Leadership and Finance (of course!). While Tyler has spent years developing and advancing his skills in all of these areas of business, he is a believer that developing some of the less tangible skill sets is equally important to success in business – cultivating a practical but creative approach to problem solving, maintaining a positive attitude towards your work, and truly caring about the work you are doing and the people you are doing it with. Beyond that, Tyler has always been an advocate for making sure that you’re having fun while you’re working – and has for years shared the mantra “If you’re not having fun – you’re not doing it right.”

Tyler has spent the last 30+ years living (and growing up) in various towns in the Pioneer Valley, and currently lives in Shutesbury, MA with his 3 rescue dogs (Fig, Reba and Dusty) and his beautiful fiancé Tania. He enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, camping in the White Mountains, and spending time outdoors. He is a Boston sports enthusiast, has a passion for live music, craft beers, and cooking, and enjoys traveling to new regions and exploring the local cuisine.

I grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Case Western Reserve University with degrees in English and Philosophy. I started my professional life working in and then managing a bookstore. I came to the technology industry somewhat by accident, and it has now turned into a twenty-year career. Outside of work, I am a dad, a runner, and I have more fountain pens than is strictly practical. After stints in Ohio, Michigan, and upstate New York, I live in Greenfield, MA, where I am active in local politics.

Chris ensures that CISabroad can connect to clients and colleagues on an ongoing basis. He is passionate about computer and networking technologies. Chris graduated with an associates degree in science—multimedia and earned a certificate in game design. He enjoys working in the field of international education because he’s a part of a company that makes the world a better place in which to live. Outside of work, he enjoys tabletop games, music, art, films, and designing video games.

Originally from Northampton, MA, Caitlin earned her bachelor’s in Accounting from Elms College in Chicopee. Upon receiving her degree, CIS Abroad offered Caitlin her first post-college position in the Finance Department in 2013. Eventually, she moved to Washington, D.C., and tested the waters in the world of non-profits, government contracts, and real estate development. However, none of those felt like home… so when she saw a position in Finance re-open at CIS Abroad, she threw her name in the ring and hoped for the best. Now, she’s not only back home in the Pioneer Valley, but also back home at CIS Abroad. Caitlin currently lives in Easthampton with her fiance, her daughter, and her mom.

Alec holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Gettysburg College and travels with an eclectic resume: In addition to bringing a passion for fair play and reasonable discourse, Alec has worked as a counselor at an outdoor program for at-risk youth, managed a specialty retail store, written two books, and helped Smith College create their first three online courses. While at Gettysburg, Alec participated in a service-learning trip to interior Jamaica and has since expanded his travel to include the international cities of Geneva, Athens, Istanbul, Amsterdam, and Lucca, Italy; but Alec grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and mountains have served as his point of reference ever since. He has journeyed on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to New Hampshire, hiked in the Swiss Alps, explored the mountains near Lucca, and even summited Mt. Olympus in Greece. Alec lives in Northampton with his wife and young daughter.

Piper joined the team at Global Educators in September of 2019. She is a Western Mass native and currently resides in Holyoke with her partner and cat where she works as a musician and freelance videographer. Piper is also a member of the Women of Rock Oral History Project which focuses on American women and gender non-conforming, LGBTQA, and feminist rock and roll and punk musicians. Over the years Piper has played with many local as well as national acts and is a volunteer staff member at the Bing Arts Center in her hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. She is a queer transgender woman and an advocate for her community.

Jenna Farrell has over five years of experience in executing conferences and events in both the education and financial services industries. In her prior position as Manager of Marketing and Events at CAIA Association, Jenna was responsible for the execution of multiple events as well as contract negotiations and logistics management for the organization’s conference presence across the globe. Jenna has a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a Management major. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys spending time with her son, Bradley, gardening and reading.

Growing up in South Africa, Fiona never imagined she would travel to some of the places she’s been to. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Accounting and Taxation, she worked as a Merchandise Planner at a leading South African fashion retailer. A colleague introduced her to teaching English in Asia, and she thought it would be the perfect way to travel, work, and complete her second degree in Supply Chain Management. Fiona moved to South Korea, fell in love with the cities and culture, and stayed for six years before moving to Japan. During that time, Fiona discovered that she loves traveling alone and hunting for second-hand treasures and books at crowded and colorful markets. After moving to the States, she found working in Finance for CIS Abroad to be a perfect blend of my different interests and skills.

I am currently a junior finance major at the University of Massachusetts, in the Isenberg School of Management. Since enrolling at UMASS, I have traveled to Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, and France. I was inspired to work in international education because of my own experiences in foreign countries. They have been some of the most interesting and eye opening times of my life so far. The opportunity to help other college students have life changing moments abroad is one of the reasons I applied to the company. In my spare time I like to play sports, follow political news, and do investment research.

I studied at the Community College of Rhode Island and Elizabeth Grady School. I have traveled throughout the US, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Mexico, Thailand and hope to visit many other places abroad. I am a firm believer that traveling abroad and experiencing life in another culture can be transformative and life-changing. My love for travel and years of experience in finance made working in international education the perfect fit.

I was born and raised in New York City. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Healthcare Administration. Prior to CIS Abroad I worked in healthcare for 25 years. My travels have been mainly in the United States but I did have one travel abroad experience which was when I traveled to the Yucatan region of Mexico. It was a trip that was life changing for me because as I learned about Mayan culture for the first time and I thought about ancient civilizations, I wondered about the the age and size of our planet and what my place would be in it. My view of the world changed on that trip and I matured a lot. What inspired me to work in international education was seeing what the talented and creative people of this organization are doing to create unique and life enriching experiences for students, which I feel happy to be a part of.