Regional Directors and Tour Consultants

Current Home: Boston, MA
Hometown: Sandwich, MA
E-mail: aleonard@acis.com

From the Cradle to the Glockenspiel:

Alexa’s first trip overseas was to Munich, Germany, when she was only two months old!  She has since traversed through Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and the US, and hopes to someday have visited all 7 continents!

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All in the (global) family:

Her mother was born in Hungary, grew up in Zimbabwe, and left for the US when she was only 20 years old, while her father has mixed Peruvian and Yankee roots.

Living textbooks:

While in college, Alexa took a “mini-term” abroad to Tianjin,City, in the Beijing Province of China. There, she studied traditional Chinese methods of acupuncture, massage therapy, and moxibustion, while also traveling all about the country. Forever ingrained in Alexa’s mind is the beautiful and daunting image of the Great Wall cloaked in a gray mist as her bus pulled up to one of its many of access points. 

Fond memories from Victoria Falls:

Alexa’s favorite destination? Southern Africa.

Travel Tip: Always carry-on a spare change of clothes and a toothbrush. Travel is unpredictable!

Having been given the opportunity to travel as a young, impressionable person, I have found it has only increased my curiosity for things I have yet to see. I love working for ACIS because now I can help give people of all ages something that has been so key in my own personal development. I can’t wait for you to experience all the globe has to offer! - Alexa

Current Home: Londonderry, NH
Hometown: Dracut, MA
E-mail: afortier@acis.com

There will be a quiz:

Alicia’s 8th grade geography teacher announced to the class that by the end of the school year they would be able to name and locate every country in the world and its capital in 40 minutes. At the end of the year, not only could she name almost every country in the world (and locate it on a map and state its capital) but she really wanted to visit them all, too!

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Must have been the haggis:

Alicia’s first step in traveling the world was studying abroad her junior year in college in Glasgow, Scotland. This experience was a life lesson for her in many ways, and got her hooked on world exploration.

Never too late to go back:

Alicia has since returned to Europe to explore cities she missed out on during her backpacking trip in college including Prague, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Madrid and Rome. Knowing there was more to the world than Europe, she also ventured to Israel and Thailand, one of her favorite destinations.

Travel Tip: The most important travel tip I have learned, (it works when things are going perfectly as well as when those occasional hiccups arise), is to smile—it’s the one thing everyone in the world over can relate to. 

I was thrilled to accept a position at ACIS. I love helping group leaders plan the perfect trip for their participants, students and adults alike, to expose them all to a new environment that will leave each individual forever changed. It’s been a joy to tour with groups in Ireland, Scotland, England, France and Costa Rica and see them make discoveries about themselves as well as the places we explored. - Alicia

Current Home: Boston, MA
Hometown: Chicago, IL
E-mail: csolle@acis.com

When the travel bug bites:

Cara’s first steps in travel began with her family camping vacations to destinations throughout the United States on every school break. Soon after taking her first Spanish class and a trip to Mexico, she realized her passion for learning a new language and understanding other cultures. This passion has since brought her across the globe to destinations including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Japan, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines and Egypt.

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Why be simply a tourist when you can be a teacher?

After completing a study abroad program in Spain, Cara traveled for a few weeks in Europe getting a flavor of the diverse continent. Soon after graduating from college, she ventured further abroad, this time to the Orient where she taught English for a year in Japan. Cara loved experiencing the fascinating tradition-bound yet highly modernized country, and of course, the oishi (delicious) sushi!  

From continent to continent:

Cara’s next international adventure brought her to South America where she spent over 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Paraguay. She soon fell in love with the colorful continent and even decided to spend an additional year living and exploring the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Safari bound:

Next on Cara’s travel list is Africa. She hopes to explore this fascinating and unique continent.

Travel Tip: The best way to get an authentic experience in a foreign country is to leave the guidebook at home for a day and wander the area taking in all its sights, smells and sounds, chat with the locals, and get off the beaten path.

There are so many incredible places out there to explore, and I am thrilled to share my passion for travel with others who are open to experiencing new destinations and learning about unique cultures. - Cara

Hometown: Danville, Ca
E-mail: cstellmacher@acis.com

That’s a lot of maps:

Chad has visited twenty-five countries spread over four continents!

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Perpetually packing:

By the time Chad was 16 years old, his family had moved five times and crossed the country on four separate occasions, seeing as many major sights as humanly possible along the way.

Right here in our own backyard:

Chad first fell in love with travel and its ability to bring history to life while living in Virginia and making trips into Washington D.C. to explore the incredible museums and monuments.

Global classroom:

When introduced to a study abroad program in college, Chad realized that studying (and more importantly, traveling) abroad would be a perfect match for him. Enrolling at the University of Brighton, England for a year, he spent his time outside of classes backpacking across mainland Europe, Scandinavia, Egypt and Turkey.

Travel Tip: See Everything, Eat Everything!

It was truly fate that a job that involved my passion [for travel] found me here in Sacramento.  Now I talk travel for a living at ACIS and assist those wanting to bring something awesome and adventurous to their students and friends. - Chad

Current Home: Chicago, IL
Born: Oshkosh, WI
Favorite Destination: Spain (if she must choose!)
E-mail: etyrrell@acis.com

Educational explorer:

Elizabeth has studied and traveled abroad several times in both high school and college, starting with a two week home-stay to Russelsheim, Germany, during her sophomore year of high school. While completing her Spanish major in college, she studied first for a summer in Salamanca, and then for a semester in Toledo. In Toledo, Elizabeth was able to finagle her class schedule to allow for weekend travels all around Spain, Portugal, and other European destinations and extended her stay post-studies to backpack through several countries including France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Greece.

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Not just laying on the beach:

Elizabeth has also ventured south to Mexico a few times–and not just for relaxation!  Two her trips to our southern neighbor were to build houses in Juarez, Mexico.

Cultural checkmate:

While backpacking in Geneva, Switzerland, Elizabeth and her friend came upon a giant chess board painted onto the ground in a park, complete with three-foot tall chess pieces, and decided to play. Having never played chess before, Elizabeth’s inexperience was apparent to the many passers-by who stopped to give advice. By the end of the game, a small crowd of Swiss locals had gathered, consulting with each other and with Elizabeth before she would take her turn. With the help of her “team,” Elizabeth ended up winning her very first game of chess!

Amateur tour consultant turned pro:

When Elizabeth was studying abroad she got a reputation as “the planner” among her friends. For all of their weekend trips, she always made all of their reservations, printed out the maps, and was occasionally even known to create customized itineraries for each person coming along (an effort that she got a lot of grief for, but one that her companions secretly loved!). Elizabeth can’t wait to help people plan their ACIS trips, because in her opinion, the planning is half of the fun!

Santiago or Shanghai?

Elizabeth is torn over what to plan for her next travel adventure since there are so many fantastic places that she hasn’t been yet! She would love to do everything from exploring Brazil or Chile (or any South American locale), to visiting the exotic destinations of Asia and India.

Travel Tip: Plan ahead, but also stay very flexible. Some of my best experiences while traveling were spur-of-the-moment activities that I hadn’t originally planned on doing.

Travel is important for everyone to experience, but I think it is especially valuable for teenagers to see a world outside of their own as they start to form their world views as adults. I truly believe in ACIS’ proclamation that 'travel changes lives.' Having had the opportunity to experience educational travel myself, I know how important travel is in obtaining a broadened perspective and a respect for other cultures. It’s very exciting to be working for a company who brings that experience to so many people. - Elizabeth

Current Home: East Boston, MA
Born: Kaiserslautern, Germany
Hometown: Watertown, SD
E-mail: hfranken@acis.com

Black Forest to lack of forest:

Heidi was born to travel.  By the time she was two, she had already lived on two continents. Born in Germany while her dad was in the Air Force, the family moved to South Dakota when she was just one year old.

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Don’t forget the fruitcake:

In Heidi’s family it became a tradition to travel over Christmas. Skiing in Utah, riding roller coasters in Disney World, and laying on the beach in the Riviera Maya are how she remembers spending her December vacations.

 

The Franken family vacation:

With 5 of them packed into a rental car when she was sixteen, Heidi’s family traveled over 2000 miles through the UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, reuniting with old friends in Germany and gaining lots of memories, laughs, and a passport full of stamps!

La bella costa:

Heidi’s favorite destination so far is Italy’s Amalfi Coast. On her visit there, they rented a car and braved the jagged coastline drive for its breathtaking views though Heidi admits that she doesn’t think she ever took her hands off the door handles!

Travel Tip: In the end all you really need is your passport. So pack light, and enjoy your journey!

I began my ACIS career as a client services representative where I fielded thousands of calls and emails from tour participants and parents.  I moved on to work as a tour consultant helping group leaders plan their perfect tour.  I think my favorite part of the job is checking in with group leaders after they return from their trip.  After months of planning, they deserve the perfect trip and I love to hear that is exactly what they experienced! - Heidi

Current Home: Medford, MA
Hometown: Bellows Falls, VT
Email: jricci@acis.com

The travel bug bites again:

Jessica started travelling a little later in life. Initially, she visited cities in the US, usually to visit family or friends; she recalls it was a definite plus to have a brother who lived in Juneau, AK! Next, it was resort vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean, until finally in 2006, Jessica went to Europe for the first time. She spent three weeks in Italy stopping in many of the major cities and visiting a little town named Pianella in the Abruzzo region where her grandfather was born. She saw his birth record in the original volume from 1912, the house he was born in, learned about art and history in Rome, Florence and Venice, and she was forever changed.

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A love affair with language:

Jessica started her undergrad career as a Russian major and graduated with a degree in Biology! She then spent the next 10+ years working in the non-profit sector. After her 2006 visit to Italy, she decided to pursue a master’s in Italian—only problem—she didn’t speak the language. Jessica spent the next year working during the day and learning Italian in her spare time before entering into a master’s program at Middlebury College in Vermont. After a summer on the Middlebury campus, she journeyed to Florence for the academic year to study at the Universita` di Firenze.

Forever Firenze:

For its art, its history, its beauty and because it was her home for 10 months, Florence will always be the city of Jessica’s heart–-though Positano ranks a close second!

The generosity of strangers:

The first time Jessica visited Positano, she met a young woman from Bologna. For only a short while, they talked and exchanged stories, and surprisingly, the young women invited Jessica to visit her in Bologna. Jessica took her up on her offer and the young woman spent most of the day showing Jessica around her city, and even made lunch at her apartment! Jessica was amazed by her generosity, though she admits she shouldn’t have been. Since then, she has found that people all over the world are often very giving and as interested in learning about her as she is in learning about them.

The real thing:

Jessica fondly remembers a period of about two weeks during her stay in Florence when every time she visited the Piazza della Signoria, she was compelled to make sure the tourists knew that the David in the piazza was not the original by Michelangelo and they needed to go to L’Accademia to see the real thing…Jessica couldn’t help herself!

I love Italy and knew before I finished my master’s that I wanted to find a way to share my passion for Italy--and for travelling--with other people. I am so happy that with ACIS I can fulfill my goal! -Jessica

Current Home: Brighton, MA
Hometown: Newton, MA
Email: jfederschneider@acis.com

The travel itch you can’t scratch:

Jill first traveled abroad her sophomore year of college on a 10-day trip to Brussels to study NATO and the European Union. During her stay, she took day trips to Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and Leuven, and from there she knew this was not going to be her last visit abroad. Walking down streets brimmed with history and culture gave Jill the inspiration to see what else the world had to offer. Next thing she knew, she was interning in Paris and touring Europe on her weekends, and she hasn’t stopped traveling since!

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A true wanderlust:

Jill has never been anywhere she hasn’t loved, so choosing her favorite destination almost seems unfair. The world is an amazing place. (Later she admits that she holds quite a fondness for Paris and Tel Aviv!)

From Ireland to Israel and everywhere in between:

Jill graduated from Stonehill College with a degree in International Studies and a minor in French. She’s been studying the French language since she was five so Jill has known for a long time that she was going to have a multi-cultural future. Jill also studied the workings of the EU and NATO in Brussels, spent the fall semester of her junior year of college interning in La Defense, Paris’ business district, and studied Celtic literature, history, and archeology at St. Angela’s College while on a 2-week educational trip to Sligo, Ireland. To top it off, Jill also spent 10 days touring Israel learning about the history of the Jewish culture and its roots in the country.

Star sightings:

You never know who you’ll meet when you’re abroad. Jill met Dustin Hoffman while he was filming Last Chance Harvey in London!

When visiting a city, whether it’s for the first time or the hundredth, go with your instincts. Even though you may have been to a city more times than you can count, no trip is exactly the same so make sure to make the most of it! -Jill

Born: Winchester, MA
Hometown: Stoneham, MA
Current Home: Medford, MA
E-mail: jfratarcangeli@acis.com

Return to her roots:

Julie believes that growing up in an Italian-American household has made her the person she is today and greatly contributed to her passion for Italy. She has always been curious about her family roots and that curiosity and desire to learn about the past was only enhanced after her first trip to Italy when she was just eight years old.

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Returning to her roots again and again:

Since that first family vacation to the country of her heritage, and visiting historic sites, churches and numerous relatives, Julie has made about 20 or so return trips to Italy.

 

Under the Tuscan Sun:

After spending part of the year living and studying in Florence while she was a junior at the American University in DC, Julie returned to Tuscany after graduation to perfect her italian language skills and travel throughout the country.

Amore:

Though she hopes to travel a bit in Asia soon, Julie admits that her heart is always in her favorite destination of Italy.

Travel Tip: When in Rome do as the Romans!

Students on ACIS programs learn more in one week than many do during their entire academic career. Unlike adult travelers, most ACIS students are not learning about the history of the Colosseum, or the work behind Michelangelo’s David, but instead they are learning life lessons. They learn that there are other places and cultures out there, people who speak a different language and pay for goods with a different currency. That realization is one of the most important things kids can get from an ACIS trip! For many it’s the first taste and after that taste I know that most all of them now have the desire to return. - Julie

Hometown: Naperville, IL
E-mail: kweimann@acis.com

The lure of lava:

Katie lived with a family in her favorite destination, Costa Rica, during a study abroad experience. One weekend, she traveled to the town of La Fortuna to see the Arenal Volcano. During the day, she rode by horseback, gazing at the smoke erupting from above. In the evening a local guide and friends took her on a hike through the forest and up the mountain. They found a safe place to rest and listen to the rumbling underneath. Katie felt the energy and spirit of Arenal a little too closely that night!

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Sometimes you just can’t stay away:

After graduating from college, Katie found ACIS (for the first time) and started working as a Tour Consultant. In 2003, she took a few years and continued her graduate studies in the School of Education at DePaul while working at a local college in Chicago. During this detour from ACIS, she had the opportunity to present her graduate research at an International Education Conference hosted in England. While staying at a hotel near the ACIS London office, she ran into an ACIS student group on their tour. At that moment Katie realized it was time for her detour to end, and in 2006 she rejoined the path of international education and travel with ACIS!

It’s the journey, not the destination:

For Katie’s next travel adventure, she hopes to join her sister on one of her annual mission trips–hopefully on a service program to Nairobi, Kenya, where she would have the opportunity to tutor and provide educational services to children in the community there.

Travel Tip: Enjoy the people and spend time making friends abroad.

The country, people and lifestyles in Costa Rica are beautiful. I know my experiences there paved the way for me to cross paths with ACIS. Every day was an adventure, pura vida! The opportunity to travel abroad and learn about other cultures became my passion and I wanted to share this passion with others after graduating from The University of Colorado.  With ACIS I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue the adventure with teachers and students. - Katie

Born: Marblehead, MA
Hometown: Boston, MA
E-mail: lrees@acis.com

In the shadows of Kilimanjaro:

Liz has traveled to the Netherlands, Spain, Iceland, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all over the fabulous USA.  Her “to visit” list is never ending and next up is hiking in Tanzania!

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Earning her voyage:

Liz took a semester off from college not just to visit but to work and live in Galway, Ireland. She found a job in Roches Department store, a family-owned chain of superstores known for high quality products and customer service. Her position there provided just enough money toride the Bus Eiran all over the country every free moment she had.

It must have been fate:

While Liz was circling the Ring of Kerry she met someone from the US, traveling with a group of students, who worked for an educational travel company. At that time Liz wasn’t aware that companies or jobs like that existed and for the first time, she knew what she wanted to do. After 6 months in Ireland and another semester of college she applied to work at ACIS.

Travel Tip: You rarely regret what you buy on a trip, but the items you don’t get…stay with you forever! Likewise, one chocolate croissant in Paris isn’t going to tip the scale so eat the local fare!

I remember sitting in my ACIS interview thinking 'I don’t want to leave here.  This is where I want to work. Ask me something else so I can stay, please?'  I never left. I got my dream job and now ACIS is my career.  I love sharing these experiences with my group leaders.  I love hearing about their experiences too.  I’m looking forward to finding out where your next trip will take you and...can I come too? - Liz

Hometown: Stratford, Oklahoma
Time at ACIS: since 1992
E-mail: lfreeman@acis.com

Yes, there will be a quiz:

Lynne’s interest in places far away developed from a grade school geography project on all 50 states.  After doing a report on each state, its capital, population, geographic boundaries, products produced, etc., her interest in geography kept spreading on to other places.

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Not your traditional calamari dish:

Italy is Lynne’s favorite destination. Not only does she love the country’s architecture and the way it stands the test of time, influencing the interior and exterior designs of today, but she also loves the Italian food. Lynne’s culinary adventures have gone so far as to try black spaghetti–the pasta and fish dishes made with squid ink found in Venice.   

Travel Tip: Be flexible and travel with a good attitude.

I became interested in educational travel while working at East Central University in Oklahoma. I organized four groups to travel to Europe and quickly realized the value of an organized trip where you visit and learn about all the important sights. Traveling helps us to be more accepting of other people, cultures and world views. - Lynne

Current Home: Boston, MA
Hometown: Carlisle, PA
E-mail: meckman@acis.com

The power of citrus:

Molly’s interest in travel was sparked as a music student in upstate New York when her Spanish classmates brought in pictures of themselves in their backyard fruit gardens, basking in the Mediterranean sun.  In the midst of a Rochester winter, she found it hard to imagine fruit trees surviving anywhere, and she realized that her reality had become much too narrow.  Molly decided that it was time to get out and see the world and spent the next year studying in Seville.

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Of a Spanish variety:

In between soaking up the sun and enjoying flamenco during Molly’s year of study in Seville, Spain, she explored the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures, from the Celtic area of Galicia in the west to Catalonia and the Basque country in the northeast.  She found it intriguing to see such diversity within one nation!

Acting on a tip:

Like so many ACIS Group Leaders, Molly came to the company through a referral from an acquaintance who had recently returned after “a fantastic trip with an amazing company!”  Molly’s acquaintance was right: She has found it a joy to work for a company committed to providing the best quality services in the industry and to exceeding expectations.

It is always a thrill to meet the unique people who lead groups overseas.  Some of my favorite experiences at ACIS are swinging through the jungle on a canopy tour in Costa Rica with group leaders during a Global Conference in Costa Rica, and climbing the Mayan pyramid of Chichén Itza during a Conference in Mexico.  There is always a new adventure around the corner with ACIS, and it’s great to be a part of it!
- Molly

Hometown: Naperville, Illinios
Time at ACIS: since 1982
E-mail: pricard@acis.com

Veteran globetrotter:

During the course of her 24 years with ACIS, Pat has managed to visit almost all the continents of the world–and she plans to add Asia to her roster this year.

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A matter of love:

After teaching for seven years, Pat actually “married” into the travel business. Her husband was, at that time, a Vice President of the company with whom she was traveling with her students. She moved to Chicago and began working for ACIS. 

L'enseignant:

Like the ACIS Group Leaders she now assists, Pat was also a teacher (of French), and spent many years organizing and leading her students on tours overseas. She understands what it takes to get a project of this nature off the ground.

Travel Tip: When you travel, the most important thing to take with you is your sense of humor.

My years with ACIS have enabled me to participate on a variety of ACIS itineraries.  This background is so useful when helping many of you plan your own adventures. Each trip has enriched my life.  I am really excited about all of our new destinations and it makes me eager to start planning my next journey. - Pat

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

She left her heart in Santiago:

Patty says her new favorite destination is Chile.  Her next adventure will take her to Southeast Asia’s Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, however, so her favorite place may not remain the same for long!

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High altitude fashion:

Patty took her first airplane ride in 1963.  Back then, flying was glamorous - Flight Attendants were called Stewardesses, and passengers dressed formally to take a plane trip.

Tales from Taunggyi:

Two of Patty’s favorite aunts worked for KLM Airlines and the Foreign Service.  They would dazzle her with stories of trips to Afghanistan and Burma, of postings to Paris and Cameroon.  Envy of their exotic and exciting lives grew into Patty’s lifelong commitment to travel.

Global adventures:

A study abroad program was one of Patty’s top criteria when she was applying to colleges and she put that department into good use with a semester spent in London.  Not content to end her journeys with graduation, post-college Patty dabbled in everything from a three-month backpacking trip around Europe, to a seven-month sojourn in Sydney, Australia.

Travel Tip: You don't have to travel in your Sunday Best anymore - leave room in that suitcase for souvenirs!

My career with ACIS began in Boston 22 years ago. Today I am a transplanted East-Coaster living in Southern California, and each year I try to take a trip to a new destination.  To all my Group Leaders, please keep taking your students on ACIS trips abroad. Every young person needs the maturity and experience gained from travel to foreign places. - Patty

Hometown: Fairhaven, MA
E-mail: sdenault@acis.com

Sabrina is now working with Encore Tours, ACIS' performance tours division! Check out Sabrina's bio at Encore's website.

 

Current Home: Boston, MA
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Email: steczar@acis.com

For the love of language:

Sarah's love for travel began with a love of language. She went to Montreal when she was 12 and knew that she had to learn French, and hopefully, use it someday. The first time Sarah had a real conversation with someone in a different language was truly an amazing feeling.

Madame Francophile:

Sarah’s favorite destination in the world is Paris, France. There is never, ever a lack of new things to see or explore, and the Eiffel Tower when it's lit up at night never ceases to amaze her. She also loves Nice and St-Tropez, which are especially beautiful in the late summer when sailboats flood the harbor.

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From Paris to Provence:

Sarah was a French major at Kenyon College and spent the spring semester of her junior year studying in Paris and living with a French family. After graduation, Sarah lived in the South of France for a year, teaching English to high school students. She says she probably learned as much from her students as they did from her!

Oh the places you’ll go:

Sarah feels incredibly lucky to have experienced England, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Jamaica, and Ecuador. Problem is, every single place she visits, she wants to go back! Although, a part of her also can't wait to travel somewhere completely new and different like Thailand, Australia, or Africa.

Expect the unexpected:

Sarah and her friends planned a weekend trip from Paris to Barcelona, but she missed her train by just a few seconds, and had to spend the night in Barcelona by herself. At first she was terrified, but she soon discovered how capable and independent she really was. In a funny twist of fate, she ended up meeting someone from her hometown! Sarah says you just never know what will happen.

Never be afraid to talk to people. The best way to learn about a country’s language and culture is by meeting the locals, who are probably just as curious about you as you are about them. Once you break down those initial barriers, you'll learn more about yourself and gain a completely new perspective on the world. -Sarah

Hometown: Chicago, IL
E-mail: suzureau@acis.com

Stephanie is now working with Encore Tours, ACIS' performance tours division! Check out Stephanie's bio at Encore's website.

Born: London, England
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Time at ACIS: since 1991
E-mail: sphillips@acis.com

Not exactly a “light” read:

As a child, Suzanne’s favorite book was any kind of world atlas.  She would pore over it for hours, imagining what each country was like and memorizing the names of different capital cities.

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Clearly not in it for the money:

While at University in London, Suzanne was awarded a travel scholarship and spent a month backpacking in continental Europe.  Down to her last few pennies by the time she arrived in Pisa, she remembers sitting in front of the Leaning Tower, eating take-out lasagna and feeling blissfully happy - not in the slightest bit concerned that she only had the Eurail pass to her name and very little money to get to her next destination.  

The world at her fingertips:

Suzanne says that her next travel adventure will be anywhere she hasn’t visited yet – and judging by her prior travel history, it won’t be long before she’s there!

Travel Tip: Pack half as many clothes as you think you need and twice as much money – and don’t forget your sense of humor.

I joined ACIS as a Tour Manager in Europe in 1991, then relocated to ACIS Atlanta.   I have since worked in the Boston and Paris offices, set up a new ACIS office in Houston, and traveled to different destinations with group leaders on our annual global conferences.   Working for ACIS has allowed me to share my passion with so many people, and I never get tired of creating new travel memories with my group leaders and their passengers. - Suzanne

Hometown: Wilmington, MA
E-mail: theigham@acis.com

Life lessons from Mom:

Whenever Tom informs his family of his next trip abroad, his mother usually gives him an uneasy chuckle, reminds him not to like it too much, not to fall in love, and to remember that his family still lives in Boston.  Tom reminds her that she first introduced him to travel.

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Sunshine state to sunshine sea:

At the age of 6, Tom began a persistent campaign to convince his family to vacation at his grandparents’ in Florida.  Eight years and nine trips later, he had mastered the sunshine state of FLA and had an insatiable desire to see and experience more.  Partial to warm weather and white sand, he and his family toured 6 different Caribbean islands’ beaches in 7 days, falling in love with the new cultures and environments, the pastel-colored houses and the laid-back attitude.

 

Jungle fever:

Tom’s favorite destination is Montezuma, Costa Rica.

Travel Tip: Always expect the unexpected and be open to change.  Sometimes the best parts of a trip come from spontaneity.  Those are the random moments that you’ll look back on with a smile and be able to say, “Do you remember the time when…”

I couldn’t agree more with the ACIS belief that 'travel changes lives.' I recently backpacked throughout Costa Rica with a friend, and upon my return to the states, I realized that I needed to help other people experience the things that I had.  As fate would have it, I’ve found ACIS.   I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to help others see the world, and I am excited to share my experiences with you and help you plan your next life-changing adventure! - Tom

Current Home: Atlanta, Georgia
Hometown: West Trenton, New Jersey
Time at ACIS: since the summer of 1992
E-mail: ddeflesco@acis.com

For the love of lava:

The Big Island of Hawaii, Segovia, Venice, Budapest and a number of other places evoke special memories for Daphne.  Her next journey takes her to China, and she can hardly wait to see the Great Wall

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Sahara to the South Pole:

Some day Daphne hopes to make it to Africa and maybe even Antarctica.  She will then be able to say that she has visited all 7 continents! 

Why wait for college?

In high school, Daphne lived with host families in both England and Spain – both experiences had such a profound impact on her that she felt compelled to travel at every succeeding opportunity.

Travel Tip: Travel with an open mind and you will be pleasantly surprised by the world.  Differences in customs and culture make our journeys memorable and force us to rethink our ways.

I was in the Junior Year Abroad office sorting out credits for the previous year when a job posting appeared.  ACIS was conducting interviews for Tour Managers (or Couriers as they were once called).  What a brilliant way to get back to Europe and visit some friends, I thought.  Later that summer, I committed to a three month position with ACIS in the Atlanta office.  It is now nearly 14 years later and I still believe travel changes lives. - Daphne