Regional Directors head up ACIS’ offices across the U.S., creating an ACIS presence around the nation. They have a tremendous depth of experience in travel and with the company. This depth of experience helps ACIS meet the needs of our clients around the country, working with our travelers to create a seamless tour experience.
ACIS Tour Consultants are an integral part of your trip, and work with you personally to help you create the trip you want. They, too, believe that Travel Changes Lives, and that your trip can profoundly impact your students’ lives. They can help you identify the factors that will make your trip a success (number of cities, length of tour, time of year) and even suggest options you may not have considered. Our tour consultants participate in tours each year, and therefore have firsthand knowledge of the hotels, bus routes and tour highlights. Get to know your Tour Consultant and find out how, together, you can take your students on the adventure of a lifetime.
ACIS Regional Directors and Tour Consultants
ALEXA LEONARD, Tour Consultant, Boston
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 France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Africa, China, Barbados, various islands in the Caribbean including Grand Cayman and Jamaica, and of course, our northern neighbor Canada!
All in the (global) family:
Her mother was born in Hungary, grew up in Zimbabwe, and left for the U.S. 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? Zimbabwe, Africa. For her next voyage, she is hoping to visit Zimbabwe’s southern neighbor, beautiful Cape Town.
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
ALICIA KOHANSKI, Regional Director, Central Team
Current Home: Hookset, NH
Hometown: Dracut, MA
E-mail: akohanski@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!
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
BARBARA BELLIEU, Senior Tour Consultant, Sacramento
Born: Fort Belvoir, VA
Hometown: Norman, OK
E-mail: bbellieu@acis.com
Multi-lingual Lady:
Barbara speaks Spanish, French, and Italian. She has also studied Latin and Classical Greek.
Past travels and future dreams:
Barbara has visited 3 continents and 23 countries, including Mexico, France, Greece, and Spain. She counts Santiago de Compostela, Spain as one of the most beautiful cities she has ever visited, and would love to see the Great Pyramids or Machu Picchu on a future voyage.
All in the family:
She took her travel cues from her parents. Barbara’s mother had been a French and Spanish teacher, and her father, a World War II veteran, had studied languages in college before traveling throughout the world while in the military.
La profesora:
Like the ACIS Group Leaders she now assists, Barbara was also a teacher – in the Spanish department at the University of Oklahoma, and while living in Spain for two years teaching English.
Travel Tip: Always always always make sure that you break in your shoes before you go!
“What I love about working for ACIS is offering others the opportunity to get to know other people and other cultures. This is the way that I can help people to have the same rewarding experiences that I have had, and to help to change their lives, the way my life was changed through travel.” - Barbara
CARA SOLLE , Tour Consultant, Boston
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.
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
CHAD STELLMACHER, Tour Consultant, Sacramento
Hometown: Danville, Ca
E-mail: cstellmacher@acis.com
That’s a lot of maps:
Chad has visited twenty-five countries spread over four continents!
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
DAPHNE DEFLESCO, Regional Director, Atlanta
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
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
ELIZABETH DIENER , Tour Consultant, Chicago
Current Home: Chicago, IL
Born: Oshkosh, WI
Favorite Destination : Spain (if she must choose!)
E-mail: ediener@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.
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
HEIDI FRANKEN, Senior Tour Consultant, Boston
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.
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
JULIE FRATARCANGELI, Regional Director, North Team
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.
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
JULIE STRICKLAND, Tour Consultant, Boston
Hometown: Newberry, SC
Current Home: Boston, MA
E-mail: jstrickland@acis.com
Vous parlez Français, eh?
Julie’s first major voyage was to Vancouver Island, British Columbia when she was just nine. Fascinated by an older cousin who could speak Russian, French, and Hebrew, Julie caught the language and travel bug early on! Her curiosity and wanderlust have been insatiable ever since.
L’amour:
A self-proclaimed Francophile, Julie first visited France as a sophomore in high school. Intrigued by the beautiful country and unique culture, she decided to study in Aix-en-Provence 5 years later. While a student in Provence, she visited as many other places in Europe as she could manage. Julie’s travels have taken her to France, Spain, Greece, the UK, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany!
Longing for safaris...
Now that Julie has tackled much of Europe, she is ready to move on to its southerly neighbor- Africa. She can’t wait to experience the multitude of cultures, and of course see the stunning scenery and wildlife.
...and sweet tea!
As a South Carolina native, Julie is in the midst of a voyage simply by being here in Boston at ACIS! Never one to turn down an opportunity to journey somewhere new, Julie packed up, bought a winter coat, and headed to New England after only one visit!
Travel Tip: When in doubt, wear black. You’re not going overboard if the dress is casual, and you’re completely appropriate if it’s a bit nicer!
“Traveling is an invaluable experience for young people. The places you’ll see, the food you’ll taste, and the friends you’ll meet will only make your life that much richer!” - Julie
KATIE WEIMANN, Regional Director, Chicago
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!
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
LAURA CUNNINGHAM , Tour Consultant, Boston
Hometown: Pembroke, MA
Current Home: Dedham, MA
Favorite Destinations: Rome and Venice, Italy
E-mail: lcunningham@acis.com
After a tour that good, why not work here?
Laura’s first travel experience was when she was 17 years old on an ACIS tour led by her Spanish teacher, Senora Jordan, who put together a group of students to take to Costa Rica. Inspired by her teacher’s passion and the chance to learn more about a Spanish speaking country, Laura willingly signed up for her first life-changing ACIS experience!
No cure for this bug:
After her ACIS tour, Laura wanted to be a part of everything about travel. She started by visiting her sister studying in Dublin and a road trip across the Irish countryside to Galway, where castle ruins could pop up at any random intersection! Her own study abroad experience in London followed, and Laura was deemed the “troop leader” by her friends for planning them fantastic trips to Scotland, Italy, France and the Czech Republic.
La dolce vita:
During her visit to Italy, Laura rented a scooter (not necessarily the best idea!) and found it incredible to drive all over the city as if she lived there. On her way to the Vatican, the weather changed to rain making the drive difficult. When she finally arrived, the beauty of the Vatican and St. Peter’s brought her to tears – an experience she will never forget. Traveling changed Laura’s life then and continues to now.
Travel Tip: Always carry an umbrella – you never know when the skies will open up!
“I knew that I needed to help others experience what I felt when I was in Rome. I started my traveling with ACIS and I am excited to help group leaders change their lives and their students' lives with us too. Experiencing different cultures has changed my life and brings out the best in people. How do you want it to change yours? Let me help you get there!” - Laura
LIZ BURNS, Regional Director, South Team
Born: Marblehead, MA
Hometown: Boston, MA
E-mail: lburns@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!
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 customerservice. 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
LYNNE FREEMAN, Regional Director, Sacramento
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.
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 a 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
MOLLY ECKMAN, Product Director, Boston
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.
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
PAT RICARD, Sales Director, Travel & Company, Chicago
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.
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
PATTY HUTSLER, Tour Consultant, Sacramento
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
E-mail: phutsler@acis.com
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!
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
SABRINA DENAULT, Tour Consultant, Boston
Hometown: Fairhaven, MA
E-mail: sdenault@acis.com
Return to her roots:
Sabrina was just 12 years old when she went on a family trip to Germany to visit relatives and friends of her father for the first time. Her grandmother was a German war bride and her father was born in Germany. Their stories inspired Sabrina’s lifelong thirst to travel and learn as much as possible about foreign countries.
Real life fairy-tales:
Sabrina’s father would tell her stories about how he used to climb to the top of a hill where there was a forgotten and ruined castle dating back to the 1300’s, and he’d play there for hours, uncovering all of its secret rooms. No wonder she was instilled with a yearning to discover more!
Vous parlez français très bien:
Not only did Sabrina major in French in college and later receive her master’s degree in the language, she also received a Fulbright teaching scholarship and, following her undergraduate commencement, was placed in Metz, France to teach English to high school students.
Adventures in a global classroom:
Sabrina studied abroad during her junior year in Tours, France. At the end of the year, she backpacked for over a month throughout Europe, taking in all of the different people and cultures that she encountered and realizing that an adventure such as this was more valuable than anything a book could have taught her.
Travel Tip: Keep a small journal and write down your reflections at the end of the day. When you read through it a few years later, it will bring back wonderful memories.
“After earning my master’s degree in French at a school in Paris, I was ready to come back home and encourage others to get a taste for travel. I am now lucky enough to
do this on a daily basis working at ACIS. I know that everyone who will travel with ACIS will have an experience of a lifetime.” - Sabrina
STEPHANIE UZUREAU, Tour Consultant, Chicago
Hometown: Chicago, IL
E-mail: suzureau@acis.com
French Frog:
The daughter of a Frenchman, Stephanie grew up taking frequent trips to visit her many relatives throughout "L'hexagone." She prides herself on her French heritage, which she credits for providing her with wonderful skills such as: sniffing out a good brie, pan-frying the perfect crepe, and wearing the same outfit several times in the same week.
Parlez-vous Français?
Stephanie started her quest for French fluency as a study abroad student at La Sorbonne in Paris, where she also got to vacation in Interlaken, Budapest, Munich, and Cinque Terre. Then, this past year, she went for total immersion as an Assistant de Langue in windy Saint Malo, Brittany. Living the leisure life in the land of high tides and fresh cider, she found plenty of time to hang out with her French family, explore new regions, and check Killarney, Cork, and Barcelona off her "must-visit" list.
Roman Holiday:
A travel memory that sticks out in Stephanie's mind is one amazing day in Rome. She and her friends got seats just several rows back to see Pope John Paul II ride the Pope-mobile to his last Easter Mass and met an American business man who treated them all to an extravagant day around town. His only stipulation: "When you're my age, treat student travelers the way I've treated you today."
Bella! Bella!
Although her heart is in Paris, the locale Stephanie finds most beautiful is the Italian Mediterranean coast.
Brrrr!
Next on Stephanie's list of travel wishes? Visiting her half-brother and his family in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Travel Tip: White tube socks and fannie packs are a dead giveaway that you're a tourist. Also, try to experience every hole-in-the wall restaurant you can find; they make for the most authentic cultural experiences and usually cook up an especially wonderful lasagna!
“The travel bug is a feisty little virus, and I can't wait to spread it throughout the Midwest. We corn-fed folk need some exotic flavors to spice things up, and ACIS is the best company to show us the way...working for ACIS means I get to link students to a lifetime of travel and education, and I can't think of a better profession!" - Stephanie
SUZANNE PHILLIPS SCHEVE, Regional Director, Houston
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.
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
TOM HEIGHAM, Tour Consultant, Boston
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.
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
TRACY MILLER, Assistant Regional Director, Sacramento
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Time at ACIS: since 2000
E-mail: tmiller@acis.com
Right in her own backyard:
Growing up in the Midwest, Tracy’s earliest travel experiences were family road trips. When she was in 2nd grade, they took a three week camping trip out West that she has always remembered as a great adventure.
International company to international travel:
While living in New York Tracy worked at a company that employed people from all over the world. It was from there that she finally made her first international trip - a week spent exploring Paris and Munich.
Not that we’re keeping count:
By this summer, Tracy will have visited 19 countries from all corners of the globe: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Malta, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and French Polynesia.
Kiwis and wine:
Tracy’s favorite destination was New Zealand. In fact, she liked that area of the southern hemisphere so much that for her next travel adventure she hopes to experience wine tasting in neighboring Australia.
Travel Tip: Travel as much as you possibly can - don’t wait, go now, you never know what the future holds.
“Working at ACIS has been a wonderful experience for me. In my role with the company, I am able to combine my respect for teachers and education with my love of travel. Over the years, I have helped many group leaders plan their trips – it gives me great satisfaction knowing that I play a role in opening up the world to people.” - Tracy
