Area Administrators

The science of travel:

Art often draws from his travels to pass along important information in his biology classes. Whether showing slides of biomes like the tundra in northern Norway, the tropical rain forest in Malaysia, the savanna of Kenya or the Sahara desert, all of his destinations have a strong impression on students.

Call of the penguins:

Art has visited over 50 countries (too many to name and many on more than one occasion!) on every continent around the globe except for Antarctica. 

Not one to play favorites:

Finding it impossible to pick just one favorite destination, Art is drawn to many spots for each of their unique qualities: Switzerland (for the mountains), France (for its diversity), Scotland (for the people), Tanzania (for the amazing wildlife), Israel (for its history), Russia (for the fascination), and Tahiti (for paradise!).

The Journey Continues:

For his next adventure, Art plans to travel nearly 8,000 miles to visit South Africa and Victoria Falls.

Travel Tip: Be as prepared as you can for any eventuality.

“My travel experience allows me to speak knowingly with almost any teacher that I talk to about what trip they are planning. It’s easy to speak passionately about educational travel when I’ve been practicing it since 1973! I first became an AA with AIFS in 1977, and began with ACIS in 1987, and have been at it ever since. When you have a superior product to sell and one that you believe in, it is easy to be passionate about it.” - Art Bloom

The science part of travel:

Before “retirement,” Bernie was an English teacher and Asst. Principal in the New York City Public Schools, and Judy was an early childhood teacher and library/media specialist in the New York City Public Schools, private nursery schools, and a private Catholic Academy. They both teach courses on “Methods of Education and Literacy” at St. John’s University and Bernie also works with student teachers from Queens College.

Six out of seven isn’t bad!

Judy and Bernie’s passion for travel has taken them to 46 states in the US, to other countries in North America, to South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. There is little doubt that they will someday get to Antarctica and complete their list of continents. 

All around the compass:

When asked about their favorite destinations, Judy and Bernie’s picks run the gamut from northern Norway to southern Australia, to the equator hovering Galapagos, and, of course, London.

Travel Tip: Keep your sense of humor and be ready to adapt to the culture of wherever you are—savor its uniqueness.

"As educators, we enjoy seeing the discoveries and connections that our teachers and students are able to make through their ACIS experiences. ACIS always views travel as a learning experience that provides a base for continued exploration and enrichment. For over thirty years, we have been delighted to work with teachers who are planning their trips and to hear the returning teachers and students talk about the impact that their ACIS trips have had on their lives." - Judy and Bernie Leif

School life:

Brenda taught French and Spanish in public and private secondary schools for 20 years. Now retired, she enjoys keeping in touch with colleagues and keeping up with developments in the field of language learning. She also teaches Spanish in adult community classes through her church. 

The wanderlust:

Brenda’s first travel memories were made as a child on road trips with her family in Texas and later to western states. She enjoyed the road, the scenic landscapes, and the cities. She always visited parks and museums as well as historical attractions. These are the places she still loves to visit today, but in cities around the world.

Although she had been to many parts of the US and had traveled a bit in Mexico, Brenda had never traveled overseas until she went to France to finish graduate work in 1998. She was an older student, but wanted to take full advantage of every opportunity so she made arrangements to stay with a family while attending classes at the University of Caen. At the end of the course, her husband met her in Normandy and they spent three weeks traveling around France. It was during that home stay and tour of the Hexagon that she fell in love with France. Upon returning home, she called ACIS and started planning a student trip for the following summer, and she’s been taking groups to Europe with ACIS ever since. 

Working with ACIS:

When Brenda began to think about traveling with students, she asked fellow French teachers in the graduate program for recommendations. Several suggested ACIS, so she started there. Brenda had such a good experience on that first trip and every trip afterwards that she has never thought of changing to another company. Sometimes things go wrong, of course. As a group leader she has experienced a security threat in London and a missed flight in Paris, but ACIS always took care of everything, exceeding every expectation. Whether the trip was perfect, or perfectly handled, she can never say enough about the value of traveling with ACIS. In 2006 she became an educational advisor for ACIS and has enjoyed speaking to groups of prospective travelers as well as helping teachers organize trips with students and adults. It is always a pleasure to help teachers get started with such a great company. 

Travel tip:

"Pack light! With little baggage, I’m always ready to take advantage of a spur-of-the-moment opportunity. Pre-trip planning is a great time saver, but never pass up serendipity!" -Brenda Daskam

20+ years of group travel expertise:

Brett began traveling with groups as an assistant on a 1990 tour to London, Paris and Rome. He was forever changed. His favorite destinations include Venice for its history and uniqueness, Lucerne for its scenery and London for its unbelievable cultural experience. In the future, he’d like to travel to Greece and China.

"Travel gives you a perspective on life that nothing else can provide. It brings to life all of those things that you have been exposed to during your years of education. It adds emotional reactions, sounds, and smells to the pictures you have seen in textbooks and places you have heard teachers talk about. A student who travels is never the same again. Travel truly changes lives!" -Brett Stell

A true thespian:

For the Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society, Brian has served as the Missouri State Director and a Territory Director of Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri.  He is a member of the EdTA Hall of Fame, a past trustee for the EdTA board, and a recent inductee into the Missouri Thespian Hall of Fame. He has been recognized as a teacher of excellence by the Independent Schools of the Central States and by the University of Southern California.

Two decades of travel:

Since 1990, Brian has traveled with students, adults, and colleagues to Europe, exclusively with ACIS, no fewer than 18 times.  He and his travel mentor, Connie Schmollinger, still continue to journey to Europe with students. They are planning an Italy trip.

No boys allowed:

With few horror stories to tell of his “all-girl” trips, Brian revels in his memories of past adventures to England, France Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Greece. His passion for student travel is clearly exhibited in his quest to connect students with hands-on experiences that reflect their educational backgrounds.


“I traveled with ACIS for the first time in 1990 because of Connie Schmollinger’s history with the company and with Peter Jones.  Connie is my travel mentor to this very day.  She told me that ACIS was the best, and she was totally correct.   We have traveled together numerous times and separately as well since 1990—always with ACIS.” -Brian Welch

The experience is everything:

Daphne feels that a trip abroad is both humbling and eye-opening. She says there’s nothing like seeing the Coliseum or the Mona Lisa in person for the first time. There’s also nothing like trying to communicate with someone when there’s a language barrier—it can be quite comical and rewarding, she notes. Daphne thinks this John Keats quote pretty much sums it up: "Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced - even a proverb is no proverb to you till your life has illustrated it."

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.

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!

"Over the years, I found myself so inspired by our group leaders. They make a connection with their students, and serve as a positive influence in and out of the classroom. They may not have a fabulous foreign accent like many of our Tour Managers, but, as teachers, they are truly committed to helping students achieve their personal best. As I complete my Master of Arts in Teaching, I am thankful to all of the teachers who made a difference in my life." -Daphne deFlesco Mullen

AIFS/ACIS family roots:

In addition to their role as Area Administrators and doing public relations in London for ACIS, Dave served, and Kay assisted, as the AIFS Campus Principal at St. Andrews University for three summers and Cambridge University for one summer of study programs. Dave also escorted U.S. educators to evaluate AIFS programs in London, Salamanca and Rome, and was the ACIS tour manager for the Peoples of the Pacific program to Australia and New Zealand. The ACIS tradition continues for the Smiths as their daughter, Nicole, is now leading her own high school students to Europe with ACIS! Dave and Kay are now grandma and grandpa to Nicole’s and husband David’s new daughter, Hannah Fisher. Their son David and his wife Aly live in Ohio.

European affinity:

Dave and Kay’s favorite places include London and the UK, Salzburg, Prague, Venice and the Greek Islands. 

Next adventures:

Always looking for a new destination to explore, David and Kay plan to travel to South America, the far reaches of China, Scandinavia and the South of France!

Travel Tip: Be tolerant as you travel, in a sometimes intolerant world, and keep on traveling - “It’s a small world after all.”

“Our 1st trip in 1969, with 16 students, was a 6 week AIFS Salzburg Campus study program which also visited London, Paris, Brussels, Cologne, Heidelberg, Munich, East and West Berlin and Vienna. We were hooked on travel. The AIFS representative at that time was going to London for a year and asked us to fill in for him. He never returned to AIFS. We’ve been with AIFS/ACIS ever since.” - David and Kay Smith

No strangers to travels with students:

Obbie and George began European travel in 1970 when they led their first student group to Europe for a month with Foreign Study League. They then continued leading groups with AIFS and ACIS of 40-45 students from Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh every summer until the mid-1990’s when George retired from teaching.

Or adults for that matter!

Obbie and George’s first adult-only group went to Europe in 1979, and they have been leading adults ever since, visiting almost all European countries. Obbie and George believe strongly in the concept of foreign travel, and visit Europe a couple of times a year on their own. Every New Year’s Eve since the millennium, a group of 12-15 friends has spent the holiday in Europe, visiting Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, Munich and Amsterdam. 

From the mountains to the sea:

When asked what their favorite destination is, Obbie and George fondly recall their voyages to southern France and the French Alps.

The jet-setters at home:

Obbie and George are also Directors of Music at Hamilton Presbyterian Church, a position they have held since 1964! Their daughter Diane is a music teacher and substitutes for them at church during their many European escapades. George works in the Emergency Department of a local hospital as a technician and dreams of writing a book entitled, Blackboards to Bedpans: There Is Life after Retirement!

Travel Tip: Bring along plastic zip-lock bags in all sizes - they are perfect for wet bathing suits, holding pocket change when going through security, the imperative washcloth(!), and much more.

“We enjoy our role of Area Administrators because we get to help open the world for many teachers and students each year. We follow each group from an initial enrollment meeting through the airport departure, a process that often takes 12-15 months, so we are able to develop a close relationship with our teachers. Because of the tremendous support from the Boston office, we are confident that each travel experience we coordinate will exceed the expectations of the teachers and students. We carry out our role with this confidence.” - Obbie and George McClintock

Travel 101:

Gwenn knows a thing or two about planning travels abroad. Not only does she currently teach romance languages (Spanish and French) at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, she also served, until recently, as their Study Abroad Director.

Building up her jet-lag immunity:

Gwenn has traveled overseas about 120 times and visited 35 different countries all over the globe – too many to try and list!   

Diverse destinations:

Finding it impossible to pick just one favorite destination, Gwenn is enthralled by spots ranging from France (especially Normandy and Dordogne), to Guatemala, to Hong Kong and Singapore, to Australia, Denmark, Scotland, and Ecuador.

From the beginning:

Gwenn began traveling on AIFS programs in 1971 when she was teaching high school honors French. It was such fun that she organized another group the next year. At the conclusion of that trip, AIFS contacted Gwenn and asked her to represent them in S.E. Mass. That was many years ago and Gwenn has loved every minute of working for such fine companies!

Travel Tip: Careful pre-trip planning minimizes stress and greatly adds to the enjoyment of the time spent overseas!

“My favorite responsibility as Area Administrator is going out to schools and doing meetings with teachers, students and parents. The excitement is always contagious! I tell them that international travel will change their lives in many positive ways, and I truly mean it. It certainly has put the sparkle in my life!” - Gwenn Lavoie

A love affair with Italy:

Although Jim and his students explored many western European sites, Italy became his most frequent destination, perhaps owing to its astonishing blend of history, physical beauty, and culture.

Retirement and Rome:

Jim concluded his final trip to Italy with the Easter Vigil at St. Peter's in Rome. He can't think of a more sublime and fitting event to share with his European History students on the eve of his retirement.

Beyond the classroom

She has found that the instructive value these educational odysseys offer goes far beyond any form of classroom academia, for these travelers have had their lives enriched forever. They return from their journeys with a heightened sense of cultural awareness and a profound appreciation of what they have always taken for granted. They not only become better Americans but rather emerge as free-thinking citizens of the globe.

From London, with love

Having visited a plethora of geographical, architectural and historical marvels, Linda finds it difficult to select a favorite. While the physical beauty of Machu Picchu, The Swiss Alps, Milford Sound and Victoria Falls are nearly without equal, she is partial to London, a megalopolis she has visited 24 times and one that offers something for everyone. With London as the backdrop, mysterious monuments, impregnable castles, theatrical masterpieces, mind boggling museums and 1,000 years of British history all await your discovery.

Travel tip

Express a willingness to try new and different things, make an attempt to understand other languages and appreciate other cultures, and remember that a well planned educational expedition significantly enriches the actual adventure.

"Because of my extensive and diverse travel experiences (I traveled with every other student company out there before I discovered ACIS and was actually stranded in Africa with 15 students by one of them), I thoroughly enjoy introducing new teachers and students to the myriad benefits of ACIS. I know first hand that ACIS is indeed #1 in security, safety and educational value. Boasting outstanding tour managers, superior accommodations and restaurants, flexible and memorable itineraries, and the industries’ best support staff, ACIS turns students into life-long learners. I look forward to helping you create your own adventure of a lifetime while you and your students discover the very best in educational travel." -Linda Carpenter

Funny in France:

On Liz's first visit to Paris, she got lost in Les Halles while looking for the Louvre. She decided to stop at a street vendor to get a nutella crepe before continuing on her search. After wandering some more, she decided to go into a nice watch store and ask for help. The sales clerks were giggling at her so she assumed it was for her lack of French and the fact that the Louvre is enormous and was only a few blocks away, but that wasn’t what they were giggling about. As Liz left the store, she caught her reflection in a mirror and saw that she had a streak of nutella across her cheek! She'll never forget that moment of realization and delight that they had good reason to chuckle.

Francophile at heart:

Paris epitomizes her idea of travel. Liz is enchanted by the grand boulevards, the architecture, the café culture, the art, the history, the shopping and of course, the food. Paris truly takes her breath away and as many times as she visits, she just wants to go back. 

Liz's travel tips:

1. Smile. The art of smiling, being open and kind has no borders. 

2. Get it! She rarely regrets the little things she buys overseas. "I always regret what I don’t buy and have a catalog in my mind of items I wish I purchased. So get it, you may never come back." -Liz Rees

Two interesting facts about Liz:

She's a fairly decent juggler. 

Liz's new year’s resolution this year is to dance more. She dances while she does dishes, while she mops the floor, while waiting for the train and definitely while driving her car! It’s the first new year’s resolution she's kept beyond February!

Don’t try this at home:

Marlene has been an aficionado of the Tour de France since 1985. Her most memorable day in Paris was July 29, 2001 when she spent the entire day on the Champs Elysées waiting for Lance Armstrong to take his victory lap. Marlene jumped a barrier, shouted “Lance!” and was able to snap a photo of the champion as he waved to her in response to her cry. That photo is a prize possession of hers!   

Trains, planes, and automobiles:

Marlene has ventured to destinations far and wide including what used to be the Soviet Union – Moscow, (Ukraine) Kiev, Batumi, Tblisi, Sochi (Georgia), and Yerevan (Armenia), along with Prague, Poland, France, Spain, Ibiza, Formentera, Italy, the UK, Ireland, Israel, Petra (Jordan), Egypt, Tangier, Canada and Mexico. Marlene and her husband also embarked on a Baltic cruise that visited Tallin, Estonia, Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Berlin, Helsinki, Stockholm and Visby.

Lure of la Tour Eiffel:

Marlene’s favorite destination is Paris, a city she would never hesitate to visit.  In fact, she admits to being a total Francophile!

Meet her on the Mediterranean:

For Marlene’s next adventure, she would like to visit Sicily, the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii followed by a trip to the Greek Isles, Kusadasi, Ephesus and Athens.

Travel Tip: Be polite and respectful!  Always say hello (bonjour) before asking for directions or any other information and always end by saying “thank you (merci).

“I love helping other teachers plan their trips because I have a passion for travel and want to instill that passion in others. By facilitating educational travel I hope to open the eyes and minds of the students who travel and help them "live" with other cultures and languages rather than just by reading about them in books. It opens their eyes and minds to the world.” - Marlene Moscowitz

Not your average tourists:

Mary and Lee have visited almost every country in Europe including Scandinavia, Russia, Greece and Turkey. They have toured some places in Europe many times over because of their love for European history, culture and beauty. Mary and Lee have also visited Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and almost every state in the US!

No favoritism here!

When asked what their favorite destination is, Mary and Lee diplomatically say they love all the places they have visited.  If pressed to pick a favorite they would be these three: Wengen, Switzerland, Cotswolds of England, and China.  Alaska has been their favorite US destination.    

Beaches to ‘burgs:

For Mary and Lee’s next adventure, they hope travel to Australia and New Zealand, Antarctica and Iceland.

Travel Tip: "Less is more."  That statement holds true in packing your suitcase and when trying to pack in all the sites on your trip.

“We have always felt like it's better to see something really well than to try and see too many things in too short of a time.  This is one of the reasons we truly love ACIS.  Their trips are all well organized and put together logistically so that each day is spent with quality time in special and important places.  Hotels are fantastically located which reduces unnecessary travel time in large cities. The Tour Managers at ACIS are the best and most knowledgeable of any in the industry.  We learned long ago that ACIS sets the standard for quality in student and group travel.  Travel really does change lives! If you don't believe it, just try it!” - Mary and Lee Bate

Stepping outside the classroom:

Showing her students all the wonders of France and other countries of Europe and experiencing their joy and wonder as the world opens up to them, is an exhilarating experience! Hearing them use their language skills in an authentic setting is truly rewarding. As one student once said on a trip after asking directions in French to a Parisian and understanding the answer, "This language thing really works!"
 
Oh the places you’ll go:

She believes in the ACIS motto that "Travel Changes Lives" as many of her former students who traveled with her are currently studying and working abroad in various locations all over the globe, including a student currently studying in Montpellier, France. She is grateful to ACIS for this legacy of learning.


“I have always felt that ACIS feels like a family and if anything goes wrong on a trip, ACIS is there behind you. The coordinators in the main office are very friendly and I have been met by the president, Peter Jones several times during my trips. The ACIS chosen hotels are excellent and the food is wonderful!” -Nicolette Miller

A new horizon:

Since his retirement in 2010, Randy has missed the opportunity to impact student and teacher lives by facilitating travel for them. By joining the ACIS Team, he is now able to re-involve himself in a venture that is educational, stimulating and exciting for all of those who participate. 

Randy looks forward to working with the ACIS Team and feels that a whole new horizon has opened up. He’s ready to move toward it to see what this next new chapter has in store.

All about Jo Ellen:

Jo Ellen was an art teacher for 37 years before retiring. Her love for Art History was always passed onto her students and she marvels at the museums, paintings and sculptures of Europe. Words cannot do justice to viewing the work of renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Raphael and Michaelangelo. She, too, enjoyed working with students outside of the classroom through her Art Shows and coaching soccer.

A happy life in the US and abroad:

Randy & Jo Ellen have been married for 27 years and have a son, Jason, who is a “Broadway bound” actor in NYC. He has often served as an assistant group leader on their programs.

They began traveling with ACIS in 1990, serving as assistant group leaders to England. Seeing the need for additional students to be offered such a wonderful experience, they formed their own program, “Travel with G” in 2003, and have been leading three student tours per year to such countries as England, Spain, France, Greece and Italy. Their love for travel is infectious as their students often travel on two or three of their programs.

Travel changes lives:

Randy & Jo Ellen love meeting with teachers, parents and students in the planning of their future travels. This is an experience worthwhile for any high school student and they enthusiastically encourage it.

Travel tip:

You must travel with a sense of humor! Laughter is a universal language and there is no problem big or small that cannot be solved! Open your minds and hearts to people of other nations for it will be cheerfully reciprocated!

"I think a personal quote from one of my student travelers sums it up best…'Thank you for so much more than just a travel experience; thank you for building character in each and every one of us; thank you for shaping our personalities and bringing us out of our shells. Thank you for bringing us together to function more like a family than a group of students; and thank you so much for changing our lives and, literally, sharing the world with us.'" -Randy & Jo Ellen Grauerholz

School life:

Saralee was an educator for more than 45 years in French, Spanish and Italian. She studied in France, Switzerland, Quebec, and Martinique.

The benefits of travel:

Saralee likes to think that we are more alike than different. That’s probably why she has continuously traveled with students for most of her career.

Her greatest passion is sharing cultural parallels. She traveled with ACIS to Southeast Asia and Peru on exotic trips with friends and fellow educators. Many of her siblings and family members have joined her trips to experience the world and to share in her adventures overseas. She gets joy from exposing generations of families to the rewards of travel.