About

Home Office Staff

Our highly responsive, passionate, and mission-focused team believes in the educational mission of Semester at Sea and quality education abroad.

About Us

Semester at Sea employs a staff dedicated to global education.

Many of our staff sailed on Semester at Sea during their college years or as voyage faculty or staff. While many of our staff are local to our Fort Collins, CO office, we also have several staff members working remotely across the U.S. Meet our team below!

Semester at Sea’s headquarters in Fort Collins, CO

Senior Leadership Team

Scott Marshall
President and CEO

Scott, his wife, and their two kids sailed on the Spring 2017 voyage. During that time he learned about a position at ISE. With good fortune smiling, he joined ISE in October 2017. In January 2022, Scott became the President and CEO. Before joining ISE, Scott was a Professor of Management at Portland State University. While at PSU, Scott held numerous leadership roles, led study abroad programs to Asia and the Middle East and taught short-courses in a wide range of countries, such as Cambodia, Colombia, Russia and Serbia. His life-long commitment to global education and travel was born out of a study abroad program in Japan as an undergraduate. Outside of work, Scott is happiest hanging out with his family and friends, spending time in the outdoors and planning the next grand adventure.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Scott has a Ph.D. in International Business from the University of Oregon, earned a Master of International Management from George Washington University and a BA in Economics from Willamette University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Remaining bucket list items include hiking Kilimanjaro, Patagonia and the Incan Trail and exploring the Cenotes of Pre-Aztec culture, Moorish ruins in Spain and Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka.
Bobby Barber
Chief Financial Officer / Vice President of Finance
Bobby Barber
Chief Financial Officer / Vice President of Finance

Bobby Barber (he/him) started at ISE in September, 2008. He has served in various roles within the accounting and finance team before becoming CFO. He grew up in Bluefield, West Virginia (Go Beavers!). Due to growing up in small town Appalachia, he has learned the value in traveling the world and exposure to different cultures. He seeks to promote experiential learning any opportunity he gets. Outside of work, he likes to remain physical through various activities such as weightlifting, hiking, paddle boarding, biking, participating in obstacle races, and running in local races. He uses this physical activity to compensate for his other pastime-craft beer! He is an avid College Basketball fan and also never turns down a good lazy day watching his favorite movies or TV shows.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Bobby earned his Masters in Business Administration from Colorado State University and his BS in in Business (emphasis in accounting) from Concord University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Central America
Michelle Dietz
Vice President of Human Resources

Michelle Dietz started her adventure with Semester at Sea in 2015. She was hired as one of the first employees based in the Fort Collins office during the transition from the University of Virginia to Colorado State University. Prior to joining ISE, Michelle had over ten years of previous HR-related experience. She was an elementary school teacher for a period of 8 years. Michelle and her partner, Tim, live in Fort Collins, CO. Michelle has two adult children, Nick and Lauren. She loves spending time with family, hiking, and cooking.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Michelle earned her BA in Industrial Psychology from Metro State College of Denver.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Santorini, Greece
Jason Hughes
Vice President of Marketing & Recruiting
Jason Hughes
Vice President of Marketing & Recruiting

Jason oversees marketing, communications and recruiting for Semester at Sea, working alongside Kelly Wilkinson and the Regional Directors to build strong relationships with study abroad offices, universities, and prospective students and parents. Prior to joining ISE in July, Hughes was the Chief Marketing Officer at Colorado School of Mines and has held similar roles at the University of Northern Colorado and Beloit College. In 2008, Hughes sailed aboard our previous ship, the MV Explorer, while serving Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
Laura Strohminger
Vice President of Student Affairs
Laura Strohminger
Vice President of Student Affairs

Laura Strohminger has been connected to the Semester at Sea program for over 20 years, sailing as a Resident Director on the Fall 2001 Voyage. The experience transformed her life and led her on a path of exploring the world and the role she plays in it as an educator. Laura served in the Peace Corps in Mongolia and lived in northern India for a year. She returned to sail as the Assistant Dean of Student Life on the Spring 2010 Voyage and the Dean of Student Life on the Fall 2016 Voyage. She joined the ISE team in June of 2016.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Laura earned a MA College Student Personnel.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    India
Mary Vogl
Chief Academic Officer
Mary Vogl
Chief Academic Officer

Prior to joining Semester at Sea, in August 2022, Dr. Vogl served as a Professor of French in the College of Liberal Arts at CSU. Her research focused on North, Central, and West African relations between literature and the arts, photography and representation, and minority cultures in France. She has published extensively including books, journal articles, and book chapters. Dr. Vogl also served as the Academic Dean for Semester at Sea on the Fall 2018 voyage and served as an Interport Lecturer aboard the ship in 2016. Dr. Vogl is responsible for leading the ISE Academic Affairs department in hiring voyage faculty and academic staff, developing robust approaches to assessment of learning & continuing to drive the improvement of the overall academic quality of the Semester at Sea program.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
Heather Wisniewski
Vice President for Advancement
Heather Wisniewski
Vice President for Advancement

Heather Wisniewski is an advancement professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting two prominent nonprofits. She joins ISE after 16 years at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and almost nine years at The Nature Conservancy (TNC). At NOLS, she most recently served as the Chief Advancement Officer, while at TNC, she held various leadership positions in fundraising, including Director of Philanthropy for Global Priorities.

  • Home Base
    Wyoming
  • Education
    Wisniewski earned her B.S. in Outdoor Adventure Education at Northland College in Wisconsin and has an M.P.A. from Bay Path University in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy.

Home Office Team

Sanjay Advani
IT Manager
Sanjay Advani
IT Manager

Sanjay started his professional life as a scientist, studying ecology in the framework of global change. After seeing what a mess professional scientists were making of their data, he shifted focus to data systems management. Through a career in consulting, the federal government, and now Semester at Sea, Sanjay has tried to to connect the data within an organization to the story the users are trying to tell. In his spare time, Sanjay is often just trying to keep up with the comings and goings of his two sons and wife, fitting in some biking, soccer and being outside in any way shape or form along the way.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Sanjay earned his MSc in Ecology from Colorado State University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Mountains anywhere
Kaley Anderson
Manager of Operations and Logistics
Kaley Anderson
Manager of Operations and Logistics
  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Kaley earned her MA in International and Intercultural Communication from the University of Denver and her BA in English from the University of Mississippi.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Central and South America
Sara Karen Arlin
Senior Director of Academic Programs
Sara Karen Arlin
Senior Director of Academic Programs
  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Sara attended Boston University & Colorado State University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Japan
JonEll Ashbrook
Controller

JonEll Ashbrook started working at ISE in December 2019 and moved to Fort Collins from the Denver area in the summer of 2020. She has worked in finance for over sixteen years with experience that spans for-profit, government, and non-profit accounting. She leads ISE’s exceptional finance team in a fun, challenging environment to ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial information. JonEll loves to read, write, listen to music, and travel in her spare time when she’s not enjoying Fort Collins’ various breweries and restaurants while spending time with her family. She has two daughters that currently go to Colorado State University and three cats and a husband at home that keep her happily busy and inspired!

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    JonEll earned her BA in Accounting from Regis University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Paris, France and all of Ireland
Danielle Basile
Director of Financial Aid

Danielle joined the ISE team in November of 2020. She is a dedicated Financial Aid Professional with 18 plus years of experience delivering outstanding service to students. Thrives in fast-paced and ever-changing business environments. She has extensive experience working with and technical knowledge of student financial aid programs. Danielle is a current member of NASFAA and continues to keep up on all federal regulation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, gardening and coaching baseball.

  • Home Base
    Oregon
  • Education
    Danielle earned her BS in Business and BA in Sociology from Southern New Hampshire University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    While traveling in Spain, I discovered one of my favorite places so far, Sitges. It is a little coastal town with beautiful Mediterranean beaches and cool local shops.
Melissa Bingler
Senior Director of Advancement Services
Melissa Bingler
Senior Director of Advancement Services

Melissa Bingler began her career at ISE in February 2013. She never sailed a full voyage, but has been on numerous partial voyages. Her daughter, Annie, sailed as a student in Fall 2014 and is trying to figure out how to get on another! Melissa truly enjoys meeting alumni of SAS and hearing their stories. It is the best part of her job. She lives on a small farm in Virginia with horses, chickens, dogs and cats. Her day starts early!

  • Home Base
    Virginia
  • Education
    Melissa earned her BS in Business Administration from Mary Baldwin University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Safari or Cape Town, South Africa
Karen Browne
Senior Accountant
Karen Browne
Senior Accountant
  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Karen has a BS of Accountancy.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Anywhere, anytime!
Brooke Buchan
Multimedia Manager

Brooke Buchan (she/her) manages the multimedia content and strategy behind Semester at Sea’s branding and video storytelling. She sailed as the shipboard videographer in Spring 2022, and previously worked in multimedia strategy and videography roles for different departments at Colorado State University. She is passionate about the experience Semester at Sea offers and crafting content to drive global brand awareness. You can most often find her traveling, cooking with friends, or photographing and filming creative projects in her free time.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Brooke earned a BA in Journalism and Media Communications from Colorado State University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Croatia and Scotland
Mia Čančarević
Enrollment Marketing Manager

Mia Čančarević is originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Prior to joining the ISE team in 2023, she worked at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. In her most recent role, Mia served as the Director of International Student Recruitment where she was responsible for international student recruitment, marketing, and communication. She also served on the board of the Study Florida state consortium. Mia is skilled in linguistics and is fluent in several languages. In her spare time she is engaged in the archaeology field; she has excavated on seven separate missions in N. Macedonia, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Belize. Mia loves to travel; she has travelled to over 25 countries.

  • Home Base
    Florida
  • Education
    Mia earned her MA in History of Art and Architecture from Boston University and her BFA in Art History with minor in Classical Studies from the University of Florida
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Mediterranean
Lisa Chesson
Student Support Services Advisor
Lisa Chesson
Student Support Services Advisor

Lisa has been with ISE for almost five years. Prior to working here she had not heard of Semester at Sea before. She sailed on the Fall 2016 voyage and was excited to join the team after sailing. Being part of a team that creates these life changing voyages is inspiring. Lisa works with students to help them prepare for a journey of a lifetime. She knows what it takes to prepare for one of these voyages. There are always a lot of questions that come up and that’s where she can help. When not working with students she spends her time daydreaming about her next travel adventure.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Lisa has a degree in Hotel and Resort Management.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Any place that has a warm sandy beach!
Libby Claerbout
Manager of Academic Programs
Libby Claerbout
Manager of Academic Programs

Libby has been a part of the Semester at Sea team since January 2023. She manages course registration, class scheduling, and academic policies for all voyages. Libby also assists with the development of academic field work on each voyage, including initial program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Libby has worked in the field of International Education since 2003 in study abroad management, international student immigration and support, and campus internationalization efforts.

During personal time, Libby loves to spend time with her husband and two daughters, is an avid reader, and tries to be outdoors as much as possible; camping, biking, coaching youth rec. soccer or walking her dogs.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Libby earned her BA in French Language from the University of Northern Colorado and her MA in International Communication at the American University’s School of International Service in Washington D.C.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Norway because of Friluftsliv (their love of outdoor life), not to mention the breathtaking mountains and fjords.
Lianne Dauplaise
Executive Support Coordinator
Lianne Dauplaise
Executive Support Coordinator

Lianne Dauplaise has been with ISE since November 2021. She moved to Colorado from Massachusetts after falling in love with the Front Range during a summer road trip. Prior to joining the ISE team, she spent her summers working at the Colorado State University Mountain Campus. Between the Mountain Campus and ISE she has found a love and passion for supporting hands-on and experiential learning opportunities. Lianne is so happy to work with ISE and to support its mission! While in her free time she will take any opportunity to head into the mountains, whether it’s snowboarding, hiking, climbing or just putting up a hammock by the river, her favorite activity is spending time with the dogs in her life.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Lianne earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts from Colorado State University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Dublin, Ireland
Amanda Davidson
Student Affairs Program Manager
Amanda Davidson
Student Affairs Program Manager

Amanda (she/ella) began working for ISE in 2023. Amanda is responsible for working collaboratively with the Vice President of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and operations to plan and execute Semester at Sea’s co-curricular program. Amanda supports the voyage on-ship team to enhance the residential and co-curricular experience while coordinating the selection, orientation, and training of future voyage teams, including overseeing community standards for each voyage. Amanda sailed in Spring 2022 as a Resident Director. Prior to her involvement with Semester at Sea, Amanda worked as an Administrator at California State University, Fullerton. Amanda and her partner, Henoc, love to travel the world, kayak on the Mississippi River in their backyard, and watch too much of “The Real Housewives.”

  • Home Base
    Minnesota
  • Education
    Amanda earned a M.S. in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fullerton; a B.S. in Psychology from California Lutheran University; and a A.S. in Psychology from College of Southern Nevada.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Mexico and South Africa
Koty Erdmann
Manager of International Field Programs
Koty Erdmann
Manager of International Field Programs

Koty Erdmann started at ISE in late 2015. After serving three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia and attending graduate school in Vermont, Koty merged a love of geography, cultures, and spreadsheets(!) into a position with the Field Programs department. When not making arrangements with tour operators, building out Field Programs in the registration portal, or chatting with prospective voyagers to help them decide what to see and do in country, Koty bounces between a variety of different hobbies. These have included experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, volunteering doing trail work or eco restoration activities, authentic relating, archery, ‘trying’ to read for pleasure, and learning to play the mandolin.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Koty earned her MA in International Education from the School for International Training (SIT), her BA in Anthropology from CU Boulder, and her AA from Front Range Community College.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Chile – The Atacama Desert is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever been!
Whitney Grist
Director of Participant Success
Whitney Grist
Director of Participant Success

Whitney (she/her) is a two-time alumna of Semester at Sea, having sailed on the Spring 2006 Voyage as a student & the Spring 2015 Voyage in a staff role as the Advancement Coordinator. Following the Spring 2015 Voyage, Whitney began working for the organization as the Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement and then transitioned in 2018 to be the Director of Lifelong Learning. Whitney is passionate about the mission of the program and believes that Lifelong Learners are a critical part of the inter-generational shipboard community. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, she now resides in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, son, and two dogs.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Whitney earned her BA in Sociology from the University of San Diego.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Tokyo, Japan
Tracey Hammond
Administrative Assistant, Student Services
Tracey Hammond
Administrative Assistant, Student Services

Tracey Hammond has been with ISE since September 2021. She enjoys chatting with students, parents, and anyone who needs a live advisor through the SAS Chat on our website as well as helping out wherever needed. Tracey has a passion for creating and editing training documents and loves to help others navigate through new systems. Outside of the office, Tracey enjoys reading, playing games on her phone and has read and watched “Lord of the Rings” multiple times. She has two kids in college and a “Covid” puppy, Kaya, who was adopted through a rescue organization in Colorado. Kaya helped her family by keeping them entertained with her puppy antics during the pandemic and they can’t imagine their lives life without her.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Metropolitan State University – BA
TJ Hill
Regional Director of Enrollment and University Relations (Central)
TJ Hill
Regional Director of Enrollment and University Relations (Central)

Admissions Region: Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin
*EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, PACIFIC ISLANDS

TJ embarked on his journey with SAS in 2017, sailing on the Fall 2017 voyage as a student. Having had a truly memorable experience on the ship, he returned to ISE in 2023 to join the Enrollment team. Having embarked on various international adventures and experiential learning, TJ is passionate about building strong relationships with institutional partners and supporting students in their study abroad journey. In his free time TJ enjoys working out, playing video games, watching football (Go Chargers!), working on his travel blog, and spending quality time with his family and friends.

  • Home Base
    Texas
  • Education
    TJ earned a BA in Psychology from the University of San Diego.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Spain and Japan
Nadine Johnston
Staff Accountant
Nadine Johnston
Staff Accountant
  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Nadine earned her Master of Accountancy from Colorado State University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Scotland
Blair Klumpyan
Director, Alumni and Donor Relations
Blair Klumpyan
Director, Alumni and Donor Relations

Before joining ISE, Blair spent eight years working in higher education philanthropy at the University of Houston, and more recently at South Texas College of Law Houston. Prior to her time in higher education, Blair worked for the Houston Golf Association, utilizing her golf background as she was a member of the women’s golf team at the University of Oregon. In her free time, Blair and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, skiing, playing golf, wine tasting and eating all the delicious food Texas has to offer.

  • Home Base
    Texas
  • Education
    Blair earned her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Marketing from the University of Oregon and her M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Argentina
Maria Kopnitsky
Director of Enrollment and Marketing Systems and Insights
Maria Kopnitsky
Director of Enrollment and Marketing Systems and Insights

Maria (she/her) has been fascinated by Semester at Sea since several of her former colleagues participated in the Spring 2022 Voyage. She has held various roles throughout her career in higher education, most notably in international enrollment management. Maria is passionate about using technology to guide and support students in their study abroad journey. She currently serves as the Upstate New York Representative in her local NAFSA region, and was selected as the NAFSA Region X Rising Professional in 2021. In her personal life, Maria is a dog-mom, a language nerd, and an avid traveler.

  • Home Base
    New York
  • Education
    Maria earned her MA in Spanish from Binghamton University
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Argentina
Brenda Legard
Senior Accountant
Brenda Legard
Senior Accountant

Brenda Legard has been with ISE since March 2007 fulfilling various roles in the finance department through her 15 year ISE career. Brenda is a nerdy accountant that loves to dive deep into data research to solve a difficult reconciliation. Brenda enjoys the great outdoors and her hobbies include hiking, gardening, home improvement projects, spending time with her grown children and of course traveling!

  • Home Base
    Virginia
Kate Lilly
Director of Student Support Services
Kate Lilly
Director of Student Support Services

Kate Lilly has been a part of the Semester at Sea team since 2019. Her connection and love for the program started back on the Spring 2007 voyage. Her experience as a student sparked her career in international education and she returned as a staff member in the Field Office on the Spring 2018 voyage. Kate is passionate about helping students access transformative experiences through travel, and enjoys photography, and hiking with her dog Dax in Colorado!

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Kate earned her BA in Psychology from University of San Diego.
  • Favorite Travel Destonation
    Urubamba, Peru
Amy Lepp
Senior Regional Director of Enrollment and University Relations (West)
Amy Lepp
Senior Regional Director of Enrollment and University Relations (West)

Admissions Region: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
*CANADA

Amy embarked on her journey with SAS in 2018, sailing on the Spring and Fall 2019 voyages as the Assistant Director of Field Programs. Having had the best experience on the ship, she returned to ISE in 2021 to join the Enrollment team. Amy’s love for international adventures and experiential learning has taken her around the world, from facilitating service-learning programs in Tanzania, England, the Galapagos, and Alaska; working at international events like the World’s Fair and U.S. Open; leading wine tours on the California Central Coast; and making magic at the Walt Disney World resort. While not working, Amy enjoys hiking, singing, tennis, line dancing, spending time in nature, and snuggling cats. And traveling of course!

  • Home Base
    California
  • Education
    Amy earned her MS in Counseling from California State University, Fresno and her BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Montafon, Austria
Marin Maxwell
Regional Director of Enrollment & University Relations (Southeast)
Marin Maxwell
Regional Director of Enrollment & University Relations (Southeast)

Admissions Region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina,Tennessee
*LATIN AMERICA

Marin (she/her) first learned about SAS while completing her degree at Colorado State University and was immediately intrigued. While she was unable to sail as a student, she did complete a study abroad program in New Zealand and experienced firsthand (though on a smaller scale) the value of immersive international study. She has been with ISE since 2023, but prior to ISE, Marin worked in International Admissions for a local Florida college. She has worked a handful of other unique jobs including working at both Disney World and Universal Studios, working on a dude ranch in Colorado, and guiding wine tours in Washington State. In her free time, Marin enjoys visiting her family in the Seattle area, eating her way through Central Florida with her husband, and loves spending time with their two rescue cats!

  • Home Base
    Florida
  • Education
    Marin received her B.S. in Agricultural Business from Colorado State University, and her M.A. in Global Community Engagement from the University of Denver.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Lofoten Islands, Norway or Queenstown, New Zealand
Jesse McCauley
Junior Systems Administrator
Jesse McCauley
Junior Systems Administrator
  • Home Base
    Colorado
Sydney McKim
Annual Giving Coordinator
Sydney McKim
Annual Giving Coordinator

Sydney McKim (she/her) joined ISE in November of 2023. Over the past few years, Sydney has worked for various nonprofits, contributing both to fundraising initiatives and working directly with clients in need. Sydney is thrilled to direct her passion for positive change toward higher education. Drawing inspiration from her own transformative experience studying abroad in Denmark, she is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to study abroad. Sydney holds certificates in Fundraising Copywriting and Digital Fundraising from the Institute of Sustainable Philanthropy. Outside of work, Sydney finds joy in exploration—whether discovering new places, hiking scenic trails with her two dogs, or kayaking in the great outdoors.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Sydney earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Wyoming and a AA in Social Work from Laramie County Community College
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Norway
Jennie Lee Montgomery
Social Media Manager/Copy Editor
Jennie Lee Montgomery
Social Media Manager/Copy Editor

Jennie Lee Montgomery joined the ISE in October 2022. With a background in marketing for colleges and student living communities, she is excited to continue working in higher education with a one-of-a-kind experience like Semester at Sea! Professionally, Jennie has a passion for capturing meaningful experiences and sharing these stories through creative content on social media. When she’s not creating behind the screen, she’s cheering on the Clemson Tigers, traveling to NYC to catch a Broadway musical, or finding the best matcha latte in a new city. She also enjoys playing competitive tennis, slowly learning new instruments, and spending time with her mini-golden doodle named Bear!

  • Home Base
    South Carolina
  • Education
    Jennie earned her B.A. in English and minors in Education and Leadership from Winthrop University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    New York City
Vera Nicholas
Lifelong Learning Coordinator
Vera Nicholas
Lifelong Learning Coordinator

Vera Nicholas sailed as a Lifelong Learner on the Fall 2022 Voyage. She loved the experience so much that she interviewed with ISE while on the MV World Odyssey and took up her new position as Lifelong Learner Coordinator soon after her return home. After 30+ years as a career diplomat living and working in many parts of the world, she’s found her true unofficial ambassador dream job helping to make Semester at Sea a reality for future Lifelong Learners. Outside the office, Vera’s other passions include hosting live music house concerts, horseback riding, equestrian and country real estate, and sharing her Pearls ‘n Spurs Luxury Guest Ranch as an Airbnb property. When she can’t be somewhere on the ocean exploring this beautiful world, remote glamping adventures on horseback feed her soul.

  • Home Base
    Tennessee
  • Education
    Vera earned her Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Anywhere at sea!
Hannah O’Malley
Academic Programs Coordinator

Hannah’s first experience with ISE was sailing as the Faculty-led Programs Coordinator on the spring and fall 2019 voyages. She specializes in experiential science education and feels forever inspired by the learning opportunities and communities the Semester at Sea program creates. Hannah is originally from Millbrook, New York, and now lives with her husband and cat in Central Florida. She has worked previously in curriculum development, education, and community engagement with The Nature Conservancy and Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment Department. Hannah was thrilled to re-join the ISE Academic Team part-time in 2022, and then full-time as Academic Programs Coordinator in 2023.

  • Home Base
    Florida
  • Education
    Hannah earned her B.S. in Biology from Washington College and her M.A.T. in Teaching Biology from Miami University’s Global Field Program.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    National Parks
Candace Patrick
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Candace Patrick
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

Candace Patrick (she/her) began her career at ISE in summer 2010. After having sailed as a student on the Spring 2007 Voyage, coming to work for Semester at Sea has been a full-circle experience! She has presented at several conferences including NAFSA regional conferences and Diversity Abroad. Candace also founded and served as 4-year chair for ISE’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She is HubSpot certified in Email Marketing, Marketing Software, and Sales Software. Outside of the office, Candace enjoys binging her favorite TV shows, writing, producing indie films, and fighting with her cat for the most comfortable seat in her apartment. The cat usually wins.

  • Home Base
    California
  • Education
    Candace earned her BA in Screenwriting with a minor in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    It’s a tie between Ghana, Brazil, Vietnam, and India!
Alex Ryan
Junior Systems Administrator

Alex Ryan ( He/Him/His) served as Treasurer for Colorado State University’s chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery his senior year. He also helped his team make it to the national semi-finals in the Winward Artificial Intelligence competition the same year. After graduating from CSU in 2016, Alex dabbled in various tech and alternative energy roles. Alex started his career at ISE in the summer of 2022 and is excited to be working in higher education. He maintains multiple side projects for free Computer Science education and White Hat global security efforts. He is an avid snowboarder, hacky sack enthusiast, and Minecrafter. When he’s not talking to machines he’s trying to keep up with his two little kiddos (also future White Hat Computer Scientists).

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Alex earned a BS in Applied Computing Technology with a minor in Business Administration and a Certificate in Cyber Security from Colorado State University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Monte Verde, Costa Rica
Kayla Reed
Participant Success Coordinator
Kayla Reed
Participant Success Coordinator

Kayla began working with ISE/Semester at Sea in April 2023 and is thrilled to have joined such a life-changing organization. She’s incredibly passionate about international education and cultural exchange and couldn’t be happier helping students from across the globe embark on this transformative journey. Although Kayla has yet to be on the ship, she studied abroad in Antibes, France as well as lived and worked as an English Teaching Assistant in Metz, France. She is eager to travel to as many countries as possible and is honored to help make this dream a reality for voyagers too! In her free time Kayla enjoys all the outdoor adventures Colorado has to offer, singing, playing the piano, doing yoga, and snuggling with her cat and dog.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Kayla earned a BA in International Studies from Colorado State University with a minor in French Language.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Antibes, France or Boquete, Panama (impossible to choose only one!)
Jodi Reesman
Human Resources Manager

Jodi Reesman is a 17-year study abroad professional. She has advised students, managed study programs, developed international relationships, and directed scholarship monies. In 2016, she joined ISE as Director of Academic Administration. Now, she serves colleagues across the organization from within the HR team. Motivated by efficiency and driven by data, Jodi builds systems. Fulfilled by connection, she is people minded. Together, the two comprise her profession and passion. As an undergraduate – inspired by her German exchange experience in high school – Jodi studied abroad at the University of South Australia. She has independently backpacked overseas and served as a volunteer abroad. Jodi remains an avid traveler and continues to be equally terrible at packing and unpacking her bags.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Jodi earned her MS in Corporate & Organizational Communication (Leadership) and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Northeastern University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Iceland
Grace Schneider
Health Services Coordinator
Grace Schneider
Health Services Coordinator
  • Home Base
    Missouri
  • Education
    Grace earned a Masters in Education and a BA in French from the University of Rochester.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Italy
Mindy Scott
Director of Philanthropy
Mindy Scott
Director of Philanthropy

Mindy was born and raised in Monterey Bay, CA but currently lives in Wisconsin, with her two amazing kids…and a small zoo. She is an avid gardener and mental health activist. Mindy’s nonprofit leadership and advancement career path was sparked aboard the SS Universe Explorer on Semester at Sea’s Spring 2004 Voyage. In fact, her SAS experience changed her perspective of reality, opened her eyes to the interconnectedness of all life on earth, and affected every decision she has made since. Mindy has a personal passion for the uniquely transformative impact of the Semester at Sea program, and returning to Semester at Sea to help advance its mission feels like coming full circle.

  • Home Base
    Wisconsin
Olivia Stumpe
Advancement Assistant
Olivia Stumpe
Advancement Assistant
  • Home Base
    Colorado
Carlos Vazquez
Student Support Services Advisor
Carlos Vazquez
Student Support Services Advisor

Carlos sailed with Semester at Sea during the Fall 2019 voyage and current advisor with the Student Support Service department. During his voyage, Carlos was selected as an Inclusive Engagement Scholar and member of the Impact Cohort. It is with this experience and his extensive experience working with undergraduate students, Carlos is passionate to ensure students can receive the opportunity to participate in Semester at Sea. Outside of work, you can find Carlos actively following the NBA, taking a hike, or hanging out with his cat.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Carlos attended the University of Idaho.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Mexico!
Al Walker
Associate Advancement Director
Al Walker
Associate Advancement Director

Al was a long-time college basketball coach and scout in the NBA. In between stints he served as a major gift officer at Colorado College. Al is super excited to join the SAS team, raise funds for the organization, and gratefully connect with our alumni and friends who support Semester at Sea

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Al attended UNC-Chapel Hill.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    The Beach
Christine Weiler
Senior Regional Director of Enrollment & University Relations (Northeast)
Christine Weiler
Senior Regional Director of Enrollment & University Relations (Northeast)

Admissions Region: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey,New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, 
* AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, ASIA

Christine began her career at Semester at Sea | ISE in the fall of 2023. After spending a semester abroad in Meknes, Morocco she knew that she wanted to help students go on these life-changing experiences. Previous to joining SAS, she was Assistant Director of Education Abroad at Temple University, responsible for overseeing an inclusive and holistic approach to pre-departure advising. She has spent the last 8 years in a variety of positions at both providers and universities helping to prepare students for their study abroad experiences. Christine will be based in the northeast region engaging with university partners and students to share the incredible journey that is Semester at SEA.

  • Home Base
    Pennsylvania
  • Education
    Christine earned her BA in International Studies from College of Charleston.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Definitely a tie between Morocco, Norway, and Spain!
Kelly Wilkinson
Director of Enrollment and University Relations
Kelly Wilkinson
Director of Enrollment and University Relations

Kelly Wilkinson has been working in the field of Education Abroad since 2004. He has worked for ISE previously and has made his triumphant return in 2022 and could not be happier to be back. After sailing as a student in Fall 1999, Kelly was inspired to live abroad. He realized this by spending 2.5 years in Chile, Bolivia, Honduras, and Mexico. Kelly is passionate about building strong relationships with institutional partners. So if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact him. Outside of work, Kelly is enjoying life with his wife and son. He plays the guitar and will often just sing whatever random lyrics come to him. He’s always planning his next adventure, and is currently eyeing the Azores, so once he visits, perhaps he will be updating his bio.

  • Home Base
    Texas
  • Education
    Kelly earned a MA in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    The next one.
Jessica Zaksek
HR Manager
Jessica Zaksek
HR Manager

Jessica’s (she/her) love for Semester at Sea began while sailing as a student on the Fall 2013 50th Anniversary Voyage. Following the voyage, she knew she wanted to work for ISE and provide life-changing experiences for voyagers. Jessica started her career with ISE in April 2016 as an Administrative Assistant and transitioned into HR in October 2016. She has been working as the primary contact for faculty and staff in their voyage preparations ever since. Though she is a Southern California native, she loves the mountains and all the outdoor activity options Colorado has to offer. In her free time, Jessica enjoys trying new restaurants, reading, traveling, hiking, watching cooking shows, boxing/kickboxing and relaxing at one of the many breweries in Fort Collins.

  • Home Base
    Colorado
  • Education
    Jessica earned a BS in Psychology from Colorado State University and a AS in Baking & Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales University.
  • Favorite Travel Destination
    Costa Rica or Anywhere in Europe