Our Team

Stephen has over 20 years of experience in the field of international programming, working with both academic programs for universities and executive trade and economic development missions. A Duke University graduate, Stephen regularly attends NAFSA, the Forum on Education Abroad, the Global Internships Conference and the AACSB Deans' Conference.

Rika joins the GAV team after an extensive career working globally in financial services and investment banking compliance. As a Duke University graduate with a Law Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Rika oversees all operations for GAV.

Lisa has nearly 30 years experience working in university study abroad programming. She has an M.A. in German and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware and spent her first year of graduate study in Germany as a Fulbright scholar. Lisa oversees university relations, program health & safety procedures, and provides general program advisement. 

Curt spent 20 years in the sport industry working for the NCAA and US Olympic & Paralympic Committee before joining Western New England University from 2006-2024 in capacities as professor of sport management, associate dean, interim provost, and chief of staff. In the College of Business, he was director of Study Abroad and led programs to Australia, Brazil, China, France, Russia, South Africa, and the UK. For three summers Curt taught a course on international sport at IÉSEG School of Management in Paris and in 2024 he taught a seminar on careers in international and Olympic sport at ICP -- the Catholic University of Paris -- in conjunction with the Paris Olympics.

Andrew’s legal experience has included roles as General Counsel of Carnival Australia and as Head of Business Affairs for a “Big Four” accounting firm in Australia. Andrew manages all GAV contracts with universities, international academic consultants and multinational companies hosting interns in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and the USA.

Sharon joins GAV with more than 36 years of experience in the airline industry, during which time she enjoyed working, and building relationships, with a diverse group of co-workers and customers. She believes study abroad and international internships are the way to go, as it opens up the world to young adults and teaches them invaluable life lessons.

Madalyn manages GAV's internship programs as well as campus and student relations. She joins GAV with a degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Madalyn first became familiar with GAV when she participated on one of our Asia Pacific programs as a student.

Zakiyya manages GAV's faculty-led and short-course programs as well as the pre-departure process for all academic programs. She received her degree in Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago, and joins GAV with 5 years teaching experience in South Korea and working in International Student Affairs

Anna manages GAV’s university relations as well as coordinates GAV's academic programs. She joins GAV with experience in higher education and a degree from John Carroll University. She is a big advocate of international education, as she raves about her semester abroad in Ireland.

Irman joins GAV after a few years in the digital and content marketing industry. Prior to that he has nearly 10 years of experience in customer service, as well as a contact centre trainer in the airline industry.

Sarah coordinates GAV’s academic and internship programs. She spent a semester in Morocco while getting her bachelor’s degree at the University of New England. Now she enjoys helping other students reach their personal study abroad goals.

Connor coordinates GAV’s academic and internship programs through internship placement, program administration, and student relations. He joins GAV with degrees in Economics and Political Science from Gonzaga University, and became a huge advocate for international study after participating in a program in Florence, Italy.

Meghan coordinates GAV's academic and internship programs. Her semesters abroad in England and Australia inspired her to get a Masters degree in International Education from SUNY Albany. Before joining GAV, she worked with international students in Texas.

Mary Catherine coordinates and guides academic and internship programs at GAV. She has a global management degree and has worked in marketing and customer service in the tourism industry in Ireland. Her study abroad experiences include Costa Rica, London, and the Middlebury Spanish Immersion program in Granada, Spain. She has a love for studying abroad and is passionate about working to make it the best experience for students.

Faiz joins GAV with experience as a performing arts teacher and outdoor camp instructor for the local schools in Singapore. He enjoys working with students and aims to give everyone the best experience during their program. Now having the chance to work with international student at GAV, his goal is to take that talent to the next level

Alicia joins GAV with experience in the international hospitality industry, working with groups and international customers. She enjoys helping students experience different cultures and countries, especially her home country of Malaysia. She believes studying abroad can open students' eyes to new experiences!

Holding an undergraduate degree in English, combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience in higher education fundraising and program development. Their time with AmeriCorps sharpened their ability to build impactful community programs, while study abroad experiences in Spain and Nepal deepened their appreciation for global learning. Passionate about fostering transformative educational opportunities, Tiana is dedicated to connecting students with enriching international experiences.

Gina’s passion for international education emerged from her study abroad experiences in New Zealand and Taiwan while earning her Bachelor's degree in Asian Studies and Chinese from the University of Delaware. Afterwards, she obtained her Master's degree in Linguistics with a Certificate of Data Science at Syracuse University while teaching English composition to international students. She is committed to helping foster global understanding and preparing students for success while abroad. 

Cameron works on Internship placements in Asia Pacific as well as program coordination. Her love for travel and experience has landed her at GAV after graduating from University of Delaware with a major in Marketing and International Business. Having completed two programs in Australia through GAV as a student, she fell in love with meeting new people and making connections, while educating people on what a great experience it is to study abroad.

Tim has worked with cultural immersion programs for around 20 years, and oversees program enhancement, student services and cultural development. Tim also travels to the US to run pre-departure and interest sessions for GAV programs.

Sabrina has a passion for numbers and a knack for organization. Known for strong attention to detail, Sabrina strives to keep financial processes efficient along with effective record-keeping. Being at GAV aligns with Sabrina’s love for travelling and having learning opportunities to develop valuable skills.

Amanda is GAV's residential director for international programs and has coordinated many university groups with GAV in the last 10 years. Amanda is a registered nurse, and is also a huge advocate for study abroad.

Donna has extensive experience working in international education for universities and providers in the U.S. and China. She loves helping students have an eye-opening experience in a new culture. She believes that international education provides a great avenue for students to test their comfort zone and achieve great personal growth.

Sam joins as GAV’s point person in Japan. Born in India and brought up in Japan for over 30 years, Sam always had a passion for education with his multi-cultural background where he started in fundraising at his alma mater at San Diego State and then continued his work as Asia representative for Alumni Relations at Temple University as well as teaching business courses at Tokyo Medical & Dental University. He brings with him his business understanding and a wide network in Japan.

Emi has lived in Japan, the United States, and Vietnam, where she has built a diverse career in TV production, marketing, and advertising. As an entrepreneur, she has also successfully launched multiple businesses. With a strong global network, she leverages her experience to contribute to GAV's initiatives.

Kerstin has gained more than 20 years of professional working experience in Europe and Australia and holds a Master of Commerce degree from Sydney. Her extensive network of contacts - through the Chamber of Commerce - is a great benefit for GAV’s growing activities in Germany and Central Europe. Kerstin also brings years of experiences dealing with young adults.

Glenn is the former COO and CEO of AusBiotech with 40 years’ experience in finance, HR, product development and manufacturing in the life sciences sector. In recent years he has been involved in capital markets and general investment activities in North America, Asia and Australia