After graduating from the University of La Crosse Wisconsin with a degree in Spanish and Geography, Jenny spent one year volunteering in Ecuador. She spent eight years in Spain where she taught English and opened her own English Academy. Jenny speaks Spanish fluently and loves travelling, spending time with friends and being active.
Debby has worked in the travel industry for over 35 years. While growing up, her family hosted an exchange student from Israel and she has replicated this experience for her children by hosting a student from France. In her free time, Debby likes to travel and hike in the mountains.
A French teacher for 10 years, Virginie earned her Masters in English Literature. Fluent in both languages, she taught at universities in the U.S., France, Japan, and the U.K. She is happy to work for Xperitas, which will allow her to combine her passion for travel, the French language, and education.
Hanna is a German native, who moved to the United States full-time in 2015. She graduated from the University of Applied Sciences Cologne, Germany with a Bachelor’s degree in Multilingual Communication and earned her Master’s degree in North American Studies from the University of Bonn, Germany. The German word “Fernweh” (a strong urge to travel and get to know the unknown) has been an important part of Hanna’s life. As a high school and university student she took part in several student exchanges and language immersion programs. This is why Hanna understands from first-hand experience why language immersion travel is so valuable to any student learning a foreign language. She has more than 10 years of professional experience in Germany and the US managing different cultural exchange, language immersion travel and education programs. Hanna also has experience teaching German and ESL. In her free time, Hanna loves to go on nature hikes with her husband and children. She feels happiest outdoors and loves to be on the water.
Leslie has 25+ years of experience in the global education space as a language teacher, curriculum designer and in K-12 school operations. She first experienced the life-changing impact of cultural exchange as a college student on a 10-week homestay program in Morelia, Mexico. Leslie sees Xperitas’ mission as an extension of her own passion for bridging the divisions between people through the development of cultural competency and understanding.
Originally from the Chicago area, Alyana graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies, International Studies, and Spanish, as well as a certificate in Educational Policy Studies. She is passionate about international education, and has taught English in Spain, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. In her free time, Alyana loves reading, experimenting in the Kitchen, and spending time outside in nature.
Amy comes to Xperitas with more than 14 years of experience in community and donor relations and a passion for making the world a better place. She is excited about working with under-resourced students and schools to ensure that Xperitas’ cultural and language immersion experiences are accessible to all.
Emma was born in St. Paul and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Family Social Science and Spanish. She spent five years in Costa Rica teaching English and serving as an Admissions Counselor. Emma speaks Spanish fluently, loves taking pictures and enjoys road trips!
Linda is a believer in life-long education and loves to travel. While Linda has a passion for building strategic marketing communications that influence and inspire change, she also enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include reading, watching movies, boating and relaxing at the lake. You might also find her out in the garden with her flowers or tending the herbs and veggies that make their way into her kitchen and onto your plate!
A Minnesota native, Chris has experience in the administration, implementation, and marketing of educational systems. A lover of language learning and education, Chris studied in Germany and taught English as a volunteer in Colombia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in German Studies and a Master of Human Rights from the University of Minnesota. In his free time, he’s either enjoying the great outdoors or at the library, depending on the weather.
