Scott Weinhold is a member of the Senior Foreign Service. He joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs from the leadership team of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE). He served as Assistant Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan 2020-2021, where he managed the State Department team during the August 2021 civilian evacuation from the Kabul Airport. His previous postings include multiple tours in China as well as assignments in Mongolia, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, and Turkey. He is the recipient of the Department of State’s Distinguished Honor Award and the Presidential Rank Award. His languages are Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese, Mongolian and basic Japanese. Mr. Weinhold is from Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Virginia with majors in African Studies and Asian History.

Britta Bjornlund is Chief of the Youth Programs Division in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  As the Youth Programs Division Chief, Britta currently oversees programs for approximately 4,000 high school students including the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study programs (YES), among others.  Prior to acquiring this position in November 2018, Britta was the Study of the U.S. Branch Chief for ten years where she created and oversaw the Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI) and the YSEALI Academic Fellowship.  Before joining State in 2009, Britta was the Executive Director of the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation from 2006 to 2008.  Prior to that, she worked at the Open World Leadership Center of the Library of Congress where she directed high-level exchange programs for leaders from Russia and other Eurasian countries.  Her background also includes managing development and technical assistance programs in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

Britta authored four books on the Cold War and the Russian Revolution for middle- and high-school students.  She holds a master’s degree in international relations from the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a bachelor’s degree in Russian from Williams College.

Elisabeth Catterton is currently a Section Chief for the SEVP School Certification Unit. She is one of four
section chiefs and oversees the South region which encompasses TX, OK, MS, AL, LA, FL, GA, SC, NC, and
AR. She has been with SEVP since 2007 and worked in different sections and units during her time but
always calls SCU home.

Stephanie Dow is the manager of the StudyTravel Alphe Agent Conferences, a UK based media and sales company which specialises in connecting international educators with quality study abroad agents. StudyTravel organises 14 overseas conferences in 12 countries where educators can meet face to face with reference checked agents. It also produces the StudyTravel Magazine, a monthly publication which reaches an expansive audience of 22,000 agent readers across 129 countries, providing news, statistics and market insights on all of the industry sectors.

Stephanie has over 20 years of sales and customer service experience having worked for StudyTravel for over 17 years. Prior to that she worked and lived in France, Austria and Canada managing ski resorts for a British tour operator. She has a true passion for people and is committed to enabling her clients to reach their goal

Connie Dean joined Greenheart as a Regional Director in 1998, after retiring from a nursing career of over 30 years. Connie had seven years of experience with ASPECT Foundation, as a Local Coordinator and Regional Manager, prior to joining Greenheart, hosting students and leading FLEXclusters. With a strong passion for cultural exchange, working with teens from all over the world, learning about different cultures and traveling to many different countries, she has grown into the Executive Regional Director position, where she is responsible for placements in 17 states in the Midwest and across the South, affecting over 300 placements with her team per year. She is the field liaison for the Program Support department, which supports all in-country participants.

Francisco Estupiñá holds a PhD in Psychology, and is also a certified General Health Psychologist and EuroPsy Specialist in Psychotherapy. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and has coordinated PsiCall UCM, the immediate psychological care service for UCM students, since its inception. From there, he coordinated the “Guide for the non-face-to-face approach to the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak in the general population”. In addition, he is the author of multiple articles and book chapters, and a recent Manual of Telepsychology. In her nearly 20 years of experience, he has carried out psychological interventions of various types in the fields of Psychotherapy and Health Psychology, with adults and adolescents.

Benjamin Gaylord leads a range of programs for international young professionals and secondary school students from dozens of countries, focusing on program design and management, as well as participant support. Since 2013, he has supported American Councils’ strategic planning process and organizational development.

Mr. Gaylord joined American Councils in 1995, serving in both the overseas field offices as well as the headquarters office in Washington, DC. He has worked on program design, participant support, recruitment, event planning, and training. Since 2004, he has led the inbound secondary school and professional programs departments, overseeing significant growth and new partnerships for these programs. He also served as American Councils ombudsman from 2008-19.

Mr. Gaylord has a bachelor’s degree in Russian language and literature from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a master’s degree in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University. He has significant experience living and traveling extensively in Eurasia, Europe, and Latin America and is fluent in Russian, Spanish, and Dutch.

Dr. Barrett L. Haga serves as the Senior Advisor at the Directorate of Private Sector Exchange within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for the BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program, which supports nearly 300,000 participants each year.

Previously, Dr. Haga served at the Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he led significant international initiatives, including the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE). He has extensive experience in economic development, innovation, and legislative affairs, with roles at the U.S. Department of Labor and in various governmental bodies. He has also taught at the University of Maryland and the University of Minnesota and is a published author in organizational excellence.

Dr. Haga holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, an M.P.A. from Florida State University, and a B.A. in Political Science and Greek and Roman Studies from Rhodes College. He is a recipient of multiple federal awards and is fluent in Latin.

Mr. Harrigan is a Program Analyst in the Office of Private Sector Exchange Program Administration, Directorate of Private Sector Exchange, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State.  In this role, Mr. Harrigan plays a part in overseeing and enhancing the BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program, focusing on the health, safety, and welfare of exchange visitors. 

With a rich background in educational and cultural exchange, Mr. Harrigan has had the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and educational systems in countries such as Australia, Israel, Egypt, and New Zealand.  These experiences have broadened Mr. Harrigan’s perspective and enriched his understanding of what it’s like to be an exchange visitor.  Mr. Harrigan is passionate about fostering international understanding and cooperation through educational and cultural exchanges.

Mr. Harrigan holds a BA in International Affairs from George Washington University and a MS in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University.  

Andrew Janusz is currently an SEVP Field Representative with the Department of Homeland Security –
Student Exchange Visitor Program. His territory is Maryland & Delaware and has been with SEVP since
2017. Prior to joining SEVP, Mr. Janusz was an Assistant Director, Intl. Student & Scholar Services
(DSO/RO) at Northern Arizona University, Advisor at Embassy of the State of Kuwait – Cultural Division
and Assistant Director, Model UN Program – Old Dominion University. Mr. Janusz holds a B.A in History
from St. Bonaventure University, and a M.A in History from Old Dominion University.

Carla Kearns is Vice President of Communications at Educatius, a global leader in international high school exchange programs. She spearheads the Global Youth Resilience Initiative, which proactively supports the well-being of exchange students. With over 13 years at Educatius, Carla drives the company’s communication strategies. Previously, Carla held leadership roles in international education, intercultural communication, and environmental sustainability. Notably, she managed Canada’s $60 million National Vehicle Retirement Program, reducing air pollution and raising industry standards. She also designed intercultural training programs as Director of TLI-The Mandarin School and founded the Canada China Environmental Forum to foster international collaboration. Carla is dedicated to leveraging her expertise in communication and international education to make a global impact.

Luiz is currently the vice-president and a Board member of International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES), an organization I joined in 2007. ICES was founded in 1991, and operates J-1 high school, F-1 high school, Short-Term, Outbound programs and virtual exchange programs, among other ones not covered by CSIET. Among those, J-1 high school is the most important. ICES has over 600 students on J-1 and F-1 programs in 2020 and close to 2000 scheduled for 2021. Among his responsibilities with the organization, he oversees the financial department, human resources, IT, sales, F-1 and other programs, relationship with new and existing international partners and develop new programs. He is also an Alternative Responsible Officer with the DoS. Prior to ICES, with a BA in Economics, a BA in Accounting, a MBA and a Masters in Accounting. His career started in 1989 as a CPA for PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers), and continued solid as controller, corporate controller and CFO for large corporations such as McDonald’s, Tyco and First Student/ Laidlaw, having participated in committees with the SEC and several leaderships positions and projects worldwide in USA, Europe and South America. Currently, Luiz has been serving for the last 2 years on the advisory board for the graduate college of UNLV (University of Nevada – Las Vegas). He has attended all CSIET conferences since 2008. With CSIET, he was part of the Conference Planning Committee for the 2015 and 2021 conference, and has also been part of the F-1 committee as well.

Adam Lee is the CEO and Co-Founder of StudentRoomStay and AmeriStudent. Collectively between the two companies and its subsidiaries they have placed tens of thousands of students throughout the United States, Australia and New Zealand making it one of the largest student accommodation providers globally.

Adam has over 20 years of business and started his first company at the age of 18. He has a true passion for technology and love’s building things that disrupt and improve industries on a global scale.

Dr. Pascal Losambe is the Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer, and Senior Consultant for Synergy
Consulting Company. Dr. Losambe has a Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from
Middlebury College and a Master of Science in Biology with a focus on Neurobiology from Boston College
where he received the Donald J. White Award for teaching excellence. Dr. Losambe has earned his Ph.D. in
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Purdue University with a focus on cultural competence. Dr.
Losambe serves as the Director of Diversity and Community Life at Columbus Academy. He was the
keynote presenter and co-curriculum developer for the United Front Initiative, a city and regional
program with the goal of bringing unity and reconciliation to the region. Dr. Losambe co-authored a book
with his wife and business partner, Crystal Losambe, titled Breaking the Barriers to Belonging: United by
Our Biology and Shared Humanity, which was published in January 2023. Additionally, Dr. Losambe
consults and presents to companies and other organizations on various topics related to diversity, equity
and inclusion, educational leadership, and organizational culture. He has led strategic vision initiatives
for various institutions and has conducted multiple workshops on cultural competence at national and
international conferences.

Mark Overmann joined the Alliance as Executive Director in 2022, after having served as Assistant Director and Deputy Director from 2009-2015. Mark has nearly 20 years of experience in the NGO, association, federal, and university sectors. He worked as a Senior Manager at Accenture Federal Services supporting global health and diplomacy programs; Vice President of External Affairs at InterExchange; Director of College Communications at Georgetown University; and Program Associate for Communications at Global Ties U.S. Mark has a bachelor’s in English from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in International Communication from American University’s School of International Service. He is co-author with Sherry Mueller of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development (Georgetown University Press, 2008, 2014). He studied abroad during college in Angers, France, and taught English in Yanji, China, along the North Korean border.

Brenda Padilla Ericksen is a former agent (Spain), international student (Spain & Norway), host mother (Thailand, France, Austria & USA), and sending mom for her daughters’ international programs in France, Canada, USA, Nepal, South Korea, China and Japan. She has prepared thousands of J-1 and F-1 students around the world for their programs in the USA. She has created an innovative pre-departure training program for exchange students – and their parents as well as courses for host families, agents and anyone wishing to boost intercultural competence. Brenda graduated from Western Washington University. She is from Seattle, has lived in Spain for 30 years and worked as a journalist, corporate trainer and speaker before diving into the world of youth exchange.

Christopher Page is Executive Director for the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. After 21 years as a Spanish teacher and a six-year tenure with the CSIET Board of Directors (2003-2009) Chris began his professional journey with CSIET in 2011.  Facing new J-1 high school regulations, a rise in use of the F-1 visa, and an increasingly complex industry landscape, Chris has positioned CSIET and its Standards to serve the needs of a diverse membership of J-1, F-1 and Outbound practitioners from the field of international student exchange.  He has spearheaded a variety of new initiatives, including the evaluation of F-1 programs and schools, leading to a 52% growth in program membership and a markedly increased awareness of the value of the CSIET seal of approval. Outside his professional life, Chris is an author of a Spanish textbook, a writer of occasional poems, and an aspiring guitarist.  He lives in Alexandria, Va. with his wife, two children.

Sanna Serspinski is the SEVP Response Center Section Chief with the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Sanna has been with SEVP since 2014. In her current role,
Sanna oversees a diverse federal and contract staff who respond to over 100,000 telephone and 50,000
email inquiries per year from students, schools, governments officials and other members of the public,
and process over 65,000 corrections to the Student and Exchange Visitor System. Sanna is also a
certified collateral duty mediator for other DHS agencies. She holds an M.Sc. in International Politics
from the University of London (SOAS and Goldsmiths), UK.

As Associate Director of CSIET, Charissa Slack promotes and supports international student programs to ensure they meet established standards of excellence. She is responsible for organizing and executing school outreach efforts, managing CSIET’s domestic program agenda, and maintaining strong relationships with member programs and stakeholders. She plays a pivotal role in communicating the impact of international student exchange programs, which includes close collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, to ensure that certified programs emphasize the outstanding support and services they provide for schools and international students.

Previously, Charissa served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for 9 years where she determined KPIs, analyzed performance, and executed solution-based strategies to achieve marketing goals for CSIET websites, digital and print publications, email and social media campaigns.

Prior to working in the international exchange student industry, Charissa worked in digital and TV advertising sales at ESPN International, Azteca America and Comcast Spotlight. She worked directly with companies in Mexico, Brazil, Japan & Argentina and was responsible for every stage in the life of a marketing campaign. Charissa oversaw the creation of marketing proposals, coordinated with counterparts to guarantee successful execution, trained and managed assistants to deliver timely reports.

Charissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Richmond. Outside of her professional life, Charissa volunteers for local schools in Alexandria where she lives with her husband, three children, two dogs and two cats.

Bradley’s entire career has supported U.S. public diplomacy efforts by “creating communities that
transcend culture”– the explicit purpose of the not-for-profit operating foundation he co-founded in 1990
as The Laurasian Institution. Since 2012, he has also led PAX–Program of Academic Exchange.
In April of 2015, Laurasian and PAX joined forces to enhance their missions under the umbrella of PAX
Laurasian Exchange, which he heads as President and CEO. In this capacity, Mr. Smith coordinates
the efforts of staff located in offices in New York, Seattle, and Tokyo as well as throughout the United
States. While Laurasian has focused its work on a variety of cultural and educational interactions with
East Asia, PAX has made its focus that of facilitating inbound U.S. high school exchange experiences
for students from 70+ countries.

Born in Lake County, Illinois, Bradley was brought up in a rural village in the southeast corner of
Iowa. During the Reagan administration, he caught the international bug while serving in a unit of
the Attorney General’s office at the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. This
unit was responsible for U.S. asylum policy and review of its implementation. He served under
Attorneys General Meese and Thornburgh.

Mr. Smith moved to Japan in 1989 to open a liberal arts college associated with his alma mater,
Eureka College. He served two years as a Vice President before creating The Laurasian Institution.
Bradley has continued his connection to his alma mater through the Ronald W. Reagan Fellows
Program and board service. Over the last 30 years he has served on numerous advisory bodies and
boards. Traveling extensively, Bradley has visited over 60 countries and currently divides his time
between New York and Tokyo where he lives with his wife, a Japanese national.

Founder of The Mental Health Team and co-founder of P3 Mental Health Advisors and one of the creators of Emotional First Aid. Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Boulder, Colorado. She has worked with emerging adult population in university settings, both nationally and internationally, since 1994. In her role as a counselor, Laura is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate a wide range of her knowledge and experience with other sos that they can strengthen their abilities in both identifying and responding on the mental health challenges of the individuals and program participants with whom they work.
Laura holds a Ph. D. in Counseling from Syracuse University. At Syracuse, she also earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Addiction Studies. Additionally, she holds an M.A. in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Mark Uyl has served as the Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association since May 2018, becoming the association’s fifth full-time director. He first joined the MHSAA staff as an Assistant Director in January of 2004. He served on the Board of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) from 2011-2015, and served as the Board Chair in 2015. Currently, he serves as the lone high school representative on the Officiating Development Alliance (ODA), which consists of the supervisor of officials for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, CFL, MLS and NCAA Division I sports.  Uyl is a 1996 graduate of Calvin College (NCAA Division III), where he was a four-year starter on the baseball team. Most of Uyl’s educational career had been at Thornapple Kellogg Schools in Middleville, MI. He started there as a high school history teacher and varsity football coach. He returned to his alma mater as athletic director at Caledonia High School, and then returned to Thornapple Kellogg to assume the athletic director’s and assistant principal’s post there up until his appointment to the MHSAA staff. He served as a NCAA Division I baseball umpire for 22 seasons primarily in the Big Ten Conference. He has umpired ten NCAA Division I Baseball Regionals, five Super Regionals and the 2014 and 2017 College World Series in Omaha, serving as the crew chief in 2017. Mark also umpired the 2007 Pan American Games played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is also involved with college football in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA D-III) as a former on-field official (referee) and currently serves as the league’s coordinator of officials. Uyl’s wife, Marcy, is an accomplished educator and coach, having served as a high school varsity basketball coach since 1994. They have three children, Jackson, Grant, and Madison.”

Jennifer Wilson is a certified leadership coach, writer and consultant. After a 17-year career in her family’s business, The Canada Homestay Network (CHN), she now chairs their Board of Directors. At CHN, Jennifer worked in HR and technology, and served as CEO for 12 years. Prior to CHN, she practiced as a Registered Midwife in Manitoba and BC. Jennifer is a certified Kolbe Consultant and is trained in crisis intervention and compassion fatigue. She holds an MBA and is completing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction. Her book, The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students, will be published in February 2025.

Judit Zambo is a Program Analyst for the Secondary School Student Program at the Directorate of Private Sector Exchange, Office of Designation within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State. 

Previously, she worked for a decade as a program manager supervising the delivery of 13 language programs, and then an advisor of curriculum developers in 8 languages at the Foreign Service Institute – the training arm of the U.S. Department of State. 

Prior to joining the State Department, Judit worked as an instructor and program manager of professional development at the Defense Language Institute (Joint Base San Antonio, TX).  She has a vast experience managing educational and charitable programs for various non-profit organizations across the U.S. and internationally. Early in her career, Judit founded a successful cultural exchange and training organization, recruiting-training-matching-placing exchange visitors across Europe and in the US for nearly ten years.   

Judit holds a double master’s degree (M.Ed.) in teaching foreign languages from the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary.