Founder, Lead Program Director in France & Barcelona
I am a high school French and World History teacher in San Diego, CA. My passion for study abroad was sparked at a young age when my big brother did a year abroad in Australia and I decided that I wanted to study abroad as well. I took my first French class in 6th grade, studied my entire sophomore year of High School in Belgium as an exchange student learning French and then completed my bachelors degree in French and International Relations from California State University, Chico.
Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I studied abroad for one year at the Universidad de Pais Vasco in San Sebastian, Spain. Upon returning to the United States, I completed my Masters Degree in Education and obtained my teaching credentials in French, Social Sciences and Physical Education.
I have been a teacher for 18 years leading students in the classroom, organizing and leading study abroad programs, and coaching various sports including football, baseball, boys and girls soccer and boys and girls golf.
Founder & Spain Program Director
My love for language immersion started with my own high school study abroad experience in San Sebastian, Spain. My understanding and confidence in the language quickly grew and sparked a passion for cultural and language immersion that has shaped my life and career.
After receiving my degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Texas State University, I became a Program Director for the very same study abroad company I traveled with as a teenager. I've led hundreds of students through experiences in Spain, France, and China and have been a primary resource for parents, students, and educators before, during, and after studying abroad. Furthering this tradition for new generations of students is a truly fulfilling job I feel blessed to do.
I am an avid sailor and race sailboats competitively near my home in Austin, Texas as well as abroad. When I’m not sailing or traveling, I use my language skills to volunteer and serve displaced, recently immigrated, and unhoused persons in the Central Texas community.
I am a bi-cultural individual who grew up in the great city of San Antonio. From a young age, I've had a deep passion for sharing my Mexican culture with others and highlighting its incredible richness. Being fully bilingual in Spanish and English has allowed me to bridge the gap between the two worlds, cultivating a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity that both cultures have to offer.
I hold a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Texas State University. After completing my degree, I decided to move to Mexico City, where I've continued to explore and immerse myself in my Mexican roots. One of my greatest joys is working with children, helping them broaden their horizons and encouraging them to embrace the multicultural world we live in. This journey has given me a unique perspective on life, and I am determined to be an advocate for cultural diversity, fostering understanding and appreciation in the next generation.
I have loved to travel from a very young age and have always done everything in my power to do so. When I am not traveling or working you can most likely find me at the lake with my family, playing tennis, or having a cookout with friends. I am so happy to be on this journey with John and Mark where we are able to take these students on life-changing adventures.
Be a world traveler, not a tourist. What you'll experience with Horizons Abroad is designed to challenge and nurture you while building life-long skills in a way that's only attainable through study abroad.
Immersion abroad is the best way to build your ability and confidence speaking another language. Practice your speaking with native speakers throughout your day and you will rapidly improve both comprehension and communication.
Study French in the Surf Capital of Europe, or study Spanish in a city world-renowned for it's culinary traditions. Our destinations are curated based on their safety and manageability for teens.
High school study abroad is an investment in your future. Our programs in Spain and France are curated and designed to challenge you in your language skills while having the time of your life abroad.
Who ever said learning can't be fun? From surfing and white-water rafting to visiting world-class museums and improving your language skills through daily situations like grocery shopping and eating out - Horizons Abroad programs offer a way to see the world in the most fun way
Our Program Directors are driven by their own high school study abroad experiences and personally lead each group with passion and understanding. Our on-site bilingual directors are available to students 24 / 7.