Archives: March 2010

University of Colorado, B.A. Sociology
Stephanie is a native & proud Coloradoan. She went to college and studied Sociology at the University of Colorado in Boulder. While at CU she discovered her love for international travel and community service during a semester abroad in South Africa. After graduating, she felt the need to wonder the globe for a little while and found herself teaching English in the wonderful country of Ecuador. Her travels continued to Peru, Colombia and Argentina. Needless to say South America holds a special place in her heart! She balances her time working for outdoor education programs, teaching snowboarding, and leading Global Works trips! When not working, you may find Stephanie exhaling deeply in yoga, trying to perfect her telemark turns, or sleeping as many nights under the stars she possibly can. She is super excited to return to Ecuador this summer with a new group of teenagers!

University of Vermont, M.S. Political Geography
University of Michigan, B.S. Natural Resources, Environmental Policy concentration
Currently living in Cotacachi, Ecuador, with his daughters Nina and Camila (that’s them in the photo!), Pete brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our Global Works team. He currently manages his own non-profit called the Inter-American Center for the Arts, Sustainability, and Action. His small NGO supports communities throughout the Americas in theirs artistic endeavors to create sustainable, creative, and more autonomous ways of living. In addition, Pete promotes community and ecological tourism projects in four rural Ecuadorian villages, teaches Spanish and various college courses, and is the owner/ operator of Finca La Fe Organic Farm and Permaculture Education Center.

Beloit College, B.A. French & Music
Jessica McCormack is a social, fun-loving and Francophone-adoring “animatrice.” Since her return from teaching English in a French High School in Bretagne, Jessica is a resident of Brooklyn, NY where she teaches French at a Montessori School, volunteers with refugees at the International Rescue Committee, and enjoys the abundant multicultural and artistic aspects of NYC. Jessica completed a BA in French and Music at Beloit College where she had the fortune of studying abroad in Bretagne, France and Dakar, Senegal. She enjoys sports, yoga
any type of game, and is always open to new adventures – especially in France. She is enthusiastic about her interpersonal and cross-cultural relationships and is eager to return to her favorite culture with a team of interested American teens.

The Boston Conservatory, B.M. Saxophone Performance
University of Kansas, Courses in French and Jazz
A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Dennis holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Boston Conservatory and a Diplome d Etudes Musicales focused on three years of saxophone study at Boulogne Conservatory in Paris France. As a teaching artist Dennis has presented workshops, master classes, and concerts in 2009 at the Boston Conservatory the University of the Pacific (San Francisco) and the University of Wisconsin (Whitewater). Dennis’s students also make appearances in the Boston area music scene with performances in Inman Square, Harvard Square, and Wellesley Free Library. When not teaching in Boston or leading Global Works programs, Dennis can be found traveling the world giving saxophone concerts in Paris, Bangkok, Lawai (Hawaii), and several US cities including Boston, New York, San Francisco, Eugene (Oregon), and Lawrence, Kansas. His passion for music and the culture of France is apparent while leading our Global Works trips and he can’t wait to share the journey with you!

Versailles University, PhD History of Intercultural Exchanges
Versailles University, M.A. History of Intercultural Exchanges &Tourism
Versailles University, B.A. History
Sophie lives in Paris and is a Doctoral candidate in History at Versailles University. She lived in the US for two years and spent a year as an exchange student at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She was a TA for French for another year at Clark University. She truly enjoyed both these experiences because they enabled her to better understand and appreciate American culture. She’s worked on the image of France in American travel guides for her Master’s thesis. Because she loves her country and culture, she is very happy every time she gets a chance to interact with Americans and share; she loves being a “mediator” for a group of American students interested in discovering France and French culture! She is looking forward to sharing this summer trip with all of you!