our team
Our Management and Homestay Services Team
Twinn Palms is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and employs hardworking and passionate individuals dedicated to serving our international students, host families, schools, and overseas partners.
We invite you to scroll down and meet our team!
Executive Team
Vice President
James M. Glowacki
Executive Vice President
Jim enjoys a 25 year comprehensive professional career in the educational industry. His tenure in both Catholic and private schools includes: Headmaster of St. Mary’s Preparatory in Michigan, teacher, college professor, and administrator. As Headmaster, Jim supervised the St. Mary’s Boarding School Program encompassing 56 international students from 9 countries placed in 8 states nationwide. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Wayne State University in Michigan. Jim obtained his teaching and administrative certification with extensive coursework for a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Madonna University, and a doctoral candidacy in Literary Theory. A published author and former professor, Jim has contributed to the international body of work documenting the life experiences of a student from China studying abroad in the United States.
Jim’s primary responsibilities at Twinn Palms are to oversee the Dormitory Division with 6 dormitories across the United States, and to lend executive management support for the entire student portfolio of the Homestay Division. When asked about Twinn Palms, Jim is passionate about the quality and commitment of everyone on staff saying, “these are some of the finest human beings I have ever met. Their dedication and commitment to service is impeccable, and they deeply care about providing the highest level of guidance to the students, families, and schools that Twinn Palms serves.”
Vice President
Marketing and Development
Mavis B. Cordero
Vice President
Mavis has labored intensely to build her extensive international portfolio over the span of her professional career. As a college graduate, she joined the United States Peace Corps and taught English as a Second Language in Latin America. She and 2 colleagues co-founded Muse Cordero Chen, Inc., the nation’s first multicultural advertising agency. During her 15 year duration as managing partner, Mavis was instrumental in the development of ads for high-profile clients, such as: American Honda, Nike, Snapple, and Goodyear. Being internationally minded, Cordero Communications crossed borders where she taught university courses in American Marketing Techniques and Philosophies in Mexico.
Mavis also served as Alumni President of her alma mater, San Fernando Valley Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist K-12 College Preparatory Private School. Mavis’ comprehensive tenure at San Fernando Valley Academy included positions as: Registrar, Academic Counselor, Upper School Administrator, Director of the International Program. Mavis was responsible for the creation of the Homestay Program and development of the International Student Program, where she worked closely with agencies and agents bringing students from China, Korea, Japan, Philippines,
Europe, and several Latin American countries.
As Vice President of Twinn Palms, she is directly responsible for managing the cross-country Homestay Coordinator base and the implementation of a successful and safe home environment for all their international students. Mavis’ educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Music and Liberal Arts from La Sierra University followed by a master’s degree in Business Administration in International Marketing from UCLA.
Having been born in Colombia, Mavis’ strong passion for international affairs in greatly evident in the work she does with Twinn Palms. Greatest of all Mavis’ passions is being able to provide young people globally with diverse opportunities as they learn languages, earn an education, immerse themselves in new cultures, and help unite the world in trust, friendship, and peace.
Operations
Shawn Warren
Vice President of Operations
With more than 16 years of experience in the education, healthcare, and fitness/health industries, Dr. Shawn Warren’s extensive professional portfolio has afforded him a rich and diverse business background. Dr. Warren was an executive and senior consultant for a national healthcare company where he led its strategy and operations expansion in more than 30 states. He worked closely with physicians and healthcare executives establishing strategic alliances. He also played an intricate role in developing products and services for thousands of patients across the United States. He was a successful business owner of a medical device and fitness/health companies. He is currently an adjunct professor teaching Strategic Management, Human Resource Development, and Leadership; and formerly served as a principal and teacher for the Church Educational System for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the past 8 years, Dr. Warren has been a guest speaker of religion and personal development for the Especially for Youth program with Brigham Young University.
His educational background includes: a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University, and a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Dr. Warren has conducted extensive research in the areas of Positive Organizational Behavior and domestic and international Leadership.
Regional Managers
Greg Pull
Regional Manager
Southeast
Kimberley White
Compliance Officer
Regional Manager
Northeast
Patrick Behrens
Regional Manager
West Coast
Regional Recruitment Managers
Southeast
Rob Sassos
Regional Recruitment Manager
Southeast
A Desire to Achieve and to Serve
Rob has been developing and maintaining professional relationships for over twenty years. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Rob’s professional career and personal life has taken him to Canton, Ohio, Naples, FL, Charlotte, NC and Glen Rock, NJ but it is Florida that he calls home. Whether assisting individual families or executive boards of Fortune 500 companies, Rob has treated every client with the utmost attention and respect. “My passion is helping my clients meet and exceed their goals.”, Rob says.
Rob was the first walk-on to be accepted and earn a starting position on the UCF Men’s Division I Soccer Team. In his spare time, Rob enjoys practicing martial arts, fishing in the Florida , rooting on Orlando City and Tottenham Hotspur soccer teams and just spending time with his English Bulldog, Angus.
Elizabeth Quaranta
Regional Recruitment Manager
Northeast
Connie Aguilar
Regional Recruitment Manager
West Coast
Corporate Staff
Yury Medrano
Tiffany Bristow
Assistant Recruiter
George Chen
Business Analyst
A Southern Californian in heart, George was born in San Diego and grew up in Los Angeles. He is bilingual in Chinese and English, is a Political Science graduate from UC Santa Barbara, and lived in Shanghai, China for six years. During his tenure in Shanghai, George worked as a Customer Service Manager and English Trainer for EMC Information Technology. His responsibilities included teaching English seminars, implementing an English language program for over 50 engineers, and instructing the proper process for escalating issues in the workplace. George’s business portfolio also includes an insurance consultant for Pacific Prime medical brokers, handling on/off shore insurance packages for American and Chinese clients; and an event manager for EF Education Adult School marketing events, creating/hosting cross-cultural and interactive events for Shanghai students. He was also responsible for training and managing English teachers, developing groups of student leaders for clubs and weekend activities, and achieved a 70% net NPS score; placing first out of all the EF adult schools in China.His Business Analyst responsibilities at Twinn Palms includes analyzing and interpreting data and case development. George works closely with 3W and several departments streamlining processes and increasing student retention rates while decreasing attrition. He is also a liaison for active students, coordinators, and regional managers. His passions include: sharing stories of his experiences abroad, watching films, swimming, and traveling.
Homestay Coordinators
A Message from Alanna Traylor
Hello, I am excited to welcome your child to beautiful Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tulsa is a culturally rich city with a strong Native American presence. The city is blossoming with museums, cultural centers, performing arts venues, parks, and wild life preserves.
My name is Alanna, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I was born and raised in the southern United States but I have the privilege of living in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 3.5 years. I have been married to my husband, Matt, for 14 years and we have 2 beautiful daughters.
I would love to share a little bit about the community that your child will be living in. We have several museums here in Tulsa including the Philbrook and Gilcrease Museum. The Philbrook Museum is considered one of the top 50 fine arts museums in the United States. There are also several permanent dance, theater and concert groups including the Tulsa Ballet, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and Tulsa Opera. Tulsa is home to the University of Tulsa as well as Oral Roberts University.
My family enjoys attending minor league sporting events like the Tulsa Drillers baseball games or the Oilers Hockey games. Other favorite actives of ours are going to the Tulsa Zoo or Woodward park. Shopping is also plentiful here. Utica Square and Woodland Hills malls offer great shops and restaurants to choose from. Oklahoma City is approximately and hour and a half away with many fun activities there as well.
Coming to a different country is a different transition. There are several Asian Markets nearby where they sell a variety of food from China and other Asian countries. I will be here to support your child and make sure they feel comfortable.
I am looking forward to sharing this experience of a lifetime with your child.
Please know that I am available if you have any questions or concerns. Feel free to email me or call me at any time.
All my best,
Alanna Traylor
International Homestay Coordinator
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Angela Wang
Queens and Long Island, NY
[email protected]
St. Dominic’s High School
Holy Trinity Diocesan High
School
A Message from Angela Wang
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Middle Village Queens area; home to wonderful parks, museums, shopping centers, warm sunny days and cool evenings.
My name is Angela, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Queens New York, a popular borough in the New York City area. Originally from China, I worked as an English teacher and a head teacher for eight years. The days with my students were happy ones that I will remember for the rest of my life. Being a patient and responsible teacher, I have gained recognition and affection from all the students I taught. Boarding with Twinn Palms Homestay enables me to work with students again. I am pleased that I can make a difference in the students’ lives while they are studying overseas.
Having lived in the Queens area for many years, I would like to share a bit about the community in which your child will be living.
We have several great universities close by: New York University and Columbia University in the Manhattan area, which is 20 minutes’ drive from Queens. We have several libraries that are open seven days a week. The area hosts museums such as the American Museum Of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art and others. The New York Hall of Science is a science museum located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. It occupies one of the few remaining structures from the 1964 New York World’s Fair and is New York City’s only hands-on science and technology center. The more than 400 hands-on exhibits explore biology, chemistry, and physics. The museum includes a large permanent collection as well as a range of travelling exhibitions.
For shopping we have two malls close by; one is walking distance named Atlas Mall. The other, The Queens Center, is a huge commercial attraction. This is the largest mall in Queens and is my favorite place to go!
Coming to a different country is a difficult transition. That is why we have several Asian Markets nearby selling food from China and other Asian countries. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child, as well.
Here in Queens, your child will never be bored because of all the entertainment including the Queens Zoo, great landmarks like the Washington Bridge and CITI field, home baseball park of Major League Baseball’s New York Mets. Citi Field was designed by Populous (then HOK Sport), and is named after Citigroup, a New York financial services company which purchased the naming rights. Citi Field hosted the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
I am looking forward to having your child come to New York prepared to have the experience lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our museums, amusement parks, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family!
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Angela Wang
International Homestay Coordinator
New York Region
A Message from Barbara Nork
HELLO!
I am so excited to welcome your child to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; home of our State Capitol, scenic mountains, and events for all four seasons.
My name is Barbara Nork, and I have the pleasure of assisting you and your family as a Twinn Palms Homestay Coordinator. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has been my home my entire life. I reside in Susquehanna Township with my husband Edward of 23 years, and our two children, Andrew and Allison.
I am especially delighted to support Bishop McDevitt High School and Lebanon Catholic School, as I understand the values of a Catholic Education.
Personally, I enjoy cooking, physical fitness and fresh air. In Pennsylvania, we have the delight of enjoying all of the seasons, with Fall being my favorite. All seasons have their attributes, but I can honestly say that snowstorms are not one of them!
Location is another attribute. Harrisburg not only has its spectacular Capitol Building, but the State Museum, Arts and Science Center, and Metro Bank Park, home of the Harrisburg Senators (AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals!) In addition, Hersheypark, Hiking Trails, ski resorts, and an assortment of shopping and restaurants are within a short drive!
Thank you for learning a bit about myself and my community. I look forward to learning about your child, and making their transition a pleasant one. Please be assured myself, the Homestay Family, and the school community, will embrace this adventure together. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at any time.
Respectfully,
Barbara A. Nork
International Homestay Coordinator
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
A Message from Bob Collett
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Cape Cod, Massachusetts area, a popular American holiday destination featuring beautiful beaches, many historic landmarks and a generally temperate climate, though we experience of all four seasons. Cape Cod is 1 hour from the great cities of Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island.
My name is Bob, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Pocasset, a lovely, quiet seaside village that is well-known for the abundance of delectable shellfish in its local waters. Together with my wife of 26 years, Lisa, we have raised 3 wonderful children. We have been hosting international students since 2007.
I have been a lifelong resident of the Boston-Cape Cod area, and would like to share a bit about our community.
Cape Cod is a popular summer destination. Surrounded on three sides by the sea, it offers fantastic beaches, fishing, boating and sightseeing opportunities. We are also located next to Plymouth, Massachusetts, America’s Hometown, where the first European settlers arrived in the year 1620.
Boston and Providence are world-famous for its preponderance of excellent universities and colleges, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT ), Boston College, Boston University, Brown University, Northeastern University, Roger Williams University, Bryant University, and many more. Both cities offer wonderfully enriching opportunities for young people, including world-famous museums, aquariums, libraries, zoos and diverse ethnic neighborhoods, including Boston’s Chinatown. The entire region is also resplendent with desirable shopping opportunities.
By choosing to send your child to Massachusetts, you have made a wise choice. Public schools in our state are the highest-ranked in the United States…Yet the private schools, such as Pope John Paul II, outperform them consistently in standardized testing scores and university admissions.
I look forward to having your child come to Cape Cod prepared to have a rich and rewarding time, learning to improve English skills, enjoying all that our area has to offer, and most of all, getting to know and love his or her host family!
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he or she takes this brave and incredible educational journey here in the United States. I will care for your child as if he or she were my own!
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions, so feel free to e-mail or call me at any time.
Warm Regards,
Bob Collett
International Homestay Coordinator
Cape Cod Region
A Message from Cheryl Corlew
Hello!
I am so happy that your child has chosen to study in Lancaster, California. Lancaster is centrally located where within 90 minutes you can travel to the coast, Los Angeles or the mountains.
My name is Cheryl Corlew and I will be your child’s homestay coordinator. I have lived in Lancaster for most of my life. I have been married to my husband for the past 30 years. We have two sons, who both graduated from the same school that your child will be attending. Both my boys married their high school sweethearts. I am blessed to have one grandson, who is amazing! Being a grandparent is the best!
I also work at Desert Christian Schools as the International Student Coordinator. I have worked at Desert Christian Schools going on 20 years. Working at the school, I have the opportunity to communicate with your child and their teachers on a daily basis.Lancaster is located in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. The weather tends to be a little hot in the summer, but the nights usually cool off with a nice breeze. The winters can be chilly!
Lancaster is the hub of the Antelope Valley and home to the beauty and clear blue skies of the California High Desert. Home to the Antelope Valley CA Poppy Reserve, Musical Road, and the Aerospace Walk of Honor. Lancaster has grown into a bustling urban destination, offering an array of outdoor experiences with the backdrop of four seasons, local shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
The Antelope Valley has great events happening year round including the California Poppy Festival, LA County Air Show, Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix and the Antelope Valley Fair.I am looking forward to meeting your child, and to help him/her adjust to our American culture.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Corlew
International Homestay Coordinator
Desert Christian Schools
A Message from Christina Gotelli-Foo
Hello, my name is Christina Gotelli Foo and I will be your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I was born and raised in Stockton and even attended St. Mary’s High School where your child will be attending school. My children also attend school there so I am very familiar with the facility and staff. My education background is in psychology and child development, specifically helping children and teenagers as they transition through life. This experience serves me well as I help your child navigate this opportunity to study abroad.
The City of Stockton is one of California’s fastest growing communities. Stockton is currently the 13th largest city in California with a dynamic, multi-ethnic and multi cultural population of about 300,000. It is situated along the San Joaquin Delta waterway which connects to the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Stockton is located 60 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area, 83 miles east of San Francisco, and 45 miles south of Sacramento, the capital of California. While Stockton has an airport offering service to San Diego, Hawaii and Las Vegas, visitors usually fly in to Sacramento, Oakland or San Francisco.
Stockton offers an excellent quality of life for its residents. With over 100,000 trees, Stockton was recently recognized as the “Best Tree City” in the western United States. Stockton was also designated an All-America City by the National Civic League.
Stockton also has outstanding recreational opportunities. Stockton is within close proximity to world famous scenic attractions including the California Coast, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. The community offers many local recreational opportunities such as professional sports teams, an olympic size ice rink, and the Delta, which provides thousands of miles of waterways for water skiing, sailing and other water activities. There are also many opportunities to enjoy music, theater, dance, literary events, and other cultural and entertainment activities throughout the year. The City has its own symphony and opera company. There are plenty of shopping centers, malls and boutiques for shopping and socializing.
Ideally located in California’s Central Valley — close to San Francisco, coastal beaches, and Yosemite National Park — this dynamic inland city boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant, contemporary ambiance for your child to experience American living at its finest.
All my best,
Christina Gotelli-Foo
International Homestay Coordinator
St. Mary’s High School
Stockton, CA
A Message from Connie Kang
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Dallas TX area; home to Cowboys, museums, shopping centers and warm winter.
My name is Connie, the Homestay Coordinator for the international students in Dallas Christian School. I am excited for the opportunity and look forward to being involved in international education in this role. I desire to help students assimilate to American life. I was an international student and was grown up in China. I would love to share my experience as an international student both in campus and daily life. As being living in North America for more than 15 years, I am familiar with the American culture and would like to help the students to learn the other cultures in American way.
Dallas is a major city in the state of Texas and is the largest urban center of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city is the largest economic center of the 12-county Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan area (commonly referred to as DFW), which had a population of 7,102,796 as of July 1, 2015. In 2014, the metropolitan economy surpassed Washington, DC to become the fifth largest in the United States.
Dallas is a center of education for south central United States. In addition to those located in the city, the surrounding area also contains a number of universities, colleges, trade schools, and other educational institutions. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School with five Nobel Laureates—four in physiology/medicine and one in chemistry. We also have several great universities close by: Texas Woman’s University (TWU); University of North Texas at Dallas (UTD); Southern Methodist University (SMU); The University of Dallas (UD); The University of North Texas (UNT) and The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).
The Arts District in the northern section of Downtown is home to several arts venues and is the largest continuous arts district in the United States. On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Elm Street while his motorcade passed through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas. The upper two floors of the building from which alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy, the Texas School Book Depository, have been converted into a historical museum covering the former president’s life and accomplishments. The most notable event held in Dallas is the State Fair of Texas, which has been held annually at Fair Park since 1886. The fair is a massive event, bringing in an estimated $350 million to the city’s economy annually.
I am looking forward to having your child to come to Dallas, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our museums and events. Most of all will get to know and to love his/her family.
I consider it a privilege to welcome your child to Dallas while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you. Should you have any questions, feel free to e-mail or call me at any time.
Warm Regards,
Connie Kang
International Homestay Coordinator
Dallas Region
A Message from Crystal Flora
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Southern California area; home of wonderful beaches, landmark amusement parks, scenic mountains, warm sunny days and cool evenings.
My name is Crystal, and I am your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I have lived in the Greater Los Angeles area all my life. I have always been involved with young people — from my own nieces and nephews to teens in my community. I ran a successful business for years while volunteering with at-risk kids, until my sister challenged me to change lives by hosting international students.
I would like to share a bit about the community where your child will live. La Verne is about 40 minutes east of Los Angeles and 40 minutes north of Disneyland. Drive east for 90 minutes to snow ski at Big Bear and 90 minutes to the west for the beach! It really is in the center of excitement.
We have schools known for excellence such as the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) close by, and smaller more exclusive universities such as California Institute of Technology (Caltech) located in Pasadena or Claremont Colleges. We have several libraries that are open seven days a week. There are many cultural museums like the Getty Center, the Norton Simon Museum, the Museum of Motion Pictures and Television, and others. And of course, we are near the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood, not to mention ethno-centric communities such as Chinatown, and Olvera Street.
Living in a completely different culture can be difficult and sometimes you just want the tastes of home. That is why our international students from China are grateful we have several Asian Markets nearby where they sell food from China and other Asian countries. We also have many charming restaurants to explore and share with your child, while in the company of the host family or new friends. La Verne is far enough outside of the city of Los Angeles to have a “small town” feel to it, but also close enough to enjoy every imaginable entertainment.
I am honored to welcome your child to California and prepared to help them achieve the goals you dreamed of as a family when you decided to embark on this adventure. Rest assured, my first priority is facilitating a strong relationship and deep affection between your child and their host family. Expect to see their conversational English improve and their confidence grow as we work together — all while your child enjoys our beaches, amusement parks, and sightseeing.
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to be part of your child’s experiences in this incredible educational journey in the United States. If there is any way I can help make the distance between you and your child smaller, please feel free to email or call me any time.
I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Crystal Flora
International Homestay Coordinator
Southern California Region
David Esquibel
Greater Los Angeles Area
[email protected]
Cathedral Catholic High School
San Fernando Valley Academy
A Message from David Esquibel
As a resident of the Southern California area I am excited to welcome your child to the Greater Los Angeles Area; where we have wonderful seasonal weather, and the area is surrounded by beautiful scenic landmarks.
I would first like to formally introduce myself. My name is David Esquibel and I am will be your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in the Granada Hills area, and I have been happily married to my beautiful wife Rosario Esquibel for the past 35 years, and together we have three children. My oldest son is a graduate from UC Berkeley and is happily married. My beautiful daughter is currently attending UCLA. While my youngest son is full of excitement and fun and is attending elementary school.
Having been a lifelong resident of the beautiful Greater Los Angeles area I would like to share some things about the community your child will be living in.
First there are several top universities close by such as; University of Southern California (USC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Pepperdine University, and California State University Northridge (CSUN). There are numerous libraries that are open 7 days a week, and there are plenty of museums around the area such as the Getty Museum. Another way to spend time is shopping! One main area to shop is the Westfield Northridge Mall which is in the city of Northridge. There are many well-known brands from around the world located in that mall and this specific mall is only 10-15 minutes away from Cathedral High School. There are many other outdoor malls to explore throughout Los Angeles.
Coming to a different country can be a difficult transition, so it is great to have a diverse community where we have several Asian markets nearby where they sell food from China and from other Asian countries. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child, as well.
In the Greater Los Angeles area, your child will never be bored because we have great places of fun and entertainment such as; Disneyland Resort, Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Los Angeles Zoo, Chinatown, Santa Monica Pier, and Big Bear Mountain Resort . The Greater Los Angeles area is home to Hollywood where movies are produced and made. Los Angeles also supports a variety of sports venues such as; Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Southern California, prepared to have the experience of a lifetime, while learning to improve his/her English skills, enjoy our beaches, amusement parks, enjoy sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and love his/her host family!
I am pleased to welcome and open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes on this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please be advised that I am available anytime should you have any questions or concerns, so please do not hesitate to email or call me anytime. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child while embracing and learning about the Chinese culture as well.
All my Best,
David Esquibel
International Homestay Coordinator
Greater Los Angeles Area
Devon Woodward
West Central and South Florida
[email protected]
Clearwater Central Catholic High School
Keswick Christian School
St. Petersburg Catholic High School
A Message from Devon Woodward
Hi! I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Central Florida area; home of Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, wonderful beaches and last but not least terrific schools.
My name is Devon, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Brandon Florida, a suburb of the Tampa Bay area. I have been married for 13 years and together with my husband Eric are raising three wonderful children. I fell in love with hosting and working with International students seven years ago.
I have lived in the Tampa Bay area for 13 years and would like to share a bit about the community your child will be living in.
We have several great universities: Florida State University, Stetson University and University of Florida. We have several libraries that are open seven days a week. There are many museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, Salvador Dalí Museum and The Florida Holocaust Museum. Tampa is also home to MOSI Museum of Science & Industry, The Clearwater Aquarium and Florida Museum of Natural History.
There are lots of places to shop! One of them is the International Plaza and Bay Street which is located in Tampa. We have many name brand outlets as well in Sarasota and the Orlando area. We also have a mall in Clearwater where there are lots of clothing stores and different restaurants to choose from.
Coming to a different country is a difficult transition. There are several Asian Markets nearby where they sell food from China and other Asian countries. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child as well.
Here, in the Tampa Bay area, your child will never be bored because we have great places of entertainment like the Lowry Park Zoo, great beaches and actives for teens.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Florida prepared to have the time of his/her life, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our beaches, amusement parks, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family!
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Devon Woodward
International Homestay Coordinator
Central Florida Region
A Message from Dinora Kellam
Hello! I am thrilled to welcome your child to the north-central part of Maryland, Baltimore also known as “Charm City” is home of Edgar Allan Poe, The Orioles baseball team and The Ravens football team.
My name is Dinora, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I am originally from Mexico City where I was a High school English teacher for over 7 years.
Baltimore became my second home 5 years ago when I arrived to the United States in a student exchange program where I attended Towson University and get to know amazing people from different parts of the world, this has also given me the opportunity to understand more of what your child is about to experience by studying abroad.
I would like to share a little bit about the community your child will be living in. Besides many great Universities such as Johns Hopkins, Towson, Notre Dame of Maryland, and Loyola, Baltimore has more public monuments than any other city in the country and is home to the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. Also the city’s convenient location just about 44 miles from Washington D.C. gives it another great reason to live in.
Baltimore is known for its Maryland blue crabs, crab cakes and Old Bay Seasoning. The city has many restaurants in and around the Inner Harbor like Little Italy or Fells Point, two foodie neighborhoods for tourist and locals.
Last but not least, when it comes to shopping Baltimore has one of the largest mall in the state of Maryland, Arundel Mills Mall offers to its customers over 225 stores, an Egyptian themed theater and is the first enclosed mall to feature a Medieval Times dinner theater.
Coming to a different country is a difficult transition however there are several Asian Markets that offer a huge variety of products, there are also different Asian restaurants that host families will be happy to take your child to and learn more about the culture.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Baltimore prepared to have an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience.
It is a privilege for me to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as she/he takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share the American Culture and my community with your child as is her/his host family.
All my best,
Dinora Kellam
International Homestay Coordinator
Baltimore and Hyattsville MD
A Message from Edith Cuevas
I am thrilled to welcome your child to Reedley, CA. From dining to shopping, people can view art galleries downtown and can taste exquisite cuisine from Armenian to Italian and Mexican to Asian. There are cafes and popular spots such as Kelly’s Beach Resort and Mainstream Cafe. Reedley is known for it’s agriculture, particularly fruit and vegetable cultivation and referred to as “The World’s Fruit Basket”.
My name is Edith Cuevas, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Selma, CA, which is a 15 minute drive to Reedley. I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States when I was three years old. I grew up and attended school in the Central Valley. I majored in Linguistics with an emphasis in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) at CSU, Fresno. After I graduated from CSU, Fresno, I taught English in South Korea for one year. When I returned home, I wanted to work with international students. Living in South Korea, I was very fortunate to have many people help me adjust to the culture shock, which inspired me to work with international students experiencing the difficulties of living in a new country. When I returned from South Korea, I worked with Chinese students as a Residential Hall Advisor for a boarding school. I enjoyed working with the students, but I also wanted to work one-on-one with the host families. TwinnPalms made it possible for me to do this.
I know first hand the difficulties of living in a new country and learning a new language. It can be challenging, but with help, it can be an easy transition and a great experience. It takes time to adjust to new foods and students may miss their home country food. There are a few Chinese restaurants in Reedley, and just 30 minutes drive to Fresno, there are Asian restaurants and supermarkets. Reedley is surrounded by national parks and beaches. Sequoia National Park is about an hour away and is known for its huge Sequoia trees. Adjacent to the park is Kings Canyon National Park, which is located in the Southern Sierra Nevada mountain range. Yosemite National Park is one of the top seven wonders of the world, and is less than 2 hours from Reedley. Yosemite is known for the highest waterfalls in the U.S., a vast wilderness area, and much more.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Reedley for the experience of a lifetime, learning to improve their conversational English, enjoying shopping, amusement parks, sightseeing, and most of all, getting to know and love their host family.
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences on this incredible educational journey in the United States. Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions. Feel free to email me or contact me at any time. I am eager to share American culture and community with your child, as their host family.
All my best,
Edith Cuevas
International Homestay Coordinator Reedley Region
Edyta Rozborska Piotrowicz
Queens, New York
[email protected]
Christ the King Regional High School
Middle Village, Queens
Martin Luther School
Maspeth, Queens
A Message from Edyta Rozborska Piotrowicz
Hello and greetings from New York City, my name is Edyta Rozborska Piotrowicz.
I originate from Poland, but have already been living in this great city for more than 15 years.
Welcome to Queens! (This Area) is full of nice and quiet neighborhoods, yet still manages to be close to the center of a very active city. We have great universities and colleges, libraries, museums and galleries. These areas are full of restaurants and shops, and many lovely parks to relax in.
Many neighborhoods in Queens are diverse and full of people from around the world, and transport is plentiful; just a short commute to the tourist attractions of Manhattan. I hope everyone enjoys what Queens and New York have to offer.
First and foremost I am a mom, of 15-year-old boy – Patryk and a 1-year-old girl – Pola but also enjoy fashion and traveling.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management from Professional School of Business in Krakow, Poland and I have been working with international students for many years. In Poland I worked as a marketing manager in a Polish Language School for Foreigners and in the United States I worked as an activity and housing coordinator at a language school, and as an admission and housing coordinator at ASA College in the International Department.
My experience shows I am proficient at, and enjoy working with international students from all over the world. While at the same time learning about them and what makes them unique.
When I found out about the opportunity to work at Twinn Palms I felt I would be a great match due to my experience and joy of working with students. So far I am enjoying being a Homestay Coordinator and helping students whenever they need me.
I wish to continue helping students through my job while experiencing their development both academically and socially. Overall I look forward to the future and I’m exited for the experiences soon to come.
All my best,
Edyta Rozborska Piotrowicz
International Homestay Coordinator
Elizabeth Quaranta
Greater New York Region
[email protected]
Academy of Mount St. Ursula
Cardinal Spellman High School
Dominican Academy
John A. Coleman High School
The Mary Louis Academy
Bergen Catholic High School
A Message from Elizabeth Quaranta
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the North East Region New York State and the 5 boroughs of New York City area; home to the Empire State Building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and other iconic sites, New York City is a fast-paced, globally influential center of art, culture, fashion and finance also nicknamed “The Big Apple”.
My name is Elizabeth, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in New York. I have two grown college age daughters and together we have hosted many great international students for over 15 years. Today, we continue to keep in touch with our prior hosted students. I also help other host families to provide the best experiences for their student like the ones I had with my daughters and our hosted students.
I am a native New Yorker and would like to share a bit about the community your child will be living in. One of the best things about living in New York state is how accessible everything is including getting around NYC. Living outside of the 5 boroughs welcomes a more natural landscape of residential houses, smaller communities that are less populated and driving a car is needed for local shopping, visiting friends or driving into NYC.
Within the 5 boroughs of NYC is the New York City famous subway system where millions of working people and students ride everyday to get to their destination. Riding the subway in-between the 5 boroughs is the way of life for the average New Yorker. Each of the NYC boroughs can be visited easily from each other. The 5 boroughs are Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Manhattan: Packed with iconic attractions, an expansive offering of theater shows, live music, great shopping, and wonderful sidewalk streets Manhattan is the center of the action in New York City.Brooklyn: is home to numerous diverse communities, the Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island and trendy boutique eateries.
Queens: A mix of classic NYC attractions (Citi-Field; Flushing Meadows Corona Parks) and burgeoning art and dining scenes that includes Flushing, the heart of great authentic Asian foods.
Bronx: The only New York borough that’s physically attached to the mainland of America. The biggest attractions in the Bronx are: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx Zoo, and The New York Botanical Gardens.
Staten Island: With coastline attractions, Staten Island remains an unspoiled paradise right here in New York City. A classic visit to the southernmost borough usually involves a ride on the free Staten Island Ferry. It has 9,300 acres of parkland. It has an indoor skateboard park, which is very popular among the students.
Living in a different country is a difficult transition. New York/ NYC is known for its world cuisine that offers every type of food. Asian markets can be found everywhere.
I am looking forward to having your child come to New York/NYC prepared to have the experience of a lifetime. I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Elizabeth Quaranta
International Homestay Coordinator
New York/NYC
A Message from Gracjana Sawicki
I am thrilled to welcome your child to Long Island, New York; home of wonderful beaches, fresh air and Summer Gateways.
My name is Gracjana Sawicki, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Flanders, a suburb of Riverhead just 10 minutes away from Bishop McGann-Mercy High School which your child will be attending. I came to U.S. from Poland 15 years ago. I have studied Hotel and Restaurant Management in Poland and graduated from college in Early Childhood Education in America. I operate a Group Family Daycare in my home for Polish children. I have been married for 8 years and I have a son who is 7 years old. He is attending 2nd grade. He is a curious little boy who enjoys swimming, gymnastics and just started taking piano lessons. We are a very adventurous family. Together with my husband, we love to travel, hike and scuba dive. We enjoy living in Riverhead area very much. I hope your child will enjoy it as well.
We have several universities such as Long Island University, Hofstra University, LIU Brooklyn, LIU Post and more. We have a Free Library in Riverhead that is open seven days a week which offers not only books but also interesting programs and bus trips.
We have four seasons on Long Island. Even though the summer is the most beautiful season here, there is always something to do all year long. Riverhead is known for Splish Splash, one of the Best Water Parks in America and Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center with Butterflies & Birds Exhibits, Kayaking & Canoeing and the Long Island Science Center. It is very peaceful here in wintertime but everything comes to life again when the spring begins.
There are lots of places to eat and shop! Tanger Outlets is a mall with great known name brands to shop from and is less than 10 minutes away from Bishop McGann. The area is home to many little and big restaurants.
The New York City is a two hour ride away. There are many museums, shops and theatres not to mention the famous Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. 20 minutes away going East, are the Hamptons where many celebrities have their summer homes.
Coming to a different country for some people may be a hard transition. Fortunately, I live very close to Bishop McGann and together with host families I will be able to help your child with anything he/she may need during his/her stay in America. Together with other international students, we meet at least once a month to have fun and share positives and negatives (if any) that students may experience at school or while living with host families.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am available for you and your child any time and being an international student myself in the past, I am eager to share what I have learned about American culture.
Warm Regards,
Gracjana Sawicki
A Message from Greg Fisher
Hello! I am so excited to welcome your child to the Central New England area; home of the White Mountains, famous Foliage seasons, and incredible coastline, filled with lighthouses and shoals. Some local schools have boasted being among the oldest and most prestigious schools in the United States.
My name is Greg, I am your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in a town called Loudon, a northern town with an iconic racetrack. I am one brother of five boys in my family and have had several students from China and South Korea live with my family. Those boys feel like family to my own and I take care to keep in contact with them. I have been able to help students find homes and experiences like my family had with our students.
Although I have been to many different countries, New Hampshire will always be my home of 23 years. I would like to share some things about the area where I grew up.
New Hampshire has dozens of amazing ski mountains and scenic mountain roads. Dartmouth, Keene State, St. Anselm’s, University of New Hampshire, and Southern New Hampshire University who frequently boasts regional soccer championship wins. Secondary schools like Pinkerton, Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, St. Thomas Academy have all been in education since before the 1900’s.
There are endless places to shop as well! No sales taxes save buyers much when they shop at the Tilton, Merrimack, Manchester, Foxrun, and Kittery outlets and malls. Southern New Hampshire is also just a quick drive to Boston, one of the United States oldest cities, filled with weekends full of fun, food, and sights.
Living in a different country is a difficult transition for anyone. I am here to make this experience for your child not only beneficial to their education, but also to their life journey, where they learn and grow into well-rounded young men and women.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to emailor call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Greg Fisher
International Homestay Coordinator
Coe-Brown Northwood Academy
Jacqueline Manibusan’s Biography (2015)
Jackie brought a lot of passion with her when she joined the Twinn Palms team in 2014, as the Northern California Coordinator. She is responsible for the oversight of Salesian Catholic High School in the East Bay and the French American International School in San Francisco. Her four years’ experience as an international program coordinator, coupled with her ongoing experience as an international host parent, provides experiential expertise to the Twinn Palms team. When her youngest child left for college, changing lives became her passion!
Jackie completed a 20 year career with the Catholic Church as Catholic Charities’ Director of Detention Ministry and enjoys her new career in the public service arena as Communication Manager of a San Francisco Bay Area school district. Jackie’s career and training in mediation and communication prepared her well for the Twinn Palms team. Jackie has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Human Development from the California State University, East Bay. As a life-long resident of the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, she has been happily married for 25 years. She considers it a privilege to open her home and life while providing great experiences for the students that make the journey to the U.S.
A Message from Jamie Puleo
Greetings!
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Rhode Island; where we have almost 400 miles of coastline, 20 percent of the country’s historic landmarks, the sailing capital of the world, and a college scene that is rich in history, variety and creativity.
My name is Jamie, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in South County, Rhode Island, a beautiful area located 20 miles south of Providence. I have been married for 11 years and together with my husband Matthew, we have three children.
For the past two years, we have had the distinct pleasure of hosting international students. To say the least, it has become my family’s passion.
I have been a lifelong resident of historic Rhode Island and would like to share a bit about the Community your child will be living in.
We have several great universities within a 20 minute drive, like Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson and Wales University, and the University of Rhode Island. We have several libraries that are open seven days a week. Boston, Massachusetts is a short 60 minute drive from the South County area. New York City is a quick 3 hour train ride. It is home to beautiful beaches, bike paths, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, The New England Aquarium, Yawgoo Ski and Snow Tube Park, and the Newport Tennis Museum.
There are lots of places to shop and Providence Place Mall is one of our favorites. We also have brand name shopping outlets within a 45 minute car ride.
Coming to a different country is a hard transition. That is why we have Asian Markets nearby where they sell food from China and other Asian countries. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child, as well.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Rhode Island and prepared to have fun. This is the learning experience of a lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our beaches, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family!
I consider it a privilege to welcome your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Jamie Puleo
International Homestay Coordinator
A Message from Jennifer K. Pyle
Hello!
My name is Jennifer and I am the Homestay Coordinator at Academy of the Holy Names. I look forward to welcoming your child to Albany, New York’s Capital City. Albany has a rich history and culture and offers an abundance of theaters and performing arts, museums, sporting events, parks and recreation and a wide array of shopping. In addition, its close proximity to the metropolitan areas of Boston and New York City as well as the majestic Adirondack Mountains affords visitors an endless array of travel possibilities.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and have worked in the education field for over two decades as a policy analyst and advocate. I am a lifelong resident of New York State and I have been married for 24 years to my husband, Derek. We have one wonderful daughter, Zara, who is a sophomore at Academy of the Holy Names. She has attended the school since preschool and I have and continue to be extremely active in the parent association of the school where I currently serve as President.
My family thoroughly enjoys taking advantage of the many sites and activities the Albany area offers. We often organize outings and experiences for my Twinn Palms students including attending Broadway theater productions, skiing, day trips to area amusement parks and outings to enjoy some of the many amazing local restaurants and shopping centers!
Albany’s Capital District is home to many colleges and universities and is located within driving distance to some of the most prestigious schools in the country. The long and impressive history of our area is evident in the many museums and historic sites. In addition, there are endless opportunities to attend theater and concerts of all types. The Upstate New York region is also home to many parks and recreation areas with some of the most beautiful waterways and mountain ranges you can imagine. Shopping venues are also numerous and Albany is only a couple of hours from the excitement and adventures awaiting visitors in New York City and Boston.
I look forward to getting to know your child and assisting her with the transition. I make it a point to spend a great deal of time with my Twinn Palms students and their families and I am in the school regularly. All of my students are encouraged to keep in close touch and know I am available to them at any time to assist with any concerns they may have. I believe it is my duty to care for your child as I would my own and I expect no less of my host families, all of which are as committed and passionate about their students as I am.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time via email or phone. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to get to know you and your child and I am eager to assist in making your child’s experience as successful and rewarding as possible.
Warm regards,
Jennifer K. Pyle
International Homestay Coordinator
Academy of the Holy Names
A Message from Jian Liu
Hi! I am thrilled to welcome your child to the US Northeast Philadelphia area; Philadelphia is a historical city, where United States announced its independence. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed – and other American Revolutionary sites. No less iconic are the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in the film “Rocky.”
My name is Jian Liu, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I am a proud mother of two children, who are students in the US Pennsylvania public school system. Both of them are in middle school. My starting profession is a teacher. After I obtained my bachelor’s degree in History at Shanxi University, I became a certified high school teacher and taught for three years in Chengcheng High School in Taiyuan, China. I loved to be a teacher working with those teenage students. Teaching is one of the best parts of my career and I currently still serve as a teacher in Philadelphia Chinese schools and have been teaching for more than 6 years. My two Master’s Degrees in Law and Political Science respectively were earned from China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing and Villanova University in Pennsylvania. I came to the United States 17 years ago and have settled down in Philadelphia suburban area ever since. For the past 15 years I have served as an Immigration Specialist in law firms in Philadelphia center city helping immigrants from all over the world to obtain their visa status and permanent residency in the United States. My professional service was featured in international journal of China Fortune in 2009. I currently is as an International Homestay Coordinator at TwinnPalms at your service.
I have lived in Philadelphia suburban for the last 17 years. I take it as my home and I would like to share a bit about the community your child will be living in.
Philadelphia is not only renowned for its importance in the US history, but also famous about its internationally top ranking universities, such as Ivy League school, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, which has long-term partnership with Tsinghua University, in China, Drexel University, and Villanova University, which is the best university in Northeastern Region. We have several libraries that are open seven days a week. There are many museums such as Philadelphia Museum of Arts, which is one of the nationwide top museums, University of Pennsylvania Museum, which has extensive world renowned collection of historical arts. On top that, we have Rodin Museum, Science Museum and many more! These museums are home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history and world-class research and educational programs. The Philadelphia Zoo is an historic treasure with 1,000 endangered and rescued animals.
There are lots of places to shop in this area! One of them is the Philadelphia Premium Outlet, which is located in the western suburban of Philadelphia. It includes hundreds world-class name brands to shop from and it is only about 45 minutes away from center city Philadelphia. We also have famous King of Prussia shopping mall where there are lots of clothing stores and different restaurants. More importantly, Philadelphia has a huge Chinese community, we have all kinds of Chinese associations. Our Chinese community celebrates all Chinese festivals from Spring Festival to Moon Festival. Chinatown has all kinds of activities throughout the year! Your child will feel at home here in Philadelphia! We may also have them to come to our Chinese schools to be volunteers to earn credit for their college application!
Coming to a different country is a hard transition. That is why we have several Asian Markets nearby where they sell food from China and other Asian countries. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child, as well. Certainly Philadelphia Chinatown is where your child can find everything they need from Chinese vegetables to traditional Chinese outfits, books, music, and many more!
In addition, Philadelphia is three hours away to the north to New York City and three hours away down south to United States capital city, Washington DC. Further down all the way to the south is Florida, where Disney World is! Philadelphia is also only two hours away from beautiful New Jersey and Delaware beach! That’s where our hosting families usually spend their summer!
I am looking forward to having your child come to Philadelphia prepared to have the time of a lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our beaches, amusement parks, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family! Philadelphia has very pleasant place to live. It is a beautiful city with beautiful weather and famous Philadelphia Brotherly Love!
I consider it a privilege to open my family and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me any time. Please believe that we will take good care of your child in the US.
All my best,
Jian Liu
International Homestay Coordinator
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A Message from Jody Stephen
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Eastern Kansas area, often described as “The Land of Oz.” You can enjoy the four seasons, professional sports, theatre and concerts, museums of art, history and science, nationally famous shopping areas and the beauty of our parks and fountains.
My name is Jody Stephen, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Olathe, a suburb of the Kansas City area. I have a passion for helping students prepare for their future. Working with international students has offered me this opportunity for many years. I have hosted students, served as a coordinator, trainer and helped American students with the opportunity to experience a different culture. My career as a teacher and administrator provides the experience and knowledge to be a resource for your child. I have been a lifelong resident of Kansas and will be proud to share our culture.
We have several great universities, in state, like the University of Kansas in Lawrence, University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas State University in Manhattan and Wichita State in Wichita. We have libraries throughout our community open seven days a week. There are many museums like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Steam Ship Arabia, and the National World War Museum. There is a planetarium, natural history museum and a world-class research and educational program close by.
There are lots of fun places to shop! The most famous is the Country Club Plaza, known for their 150 fountains and lots of famous brands to explore. There are also two large shopping areas about 15 minutes from the school you will attend. You will have access to many clothing stores, unique boutiques and restaurant options.
Coming to a different country is a hard transition. Asian Markets are nearby. They sell from China and other Asian countries which should make the transition easier.
Here, in the Eastern Kansas area, your child will have many places to explore. There is the Swope Park Zoo, great landmarks like the World War Museum, theme parks, concerts, and outdoor activities that include Starlight Theatre, swimming, sledding, sailing, nature walks and biking.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Kansas to experience a new culture, improve his/her conversational English, enjoy our seasons, amusement parks, sightseeing, and most of all get to know and to love his/her host family!
It is a privilege to open my home and life to your child. There will be lifetime memories as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions. Feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
Kind regards,
Jody Stephen, EdD, CAE
International Homestay Coordinator
Eastern Kansas Region
Joel Rosado
Staten Island, NY
[email protected]
Moore Catholic High School
Holy Trinity Diocesan High School
A Message from Joel Rosado
Hi, I am happy to welcome your child to Staten Island one of the five boroughs of New York City. Which is home to land marks such as the Verrazano bridge, Old Historic Richmond Town, beautiful parks and beaches, and some the most amazing scenic views of the NYC skylines from the northeastern side of Staten Island.
My Name Is Joel, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I am a Staten Island resident.I am happily married with two beautiful daughters whom I’m extremely blessed to have in my life. My youngest daughter is in high school, my oldest attending Binghamton University. I love spending time with my family, whether it’s going on vacations, simple movie nights, or family gatherings.
Coming to a different country is a hard transition but Staten Island being the most suburban of the five boroughs, allows your child many opportunities to explore a lot of diverse neighborhoods which cater to different ethnicities, as well as age groups. This provides many different grocery and dining options, which cater to the Asian communities.
Living in Staten Island gives you advantages of attending many great Universities here or in the other New York City boroughs. New York University, Columbia University and Cornell University to name a few of the best colleges New York have to offer. We have many historical monuments and museums such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History.
There are also many attractions in NYC like Times Square, which is known for its Broadway plays and electronic billboards! If you love to shop there’s the famous Fifth Avenue, which boasts some the top brands in fashion. There’s also Chinatown located in the lower portion of Manhattan. It is full of landmarks important to the history of New York. Chinatown is full of authentic Chinese restaurants and ancient Chinese herbs.
Coming to Staten Island there are also many fun things to do. We have the Staten Island Zoo, landmarks such as Old Historic Richmond Town, the Staten Island Ferry and for you sports fanatics we have our own Staten Island Yankees baseball team.
I look forward to meeting your child and helping them with their transition here in their school and with their homestay family. Helping them prepare for an amazing life changing experience and educational journey will be such a privilege for me.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me any time.
Sincerely,
Joel Rosado
International Homestay Coordinator
New York Region
A Message from Kenzie Chase
I am excited to welcome your child to Charleston South Carolina. Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and mannerly people, Charleston is a popular tourist destination and has received a large number of accolades. In 2016, Charleston was ranked the “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure.
My name is Kenzie Chase my family and I have lived in Charleston for the past 14 years and have hosted international students for seven of those years.
We have come to love this city for so many reasons. One of which is, Charleston annually hosts Spoleto Festival USA a 17-day art festival featuring over 100 performances by individual artists in a variety of disciplines. The Spoleto Festival is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. Other festivals and events include Historic Charleston Foundation’s Festival of Houses and Gardens and Charleston Antiques Show, the Taste of Charleston, The Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the Cooper River Bridge Run, The Charleston Marathon, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), Charleston Food and Wine Festival, Charleston Fashion Week, the MOJA Arts Festival, and the Holiday Festival of Lights (at James Island County Park), and the Charleston International Film Festival.
By choosing to send your child to Charleston, they would have the opportunity to take advantage of the fact that Charleston is home to a number of professional, minor league, and amateur sports teams. The Charleston Battery, a professional soccer team, The South Carolina Stingrays, a professional hockey team, The Charleston RiverDogs, a Minor League Baseball team. The Charleston Outlaws RFC is a rugby union , The Family Circle Tennis Center hosts major Women’s Tennis Association Events such as the Volvo Car Open. The facility is located on Daniel Island, very close to Bishop England High School.
Bishop England High School, Porter-Gaud School, and Ashley Hall are the city’s oldest and most prominent private schools, and are a significant part of Charleston history, dating back some 150 years.
Public institutions of higher education in Charleston include the College of Charleston (the nation’s 13th-oldest university), The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and the Medical University of South Carolina. The city is also home to private universities, including the Charleston School of Law. Charleston is also the location for the only college in the country that offers bachelor’s degrees in the building arts, The American College of the Building Arts. The Art Institute of Charleston, located downtown on North Market Street. In addition, Charleston Southern University is located in nearby North Charleston.
For all those that love the outdoor living, Charleston is the place to be. Charleston has many public beaches and parks as well as plantation gardens. The recreation opportunities are endless.
This city is so captivating that your child will make themselves right at home. Their host family will assist them in maneuvering through the cultural transition and improving their conversational English.
Please know I’m available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have at any point in the process. I look forward to introducing your child to all that the Charleston has to offer.
Best Wishes,
Kenzie Chase
International Homestay Coordinator
Charleston Region
A Message from Kimberli Pacheco
Greetings from the Great Northwest!
I am delighted to welcome your child to the Western Washington area, home of beautiful waterfronts, fresh water lakes, gorgeous mountains and the warm sunny spring days and mild winters.
My name is Kimberli , I will be your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Tacoma, which is located about 30 miles from Seattle. I have two beautiful children. My daughter graduated recently from Central Washington University and resides in Ellensburg and my son who is entering his sophomore year in high school. I am very involved with his sports and in my community.
I have lived in Washington for majority of my life and would love to share our beautiful state and community.
We have several great universities like the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington University, Central Washington University and several private universities. There are several museums in our area like the Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Flight, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project Museum and The Glass Museum. In Seattle the Woodland Park Zoo is home to 35 endangered and five threatened animal species. Experience breathtaking views of the Puget Sound while visiting the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
There are so many opportunities and activities to participate and experience in the Great Northwest. Beautiful mountains for hiking in the spring and skiing in the winter. With the mild weather in our area it is great for bike riding and sightseeing. If you enjoy sports we are home to the Super Bowl Champions Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners Baseball team and Seattle Sounders professional soccer team. We have some of the malls and outlet malls for shopping.
Coming to a different country can be a hard transition. In our area we have several Asian Markets and restaurants that sell food from China and other Asian countries. Your host family and I look forward to sharing some of our favorites with you.
I am looking forward to your child coming to Washington prepared for a experience of a lifetime, learning and improving his/her conversational English, while enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest and making life long memories and experiences with his/her loving host family.
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life while providing a memorable experience as he/she takes on this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email me or call me anytime. I am so excited and eager to share my community and culture with your child.
Warm Regards,
Kimberli Pacheco
International Homestay Coordinator
Western Washington Region
A Message from Kristi Ciresi
I am thrilled to welcome your child to sunny Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville is the largest city by population in the U.S. state of Florida, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. There are limitless ways to have fun when you’re in Jacksonville. You can sink your toes into Jacksonville’s sandy beaches. Explore our abundant waterways. Shop and dine in eclectic neighborhoods or enjoy a game at a professional sports arena!
My name is Kristi, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in the heart of Jacksonville, just four minutes from the school that your child will be attending. I have been married for 25 years and met my husband while attending college here in Jacksonville, Florida. We have three children, Lindsey (22), Trey (20), and Timothy (16). All of our children graduated or will graduate from University Christian School.
Here in the Jacksonville area, your child will never be bored. Our city has libraries all around town that are open seven days a week. We also have the Museum of Science and History, the Cummer Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens sits at the mouth of the Trout River. The Zoo occupies approximately 117 acres and has over 2,400 animals in its collection.
With Jacksonville being constantly ranked as a top arts destination, it’s no stretch to believe our theatre scene is thriving! The live performance scene in Jacksonville is eclectic and inspiring! Whether you are looking to see the latest broadway plays with the FSCJ Artist Series of Jacksonville or the longest running dinner theatre in the nation at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining we’ve got something for any audience.
There are lots of places to shop! One of them is the St. Johns Town Center. The St. Johns Town Center is an upscale super-regional open-air mall. It opened its doors on March 18, 2005 with over 100 stores, many of which were new to the Jacksonville market at the time.[Key tenants are Anthropologie, Apple , Cache, Sephora, Guess, Louis Vuitton, LaCoste, Lucky Brand Jeans, Bebe, P.F. Chang’s, Maggiano’s Little Italy and The Cheesecake Factor.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Florida prepared to have the time of a lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our beaches, sightseeing and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family!
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she take this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions. Please feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All My Best,
Kristi Ciresi
International Homestay Coordinator
Jacksonville, FL
A Message from Lisa Spearman
Welcome to Southwest Florida. This has been my home since 1987. I am thrilled to show you the beautiful beaches and many outdoor activities that only living in Florida allows.
My name is Lisa and I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. I moved to Fort Myers in 1987 and have enjoyed living in this vacation destination for many years. I was a banker for over 27 years and moved into education as I had the ability to raise funding and grow the school in many ways. I love being around my students. I believe that ECS is a unique place that changes students lives.
We have Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida Southwestern University right in this town which are two great schools. There are many shopping malls indoor and outdoor. The food choices are exceptional.
While I understand moving is a difficult transition, we are here to help you with that transition. Many home away from home options are available for food and for entertainment. You will be happy with this choice. I am looking forward to meeting your student and getting to know how wonderful they are as well. I look forward to knowing your student and watching them grow and develop into the mature wonderful children they are to become.
Always,
Lisa Spearman
International Homestay Coordinator
Southwest Florida
A Message from Maddie Xie
Welcome to Orlando, “The City Beautiful”. Orlando is located in central Florida approximately a two-hour drive from the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Best known as the home of Walt Disney World, this city is also the largest concentration of family entertainment attractions, such as Universal Studio and SeaWorld, Cape Canaveral, and the Kennedy Space Center.
As your child’s homestay coordinator, I am Maddie Xie. I live in Dr. Phillips, a Orlando suburb community. This community was rated by Time Magazine as the top 26th best place to live in the U.S. I immigrated to Florida from Vietnam more than 30 years ago, I am fluent in Vietnamese, Cantonese and Mandarin. I am married and have two children. My husband, Jack, came from Shanghai at a young age also. My son, Brandon, is attending Florida State University. He is majoring in Actuarial Science. My Daughter, Sydni, is a senior in high school. She will be attending University of Florida next fall.
The climate in central Florida has a subtropical climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The average temperature is 24 degrees Celsius (75° Fahrenheit). Summers are hot and humid with almost daily afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are pleasantly mild with sunny weather and comfortable temperatures.
There are great universities close by: UCF, University of Central Florida, promotes a diverse and inclusive environment. It is an emerging preeminent research institution and America’s Partnership University. Another great university is UF. University of Florida is consistently ranked among the nation’s top universities. It offers multiple graduate professional programs including business administration, engineering, law, dentistry, medicine, and veterinary medicine.
There are many things to do in Orlando beside theme parks. Orlando area offers several beautiful parks, interesting museums, great local restaurants and shops. It also has a handful of waterfront attractions, entertaining shows, and many sports venues. Your child will sure enjoy all these activities at his/her leisure while attending school here.
I look forward to having your child come to Orlando prepared to have a rich and rewarding time, learning to improve English skills, enjoying all that our area has to offer, and most of all, getting to know and love his or her host family!
I am glad to welcome your child. I am committed to ensuring your child’s well being and maximizes his/her potential in learning while in a safe environment. Do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or questions.
Best Regards,
Maddie Xie
A Message from Marie Marheineke
I am so happy to welcome your child to the beautiful Monterey Bay Area; where the mountains meet the ocean and home of beautiful beaches, conservation areas, and temperate weather year round.
My name is Marie Marheineke, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Aptos, which is a small town in Santa Cruz County nestled near the coast. I have been married for 13 years and together with my husband John are raising four children. We are enjoying being part of their many activities and look forward to them attending the same high school where your child will attend.
I am a transplant to Santa Cruz County after going to college in San Francisco. I have lived here for nearly 14 years and have been very active in our area! I would like to share with you about the community your child will be living in.Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties are home to UC Santa Cruz and Cal State Monterey Bay. We are not a long drive from universities such as Santa Clara University, Stanford University and others in Northern California. We have many libraries in Santa Cruz County that are open typically six days a week. Santa Cruz County is home to the Seymour Center, which is a marine research center for UCSC and has a visitor’s center and other marine sanctuaries. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is only a 35-minute drive from Watsonville.
Santa Cruz has a wonderful outdoor mall called the Pacific Garden Mall. There are many shops and restaurants to cruise. Santa Cruz is also home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. All along the coast heading south are little coastal neighborhoods that have shops and places to eat. In Watsonville itself there is a big Target store and several Starbucks locations!
There is a vibrant Asian community throughout Santa Cruz County. In Watsonville there are many Chinese and Japanese restaurants and some local Asian markets. Many of my current host families will take their students to visit some of the larger Asian Markets in the San Jose area so their student can find their favorite snacks and food items that remind them of home.
I am looking forward to having your child come to California and experience what our local community has to offer. Visiting places like the beach, nature trails, amusement parks with their hostfamily and of course attending school will improve their English rapidly!
Please know that your children become my children and I will be there for them whenever they need me. I am always available to you, so please feel free to call, email or WeChat me with any questions.
Peace,
Marie Marheineke
International Homestay Coordinator
Northern California Region
A Message from Matthew DiTomasso
Greetings!
I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Rhode Island; where we have almost 400 miles of coastline, 20 percent of the country’s historic landmarks, the sailing capital of the world, and a college scene that is rich in history, variety and creativity.
My name is Matthew, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in South County, Rhode Island, a beautiful area located 20 miles south of Providence. I have been married for 11 years and together with my wife Jamie, we have three children.
For the past two years, we have had the distinct pleasure of hosting international students. To say the least, it has become my family’s passion.
I have been a lifelong resident of historic Rhode Island and would like to share a bit about the community your child will be living in.
We have several great universities within a 20 minute drive, like Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson and Wales University, and the University of Rhode Island. We have several libraries that are open seven days a week. Boston, Massachusetts is a short 40 minute drive. New York City is a quick 3 hour train ride. It is home to beautiful beaches, bike paths, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, The New England Aquarium, Yawgoo Ski and Snow Tube Park, and the Newport Tennis Museum.
There are lots of places to shop and Providence Place Mall is one of our favorites. We also have brand name shopping outlets within a 45 minute car ride.
Coming to a different country is a hard transition. That is why we have Asian Markets nearby where they sell food from China and other Asian countries. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child, as well.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Rhode Island and prepared to have fun. This is the learning experience of a lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our beaches, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family!
I consider it a privilege to welcome your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Matthew DiTomasso
International Homestay Coordinator
A Message from Millie Jones
Hi!
I am Millie Jones. I come from a long line of teachers who rarely move away from their birth location. Perhaps that’s why I swore I’d never become a teacher or go to our hometown college. As life constantly teaches me, never say never!
I am a proud graduate of Mercer University and am loving my job as a middle school learning support teacher at Stratford Academy in Macon, Georgia.
I have done plenty of traveling but have never moved far from home. I think maybe my love for our exchange program stems from a desire to learn about new places but also to give students who are away from their families a nurturing home environment.
With the recent graduation of my youngest daughter and the impending “empty nest,” I am happy to be a Homestay Consultant for Twinn Palms.
All my best,
Millie Jones
International Homestay Coordinator
A Message from Nichole Buehrle
Hi! I am thrilled to welcome your child to Cape Girardeau, Missouri; home of open spaces, changing seasons, friendly people and family centered fun.
My name is Nichole, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Cape Girardeau, about 15 minutes from the school. We are located about 2 hours south of St. Louis. I am a single mom of a very outgoing young lady and we both love welcoming new people to our community and family. We love to share our lives and all we do with our family, friends and community.
I too am a graduate of Notre Dame High School as are all of the members of my family. My daughter is looking forward to keeping up the tradition. We have been a part of this community my entire life and I look forward to sharing our love of the school and our community with your child.
We have one university in the area with several other satellite universities having campuses here. Southeast Missouri State University is here in Cape Girardeau and SEMO, as they call it locally, has a great cultural program and we look forward to continued work with them in the future. There are also several community colleges and technical programs in the area. We are located about half way between St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee. Both of these cities have multiple universities and extended cultural opportunities; museums, national monuments, historical landmarks, and many other interesting attractions.
There are many smaller town in the area with local interests and events to attend. We have a district fair in Cape Girardeau every fall that brings people in from all over the area. We have town picnics, host many major sports tournaments, have a local city with a Professional Rodeo and have many other entertaining events throughout the year. The local university has an excellent theatre program that hosts many touring events from around the world.
Coming to a different country is a hard transition. We do have a local market for Asian cuisine and the Chinese cultural group on the university campus hosts events that our students are welcome to join. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child, as well.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Missouri prepared to have an experience of a lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our city, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family!
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Nichole Buehrle
International Homestay Coordinator
Cape Girardeau, MO
Pamela Weiler
Levittown, PA
[email protected]
Conwell Egan Catholic High School
St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls
A Message from Pamela Weiler
Welcome to the Untied States of America! I am excited to welcome your child to the historic state of Pennsylvania. Your child will reside in the Lower Bucks County area of the state; approximately 20 miles north of Historic Philadelphia; the birthplace of our Nation in 1776. New York City and Washington, D.C. the Nation’s Capital are only a few hours away as well.
My name is Pamela Weiler, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Langhorne, a suburb of Philadelphia. I have been a lifelong resident of this area. I have raised two wonderful children who are now young adults. I also have a beautiful daughter-in-law from Brazil, South America. She came to America at the age of 19 years old as an Au Pair/Nannie and did not speak any English. During that time she went to college and graduated with honors from Philadelphia University. I am so proud of her and share her story as anything is possible with hard work and the desire even if you are not born in this country. My job as Coordinator is to help your child attain their educational goals here in America.
I hold a B.S. in Secondary Education/Social Studies/History from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am a teacher and enjoy working with children of all ages. It is because of that passion, that I began hosting international students and later became a Homestay Coordinator.
Our area is rich in American history and where Pennsbury Manor is, the home of William Penn; the founder of Pennsylvania~Est. 1682. Bucks County has many beautiful parks, covered bridges, the Mercer Museum, Pearl Buck House and many beautiful bike and walking paths along the Delaware River to enjoy. It is the home of Sesame Place (Street/Jim Henson’s Muppets) as well. Historic Philadelphia is home of the Liberty Bell, The National Constitution Center, Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall. The area also has many museums such as The Franklin Institute, and The Philadelphia Art Museum; we also have The Philadelphia Zoo which is the nation’s first Zoo! Philadelphia also has a large Asian community in the Chinatown area where your child can feel at home during many festivals and while enjoying authentic Chinese cuisine.
We have many fine universities and colleges in our area as well and two of the eight Ivy League schools are within 20 miles. (Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania). Our area offers many educational libraries that are free of charge with a library card. We also offer fine restaurants to experience all types of foods and many malls and shopping.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Pennsylvania prepared to have the experience of a lifetime, enjoy our history, beautiful parks, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family and school. I look forward to meeting your child and working with him/her to help make the American experience a wonderful one! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I will be happy to assist you in any way possible.
All my best,
Pamela Weiler
International Homestay Coordinator
Pennsylvania
A Message from Porscha Scott
Greetings from Sunny Central Florida!
My name is Porscha and I am your host home coordinator for The First Academy in Orlando, Florida. I live in Lake Mary, FL which is right outside of the City of Orlando. I went to a local high school in Orlando, as well as The University of Central Florida where I earned my degree, and never left. My hobbies include going to theme parks, shopping, biking, working out, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Orlando is a great location for people of all ages, but most of all teenagers! There is so much to do in this area from theme parks, shopping, outdoor recreation, professional sports, and much much more. We are a pretty big city but our little communities each have their own highlights of activities.
Within 30 minutes of almost everywhere in Orlando there is Walt Disney World, known for it’s magical rides and entertainment. There is also Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure which host rollercoasters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and many more rides and concerts. There is also Sea World Orlando which has all kinds of ocean animals you can touch or watch live shows.
If you like to shop then Orlando is definitively a great place for you with four different malls within 30 minutes of each other. There is Millenia Mall which is five minutes from your school with an enormous Apple Store, large department stores, and a great food court. There is also Florida Mall, Fashion Square Mall, and Altamonte Mall. We even have two huge outlets with many great stores such as Burberry, coach, Prada, Gucci, etc.
If you enjoy professional sporting events Orlando also has lots of options. Orlando is home to a professional basketball team, the Orlando Magic, a professional soccer team, Orlando City Soccer, a professional hockey team, The Orlando Solar Bears, and we have local college football games at University of Central Florida. The Amway arena also host dozens of concerts and the performing arts center host many cultural events as well.
Orlando is rich with cultural diversity and boast some amazing restaurants. Any cuisine you can think of is available here. My personal favorite is a little place called Mamak that serves Asian street food and of course any place that has Sushi!
I am so looking forward to guiding your child through this amazing adventure they are getting ready to embark on. First and foremost I’d like to welcome them into our Twinn Palms family and know that I am available to them any time they have questions or just need someone to talk to. Thank you so much for entrusting your most precious child to our program and I cannot wait to see everything they accomplish with us.
Warmest Regards,
Porscha Scott
International Homestay Coordinator
Central Florida
A Message from Rosario Lomeli
Greetings! As a resident of the Southern California area I am delighted to welcome your child to the San Fernando Valley; where we have wonderful seasonal weather, and the area is surrounded by beautiful scenic landmarks.
My name is Rosario Lomeli, and I will be your child’s Homestay Coordinator while they attend either Chaminade College Preparatory High School or Chaminade Middle School. I live in the Granada Hills area, and have been happily married to my loving husband David Esquibel for the past 35 years, and together we have three children. My oldest son is a graduate from UC Berkeley and is happily married. My beautiful daughter is currently attending UCLA. While my youngest son is full of excitement and fun and is attending elementary school.
Having been a lifelong resident of the beautiful San Fernando Valley area I would like to share some things about the community your child will be living in.
First there are several top universities around the San Fernando Valley such as; University of Southern California (USC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Pepperdine University, and California State University Northridge. There are numerous libraries that are open 7 days a week, and there are plenty of museums around the area such as the Getty Museums.
Another place to spend time is shopping! One main place to shop is the Westfield Topanga Mall which is in the city of Woodland Hills. There are many well-known brands from around the world located in that mall and this specific mall is only 10-15 minutes away from Chaminade College Preparatory High School. There are many other outdoor malls to explore as well all over the San Fernando Valley Area.
Coming to a different country can be hard to transition into, so it is great to have a diverse community where we have several Asian Markets nearby where they sell food from China and from other Asian countries. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child, as well.
In the San Fernando Valley area, your child will never be bored because we have great places of fun and entertainment such as; Disneyland Resort, Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Los Angeles Zoo, Chinatown, Santa Monica Pier, and Big Bear Mountain Resort. The San Fernando Valley is home to where most movie stars who live in the side of the valley such as Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills and Hidden Hills. Another amenity, in Southern California is the variety of sports venues such as; Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Clippers and Anaheim Angels.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Southern California, prepared to have the experience of a lifetime, while learning to improve his/her English skills, enjoy our beaches, amusement parks, enjoy sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and love his/her host family!
I am pleased to welcome and open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes on this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please be advised that I am available anytime should you have any questions or concerns, so please do not hesitate to email or call me anytime. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child while embracing and learning about the Chinese culture as well.
Kindest Regards,
Rosario Lomeli
International Homestay Coordinator
San Fernando Valley Region
A Message from Shannon Duncan
Greetings! I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Central Florida area; home of wonderful beaches, the beautiful chain of lakes, sunshine filled days, and home to the best shopping the southeast United States has to offer.
My name is Shannon Duncan, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Winter Haven, a beautiful city located right between Tampa and Orlando. I have been married for 17 years and together with my wife, Brandy, we have a 18-year-old son named Bryce, and a newborn son named Jack. For the past nine years, we have had the distinct pleasure of hosting international students. To say the least, it has become our family’s passion.
I have lived in Central Florida since 1991 and would like to share a bit about the community your child will be living in.
We have several great universities within a two-hour drive, like the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, and Southeastern University. We have several local libraries that are open seven days a week.
Both Tampa and Orlando are just a short 45-minute drive from the Winter Haven area. Tampa is to our West and is known for its rich cultural diversity in the Cuban market. It is home to beautiful beaches covered in silky white sand, Lowery Park Zoo, The Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, and several Pro Sports Teams. To the East of Winter Haven is Orlando. As you may know, Orlando is the amusement park capitol of the world Theme parks such as Disney World, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Sea Life, the Orlando Eye, and numerous water parks call Orlando home. Did I mention, Winter Haven, is home to LEGOLAND Florida?
There are plenty of grand places to shop! Several shopping malls call Central Florida home. There are lots of great known brands to shop from, and most malls are a short 30-45-minute drive away.
Coming to a different country is a difficult transition. I am glad to say that we have several Asian Markets nearby where they sell Chinese food to help with that transition. The area is home to many great and delicious restaurants that your host family and I will be sharing with your child.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Florida, prepared to have fun and enjoy the learning experience of a lifetime. My goal is to improve your child’s English and prepare them for acceptance into a major University.
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as they take this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any question. Please feel free to email or call me any time.
All my best,
Shannon Duncan
International Homestay Coordinator
All Saints Academy
Sharon Cuttino
Hicksville, NY
[email protected]
Holy Trinity Diocesan High School
Sacred Heart Academy
A Message from Sharon Cuttino
Hi, I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Long Island area of New York; home of beaches, rivers, farms, state parks, shopping and lots of different cuisines with less than an hour train ride into New York City.
My name is Sharon, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Valley Stream, a suburb less than 30 minutes from NYC and 20 minutes from the school. I am married and have 2 girls. My own 16-year-old daughter Brittany is an 11th grader at Sacred Heart Academy and my 13-year-old stepdaughter Tamara will be attending Fashion Industries High School in NYC. I enjoy spending time with them, traveling and having fun.
On Long Island, we have several great universities. We have CW Post, Long Island University, Adelphi University, Nassau Community College, Hofstra University and Stony Brook, which is well known for its medical program. We have a few different museums, lots of farms and Gardens and my favorite is the Riverhead Aquarium with a wide range of interactive aquatic exhibits.
There are lots of malls and outlets. One of the largest is less than 20 minutes from the school and it is called Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall. Another favorite shopping area for our students would be American Mall in Manhasset, which is well known for all of the top designer brands. We also have a few different outlets for clothing and electronics.
Living in a different country is a difficult transition. For that taste of home, we have several Asian Markets throughout Long Island and the 5 boroughs of NYC. For instance, Flushing Queens have a variety of Asian restaurants that your child may want to visit. Getting there would take less than an hour train ride from many of the towns on Long Island. We also have China Town in NYC; many of the students frequently visit there.
Here, on Long Island, you child will never be bored because we have great places of entrainment like Nassau Coliseum, Jones Beach Theater, Westbury Music Fair, Adventure Land, and an outdoor water park Splish Splash an hour away. The best thing about living on Long Island is the fact that we have trains that goes in either direction. West goes into New York City and going east, more relax atmosphere of the beaches, resort area and the Hamptons.
I am looking forward to having your child come to Long Island prepared to have the time of a lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying, beaches, amusement parks, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and love his/her host family.
I consider it a privilege to open my home and life to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States.
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions so feel free to email or call me and time. I an eager to share my American Culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Sharon Cuttino
International Homestay Coordinator
Long Island New York
A Message from Trish Cobourn
My name is Trish, and I am your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in Inman, South Carolina, a small town outside of Spartanburg. I grew up in the area and I teach at Spartanburg Day School. I provide academic support for middle and upper school students. I have twin daughters who are 13 years old.
Spartanburg is a vibrant city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are home to seven colleges and universities including Wofford College, Converse College, and the University of South Carolina Upstate. Spartanburg is also home to over 100 international businesses. Our region has a thriving cultural district and is recognized for its award-winning culture of health.
Downtown Spartanburg has enjoyed revitalization recently. The area boasts wonderful restaurants and ice cream shops, as well as boutique shopping. For those seeking outdoor activities, there are more than 200 miles of walking and biking trails in Spartanburg County. Croft State Park, the Palmetto Trail, the Mary Black Rail Trail and the Cottonwood Trail are readily accessible for those who enjoy a breath of fresh air. Spartanburg is home to the Carolina Panthers Training Camp each summer, which brings more than 75,000 fans to the area.
Our residents enjoy visiting the Chapman Cultural Center, an 86,000 square foot facility that is home to the cultural community for visual and performing arts, science and history. It also is the home to the Spartanburg County Museum of Art, the Regional History Museum, Ballet Spartanburg, the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Spartanburg Science Center among others. Spartanburg’s cultural and arts scene is thriving, with more than 156 studios, 78 works of public art, and 1,872 events and festivals each year.
Check out the link below to see a video of our wonderful city!
Please know that I am available for you should you have any questions, so feel free to email or call me any time. I am eager to share my American culture with your child.
All my best,
Trish Cobourn
Spartanburg Day School
Unique Dobmeier
San Diego Region
[email protected]
Cathedral Catholic High School
Horizon Christian Academy
Ocean View Christian Academy
A Message from Unique Dobmeier
Hi! I am thrilled to welcome your child to the Southern California area; home of wonderful beaches, landmark parks, scenic mountains, warm sunny days and cool evenings.
My name is Unique, your child’s Homestay Coordinator. I live in La Mesa, a suburb of the San Diego area. I have been married for 6 years and together with my husband Michael we are raising two wonderful children.
I have been a lifelong resident of the beautiful San Diego area and would like to share a bit about the community your child will be living in.
We have great colleges and universities like the University of California San Diego, and San Diego State. There are many museums like The San Diego Art Institute, The Museum Of Man and the Reuben H. Science Museum. San Diego is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and world-class research and educational program. The world famous San Diego Zoo and Gardens is an award winning treasure with 1,000 endangered and rescued animals. This Zoo has been voted the “Best In The World”.
There are lots of places to shop! One of our popular places to shop is Fashion Valley mall, which is located in the central part of San Diego. There are lots of great known name brands to shop from and it is very popular. We also have several malls where there are lots of clothing stores and different restaurants to choose from.
Coming to a different country is a hard transition. That is why we have several Asian Markets nearby where they sell food from China and other Asian countries. The Gaslamp area is home to many great and delicious restaurants and live entertainment.
Here, in the San Diego area, your child will never be bored because we have great places of entertainment like the San Diego Zoo, Lego Land, SeaWorld and great landmarks like the Balboa Park and Old Town. San Diego is home to the many outdoor camps and activities such as surfing, kayaking, yachting, baseball, football and soccer.
I am looking forward to having your child come to California prepared to have the time of a lifetime, learning to improve his/her conversational English, enjoying our beaches, amusement parks, sightseeing, and most of all getting to know and to love his/her host family!
I consider it a privilege to be of service to your child while providing great experiences as he/she takes this incredible educational journey in the United States. I am eager to share my American culture and community with your child, as is his/her host family.
All my best,
Unique Dobmeier
International Homestay Coordinator
Southern California Region
From a very young age Vanessa excelled academically, thrived in business and succeeds in broadcasting. She initially stepped into the public eye when she was selected by a Miami television station, TV 33, in 1990. She furthered her career as a co-host for a Miami-based TV show, appearing and directing stage plays, participating in beauty pageants, dancing in ballets and was on-air personality for several radio shows.
Vanessa has received regional and national recognition for her achievements as a leader and social responsibility including: The Links, Inc., Who’s Who, The Florida Department of Education, Florida International University’s Multicultural Programs and Services, Florida Atlantic University and the School Board of Broward County. Furthermore, she was awarded academic scholarships from the American Association of University Women and the United Nations Association.
She was frequently recognized on the dean’s list during her undergraduate studies. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Florida International University, she was afforded the wonderful opportunity to produce and edit several documentaries including New York’s International Tennis Organization. She further pursued her education with an Executive MBA specializing in International Business at Florida Atlantic University.
As a manager and certified trainer, Vanessa has been acclaimed for her interpersonal skills, world-class customer service, tops in sales management, exemplary hiring manager and training consultant. In addition, she has been acknowledged for her sales ability with numerous companies including Sears when she ranked 53rd as one of the top 100 national salespeople. While working as a sales manager at a Florida furniture store she contributed $1.6 million dollars to the firm’s bottom line in one year. Additionally, she is a spokesperson on the furniture company’s website.
Her civic responsibilities include working as a manager for the decennial Census under the Department of Commerce. She has also served as an Executive Board Member of the UNA USA Broward County Chapter. Moreover, she has volunteered for The American Red Cross.
She has garnered several certifications including: Florida Atlantic University Leader; TWI Certified Trainer; People First Leadership and Development; Supply Chain Management; Warehousing Operations; Order Fulfillment and Customer Service; Procurement; Demand Planning; Transportation; Manufacturing Service Operations; Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP and Inventory Management.
As a native Floridan, Vanessa enjoys arts and culture. She has have traveled internationally to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Europe and China. She serves as an academic coach, assists English for Speakers of Other Languages and tutors for the youth of South Florida including The Seminole Tribe.