What's New With the Graduates of the International Guide
Academy/International Tour Manager Academy, Inc. Last updated:
10 May, 2008. (All pictures are of our gradutes.)
Karen Dunne, CITM, "After working for 2 years
for Royal Celebrity Cruises in Alaska (what an incredible job!)
I am in my second year with Adventures by Disney. This year I will
be doing the "Spirit of America" tour, which is Philadelphia,
Washington, D.C., and Williamsburg. I am also doing the Wyoming
tour which includes Jackson, Yellowstone, and Brooks Lake Lodge.
I had a blast doing this tour in 2007 whitewater rafting on the
Snake River, hiking through Yellowstone, and horseback riding and
canoeing at Brooks Lake Lodge.
As my friends tell me, I obviously do not want to grow up. I just
want to be a Tour Manager forever! Can you imagine spending your
summers touring the Smithsonian, the National Zoo, running up the
steps of the Philadelphia Mint, running through a hedge maze in
Williamsburg, and enjoying the water park at the Gray Wolf Hotel?
Talk about feeling lucky...this is a dream come true...Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you!"
Roxanne Eflin, CITM, "Good news! I have been
hired by Alpine Adventure Tours and Tourco, both Maine based Tour
Operators, for 5 different tours. Hospitality Tours is also hiring
me to do their Nova Scotia tours."
Elizabeth Quin, CITM, "Today I was offered
a Tour Manager position with Collette Tours after a 5-day Tour/Interview
process. I go into training 31 March. There were 6 other IGA graduates
there as well, most of whom were offered positions. Thank you for
the training in Cuernavaca and all your wonderful help with my resume.
I would not be here without you."
Bridget Gallagher, CITM from Canada, "I have
been hired again by Saga Holidays and my first tour to the U.K.
leaves on the 12th. Then, I am off to Ireland. I have also been
accepted by Worldstrides in Washington, D.C., for 22 days and will
be a Tour Director in January for the President's swearing in. I
have also been hired by a Canadian company to do a tour in Nepal.
None of this would have been possible without your training! Thank
you again!"
Kent Taylor, CITM, "Big news! I accepted
a position with TourMappers doing their Canyonlands Tour! I will
also be doing three 17-day National Park Tours for Grand Circle
Travel. Combined with several other positions I have taken, this
is shaping up nicely."
Albina Luther, CITM, "I have been hired by
Travel Tours as part of their "travel family". There are
over 100 trip offerings for 2008. The class in Denver helped so
much. I send many thanks to Daniel and Frank for all of their knowledge
and teaching skills. My resume, cover letter, and interview all
went well because of this class."
Jean Greene, CITM, I am leading groups from the
U.K. on 8-day tours of New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
I will also be in Alaska for the entire summer season with Royal
Celebrity. I was offered many other positions before deciding to
work the season in Alaska. I am sure the the training you gave me
really gave me the edge to land this position during my interview.
Thank you so much!"
Tom McCarron, CITM from Canada, "I wanted
to let you know that Globus family of brands has me doing their
Maritime Coastal Adventure Tour. I will be doing this 13-day tour
for the entire season."
Nancy Cygan, CITM, states "I
am so excited! I will be working for New Horizons doing customized
trips for middle school and high school bands, orchestras, and choral
groups. I will be starting in Chicago and Midwest destinations.
I also have 3 Chicago based trips and 1 in Minneapolis. I have been
interviewing Holland America Cruiselines to work as a land-based
Tour Director and I was offered the job. My itineraries include:
Seaward, Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Beaver Creek, Whitehorse,
Skagway, Dawson, and the Arctic Circle. Thank you so much for all
your help and support! "
Lynn Helmers, CITM, "I just got off a tour. Made
HUGE money. I had 52 passengers and made $$$$ in tips and $$$$ in
commissions, and I am expecting a good salary check as well. Passengers
were from England, USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. They
were a GREAT group! I still love doing the tours! Thanks for the
training!"
Cheryl Sennett, CITM, Texas:
"I have two tours for Globus family of brands. Both are "Colorado's
National Parks & Trains" 9 day tours. I have a training tour,
then 2 tours on my own. After that, I have a 14 day tour called
"Grand New England". So, I am booked! Thanks for your help and thanks
for a great class!
Tracy Wimmer, CITM, North Carolina,
states: "I was asked to attend a training in Wilmington, NC
for a company out of Winston-Salem, NC. I had actually applied for
a job with them last fall which resulted in nothing. I told them
of my IGA certification and this time I immediately got a response
as well as an offer to come train so I would be "ready to tour"
once my current tour was fulfilled. Yes- I'll be paid and furnished
a place to live..I am psyched and still eternally grateful I took
your class."
Barbara Johnson, CITM, writes: "I completed
my first two tours in New England for Tourco, which has been my
dream for many years. I totally enjoyed this work!! I did a 5-Day
and 13-Day Tour. I was gone for three weeks! Thanks to your fine
Academy, I was very well prepared for every part of this new career
and now feel very confident that I am totally ready for all on-the-road
"Tour Manager" responsibilities. I know that many more
opportunities are just around the corner!!! Thanks for all your
help and for making it fun to learn also!!"
Lisa Shoemaker, CITM, Kansas,
writes: "I found a company right in my own back yard, and a
week later I was hired. So, I now have at least 3 companies that
I will get tours from. I am ready now and very excited to finally
be getting started!"
David Shaffer, CITM, Colorado,
wrote: "I have to admit that I struggled with the decision
to take this course. Is it right for me? Is it the right time? After
the first day, my questions we answered. This was
the right decision. It has been a long time since I learned so much
while having such fun. Your passion shows through every day!"
Justin Stone,CITM, Virginia,
writes: "I was hired by Collette Vacations - Full Time! My
first tour goes through 4 European countries. Thank you for all
the training in Mexico. It definitely helped! "
Cella Roberts, CTG, wrote: "It
was my lucky day when I looked up Tour Guide Schools and up popped
IGA/ITMA! I appreciate your level of integrity. You run a very professional
and practical Tour Guide class. I was truly excited to come to classes
and I am that much more excited to give my first paid tour! You
have touched the lives of many in such a positive manner. I also
admire your compassion, understanding and humanitarian efforts that
make yours such a fabulous school.
Carolyn Emanuel, CITM, Colorado,
has been the Program Co-ordinator/Guide for Road Scholar/Elderhostel
for trips in Mesa Verde. She has guided in Mesa Verde including
the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Train trips, the Four Corners
area, Mesa Verde, Canyon Country, Rafting the San Juan river. Currently,
she is doing Grand Circle Tours "America's National Parks"
plus 2 Paria Canyon backpacking trips in October. Then, London and
Paris. Carolyn and Duncan Rollo, CITM have their
own Tour Company, "Back Story Tours". They specialize
in behind-the-scenes tours of America's cultural and natural treasures.
Tours are designed for groups of 12 to 18 people with transportation
provided in 21-passenger mini-buses.
Winston Walker and June Neary, IGA graduates,
are working for A Private Guide, Inc. Winston is the Manager of
Operations and June is the Director of Marketing.
Jennifer Bennett, CITM, Ohio,
writes "I wanted to give you some good news. I was hired to
lead 4 tours for student groups and I'm very grateful for that."
Kaz Purre, CITM, Colorado, reports
that "I was officially hired as the Tour Manager for Harley
Davidson tours. My first tour starts with all French passengers.
I am so excited! 2 of the tours I will be doing I will be almost
back-to-back for six weeks straight! I also just contracted for
another tour - Yipee!"
Beth VanAernem, CITM, Arizona, writes: "I
wanted to let you know I am currently working for Detours of Arizona
doing local trips to places like the Grand Canyon and Sedona. I
started there two months ago and I truly love it! Detours is a small
company started five years ago by two former Tour Guides. What I
learned in your classes was invaluable and opened up these doors
for me I never knew existed. Thank you for that."
Cynthia Fischer, CITM, has been running groups
to Europe for several years, and also works her own travel franchise
specializing in cruises.
Kathleen Huser, CITM, is working
rail tours with Mid America Tours, Inc. She is scheduled for 2 more
upcoming tours: Chicago to Branson, MO and "West Virginia Autumn
Railroading". She will also have at least 2 more tours before
year end.
Jacqui Rothman, CITM, Illinois, wrote: "I
am happily working for two touring companies out of Illinois. One
does student tours and the other is involved in tours for "mature
travelers" I love both jobs and enjoy the similarities and
differences of the people on my coaches."
Chrys Foster, CITM, Washington, "Thanks
for this - not only for the information but also for IGA's efforts
in making it come to pass. I led a group to Venice, Milan, and the
Lake District. I had to connect with local guides at each stop.
By and large they were exceptional. I got the AAA Rose Parade assignment.
Thank you! Additionally, I am still deep in discussions with another
Tour Operator and a late entrant who also wants me to work for them."
Serena Tamburrini, CITM, Rome, Italy
writes "I just wanted to take some time aside to let
you know how much I enjoyed your program. It was a real revelation
to me and an amazing experience! You were truly exceptional and
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to come to Colorado. I will
definitely recommend your school to whoever I will meet along the
way interested in this career. I learned a lot these last 10 days,
not only the things that you taught us in class but above all how
it is important to never judge and always respect the cultural differences
and customs. You gave me even more inspiration to work and deal
with people from all over the world. Thank you so much for this
opportunity!"
Angela Bolender, CITM, reports
that "I just got a job offer. I'll be working for a company,
Student City, Inc. in Cancun, Mexico. The on-site coordinator position
includes event management and staffing, meet and greet arrivals
at the airport, hotel management and staffing, optional tour sales,
promotions, coordinate venues and suppliers, lobby duty, 24-hour
duty and various on-site tasks."
Esther Staheli, CITM, Switzerland, "Thank
you again very much for these very interesting and special 10 days
in your academy. Everybody, including me, was so excited about the
way you teach, the contents of the classes, the variety of people
you brought into the classes, and so much more. You showed all of
us a new way of life and opened up doors for us. Thank you!!! I
am looking forward to staying in touch with you."
Armando "Arnie" Davila, CITM
and CTG, Puerto Rico: Arnie has been hired by Rico
SunTours as a Tour Guide in Puerto Rico. He has also been contracted
as a Tour Guide with Explorica Canada. "This experience was
priceless, and your training was key in giving this group such a
good impression of the DMC I represented."
Marsha Adelson, CITM, Pennsylvania
writes: "I have been hired by one of the companies in the Hiring
Book you gave us at graduation. I will be doing tour for them with
school groups from the Pittsburgh area to Williamsburg, VA and Gettysburg,
PA. I have also been asked to be their primary Tour Escort/Manager
for tour this fall, which I am very much looking forward to."
Linda Knowles, CITM, Virginia,
is currently working with the Washington DC Guide Service.
Lisa Johnson, CITM, and Diana
Geis, CITM, Texas, both 2006 graduates
have their own tour company, Tour Time Adventures, based out of
Archer City, TX. They specialize in local tours of casinos and sites
in Texas and Oklahoma. Their motto is "Take Time To Enjoy Life"
because time waits for no one.
Roberta Greengard, CTG, worked
with Seniors Tour Canada. She states "I am the step-on guide
for the Seniors Tour Canada. I am soooooooo excited. Thank you for
the part you had in me getting this opportunity."
Georgiana Vavra, CITM, Wisconsin,
states: "My Tour Director position is with Fancy-Free Holidays,
Inc. I was so glad to get my foot in the door. They have hired another
grad from IGA also. The information imparted to me during the interview
was already learned from IGA. I will first be on a Mystery Tour
for 5 days. Then I start my solo Tour Directing."
Ken Bohl, CITM, has been hired
by Mayflower for their "Branson Showtime" and "Land of Lincoln"
tours. Since graduating, Ken has also worked for World Wide Country
Tours, the "Frankenmuth Oktoberfest" for Mayflower, "America
by Rail" to Branson, and the "Pella Tulip Fest / Amana
Tour" for Mid-America Tours. Ken wrote that "I feel very strongly
that being an IGA/ITMA graduate already got me in the door, they
had already decided to hire me based on that, and the interview
process was just a validation of the qualifications they already
knew I had because I was Certified by IGA/ITMA. I'm sure that the
skills you taught me will make me very successful on these tours."
Derek Haddon, CITM, is now working
for Suntrek Tours as a trek leader. "After my training with
IGA, I knew I could do it. In fact, attending your school, I believe,
was a big plus for them considering me."
Stacy Messer, CITM, Idaho, shortly
after graduating began working a year long assignment in the Middle
East as a Tour Manager. Now with a year's experience Stacy reports
"I recently worked in the Middle East (Egypt & Jordan)
after completing the Tour Manager course with the International
Guide Academy/International Tour Manager Academy, and had one of
the best experiences of my life. I learned a great deal about passenger
expectations, the culture, the adventure and how they view the Middle
East before they visit and afterwards, which is completely different.
I was at an advantage when I worked in the Middle East, because
many of the Tour Managers had no professional training and, thanks
to the International Guide Academy, I was one of the most professionally
prepared. The Middle East is a wonderful place to work as a Tour
Manager."
Jennie Reckon, CITM, Canada,
writes "I just wanted to tell you that I was just offered a
position as a Tour Manager for Globus family of brands, and that
I accepted it. Thanks for all of your support throughout this process!"
Michael Hagerman, CITM, reports
that "I drove a tour bus for 16 years then took the IGA Tour
Manager course and was hired for two seasons by Destination America
- now Trafalgar Tours." Mike is now the owner of Synergy Tours
in Scottsdale, Arizona and his company conducts motorcoach tours
of North America.
Maureen O'Donnell, reports, "I was hired
by Fancy-Free Holidays as a Tour Director. My training tour will
be in September, followed by a covered bridges tour in Indiana...I
gave all of the correct answers in the interview thanks to excellent
preparation from your International Tour Manager Course."
Catherine Palmieri reports "I wanted to let
you know that I have started a new job that I am very excited about.
I was hired in by Holbrook Travel, a tour operator located Florida.
I work in the Elderhostel Department, planning and preparing Elderhostel
trips. I feel very lucky to have this job, and definitely believe
that my tour manager certification was a major factor in my hiring.
It is nice to know that I now have my “first job,” and
it is actually in the travel industry."
Jim McIntosh, is now in his thirteenth
season with Globus family of brands and in reports "I am forever
grateful for the chance I was given there for a second career."
Kristi Allred, CTG, Arizona, has worked for Rocky
Mountain Connections. Her recent co-ordination of a convention group
included local motorcoach and walking tours. As part of her job,
she hired IGA grads to perform these tours. They were: Dr. Dick
Schwendinger, Ed Tezak, Leo McGinnis, Gaye Buzbee Jacobs, Dr. Jack
Murphy, and Frank Slater.
Lowell "Lucky" and Susie Cary, both
CITM, Wyoming, were hired as Tour Managers within
days of graduation. They report that "Our training at IGA certainly
came in handy and our employers were most happy with our qualifications
and expertise. We managed a promotional campaign for a NASCAR team."
Susie and Lucky traveled all over the western U.S. promoting the
race teams sponsor. "We enjoyed our experience at IGA. We are
proud to tell people about our experience and feel enriched by the
experience."
Charlotte Dodgson, CITM, received her
first assignments within weeks of graduation. She completed tours
such as the National Park Tour for Vantage Tours, Wyoming Trails
for Montana Rockies Rail Tours, and guide work in Colorado for Around
and About and in Washington, DC for ETS, Corporation. Charlotte
also does volunteer work with tours at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado,
State Capital Building in Sacramento, California and Castlewood
Canyon State Park in Colorado. She is a member of the International
Association of Tour Managers, Rocky Mountain Guide Association,
Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs and the US National
Park Association.
Bonnie Mealy, CITM, inputted
"I thought I'd let you know I just completed my first Tour
Director assignment for a tour company out of Maine -- Tourco. My
assignment was a 9-day New England tour with mostly British folks.
It was a spectacular experience! I did as you suggested in class.
I want you to know how much your class prepared me for this new
career. I don't know if I'd have been as effective...and experienced
if I'd not taken your class. "
John Niedoborski, spent 2 years full time with
Maritz Travel Company. John then began serving corporate clients
through a variety of Travel Companies for over four more years.
He has completed over 175 programs, and is getting booked a year
in advance in some cases. He has also just formed his own business-
Johnny Travels LLC - his email address is:
niedoborski@yahoo.com
Leo McGinnis, IGA/ITMA TG and TM grad, has been
teaching the "Early Denver - 1858-1860" class to elementary
students at the Colorado History Museum, is a member of the Rocky
Mountain Guide Association and has been active on their education
committee in setting up FAM trips within Colorado. He has been giving
walking tours of Denver and the Lebanon Silver Mine in Georgetown
provided by the Colorado Historical Society for elementary students.
Leo just completed his first commercial tour in Denver for Rocky
Mountain Connections.
Doris Reimers, CITM and CTG,
has been hired by Montana Rockies Rail tours and will cover much
of the northwest USA and parts of Canada.
Gaye Buzbee Jacobs, CITM and CTG,
Colorado has received assignments from Kindred Spirits to lead tours..
Ed Kobylus reports, “I wanted to let you
know that I've landed my first contract. I'll be leading back-to-back
tours through the Southwest (focusing on the National Parks). I'll
be working for Adventure Travel West. With my interest in "active"
travel, I couldn't imagine a better way to start this new career.”
Mark Thompson, reports that Royal Celebrity Tours
is bringing him back again next season in the same capacity, helping
with hiring and organizations. Mark writes “I just wanted
to express my gratitude to you…your school was invaluable
to me.” He also updates us with the news that he has been
assigned to a second ship, the M/S Majesty with RCL.
Rhonda Davis, working as assistant Tour Director
with Prudent Tours. Assignments include tours to Cheyenne Rodeo
and the Rockies, Branson Christmas Extravaganza and she is scheduled
for Spring in the Smokies.
Liz Harris, CITM, Florida, is
working as a Tour Guide for Diva Ducks. Diva Ducks runs amphibious
tours throughout the West Palm Beach area.
Kileen Prather, CITM, Texas,
continues to work for Mayflower. Kileen reports that it "Seems
like I'm always climbing off a plane from somewhere." In 2006
she completed a week trip to Florida mid February, 12 days to Vegas
in March, and Fiesta San Antonio in April.
Mary Lou Cote, writes she has been “all
over the world”. She worked in Hawaii for 4
months. Then was hired to work on the ship Universe Explorer. Mary
Lou did Central America around the Panama Canal, then Alaska for
9 weeks. Following that off to Cuba, Brazil, Cape Town, India, Viet
Name, Singapore, Korea, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tanzania, Russia, Australia,
New Zealand, and Japan. On the Universe Explorer she was working
as a purser.
JoAnn Wittenborn, reports she has completed her
training tours for Cruises and Tours Worldwide. Joann completed
a tour to San Antonio in December and 4 – 6 more assignments
in 2007.
Mary Ricketts, has been hired by Globus family
of brands as a Tour Controller. Mary will be overseeing operations
of the Western USA and South American tours and supervising the
Tour Directors. Mary writes, “I’m really looking forward
to it.” She has worked for Timberline Adventures leading hiking
and biking tours in the Western USA.
Marcia Omafray, has worked for EF Explore America.
On the east coast she has covered Boston, New York City and Washington,
DC. In the west, she has covered Bryce, Zion, National Monument,
rafting on the Colorado River, Moab, Kanab and Las Vegas.
John Doherty, CITM, Massachusetts,
is working as a Step-on Guide for Pitcairn Tours, Ltd. He has 15
assignments working with the cruise ships that stop in Boston. He
is also working as a Tour Manager doing 4 Fall Foliage Tours for
Sugar Tours covering Burlington, Lake Morey, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock,
Stowe, and Montpelier.
Tim and Elise Lentz, CITM, have
worked for Windstar Cruises as a Husband/Wife Host and Hostess team.
Their contract begins in the Baltic, and will continue with ports
in the Mediterranean throughout the fall. They then travel across
the Atlantic and will tour the Caribbean during the Winter months.
Their contracts are 6 months on, 2 months off, and they will rotate
between the fleet's 3 ships. They state, “We are very excited
about this opportunity and want to thank IGA for their support.”
Michael Cole, CITM, reports
that he has been offered a contract by Norwegian Cruise Lines in
the Shore Excursions Dept. He will be starting out on the Dawn,
departing New York to the Bahamas and Miami and then next spring
will be a part of their new Flagship America program in Hawaii.
Also, Michael put together his own tour group together for the Florida
Buffet show's Spring program.
Rhonda Cain, CITM, California,
hired by Holland America Westours for the entire season in Alaska
and Canada's Yukon Territory. Prior to the start of her season in
Alaska, she worked with Family Excursions as a Tour Guide and Tour
Director doing tours throughout California for Christian Schools.
Rhonda said, "being certified made all the difference in getting
the job." Rhonda has worked for Uniworld doing river cruises
in Europe. She reports that "my studying has paid off."
Tim Wilson, CITM and CTG,
Colorado, has been doing Meet and Greets and recently led a tour
of 50 Lions Club delegates from Belgium to Rocky Mountain National
Park. His Belgian passengers invited him to a reception with the
Belgium consulate. Tim has also worked for Rocky Mountain Holiday
identifying, scheduling, and coordinating all the tour guides for
that company.
Toni Bain, CITM, Texas, reports
“I am working as the Tour Manager on the American Queen Steamboat.
This has given me the opportunity to visit many cities and towns
along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. I love the work and believe
my training and certification had a lot to do with me being hired.”
Dick Kildahl, reports“I just wanted to let
you know I have accepted a position as Tour Escort/Guide with Montana
Rockies Rail Tours. I conducted all of their "Crown of
the Continent" Tours for the season. The tours begin in
either Spokane, WA or Sandpoint, ID and include southeastern British
Columbia, southwestern Alberta, Canada, Waterton/Glacier International
Peace park and Northwestern Montana. Thanks for IGA's help and I
will keep you posted of any subsequent developments.”
John Sandor, started working for Globus family
of brands the year he graduated. He has worked for them as a Tour
Director in the Eastern USA, Canadian Grand Tour and the Famous
Trails Coast to Coast (New York to Los Angeles) Tour. John is from
Ohio and states "I take great pride in being an ambassador
for our country and its culture to so many travelers to North America.
Thanks to the International Guide Academy for the excellent launch
into the tour industry." He is working for R+E Tours which
specializes in student tours to Washington D.C. He
was hired by GLAMER, (Group Leaders of America),
which is a group travel trade show production company. He travels
around the country with them to shows, helping to provide support
for the exhibitors and the invited groups. John has worked
over 50 shows with GLAMER.
Judy Lambert, has worked for Globus family of brands and
Archers in eastern U.S.A. and Canada. Many of her tours include
the autumn glory of New England. Judy is now one of the hiring managers
for Globus family of brands.
Pam Jones, working for Globus family of brands,
Women Traveling Together, and is currently training to be an Annapolis
Three Centuries guide. She has completed the Naval Academy training.
She is also pursuing a Washington, DC license. Pam wrote and said
“Thanks again for your great training; I could not do any
of this without IGA. You're wonderful!”
Cheryl Baird, reports she conducted tours for New Horizons,
for 4 straight months. Cheryl passed her Washington, D.C. Tour Guide
test. She will be conducting tours in D.C., Williamsburg, and Virginia
Beach, and is currently a guide at the U.S. Capitol.
Desmond Doss, Jr., is offering Private Guide Service
in the lower Columbia River area. They expect a tremendous influx
of visitors during the next two years in connection with the Lewis
and Clark celebration. Desmond wrote “Thank you for opening
the door to a new profession for me and from Aboard "MOSSBACK",
godspeed.”
Chris Cobb, CITM, Maine, was
hired by Globus family of brands. Chris has lead tours in the Eastern
US and Atlantic Canada, has worked for Globus family of brands since
graduating from IGA and now works full time as a guiding Tour Director
for Globus family of brands.
Rennette Grace, has worked for Maritz, Inc., Tour
America and Creative Group, Inc.
Jeff Goody, Tour Manager grad has worked in Alaska, Canada,
coast to coast US (New York to San Francisco), and US Southwest
for Explore Worldwide. He has done on-board commentary and city
tours.
Darleen Mihulka, graduated from the Tour Manager
and Tour Guide courses in 1990. She recertified as an International
Tour Manager in 2002. Darleen has worked for Centennial Tours and
is a volunteer at the Colorado Welcome Center. Additionally, she
has, for several years, escorted day trips to northern Colorado
areas for four senior groups.
Ty Hallmark, CITM, Florida, worked for
the National Educational Travel Council as a Tour Consultant, customizing
and packaging tours to Europe.
Janna Campbell, is working for Maritz Travel Company and
says, "I absolutely love it." Her recent assignments have taken
her to Dallas, Nashville, Las Vegas, Maui and on a Caribbean cruise.
Her next assignment is in Vancouver, B.C.
Debbie Williams, has already had three job opportunities.
She has chosen to be an Interpretive Driver/Guide in Glacier National
Park in Montana.
Linda Cochran, CITM and CTG,
has served as Secretary of the National Federation of Tourist Guide
Association. Additionally, her tour manager assignments have been
with the American Orient Express.
Elaine Johnston, has her own company in Tennessee, The Glade
Explorers.
Jorge de la Torre, conducts culinary tours to France. Jorge,
a New Jersey resident, recently got engaged while in Paris.
Carolyn Unger, working in Alaska for Royal Celebrity. Carolyn
lives in Alaska and has also worked for Premier Alaska Tours, and
with Globus family of brands and Brennan groups and with Princess
Tours. She has done shipboard commentary and city tours.
Anna Elkind, is working as a docent at the Molly Brown
House Museum. (Anna is from Russia and was a Tour Guide at the Hermitage.)
Janey Davenport is currently living in Wisconsin. Her work
with Holiday Vacations has taken her to various parts of the USA,
Canada and Australia.
Beverly Kerras, lives in the state of Washington and has
her own company, BJ's Travels. She escorts her tours which are cruises.
Noel Cox, a Maine resident, from the International Tour
Manager program and started work with Tauck. Her assignments were
in Europe with a series of London to Paris two week tours.
Kelly Rossiter, is currently one of the hiring managers
for Grand Luxe Lines, formerly the American Orient Express. Grand
Luxe lines provides high end travel on passenger trains and has
been featured many times on PBS.
Marc Godwin, works for Signature Tours and has been in Asia,
Canada, USA and Mexico. He has done China and is doing the French
Riviera and Italian Riviera.
Cathy and Gordon Illg, have their own photography tour company,
Adventure Photography, and have lead tours in North America. They
also work for Timberline Tours, leading hiking and biking tours.
Have you flown on Frontier Airlines? If you have, some of the wildlife
photos on this airline's tails were taken by Gordon and Cathy. They
report that they are in their fourth season and “still having
a good time in the tour business”. You can reach Cathy at
cgillg@cs.com or Gordon at gordon@advenphoto.com
Sally Mansfield, works with Cosmos and does her tours in
New England.
Sue McEnroe, works for Mayflower. Her tour assignments have
been in the USA and Mexico.
Joe and Jan McDaniel, have their own company now, Elephant
Tours, with high-end tours to Africa.
Jean Williams, has done railroad tours and Branson tours,
for Centennial Travelers.
Pat LaRock, has worked for Great Time Tours and Southwest
Tours, including USA, Canada, Great Britain and Italy.
E. L. Butterworth, does the Eastern and Southeastern areas
of the USA plus Canada for Globus family of brands.
Mai Sparti, works for New Horizons/American Coach and Aristotle
Travel (Greece) and has formed her own company, Global Paths. Mai
is a Georgia resident.
Jim McIntosh, has worked for 8 years with Globus family
of brands.
Robert Scianimanico, has worked for Suntrek in the USA,
including Alaska plus Canada. His work has taken him to Europe and
Africa. Bob is a New York resident, although he is currently living
in Denmark.
Donna Hoffman, works her assignments in Colorado, Las Vegas
and Branson.
Bonnie Oxley, CITM and CTG,
conducted local tours for the IGA students.
Susan Zimmerman, works at Escort Notes located in Minnesota.
Kathleen Minnex, Ph.D., CITM, is working
with Globus family of brands. Her specialty is history and she conducts
tours in association with the History Channel. She enjoys living
in Georgia.
Kristine Liggio, has worked for Tauck in Norway and Germany.
Sharon Ellis, works for American Orient Express and Globus
family of brands and Archers. Sharon came to the course from Florida.
David Charney, has his own company, Wheel N Away Tours,
and conducts bike tours in Russia. His company is in Colesville,
Maryland.
Patricia McMillan, Tour Guide grad and Tour Manager grad,
has worked for A Private Guide.
Troy Seate, Tour Manager Grad, has worked two seasons for
Group Voyages and is a published author.
Back To Top |