Global Experiences Team

Stephen Reilly is a Director and Program Development Coordinator for Global Experiences. Having lived everywhere from Hong Kong to Sweden to Australia, Stephen has had many great Global Experiences. As a Fulbright Scholar in Sweden in 1998-1999, Stephen earned his Master's Degree in International Relations graduating with high honors. He has taught English in China, backpacked throughout Asia, Australia and Europe, and even trekked across Mongolia and Siberia via the Transsiberian Railway. Stephen's extensive global academic, travel, and professional experience brings invaluable guidance and insight to the program structure and the organization as a whole.

Emily Merson is a Director for Global Experiences. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Emily traveled the world extensively. Emily earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of New South Wales in Australia as well as her Master's Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Uppsala University in Sweden. She completed her international internship with the United Nations in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1998 and went on to travel extensively throughout Europe and Australasia. Emily's experiences provide Global Experiences an invaluable depth of academic and culture insight. Having recently returned from 3 years in her native Australia, she currently lives in Arnold, Maryland USA with her husband and 3 children.

Jessica Burns is our General Manager responsible for all day to day operations, global partnerships and program management. After graduating from the University of Maryland at College Park, Jessica spent time living in Barcelona, Spain where she studied Spanish and became an avid soccer fan. While living in Spain she developed life-long friendships and traveled to many European cities. Originally from Maryland, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outside and is very excited to take out her new kayak! She currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland, USA.

Jon Peterson is the Director of Institutional and Strategic Partnerships at Global Experiences. As a Penn State (go Lions!) exchange student, he attended the University of Manchester (UK) during his senior year and extensively traveled England, Ireland, and much of Europe. After earning his Masters degree at the University of Alabama, Jon went on to teach broadcasting and new media at Penn State, Cal State San Bernardino, Towson University, and The University of The Virgin Islands. He has also worked for radio stations in Los Angeles, Nashville, and Columbus, and as a recruiter of international (Arabic) linguists. He currently lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife Terri and cat Raul.

Lisa Ackerson is the Director of University Relations for Global Experiences. Lisa is primarily responsible for developing institutional relationships. Lisa has worked in various roles at Global Experiences over the years, both with students and faculty and can offer exceptional guidance to institutions looking to develop international internships. Lisa is originally from Melbourne, Australia, where she earned her Bachelor of Teaching degree from Deakin University. Upon graduating she relocated to London, UK to begin a teaching job. While there she was able to visit many European cities. She has also traveled around her homeland Australia, visited New Zealand, and beautiful Fiji. She currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland, USA with her husband and three daughters.

Emily Oliver is an Internship Program Consultant for Global Experiences. Having grown up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Emily felt destined to travel and explore new places. After graduating from Wake Forest University in North Carolina, she worked in entertainment, sales, and special events on cruise ships. The exotic locales she can check off her list include: Hawaii, Alaska, Bermuda, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Argentina, England, Venezuela, Aruba, Mexico, and almost all islands in the Caribbean! Finally off the high seas and on land, Emily married a fabulous British guy and they now live in Annapolis, Maryland.

Jodi Freitag is a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Program Consultant. Jodi received her TEFL International certification in Manual Antonio, Costa Rica, and she received her BA in management from Baltimore International College. She grew up in Italy and has traveled the world. She is passionate about teaching and learning about other cultures. When she not helping people enroll in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program she is planning her next adventure, baking, reading, or enjoying the outdoors.

Alex Paisner is an Internship Program Consultant for Global Experiences. He brings his own experience as an alumnus of GE’s Dublin program to the team, as well as experience from his travels throughout Australia, Italy, Ireland, and the UK. He has joined the Global Experiences team to help introduce students to the same great opportunity he had as a program participant. A graduate of the George Washington University in Washington DC, Alex has a degree in Business Administration, and is the contact person for GE’s Washington DC and Dublin Programs. Away from the office Alex can be found on the water, where his passion is sailing.

Sasha Stoddard is Global Experiences onsite representative for our programs in London, England. Sasha is primarily responsible for program support and internship oversight for participants in our London Internship programs. Also a former GE participant, Sasha brings a unique perspective to the "student experience" while helping participants immerse themselves into the London scene. She grew up in the southern USA and recently married an Englishman with whom she has settled into a great life in London.

Cassandra Santoro is Global Experiences onsite representative for our programs in Florence, Italy. She has spent time traveling and working around Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Spain, Greece, France and Ireland. As a former GE Participant she has decided her passion is to help other students realize the true meaning behind “La Dolce Vita.” She grew up on Long Island, NY and graduated from SUNY Brockport, where she played field hockey and graduated with a degree in Recreation Management and Event Planning. Cassandra loves all things Italia and participants are very fortunate to have her looking after them during their programs in Florence!

Mario Rimini

Sasha

Cassandra Santoro