I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but it wasn't until I lived abroad that I truly began to appreciate the beauty, character, and hidden gems waiting right here in the Midwest.
During college, I studied abroad in Venice, Italy. After graduating, I moved to England for an internship at Oxford before working in northwest London. Living overseas gave me the opportunity to experience destinations the way locals do—not just as a visitor, but as someone navigating everyday life in a new place. It allowed me to connect to the local culture in a deeper, and more meaningful way. I realized how much this connection brings a level of richness not always experienced when traveling.
Since then, I've continued exploring both internationally and close to home, traveling throughout the Midwest and around the world every year.
What I've learned is that my favorite travel memories rarely come from checking famous landmarks off a list—they're measured by the stories I bring home.. They come from wandering into a festival, sharing an unforgettable meal, or discovering a place I never expected to find,. This philosophy shapes every trip I plan.
Before becoming a travel advisor, I spent more than 15 years leading quality systems and project management in the corporate world. My career taught me how to organize complex projects, anticipate problems before they happen, and pay attention to the details so others don't have to.
As I traveled more, I naturally became the person friends and family turned to for recommendations and help planning their trips. I loved researching destinations, building itineraries, and helping them discover places and experiences they wouldn't have found on their own. Before long, they all started telling me the same thing: "You should do this for a living."
The more I thought about it, the more I realized they were right. Becoming a travel advisor felt like the perfect way to combine my passion for travel with the organization, attention to detail, and project management skills I'd built throughout my career. Today, I bring that same skillset to every trip I plan and I believe the best itineraries balance thoughtful planning with room for discovery.
When I design an itinerary, I have two goals.
The first is to create a trip that reflects who you are—your interests, your travel style, your pace, and what brings you joy.
The second is to create opportunities for genuine connection: with the destination, its culture, its people, and the people you're sharing the journey with.
That's how ordinary vacations become unforgettable memories.
