MEET THE TEAM

Andrew grew up near New York City and has traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Andrew founded Academic Expeditions over a decade ago after working with many different educational travel tour companies and international schools over the years. He realized that there was a real need for a new ideal for a company that offered a high quality travel experience that was delivered with integrity and a focus on the client’s needs. Andrew is proud of what he and his incredibly talented staff at Academic Expeditions have been able to produce and are committed to the success and satisfaction of every traveler’s experience.

Kristin is an east coast native with strong roots in Pennsylvania. She has been leading educational tours throughout North America and Europe for over 12 years. Kristin has a Masters in French and Comparative Literature, is an ITMI certified tour director, GWU certified event manager, and a licensed sightseeing guide in New York City and Washington, DC. She enjoys bicycling, good food, and foreign languages, and especially loves creating travel itineraries that combine all three. Kristin lives in Paris, France, where she is often found munching on baguettes, shopping the Parisian street markets, and exploring the “hidden” corners of the city.

Elitsa was born and raised in Bulgaria where she received her Bachelors in Italian and Masters in Alternative Tourism. Travel has always been a big part of her life from the early family vacations to the Black Sea to the latest road trip exploring the coast of Uruguay. She has over 6 years of experience developing programs in the United States and Canada for international visitors. Her other big passion is food and she strongly believes that the best way to experience new cultures and places is through their cuisine. When she is not planning the next trip, you can find Elitsa urban hiking in search of the most buttery croissant.

Tracy was born in Washington, DC and now resides in quiet Chesapeake Beach, Maryland which is just a short drive to our Nation’s Capital. Tracy started out in the group travel industry right out of high school by working at her family owned motor coach company. Working her way up the ladder she became the operations manager and after 22 years she decided to pursue her love of Washington and American history by becoming a DC Tour Guide. She loves sharing her love of history and the city with groups of all ages! When she is not guiding, you will find her at home with her sweet boys, Kirby & Murph, Golden Retrievers and Loki a Mastiff.

While Isaiah grew up on the plains of Oklahoma, the seeds of curiosity for the larger world were planted in him. In college, he earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Masters in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, and found open doors into the global education of travel and cultural exchange. His experiences abroad include working in the UK, Peace Corps in the Marshall Islands, recreation work in Japan, and cultural explorations of Latin America. These unique experiences have inspired him to both plan and guide relevant travel experiences for others. In addition to leading trips in Eastern US over the last 14 years, he has also led trips around Europe and South America. Isaiah, his wife Kim and son Walker live in Asheville, NC where they enjoy being outdoors, playing music with friends, and partaking in all the local Asheville eccentricities.

Kara grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is a 1999 graduate of the University of Virginia. Kara spent nine years working as an Underwriter for a large insurance company. After being introduced to student travel she decided to leave the corporate world to manage the financial operations and traveler registrations for Academic Expeditions, and by extension does the same for Discovery Expeditions. Kara and her family reside in central Virginia where they enjoy a recreational life in the Blue Ridge Mountains.