Our staff, like the teachers who travel with us have a goal to create a better world by enriching every student with cultural experiences through educational travel. One piece of feedback we hear from these teachers we work with and respect is that our people is what makes Explorica stand out. Our team is dedicated to working with teachers to make sure the process is easy and fun from start to finish! Enthusiasm seems to be the common theme here. The enthusiasm our teachers have about how traveling will prompt student growth is infectious, and we feed off that enthusiasm!
We (and you!) value our staff members so much, we decided to highlight a few people on our tremendous team and share their unique stories!
Chelsea Kelley – Senior Account Manager, Team Lead
Chelsea was well on her way to becoming a history teacher, but her plans took a turn when she learned about educational travel. Her passion for cultural education makes her an excellent support for teachers who travel with us. Bonus! Chelsea took part in a Explorica trip when she was in college, making her a direct product of our mission!
When asked what she loves the most about her role at Explorica, Chelsea had much to say. “When I applied to work here, I wanted to be a part of the process and help teachers open the world to their students, like my professor did for me. What I value most now are the relationships I have developed with the teachers I work with year after year. I’ve gotten to know some interesting people who’ve had amazing life experiences and I probably wouldn’t have met any other way.”
Bryan Ouellette – International Air Operations Manager
Brian has worked in the educational travel industry for 15 years, the last seven of which have been with us at Explorica. The relationships he’s formed with his program leaders have transcended time and location in the very best way. He doesn’t just work with teachers to build tours, he partners with his friends to organize educational experiences of a lifetime. Yes, Bryan does indeed consider the teachers he works with his good friends. In fact, he was once in a program leader’s wedding!
“We don’t just sell tours, we build relationships. Being trustworthy is very important to me, and, as a result, I have formed a lot of friendships. After working with this program leader for several years, I ended up being in her wedding (which was, of course, an honor). At this point, we’ve known each other going on 15 years.”
Laura Jones – Senior Account Manager, Team Lead
Laura traveled with Explorica in high school and went on the study abroad in Italy during college. She attributes her inspiration for deciding to go abroad and for double majoring in Italian and art history to her high school trip with us.
When asked what the most valuable aspect of educational travel is, Laura’s answer demonstrates her passion and appreciation for it all, even the little things. “Getting outside of their comfort zones, learning new cultures and seeing different kinds of people are important, and in my opinion, very valuable. Through my work at Explorica, I have helped students experience some incredible destinations for the first time, as well as some simple things well-traveled people might take for granted, like seeing the ocean, flying on an airplane, riding on a train or ferry, etc.”
Charlotte St Denis – Senior Product Coordinator
Charlotte’s personal experience with Explorica is quite special as her mom is a long-time program leader and one of our Teacher-to-Teacher mentors. By the time she finished college, Charlotte had visited 23 countries, mostly on Explorica trips. She was so influenced by her travels she chose to pursue a career with Explorica after majoring in international relations.
Charlotte has numerous stories about successful partnerships she has been a part of while working at Explorica. “In my new role in Product Innovation, I am able to continue former partnerships I had in sales; specifically, with my mom and one of her favorite tour directors. They’ve both become advisors to me on new program ideas and destinations. The Explorica organization as a whole has also been a great partner to me professionally. I have always felt like part of a family here, and loved how I was supported when I decided to move to Canada.”
Read more about Charlotte and her mom’s story here.
We understand working with Explorica is a choice, so our team makes sure it’s easy and you have fun doing it. Our passion for educational travel shines through in everything we do to enrich students’ lives. Thanks to our stellar staff and fantastic teacher partners, we really are working together for the better!