Staff Profiles
Our local and international staff are dedicated to the success of our programs and ensuring a safe and satisfying educational-travel experience. We work with licensed tour guides, professors, researchers, scientists, and teachers who have expert knowledge in the travel and tourism industry and specialized interests in a range of fields. Our staff are knowledgeable, friendly and fun!
Read about who we are and what we do
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Dr. Lisa Trentin, Principal
Lisa has worked with Global Journeys Academy for 10 years, starting in 2009 as a Classics Teacher and then moving into the role of Principal in 2017. A specialist in the visual culture and social history of the ancient Mediterranean, Lisa has worked in the Department of Visual Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga and the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Waterloo. She is dedicated to supporting students in transitioning from high-school to university.
Mrs. Anna Frankova Ahlami, Admissions Officer
Anna has worked with Global Journeys Academy for 8 years, starting at the office to assist with travel arrangements as we well administrative work. For the past 6 years Anna has worked as our Registration/Admissions Officer for student programs, helping students from all over Canada, the USA and other parts of the world. Anna has extensive experience in the travel industry as well an Eastern European accent to go along with it. When not at her desk, Anna spends her time gardening, baking, and journeying across Canada with her family.
Mr. Michael Tate, Parent Liaison
Mike has worked with Global Journeys Academy for over 10 years. He has 35 years of experience as an educator in Ontario public schools as a Science Teacher, Associate Teacher, New Teacher Mentor, Curriculum Writer, and Continuing Education Supervisor. He has travelled extensively with students and enjoys showcasing his knowledge of biology in diverse ecosystems around the world. When not teaching, Mike spends his time running and biking the roads and trails of southern Ontario.
Ms. Maria Da Cuhna, STS Travel Professional
Maria, a CTC, CMP, Certified Travel Professional, has 30 years of extensive experience in all aspects of the travel industry. She has personally travelled to more than 35 countries and managed individual, group, and corporate travel to destinations all over the world. Maria believes that the best travel experiences should touch all of the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. She has worked with us as travel partner for 15 years!
Dr. George Rostandis, Guide in Greece
George has worked with Global Journeys Academy for 10 years as our trusted guide in Greece. George is an official guide of the Greek National Organization of Tourism. He completed his undergraduate degree at the National University of Athens in Prehistoric and Classical Archaeology and his graduate degree in Tourism Management at the University of Viderbo, Italy. George speaks Greek, English, French and Italian. George is loved by our students for his energy and enthusiasm!
Prof. Craig Hardiman, Guest Lecturer
Craig is an Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Waterloo and a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Institute in Greece. His research focuses on the domestic art of the Hellenistic period – the kinds of sculptures, paintings, and mosaics people would have had in their homes. He is a specialist in classical art history and has led tours for our students at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, Research Centre
BIOS is an independent non-profit scientific research and educational organization based in Bermuda. For over 100 years BIOS researchers and visiting scientists have been examining the connection between the ocean and human health, climate change, marine science, and coral reef ecology. We have run programs at BIOS for 12 years and are extremely proud of the conservation work performed by our past students and teachers.
Estación Biológica Monteverde, Research Station
The Estación is a biological research station in the Monteverde Cloud Forest of Costa Rica. Opened in 1989, the station hosts researchers, students, and nature lovers from around the world to experience the biodiversity of the region. We have run programs at the Estación for 10 years because our students love its location in the cloud forest.
Latin Trails, Tour Operator & DMC
Latin Trails is a specialized tour operator for Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands offering custom planned tours, with a focus on delivering unique experiences in South America. We have worked with Latin Trails for many years; they continue to offer dedicated support and excellent service, especially on our Galapagos cruises!
Malatesta Viaggi, Tour Operator & DMC
Malatesta is one of Italy’s largest tour operators for group travel in Europe. Founded in 1980, Malatesta offers a range of destinations and products for customized tours. We have worked with Malatesta for many years; they continue to offer efficient and quality service for our student programs in Italy!
St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, Accommodation
A college of the University of Oxford, this residence has hosted our student groups for the last 8 years. Providing safe and reliable service, the residence hosts international students, visiting scholars, and short-term academic staff. Our students love residing here and meeting other students from all over the world!
