SPEAKERS

Brigit is an Implementation Engineer at Terra Dotta, focusing on onboarding new clients to Terra Dotta’s ISSS products. After earning degrees in French and International Education (BA/MFS), Brigit spent approximately 12 years working in ISSS roles at several Midwest-based institutions. She uses that firsthand experience to help new clients configure and optimize their sites, tailoring solutions to best meet their needs. When she’s not working, you’ll find Brigit spending time with her family, DIYing around the house, or curling up with a good book.

Cathi Berberich is the Director of Customer Support at Terra Dotta where she leads a team of diverse support professionals. Previously, Cathi worked on ISSS Implementations at Terra Dotta as a Project Manager. As part of her previous international education background, Cathi advised international students and scholars at the University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis, and National Institutes of Health. Additionally, she studied abroad in Greece, Mexico and the U.K. and has lived in Malaysia. Cathi holds a M.A. from Lesley University in Intercultural Relations and a B.S. from the University of North Dakota in Psychology.

Bobby Brigman is a Product Manager at Terra Dotta, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bobby has studied abroad in Spain and France and later interned in China. His time abroad attracted him to Terra Dotta so that he could help empower others to study and travel abroad, forming lifelong memories. Previously Bobby led the Travel team launching AlertTraveler and Travel Registry. Today Bobby focuses on Analytics and Dashboards with the goal of helping customers unlock their data and turn insights into actions. While not at work, he can be found exploring new restaurants around the Triangle with his wife and friends, playing ice hockey, or chasing his two dogs around the yard.

Kelsey is a Senior Enablement Specialist at Terra Dotta, where she spends most of her time coaching Terra Dotta customers in how to optimize their use of Terra Dotta's Outgoing and Travel/Risk products. Kelsey has been with Terra Dotta since 2015, and has a passion for helping offices gain proficiency in the functionality they use every day. She obtained her B.A. in English from Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she also extensively studied Theatre Arts. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, gaming, and spending time with her son and husband.

As an International Programs Coordinator, Howard collaborates with NC State faculty on group programs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Vaishnavi Chintala serves as the Process and Technology Coordinator for University of Kentucky Education Abroad & Exchanges. She administers the office’s application platform, Terra Dotta, and uses data analysis to improve programs, application processes, applicant engagement, and departmental outcomes. She also streamlines workflows, simplifies daily operations, and oversees the unit’s website to enhance performance and user experience.

Vaishnavi holds a master’s degree in Information Systems with a concentration in Business Analytics from Murray State University, where she worked as a graduate assistant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India. She believes education is one of the greatest honors a person can pursue. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and watching true-crime documentaries.

Laura Coker is a Senior Customer Support Specialist who loves using her passion for international education to help others. Prior to joining Terra Dotta in December of 2015, Laura served as a PDSO, DSO, and ARO for seven years, and supported students and staff with navigating the world of ISSS. She enjoys helping clients to build their proficiency and confidence using TDS, and considers TDU one of the highlights of the year! Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with friends, tending her indoor jungle of houseplants, and taking on DIY projects.  

Nate Daugherty is a Customer Enablement Specialist at Terra Dotta where he helps clients learn to use the software more effectively. When he was younger, Nate traveled the world before coming back to St. Louis, his hometown. He got into international education about fifteen years ago before becoming a study abroad coordinator at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and then a Terra Dotta specialist at the University of Missouri. Nate joined the Customer Enablement team at Terra Dotta two and a half years ago and he loves seeing all the ways the clients use the software and is inspired by his energetic and amazing teammates. In his freetime, Nate designs and plays board games, gets outside, and hangs out with his spouse and kids.

Butler University Associate Director for Study Abroad Calie Dickey started working in international education in 2015 after completing her Bachelor's in Public Relations (minors in German and Gender Studies), a year-long co-op in a German university's international office, and a Global MBA. She has always been interested in life-changing international experiences and enjoys advising students on the hundreds of different options in which they can take part at Butler University. In addition to advising students, she manages all things Terra Dotta, supports students through their visa processes, manages Butler's bi-lateral exchange portfolio, and coordinates Butler's faculty-led Centre programs. 

Heidi Doyle is a member of the Global Engagement Team in the University of Michigan Office of the Provost. She manages the university's Terra Dotta study abroad system, university travel registry, and key data reporting initiatives that support global education. A Project Management Professional (PMP)® with a background in software development, Heidi is particularly enthusiastic about using Program Parameters and Deployment Rules to create efficient, scalable solutions in Terra Dotta.

Audrey Faulkner is a Customer Enablement Specialist at Terra Dotta, based in El Paso, Texas. Audrey has a diverse background in global education, including education abroad, institutional partnerships and exchanges, and campus internationalization programming. She has also served in ISSS advising and PDSO responsibilities. She holds a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and a B.S. in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in Linguistics. Outside of the global education realm, Audrey enjoys hiking, karaoke, spending time with her crazy dogs, and being a committed lifelong learner.

Rosie Flowers is a Senior Implementation Engineer at Terra Dotta where she co-manages the implementation pipeline and facilitates onboarding for customers with Terra Dotta's Outgoing and Travel/Risk products. Rosie has over 10 years of experience working with Terra Dotta and its many platforms. Before joining Terra Dotta, Rosie worked in other sectors of education and software. In her free time, Rosie enjoys traveling, watching football, and spending quality time with her family.

Kendall Frye is the Senior Director of Customer Success at Terra Dotta where she leads a team of professionals who serve as strategic partners to our customers. With over 12 years of experience at Terra Dotta, Kendall has worn many hats and uses her myriad experiences to contribute to the ongoing growth of the Terra Dotta Customer Success team. Outside of work, Kendall enjoys reading, antiquing, and staying busy with her three young children. 

Melissa established her career in international education, with a BA in French from the University of Iowa and an MS in higher education from Indiana University. As an OTR Implementation Engineer on the Terra Dotta team, she’s passionate about making life easier for clients by helping them streamline their workflows with top-notch software solutions. With 14 years in international admissions and 8 years in education abroad, she’s well-versed in opening doors to the world for students and educators alike. She’s left her mark at Indiana University Bloomington, IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis), and the University of Southern Indiana before bringing her expertise to Terra Dotta one year ago. In her free time, Melissa enjoys getting outside with her spouse, two boys, and their dog, watching birds in the yard, and playing board games.

Leah studied and taught English abroad in France before beginning her international education career in 2008 as a Study Abroad Advisor. Prior to her role at Terra Dotta, she served as Assistant Director for Global Risk, Health and Safety at the University of Georgia and Senior Education Abroad Advisor at the University of Virginia. Leah has been on the user side of Terra Dotta for 10+ years and enjoys drawing on that experience to help clients streamline processes and create more efficient and effective systems. She has expertise in study abroad risk mitigation and incident response, faculty-led program development and management, student advising, training, and development.

Stephanie Ingvaldson is a Customer Success Manager at Terra Dotta and partners with institutions in California, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Mexico. Prior to joining Terra Dotta, Stephanie spent 15 years in international education - supporting inbound/outbound students, building global partnerships, and leading teams to institutional success. Today, she channels that same energy into helping institutions maximize their investment with Terra Dotta. Whether solving data challenges or swapping travel stories, Stephanie is always up for a conversation that spans borders and drives impact.

Olivia Kilbride is the Product Owner for ISSS at Terra Dotta. Olivia has over a decade of International Student and Immigration advising experience, working at a law firm, a mid-sized public University, and a large research institution. She has received her Master’s in Public Administration from The University of Central Oklahoma. Additionally, Olivia has spent her childhood summers in Mexico, taught English in Spain, and later did a semester abroad in Paris. She resides in south Texas, where she enjoys her reading time with her two black cats, and outdoor activities in the amazing, year-round, warm weather.

Noah Kriger began his journey in international education as a college freshman, working in the Office of International Services at NC State University. Over the past two decades, he has held a variety of roles within international offices, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the field. Since joining Terra Dotta in 2015, he has taken on multiple roles, with a particular passion for engaging with clients, understanding their unique business processes, and helping them achieve their goals through the effective use of the software. Outside of work, he enjoys the constant adventure of life with his three children and the ever-evolving rhythm of family life.

Emily Marlton is a Senior Implementation Engineer at Terra Dotta where her current focus is onboarding new customers to Terra Dotta's Outgoing and Travel/Risk products. Prior to joining Terra Dotta, Emily worked in the study abroad offices at UNC Chapel Hill and NC State. Building on her 15 years of experience in international education, Emily now helps clients optimize their use of Terra Dotta software by offering best practice-based solutions tailored to meet the institution-specific needs. Emily holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a B.A. in French, and a M.A. in International Education. When she’s not at work, she enjoys being active outdoors with her family!

Anna Marter is a Customer Enablement Specialist at Terra Dotta, dedicated to helping organizations optimize their use of Terra Dotta software. With a M.A. from the SIT Graduate Institute in International Education and a BFA from NYU in Video Production, Anna combines a unique blend of educational and creative expertise to deliver comprehensive training and support. Over her 9-year career in study abroad, Anna has streamlined application processes to make international programs more accessible for students. Bringing a global perspective to her role, Anna has lived in Australia and New Zealand and studied abroad in Ireland. Outside of work, Anna enjoys knitting, going on hikes with her two dogs, and reading fantasy books.

Randy Mason joined Terra Dotta in early 2022 and is currently a Senior Implementation Engineer for ISSS. Before joining Terra Dotta, Randy spent several years working as an implementation engineer for a company that developed software for use by universites and local/federal government entities. Randy resides in Vermont and enjoys outdoor activities in his free time.

Christina Meredith, a Senior Product Owner at Terra Dotta, leads the product design and development efforts of Partnership Management, guiding the product creation process from idea through delivery to make sure it's designed well and set up for long term success. With over 20 years in international education, and over 11 at Terra Dotta, she draws on experience from a variety of roles to bring a well rounded perspective to her work. Christina spends her free time as a baseball mom and wife, reading, and taking as many cruises as she can (when she's not trying to visit all 30 ballparks).

Heather joined the NC State Study Abroad Office in January 2022. As a Senior International Programs Coordinator, Heather collaborates with NC State faculty on short-term faculty-led programs for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She also utilizes Terra Dotta to administer the study abroad scholarship application and award processes, with over $1M disbursed annually.

As a member of the Global Education Systems and Administration Team at The Ohio State University, Jennifer works closely with unit leadership to develop and improve global education processes. She also supports core systems including Terra Dotta, SIS, and Scholarship Universe, and serves as a key liaison to campus partners, including Student Financial Aid, the Bursar, and the Registrar. Prior to working at Ohio State, Jennifer's background is in supporting non-traditional students, multilingual learners, and non-profit administration.

With over a decade of experience in international higher education—as a study abroad office leader, private education abroad solution provider, data analyst, faculty-directed program coordinator, and process automation expert—David Nelson has deep expertise in technology-enabled decision-making and operational efficiency. Before joining Terra Dotta in early 2025 as the Director of Study Abroad Solutions, he was a director of faculty-led study abroad at the University of Kentucky and also an active member of Terra Dotta’s SuperUser and community groups, where he has developed custom-coded solutions that enhance the platform.

Beth Osterlund is Associate Director of Northwestern University’s Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS). For more than 12 years, she has supported Northwestern students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad through international travel risk management, health and safety programming, traveler outreach, and pre-departure planning. Before joining Northwestern, she oversaw international education programs at The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Beth holds a Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations from Northeastern University.

Franklin has worked in international higher education since 2011. He began his career at Boston University, where he worked as an Admissions Coordinator and International Partnership Manager. In 2017, he joined the University of Denver as the Assistant Director of International Enrollment Management. From 2021 to 2023, Franklin worked at edtech companies as a Customer Success Manager. In 2024, he joined Terra Dotta's Customer Support team before transitioning to Customer Success in 2025. Franklin's passion for higher education is both personal and professional. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Franklin is a first-generation American and college student, as well as a native Spanish speaker. He has traveled to over 20 countries, run four marathons in 3 countries, and enjoys exploring Denver and Colorado with his family. Franklin is passionate about helping universities support their students as they navigate the ever-changing world of international education.

Tiff is the Lead Global Education Systems Analyst at The Ohio State University, where she oversees the systems and processes that support global education programs. With 17 years of experience in international education, she specializes in leveraging Terra Dotta to improve efficiency, data integrity, and the user experience. She also facilitates a Terra Dotta client-based group, where she enjoys collaborating with colleagues to share best practices and innovative solutions. She is passionate about using technology to enhance global education and streamline operations.

Cj has worked in the study abroad office at the University of Missouri for two and a half years. Before her current role, she worked on the financial side of study abroad. She holds a degree in International Relations and Japanese from the University of Missouri. Outside of work, Cj enjoys crafting, gaming, and learning about interesting things.

Jason works in Product Development for ISSS at Terra Dotta. He's been in International Education since 2005 and worked at an Intensive English School, a Private Music College, and a State System. He's been a P/DSO, ARO, and also worked in IT as a business analyst supporting users with international education products. In addition, he's worked as part of a private consulting firm that assists higher ed international offices with international applications and data.

Lynn manages new and ongoing student-facing software systems and leads new system integrations in partnership with other university departments and third-party vendors. Lynn provides support for these systems, stewards risk management data for international activities, and troubleshoots office plant ailments.

Salman Sheikh joined James Madison University's Center for Global Engagement (CGE) in 2024 as the Associate Director of Operations for Study Abroad. In this role, he oversees the operational and financial administration of study abroad programs, including budget development, financial planning and analysis, fiscal oversight, and compliance with university and state policies. He works closely with the Director of Study Abroad, the Enrollment Manager, Fiscal Specialist and a Finance Grad Assistant to support program directors throughout the program lifecycle, providing strategic guidance on program operations, logistics, risk management, and event coordination while serving as a key liaison with campus partners.

Prior to joining CGE and before transitioning to higher education, he spent more than nine years with Zong (China Mobile Pakistan), where he served as a Senior Executive specializing in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and business partnering. In that role, he led the financial function for the Engineering Department, collaborating with cross-functional teams to support strategic decision-making and operational excellence.

Salman is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), United Kingdom. He is also a JMU alum and graduated in MBA Innovation in 2024. He is passionate about international education and believes that study abroad experiences foster meaningful cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship. An avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures, Salman is committed to leveraging his financial expertise and operational leadership to strengthen study abroad programs and enhance the student experience at JMU.

James Slone is the Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he also serves as the university's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO). With nearly half a decade of experience in international education, James has held roles as an International Advisor, manager of the sponsored student program, and now leads the development of international partnerships and agreements ranging from articulation pathways to research collaborations. In his previous role managing sponsored students, he worked extensively with sponsoring agencies, embassies, and partner universities to support international student success and institutional collaboration. James holds a Master of Education with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government. His professional interests include international partnerships, global student mobility, immigration compliance, and expanding opportunities for international collaboration in higher education.

Over the past 10 years, Amy has worked with international students and in enrollment management. Serving as S&T's International Partnership Manager her priorities have been to help international students and their international partners successfully navigate the academic, cultural, and regulatory changes that come with studying in the United States. She is passionate about being a trusted resource, providing guidance and support to help international students adapt, succeed, and feel confident as policies and circumstances continue to evolve.

Steve Sweitzer is a Senior Technical Enablement Specialist at Terra Dotta where he works with the enablement team. Steve has worked at Terra Dotta for twenty-two years in a variety of roles. Initially, Steve worked as a QA tester and technical writer for the study abroad product known in the early years as StudioAbroad. Later, Steve became the head of support and QA while also travelling to more than 50 offices across the country as a trainer and implementation specialist. As the study abroad product evolved, Steve moved to the development team and took on the role of Product Owner. Over the last year, Steve has moved to the Customer Enablement team to lead and assist with the development of client solutions and projects. He lives in Chapel Hill where he spends his time hiking, gaming, and taking care of a very fussy cat.

Alma Sandoval Tzontchev is the Assistant Director of Advising & Partnerships in DePaul University's Study Abroad office. With 15 years of experience in education abroad, she oversees strategy and implementation for term-long study abroad programs and the university's exchange partnerships. She also manages DePaul's Terra Dotta Study Abroad platform, leading efforts to improve workflows, automation, and the student experience. Alma is a DePaul alumna and first-generation college graduate whose own study abroad experience in Madrid inspired her career in international education. She is passionate about helping students access transformative global learning opportunities and reducing barriers to participation

Rohit Varanasi is the Product Owner for the Travel/Risk suite, comprised of the Travel Registry and AlertTraveler products. Prior to joining Terra Dotta in early 2024, he graduated with a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree from Duke University. He brings experience in product management across different sectors, such as health and media. Rohit hails from Hyderabad, India and is a passionate photographer, always looking for his next frame.

Abby Ward is the Senior Director of Customer Onboarding and Curriculum at Terra Dotta, where she leads a dynamic and highly professional team dedicated to delivering best-in-class customer onboarding and educational initiatives. With over two decades of experience in international education and EdTech, Abby approaches each customer interaction and project from a perspective of partnership and deep understanding. Additionally, she is passionate about mentoring her team and fostering a culture of authentic self-expression. Abby holds a M.Ed. in Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership, and a B.A. in Political Science and German Studies, underscoring her academic background in her areas of professional interest. Outside of work, Abby enjoys the Soccer Mom life, yoga, and watching historical documentaries.

Chelsea Weaver is a Senior Customer Support Specialist at Terra Dotta with over a decade of experience supporting international education teams. She leads live chat and develops client-facing documentation that helps ISSS and Study Abroad offices find answers quickly and confidently navigate the platform. She values collaboration, lifelong learning, and finding inspiration in live jazz and offbeat cinema.

Sara Williams is a Customer Enablement Specialist, focusing on educating and empowering clients to optimize their use of Terra Dotta's Outgoing products. Prior to joining Terra Dotta in 2023, Sara spent nearly 10 years working in Study Abroad as an Associate Director and Advisor at institutions in California and was a Terra Dotta Study Abroad client for 5 years. She is passionate about international education and loves collaborating with Terra Dotta clients around the world. Sara is based in Los Angeles and spends her free time going on beach walks, doing yoga, attending sports games, and visiting different MLB stadiums with her spouse.

Molly Wilskie-Kala is the Associate Director of Operations and Analytics for the University of Washington Study Abroad team. She is a self-acknowledged process and spreadsheet wonk who loves creating efficiencies for her co-workers. Molly has been managing the UW Study Abroad instance of Terra Dotta since 2015. When she's not at work, Molly loves to design and building things in her woodshop.

As the Director of IT & Data Strategy at the University of Kentucky International Center (UKIC), Alexander Aston Zapata provides strategic leadership in the development and oversight of the International Center’s data infrastructure and technology systems. Aston Zapata’s primary responsibilities include designing and maintaining a comprehensive data architecture that supports institutional reporting, internal reporting, strategic assessment, and evidence-based decision-making. Aston Zapata leads a cross-functional data management team representing multiple UKIC units to ensure data consistency, integrity, and alignment with university-wide standards. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, Aston Zapata actively engages with emerging technologies, national trends in international education, and modern data visualization and automation tools; leveraging platforms such as Tableau (Desktop and Prep) and the Microsoft Power Platform (including Power Automate and Power Apps) to enhance data-driven decision-making, streamline workflows, and improve organizational efficiency.