With nearly two decades in international university recruitment, Lea-Anne is passionate about global education. She began studying abroad at 16, spending a year in Japan, and went on to study in four more countries during her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. That experience inspired her to dedicate her career to helping students pursue an education abroad.

Lea-Anne has worked for three Australian universities, recruiting students from around the globe to study in Australia. This included a decade at Macquarie University, where she served as Regional Director for North America. She is now Co-Founder and Director of Pacific Futures, a boutique consultancy that partners with Australian universities to recruit students in North America.

In 2017, Lea-Anne co-founded AIRR-NA to give in-country representatives of international universities a professional network of their own, and she served as co-president until 2023. She lives in California but spends as much time as possible with family in Australia.

Katie Bell is the Associate Director of College Counseling, Testing Coordinator, and an academic advisor at Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California. Before joining Stevenson, she spent 13 years at Yale University’s Center for International and Professional Experience (CIPE), which supports undergraduate opportunities in study abroad, Yale Summer Session, career development, fellowships, and other funding programs.

At Yale, Katie served in dual roles as Director of the Yale Visiting International Student Program and Deputy Director of CIPE, where she managed an extensive portfolio of international and undergraduate programming. She also advised numerous international undergraduate students and, as a fellow of Trumbull College, supported first- and second-year undergraduates in their academic and personal transitions to Yale.

Katie earned a B.A. in art and French from the University at Buffalo and an M.A. in higher education administration and international education from Teachers College, Columbia University. At Stevenson, she is delighted to bring her deep understanding of undergraduate life at a highly selective university to conversations with students and families as they navigate the college search, application, and admissions process.

With more than 30 years of experience, Maria started her educational journey at the University of Wisconsin- Madison were she completed her BA. She then continued at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico where she attained her M.ED. Having engaged in College Counseling from her high school days as peer counselor, she had always had a passion for guiding students in their future and attaining their goals. Working at multiple private schools in Puerto Rico and the United States and being the past president for Caribbean Counselors Association she is considered a subject matter expert in Domestic and International admissions. Having participated in a wide array of activities that include college conferences, seminars and visits she has grown a network that continues to provide up to date references in the topics of global admissions and trends. As part of her commitment she also works with independent students from Puerto Rico and worldwide opening new possibilities for their success.

Angelo Georgacopoulos is a school counselor, licensed clinical professional counselor, and International College Liaison at Naperville North High School, where he has served students and families for more than 15 years. He is passionate about expanding awareness of international higher education and helping students recognize the academic, cultural, and personal benefits of earning a degree abroad.

Angelo is the founder and organizer of the school’s Career Takeover, Healthy Huskie Takeover, and International College Takeover programs, which connect students with professionals, wellness experts, and universities from around the world. Through the International College Takeover and International University Spotlight series, he has increased students’ exposure to global educational opportunities while building strong relationships with international university representatives. He is committed to making international education more visible, understandable, and accessible to students and families.

Angelo was named the 2026 Illinois School Counseling Association High School Counselor of the Year and received the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2026 Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service in the Student Support Personnel category. In addition to his work in education, he has maintained a private therapy practice for 16 years.

Matt Mettille is a College Counselor at The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in Chicago, Illinois. A native Iowan, he began his career in college admissions after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, spending time at both Grinnell College and Beloit College before earning a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Matt has worked in independent schools across the country for 20 years. Most recently, he served as Director of College Counseling at North Shore Country Day School (IL). His previous roles include Director of College Counseling at Menlo School (CA), Associate Director of College Counseling at Georgetown Day School (DC), and College Counselor at Pine Crest School (FL).

Outside of work, Matt loves exploring Chicago with his husband, Philip, and their Cavapoo, Johnny, as well as traveling, working out, and discovering new restaurants.

James Smith is the Co-Director of University & Career Counselling at West Point Grey Academy (WPGA) in Vancouver, Canada. Having joined WPGA in August 2022, James brings extensive expertise in post-secondary planning, international student advising, and personalized transition support to help students and families navigate higher education decisions.

Previously, James served as the Director of Post-Secondary Guidance and Career Education at Southridge School. His background in higher education also includes working as an international student recruiter and advisor at Simon Fraser University, as well as holding academic teaching assistant positions at both Queen’s University and the University of California, Berkeley.

James earned a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Arts in History of Art from UC Berkeley. Active in professional leadership, he has served on the local organizing committee for the Vancouver NACAC Fair and sits on the University of Glasgow North American High School Advisory Board.

Kate Trott serves as the Director of College Counseling and International Baccalaureate Coordinator at The Calverton School, a small independent IB school in rural Maryland. With a background spanning education, STEM programming, academic support, and youth development, Kate brings a relationship-centered and holistic approach to college counseling. She works closely with students and families to help them understand their strengths, explore meaningful opportunities, and identify colleges where they can thrive.

Kate is passionate about expanding access to higher education, particularly for rural and international students, and believes that college counseling should help students see possibilities they may not have considered. She has visited colleges across the United States, the United Kingdom, UAE, Europe, and Ireland and is actively involved in professional organizations including NACAC, PCACAC, IACAC, and ACCIS. Her work has been featured in NACAC’s Journal of College Admissions and Link Magazine.

Outside of school, Kate enjoys traveling, exploring new places and cultures, and spending time with her family and pets.

Jen Abreu has worked in education for nearly 30 years, including 13 years living and working overseas at international schools in Guatemala, Beijing, and Bangkok. These experiences shaped her passion for helping students explore universities and educational opportunities around the world. Today, Jen is a college counselor with International College Counselors, where she works with international students and US based students interested in studying abroad. She has extensive experience guiding students through applications to universities in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Alongside her work as a college counselor Jen spent three years as an external reader for a competitive university reading international applications. This experience gave her a stronger understanding of various high school curriculums around the world. Outside of counseling, Jen enjoys traveling the world and visiting universities wherever her travels take her.

Monica Gallego Rude is the Founder of Apply Broadly, where she helps high school students navigate the college application process. Previously, she worked as Director of University Counseling at the British International School of Boston. She holds a BA in History and Educational Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and an Ed.D. from the UCL Institute of Education. Monica has worked in international admissions and with globally mobile families for significantly longer than she’d like to admit. Prior to moving to the United States, she lived and worked in Asia and Europe – and successfully guided hundreds of students through the college process. Having worked on all sides of the desk, Monica’s superpower is “translating” admissions systems for students and their families.

Sara Dart is Senior Vice President for Education in Ireland where she supports Irish higher education institutions in partnership, outreach, and recruitment efforts. She has previously held roles at International Studies Abroad and Boise State University. She is a member of the Access Partner Advisory Board of the Fund for Education Abroad and authored the chapter on student advising in the recent edition of NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad. She has held volunteer leadership roles with NAFSA Region XI and Lessons From Abroad and served as a mentor for the Forum on Education Abroad’s InnovateEA competition, and has presented extensively on topics including burnout, career development in international education, imposter syndrome, and personal branding. Sara holds an BA in History and an MA in Higher Education Administration, both from Boston College.

DuBois Jennings has been in the field of international education for almost 20 years and holds a BA from Skidmore college and an M.A in international education from the School for International Training (SIT). Prior to his current role, DuBois worked in study abroad offices at US institutions and a study abroad provider organisation. He specializes in student, faculty and staff development around issues related to historically marginalized students and faculty on education abroad programs. He regularly presents at US institutions and international education conferences like NAFSA and the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) on this topic and internationalization strategy and outcomes. He currently serves as the Director of Engagement in North America at Education New Zealand (ENZ). In this role, he is responsible for the creation and implementation of ENZ’s engagement strategy in North America by developing partnerships and opportunities that help achieve the goals of New Zealand’s education sector as well as iwi and Māori education providers.

Jim Pierson is the Senior Regional Manager of the North America Global Centre with University College Dublin, where he has worked for the past 12 years from Chicago helping North American students pursue their studies in Ireland on undergraduate, postgraduate, and study abroad courses. Previously, he completed the Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs degree at the University of Connecticut, where he spent time working in the UConn Education Abroad and First Year Programs offices. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

Jim founded AIRR-NA in 2017 with help from colleagues who saw the need for a professional organization to serve our communities, both regional representatives and students, families and counselors. Jim has served as Co-President and Technology Chair since the founding of the organization and has seen AIRR-NA grow from less than a dozen members to over 100 as the organization approaches its 10 year anniversary.

Will Abraham is the Associate Head of International Recruitment, Americas, at BIMM University. He previously worked at Goldsmiths, University of London, and The American University of Rome. He has served on the Executive Board of The Association of International
Regional Representatives–North America for four years as Counselor Relations Chair and Co-President.

He regularly speaks at industry conferences such as National ACAC, International ACAC, CIS Regional Institutes, and more. Will is based in Brooklyn, New York, and he enjoys films, theatre, books, museums, and throwing pottery.

Originally from Chicago, he lived in Rome, Italy, for part of university and loved it so much he moved back. He has traveled to over 40 countries.

Amanda Carroll serves as Senior Regional Manager–Americas at James Cook University (JCU), where she leads student recruitment and enrollment strategy across North, Central, and South America. In this role, she oversees recruitment efforts in 35 countries, manages regional partnerships, and works closely with schools, counselors, and education agents throughout the Americas.

With nearly a decade of experience in higher education and international admissions, Amanda has held enrollment leadership roles at James Cook University, The American University of Paris, and Allegheny College. Her work has included territory management, application review, counselor engagement, strategic partnerships, and data-informed recruitment planning. While at The American University of Paris, she created and directed the institution’s inaugural Counselor Advisory Board, strengthening collaboration between secondary school counselors and university admissions professionals.

Amanda is passionate about expanding access to global education and helping students discover opportunities beyond their home countries. She is an active presenter within the international education community, having presented at conferences such as NACAC, International ACAC, NAFSA, RMACAC and more.

Amanda holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Allegheny College.

Nick Heuer is the member-at-large representative of the Advisory Board.

He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Admissions for the American University of Paris and is based in Chicago, IL.