CEA CAPA Institutional Relations Directory

A native of Massachusetts, Paul is based in Austin, Texas, having joined CEA CAPA in 2018. He oversees a talented team of Regional Directors working with institutional partners in the central US. Paul has focused his career working with students and administrators in higher education. Prior to CEA CAPA, Paul served as a Bilingual Admission Counselor and Academic Advisor at St. Edward’s University, Director of Internships and Service-Learning at International Studies Abroad, and Director of Institutional Relations with EF College Study Tours. Paul also served as an AmeriCorps volunteer and has led service-learning projects to Peru. He holds a dual B.A. in Spanish and Communication from Stonehill College and earned his MA in Spanish from Texas State University. When he's not on an airplane visiting institutional partners, Paul enjoys eating brisket at barbecue spots around Texas, walking his Boxer, and rocking out at live music venues with his wife and daughter.

Based in the Naples, Florida, Stacy is a veteran of the international education field. Prior to joining CEA CAPA, she served for 15 years as the Founder and President of Athena Study Abroad. She received the Enlightened Employer Award at the Women in International Education (WIE) Awards in Berlin, Germany, has been named twice to the Forty Under 40 list for business professionals (in both Columbus, Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania), and was named the recipient of NAFSA Region VI's esteemed Leo Dowling Award of Excellence. Stacy served as a Founding Executive Team Member of the women's leadership and advocacy group the Global Leadership League, has served on NAFSA's Trainer Corps, and was a founding member of the Global Learning Collective. She has also served as the Director of the International Office at Ohio Dominican University and was an International Student and Scholar Advisor at The Ohio State University. Stacy earned her MA degree in Educational Policy and Leadership (Social and Cultural Foundations) from The Ohio State University, and her BA degree as a double-major in Spanish and Communications/Public Relations from John Carroll University.

As a Regional Director based in South Carolina, Sara works closely with study abroad advisors, administrators, and faculty at higher education institutions in the South to support student growth through study and internship opportunities. Sara also coordinates with CEA CAPA’s campus partners to develop custom, faculty-led programs. Prior to joining the Institutional Relations team at CEA CAPA, Sara worked in international admissions for a total of 6 years at the University of South Carolina Aiken and Clemson University. Sara holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University and a B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University. Sara participated in 2 short-term study abroad programs in Russia and Cyprus. Through these experiences, she realized her passion for working in international education, wanting to provide these same experiences to other students. She feels incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated and passionate professionals who are committed to making life-changing international opportunities accessible to every student.

Prior to joining CEA CAPA, Ashley worked for the Consortium for Global Education, a faith-based, international education organization based in Atlanta. From 2013-2015, she lived in Nigeria doing logistics work for a missions organization, an experience that greatly contributes to her passion for international education. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Ashley has had the joy of working with institutions in the Southeast United States as Regional Director with CEA CAPA since 2017. Ashley holds a degree in Business Management from Southeastern University and an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University. In her non-working time, she can often be found road-tripping to visit family or friends, hiking, or eating the world’s most delicious food, pizza.

Based out of Wisconsin, Jon Jorgenson works with our university advisors, faculty and staff to support student exploration, advising, and registration processes, in addition to identifying ways CEA CAPA can help its university partners be more successful in internationalizing its curriculum. Prior to joining CEA CAPA Jon studied abroad in Spain and China plus worked at Expeditors International, PMT Corporation, RAM Center, and Red Wing Shoe Co. Jon's travels have taken to 27 different countries, and he is most looking forward to visiting Hungry next. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Spanish from Minnesota State University – Moorhead. Jon advises first time international travelers that: "Studying abroad is magical. Make the most of your time while abroad plus stay true to yourself and your goals. Your time abroad will fly by quickly and if you experience it to the fullest it will be most rewarding, challenging, exciting and fulfilling time of your life."

Amber has spent the last 15+ years in various roles within education abroad and was thrilled to join the team at CEA CAPA in 2021 in her role now as Regional Director, primarily in the Rocky Mountain states. Prior roles have ranged from student advising at two different institutions, as well as recruitment, faculty-led program development, institutional relations, and business development at international education organizations as well as student travel companies. She has been actively involved in NAFSA mentor programs, conference committees and presentations, and is a huge supporter of NAFSA’s annual Advocacy Day. Amber holds a BA in Clinical Counseling in Addictions from Keene State College in NH and a Masters of Leadership in Higher Education from North Central College in IL, where she was fortunate enough to spend some time in Brazil for work on her thesis on Cultural Immersion and Learning Outcomes in Short-Term Faculty-Led Programs. Originally from New England and a former part-time Alaskan, Amber now calls Colorado home with her husband and two fur babies and very much enjoys any opportunity to travel, specifically when it can involve a new brewery, the next culinary adventure, or any rooftop or mountain top anywhere at all.

James has been with CEA CAPA for over five years, starting out as an intern and now working as a Sales Operations Analyst. Outside of CEA CAPA, James volunteers as a Donation Coordinator for Alex Victory's Legacy and volunteers on archaeological excavations.

Matt joined CEA CAPA in 2019 as a Program Manager. Following promotions to both the Senior Program Manager and Team Lead—Program Management, CAPA Programs roles out of Boston, MA, Matt moved to Washington, D.C. to join the Strategic Engagement team in 2022. Matt now works as the Regional Director - Mid-Atlantic and supports college and university partnerships in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Matt's prior experience is heavily grounded in student-facing advising, with experience in academic, internship, and visa advising support. Matt received his BA in Political Science from Dickinson College, where he studied abroad and away in Bologna, Italy, and Washington, D.C.

Based in Cleveland, OH, Sean works closely with institutions in the Midwest to support their education abroad efforts. Born in Ireland to an Irish father and American mother, Sean moved to the US at a young age and has had a passion for everything international since. Before joining CEA CAPA, Sean worked at the University of Dayton for seven years, working with students going abroad to China, international students coming to the US, and institutional partners. Most recently, Sean managed institutional partnerships in the US and Canada for an international student recruitment EdTech platform. Sean earned a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science as well as an M.S. Ed. in Higher Education Administration, both from the University of Dayton. During his undergraduate degree, Sean also studied abroad in Costa Rica. His personal and professional international travels have taken him to countries around the world, including China and the United Kingdom. Sean's passions include making international experiences accessible to all learners as well as discussing ways for students to connect their international experiences to their career goals. When not at work, you can find Sean spending time with his rescue dog, completing his latest home DIY project, or planning his next trip abroad.

As a Partnership Director based in Indianapolis, Kira’s role is to work closely with study abroad advisors, administrators, and faculty at CEA CAPA’s partner institutions to support student growth through study and internship opportunities, grow the number of affiliated programs, and coordinate with them to develop custom, faculty-led programs. Prior to joining CEA CAPA, Kira spent 5 years at the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA), where she served in several university relations roles, most recently as the Field Director for the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Prior to entering the field of international education, she worked in Greek Life at her sorority’s national headquarters. Kira obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Journalism, and Leadership Studies from Bradley University and her experience studying abroad for a semester in Granada, Spain furthered her love of travel and language learning. Kira is passionate about equity and making sure study abroad is accessible to all students. Her advice to students considering study abroad is to not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, be endlessly curious, ask questions, and remember that cultural differences are what make our world a better place.

Based in Philadelphia, Seth works closely with colleges and universities to identify ways in which CEA CAPA can support campus internationalization efforts. He is responsible for building new partnerships along with supporting efforts to expand existing institutional partnerships. Seth also serves as the chair of the CEA CAPA JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) committee. With 10+ years of experience in education abroad administration, Seth has worked in the areas of student advising, program development and management, and university relations. Seth graduated from Juniata College with a B.S in Biopsychology and spent a semester of his junior year studying in Newcastle, Australia. He also participated in two short-term programs in the Dominican Republic and Cordoba, Argentina. Through these experiences, he developed a passion for working in International Education, wanting to provide these same experiences to other students. Seth has traveled to over 20 countries and has been on every continent except Antarctica. His favorite experiences while traveling involve trying new cuisines and building a global network. When he is not working you can find Seth in the kitchen, working on his pottery, planning is next adventure or spending time on the water.