Our Team

Stephen Pattillo

Founder & CEO
Stephen has over 20 years of experience in the field of international programming, working with both academic programs for universities and executive trade and economic development missions. A Duke University graduate, Stephen regularly attends NAFSA, the Forum on Education Abroad, the Global Internships Conference and the AACSB Deans' Conference.

Rika Olson

Chief Operating Officer
Rika joins the GAV team after an extensive career working globally in financial services and investment banking compliance. As a Duke University graduate with a Law Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Rika oversees all operations for GAV.

Lisa Chieffo

Senior Advisor, International Programs and Partnerships
Lisa has nearly 30 years experience working in university study abroad programming. She has an M.A. in German and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware and spent her first year of graduate study in Germany as a Fulbright scholar. Lisa oversees university relations, program health & safety procedures, and provides general program advisement. 

Curt Hamakawa

Senior Advisor, University Relations and Partnership Development
Curt spent 20 years in the sport industry working for the NCAA and US Olympic & Paralympic Committee before joining Western New England University from 2006-2024 in capacities as professor of sport management, associate dean, interim provost, and chief of staff. In the College of Business, he was director of Study Abroad and led programs to Australia, Brazil, China, France, Russia, South Africa, and the UK. For three summers Curt taught a course on international sport at IÉSEG School of Management in Paris and in 2024 he taught a seminar on careers in international and Olympic sport at ICP -- the Catholic University of Paris -- in conjunction with the Paris Olympics.

Andrew Robertson

Group General Counsel and Head of Risk Management
Andrew’s legal experience has included roles as General Counsel of Carnival Australia and as Head of Business Affairs for a “Big Four” accounting firm in Australia. Andrew manages all GAV contracts with universities, international academic consultants and multinational companies hosting interns in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and the USA.

Madalyn Roque

Head of Internship Programs
Madalyn manages GAV's internship programs as well as campus and student relations. She joins GAV with a degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Madalyn first became familiar with GAV when she participated on one of our Asia Pacific programs as a student.

Anna Brady

Manager, University Relations
Anna manages GAV’s university relations as well as coordinates GAV's academic programs. She joins GAV with experience in higher education and a degree from John Carroll University. She is a big advocate of international education, as she raves about her semester abroad in Ireland.

Irman Suhairi

Manager, International Programs and Student Housing
Irman joins GAV after a few years in the digital and content marketing industry. Prior to that he has nearly 10 years of experience in customer service, as well as a contact centre trainer in the airline industry.

Sarah Woodford

Manager, Semester Programs
Sarah coordinates GAV’s academic and internship programs. She spent a semester in Morocco while getting her bachelor’s degree at the University of New England. Now she enjoys helping other students reach their personal study abroad goals.

Connor Dowling

Programs & Internships Coordinator
Connor coordinates GAV’s academic and internship programs through internship placement, program administration, and student relations. He joins GAV with degrees in Economics and Political Science from Gonzaga University, and became a huge advocate for international study after participating in a program in Florence, Italy.

Nathan Whitney

Finance & Programs Coordinator
Nathan joins GAV after graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in Finance. He first connected with GAV while participating in a program in Singapore during his studies. He now supports the team by managing financial operations and assists with the planning and execution of GAV’s study abroad programs.

Meghan Watkins

International Programs Coordinator
Meghan coordinates GAV's academic and internship programs. Her semesters abroad in England and Australia inspired her to get a Masters degree in International Education from SUNY Albany. Before joining GAV, she worked with international students in Texas.

Faiz Ariffin

International Programs Coordinator
Faiz joins GAV with experience as a performing arts teacher and outdoor camp instructor for the local schools in Singapore. He enjoys working with students and aims to give everyone the best experience during their program. Now having the chance to work with international student at GAV, his goal is to take that talent to the next level

Alicia Chye

International Programs Coordinator
Alicia joins GAV with experience in the international hospitality industry, working with groups and international customers. She enjoys helping students experience different cultures and countries, especially her home country of Malaysia. She believes studying abroad can open students' eyes to new experiences!

Cameron LaDana

International Programs Coordinator
Cameron works on Internship placements in Asia Pacific as well as program coordination. Her love for travel and experience has landed her at GAV after graduating from University of Delaware with a major in Marketing and International Business. Having completed two programs in Australia through GAV as a student, she fell in love with meeting new people and making connections, while educating people on what a great experience it is to study abroad.

Tim Kelly

Head of Student Services
Tim has worked with cultural immersion programs for around 20 years, and oversees program enhancement, student services and cultural development. Tim also travels to the US to run pre-departure and interest sessions for GAV programs.

Amanda Iavarone

Residential Director
Amanda is GAV's residential director for international programs and has coordinated many university groups with GAV in the last 10 years. Amanda is a registered nurse, and is also a huge advocate for study abroad.

Donna Lam

Program Administrator
Donna has extensive experience working in international education for universities and providers in the U.S. and China. She loves helping students have an eye-opening experience in a new culture. She believes that international education provides a great avenue for students to test their comfort zone and achieve great personal growth.

Saumil Shah

Japan Representative
Sam joins as GAV’s point person in Japan. Born in India and brought up in Japan for over 30 years, Sam always had a passion for education with his multi-cultural background where he started in fundraising at his alma mater at San Diego State and then continued his work as Asia representative for Alumni Relations at Temple University as well as teaching business courses at Tokyo Medical & Dental University. He brings with him his business understanding and a wide network in Japan.

Emi Wada

Japan Representative
Emi has lived in Japan, the United States, and Vietnam, where she has built a diverse career in TV production, marketing, and advertising. As an entrepreneur, she has also successfully launched multiple businesses. With a strong global network, she leverages her experience to contribute to GAV's initiatives.

Kerstin Meyer

Germany Representative
Kerstin has gained more than 20 years of professional working experience in Europe and Australia and holds a Master of Commerce degree from Sydney. Her extensive network of contacts - through the Chamber of Commerce - is a great benefit for GAV’s growing activities in Germany and Central Europe. Kerstin also brings years of experiences dealing with young adults.

John Hingston

UK Representative
Born and raised in Tasmania, John joined GAV with 20 years experience in adventure tourism and work abroad programs in the European market. A passionate advocate of the benefits of work and study abroad, John assists in development of GAV’s UK programs along with guiding groups around the world.

Glenn Cross

Senior Advisor
Glenn is the former COO and CEO of AusBiotech with 40 years’ experience in finance, HR, product development and manufacturing in the life sciences sector. In recent years he has been involved in capital markets and general investment activities in North America, Asia and Australia