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. 

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.

Sharon Bracken

Vice President International Academic Programs and Manager, Singapore and Southeast Asia
Sharon joins GAV with more than 36 years of experience in the airline industry, during which time she enjoyed working, and building relationships, with a diverse group of co-workers and customers. She believes study abroad and international internships are the way to go, as it opens up the world to young adults and teaches them invaluable life lessons.

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.

Zakiyya Latif

Manager, International Academic Programs
Zakiyya manages GAV's faculty-led and short-course programs as well as the pre-departure process for all academic programs. She received her degree in Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago, and joins GAV with 5 years teaching experience in South Korea and working in International Student Affairs

Sarah Woodford

Programs & Internships Coordinator
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.

Mikael Koski

International Programs Coordinator
Mikael, originally from Finland, is an avid globetrotter and joined GAV full time after years of collaboration with GAV on global programs. He adds valuable expertise to our team in international business, particularly startups and scale-ups.

Irman Suhairi

International Programs Coordinator
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.

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.

Meghan Grabowski

International Programs Coordinator
Meghan joins GAV with experience in higher education and faculty-led programs. She spent a semester in China and one in England while obtaining her bachelor's degree in Global Studies. She believes studying abroad fosters personal growth and confidence, empowering students to tackle new challenges.

Mary Catherine Alexander

International Programs Coordinator
Mary Catherine coordinates and guides academic and internship programs at GAV. She has a global management degree and has worked in marketing and customer service in the tourism industry in Ireland. Her study abroad experiences include Costa Rica, London, and the Middlebury Spanish Immersion program in Granada, Spain. She has a love for studying abroad and is passionate about working to make it the best experience for students.

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

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.

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.