Our Team
Meet the Dedicated Team Behind iEARN-USAÂ
At iEARN-USA, our passionate and committed team is the driving force behind our mission to connect students and educators worldwide. Each member brings a wealth of experience and a shared dedication to fostering global collaboration and understanding. Together, we work tirelessly to create innovative educational programs and facilitate international exchanges that empower young people to become true global citizens. Get to know the talented individuals who make it all possible and join us in celebrating their efforts and achievements.
Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik
Executive Director
With over 20 years of non-profit leadership experience, Stefanie joined the iEARN team as Executive Director in 2019. Throughout her career, Stefanie has focused on youth development organizations, spending several years in the alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention field where she led a team that trained teachers and youth workers to deliver a nationally-awarded prevention program. Read More
Oisakhose Aghomo
Program Coordinator
Oisakhose Aghomo is an Program Coordinator (YES Program) based in San Antonio, Texas. As a Program Coordinator, she supports the daily implementation of the YES program, coordinates leadership development opportunities for students and alumni, and assists with iEARN-USA’s social media and marketing efforts. Read More
Hannah Barrentine
Compañeros de Clase Globales Program Manager
Hannah Barrentine is iEARN-USA’s Program Manager for our grant-funded program, Compañeros de Clase Globales. Fluent in Spanish and Former Peace Corps Volunteer with 10 years of experience in cultural exchange, K-12 and higher education, language teaching, and program development across various sectors, she’s a true asset to the team. Read More
Ligaya Beebe
Senior Grants Manager
Ligaya Beebe is the Sr. Grants Manager at iEARN-USA, leveraging over a decade of experience to oversee the organization’s federal grant-funded study abroad programs and secure new funding streams. She ensures compliance with funder guidelines while driving impactful initiatives. Read More
Emily Edahl
Operations Manager
Emily joined iEARN-USA in September of 2022. She works closely with the Executive Director, Finance Director, and Leadership Team to build and maintain a positive, productive hybrid work environment. Her role involves daily HR functions including coordinating the hiring and interviewing process, administering benefits and leave, informing and enforcing company policies and practices. Read More
Alexander Levin-Epstein
NSLI-Y Program Manager
Alexander started working for iEARN-USA in March 2020. As NSLI-Y Program Manager, Alexander is responsible for managing the overall implementation of iEARN-USA’s NSLI-Y programs in South Korea, Taiwan, and Morocco to ensure a high-quality program for all NSLI-Y students. Alexander has an M.A. from the Erasmus Mundus Program Master MIM – Crossing the Mediterranean: Towards Investment and Integration. Read More
Christen Maguire
Program Manager of Storytelling for Social Change
Christen Maguire is the Program Manager of Storytelling for Social Change, guiding the program’s implementation, partnership cultivation, curriculum development, and participant support efforts. Prior to joining iEARN-USA in March 2023, Christen previously worked in education and program management in Nepal, Burkina Faso, and Senegal. Read More
Lindsay Myers
NSLI-Y Program Coordinator
Lindsay Myers joined the NSLI-Y team in January of 2024 as Program Coordinator. She supports NSLI-Y students in Taiwan, South Korea, and Morocco and shares their stories on NSLI-Y Interactive. Lindsay first heard about iEARN-USA from her partner teacher when she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova. Read More
Sarah Owo
Director of Finance
Melissa Rowker
Director of Global Education
Melissa Rowker joined iEARN-USA in May 2023 as the Director of Global Education. In this role, Melissa leads the iEARN-USA K-12 Education Team in developing and implementing virtual exchange experiences for iEARN students worldwide. She is a member of the iEARN International Project Committee collaborating with iEARN leaders worldwise to vet projects for inclusion in the iEARN network. Melissa is a member of the
iEARN-USA Senior Leadership team. Read More
Kyle Sandmann
NSLI-Y Associate Program Manager
Kyle started working at iEARN-USA in January of 2019, primarily on implementing iEARN’s NSLI-Y programs with our partners in Morocco, South Korea and Taiwan. Kyle seeks to provide an enriching and perspective-changing study abroad experience to U.S. high school students across the country. Read More
Nicole Weitzner
Manager of Membership Services
Nicole Weitzner, Manager of Membership Services, joined iEARN-USA in 2013. As Manager of Membership Services at iEARN-USA, Nicole onboards and supports educators, schools and districts across the United States to engage their K-12 students in iEARN’s virtual exchange projects. Prior to joining iEARN-USA, Nicole worked in the fields of intercultural exchange, education and human rights advocacy. Read More
Staff Travels
The iEARN-USA team are world travelers who bring with them diverse perspectives, cultural insights, creativity and problem-solving. Their experiences foster a deeper understanding of global education and student and educator needs, driving innovation and collaboration across our organization.