Meet
the Team
Beth Avitabile
Co-Founder
Executive Director Americas East, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
Greenwich, Connecticut
Beth has over 25 years of international education experience. She spent 14 years as Vice President of Client Services and Business Development at School Choice International, a global education consulting company. During her tenure she oversaw daily operations which included supervising 150 global employees and consultants. She nurtured numerous close relationships with corporate clients and relocation companies. Before School Choice Beth worked for The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) as the Director of Admissions for their College Division. Working with thousands of students, Beth helped students plan and execute successful study abroad experiences. This position allowed her to spend extensive time abroad. Beth received her B.S. in Business and Economics from SUNY Oneonta and earned her MBA in International Business and Marketing from Iona College. Beth lives in Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband and King Charles Cavalier. She enjoys volunteering, cooking and working as a motivational speaker for a global weight loss and wellness organization.
Karen Lee Mah
Co-Founder
Executive Director Americas West, APAC (Asia Pacific)
Los Angeles, California
Karen has been in education management for the last 15 years. She spent 10 of those years in school placement with School Choice International, a global education consulting company. Karen assisted over 1,000 children by supervising consultants to find the best school match (Preschool - College) across the globe. As a Director with many hats, her experience also included recruiting, training, and on-boarding hundreds of educational consultants worldwide, as well as working with special needs families. Past experiences include writing for Kids LA magazine, hosting a radio show called “got kids?”, and producing videos for her company Heaven and Earth Productions. Most recently, Karen was in business development, working for a tutoring company and an EdTech organization. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a B.S. in Business and has lived in Honolulu, Hawaii and Boston, Massachusetts. A Los Angeles native, Karen has three children – one who just finished her master’s in the UK and two of whom are in college. She currently enjoys volunteering, being a foodie, and traveling.
Larry Badaracco
Educational Consultant
Special Educational Needs Consulting, Educational Consulting, Boarding School Consulting, Therapeutic Boarding School Consulting
Litchfield County, Connecticut
Larry Badaracco Jr. has been in special education for the last 10 years in New Milford, CT, where he worked as a K-12 special education teacher. Larry’s main focus and passion was developing and running the district-wide behavior intervention program. Larry administered and prepared diagnostic tests, determined baselines for learning, assessed accommodations, modified curriculum and attended IEP meetings. Larry is currently working as a private case manager and as an assistant football coach at a boarding school. Larry attended Western Connecticut State University, received his teaching certification in special education from Central Connecticut State University, and obtained his master’s in special education from Western Connecticut State University. Larry lives with his wife and their three children. He has a passion for football and fly fishing. He also loves watching his children play their various sports.
Orietta Bon
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting
Toronto, Ontario Canada
Orietta has worked in education in the Toronto, Ontario area for over 30 years both as a teacher and as a school principal. Previously, Orietta has been a teacher in New York and a principal in Italy. She has worked with numerous families relocating as a consultant for School Choice International. She can empathize with families in transition having personally experienced this as a child when she moved to Canada from Italy. Orietta has a BA from York University in Toronto and an MEd from Niagara University in Lewiston, New York. Orietta lives in Kettleby, Ontario and is an avid golfer, gardener and loves hunting for antique treasures. Orietta also enjoys her video chats with family in Italy to practice her Italian.
Steve Braudo
Educational Consultant
English Teacher/Tutor
Los Angeles, California
Steve was born in Johannesburg but spent most of his time in Chicago . After years as a successful advertising executive, he found his true calling: teaching and helping children reach their full potential. He taught 4th and 5th grade, with GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) students, at the LA Unified School District school for 20+ years. He has in-depth knowledge of the CA Common Core Standards in Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Science. He now tutors K-8 grade students, not only instructing gifted kids but those with special needs. Steve has a B.A. cum laude from Dartmouth College and a master’s in marketing from Northwestern. He holds a CA Clear Multiple Subjects teaching credential with a certification in GATE. In his free time, he enjoys reading, spending time with his family, and traveling.
Sandra Briley
Educational Consultant
Special Educational Needs Consulting, Educational Consulting, Research
Dallas, Texas
Sandra has been in education for the last 15 years. She has taught in both public and private school settings and has worked in the edtech industry. She has two children (now college aged) with learning differences, and has continued her passion for helping students find success in learning by establishing a company to assist special needs students. Sandra received her B.S. degree in Business & Human Relations from Amberton University and completed her Professional Teaching Post-Graduate Program at LeTourneau University. Sandra holds teaching certifications in EC (Early Childhood) - 4th grade Elementary Education and EC-12th grade Special Education, and is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Special Education at Texas Woman's University. When Sandra isn't working with students she enjoys spending time with family, reading, walking, and learning about new intervention strategies.
Judy Carlton
Educational Consultant
Special Educational Needs Consulting, Educational Consulting, Research
British Columbia, Canada
Judy has been in the field of education for 28 years. For 20 years she passionately worked with children, school staff and parents. Her career included being a classroom teacher, strategist, special education program specialist (for autism spectrum disorders and mental health programs) and a conference presenter. Then for the next 8 years, Judy supported families relocating worldwide as a Global Field Supervisor and Special Educational Needs Consultant for School Choice International. Judy has lived in several provinces in Canada, as well as in California, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. She received her teaching and undergraduate degrees from Queen's University and her master’s degree in Comparative Education Studies from the University of Calgary. In her spare time Judy loves to travel, play golf and tennis, garden and spend time with her family including her granddaughter.
Drew Esser
Educational Consultant
Math & Science, Investments Teacher/Tutor
Los Angeles, California
Drew has instructed individuals and small groups of middle school through college students in all levels of mathematics for over four years. He has a proven track record of improving students’ comprehension and problem-solving skills. Drew also has a passion for finance and presents at semi-annual financial and portfolio analysis meetings held for his community to encourage investor education. Drew is a graduate of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with a bachelor’s degree in applied math and a minor in music industry. Drew loves music and greatly enjoys teaching guitar lessons, gathering with the community, and spending time with family.
Alison Ethier
Educational Consultant
Global Educational Consulting, Research
Boston, Massachusetts
Alison Ethier is an educational consultant and research analyst who has been in the field of education for the past 13 years. She has relationships at numerous Boston-area private schools and served as the Director of International Student Program at a private, all-girls high school. As a Global Educational Consultant, Alison has assisted families in North America, including the U.S. (Northeast, Midwest, South, West), EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and APAC (Asia Pacific). She has extensive experience in domestic and international relocation and group moves. She currently holds leadership roles in local school, parent, and philanthropic organizations. Alison also plays and coaches softball. She holds both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Communications from Regis College and lives north of Boston with her husband and two young daughters.
Steven Farkas
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Steven Farkas has over 20 years of experience in the world of education, formerly as the Operations Manager overseeing Client Services for School Choice International. During his time with School Choice, he also worked with numerous families moving to the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut). Previous experience includes working with Co-Founder Beth as a study abroad recruiter for The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). He has also worked in Spain and Puerto Rico as a study abroad resident director. Steve is a certified world language instructor and has worked in public education for the last 12 years. He is currently a Spanish teacher and also provides private language tutoring. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Steve is an avid traveler and has visited more than 40 countries. His interests include cooking, photography, and art.
Maryam Farzaneh
Educational Consultant
Dubai and Singapore Educational Consulting
New York, New York
Maryam Farzaneh has had a broad range of international experience and for the last 30 years lived in New York, London, Singapore, Dubai, and has now moved back to New York City. She has been an educational consultant with School Choice International for the past decade supporting families from many corners of the world searching for the best fit education system for their children. Having relocated several times with children, she has become active in International School governance. In Dubai, Maryam was a Project Manager supporting Cisco System’s marketing initiatives in the Middle East. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Fordham University. Maryam enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with family and friends in her free time.
Erin Feldman
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting, Research
Denver, Colorado
Erin Feldman has over 10 years of experience working in educational strategic partnerships. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Development & Communications for a school-based health system and a community organizer for Denver Public Schools. Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Media Studies. She has lived in New York City and Los Angeles, and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Western Europe. Erin currently lives in Denver, Colorado with her family and enjoys cooking, crafting, gardening and spending time in the mountains.
Keegan Felix
Educational Consultant
Organizational Coach, Math Teacher/Tutor
Los Angeles, California
Keegan has been in the field of education for nearly 10 years teaching middle school and high school math, health, and PE. As a former D1 collegiate athlete, Keegan continues to share her passion for sports by also coaching volleyball. Her goal each year is to encourage her students and athletes to become well-rounded individuals in the classroom, on the court, and in their future careers. She earned her BA from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Education. She continued her education at Cal State Long Beach working towards her teaching credential in Single Subject Mathematics. Keegan has 2 kids and she loves spending the weekends at the beach with her family.
Patricia Fernández-Bitar
Educational Consultant
Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Chile)
Mexico City, Mexico
Pat has relocated to various countries: Argentina, USA, Brazil, and Mexico. Living in Mexico City for the past 15 years, she has extensive knowledge of the education system and is well acquainted with private and international schools in Mexico. She has been an educational consultant for 6 years with School Choice International supporting families choose the right school for their children in Latin America. She has also worked as an online teacher and private tutor. Originally an architect from Argentina, she went from architect to educator, obtaining a Master of Arts in Education Teaching. Pat currently develops tableware with artisans from Oaxaca. She speaks Spanish and Portuguese. Pat enjoys traveling and volunteering. She supports women in indigenous communities and projects supporting children with intellectual disabilities.
Alicia Francois
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant, College
Los Angeles, California
Alicia is a consultant for California, Georgia, and the mid-Atlantic region in the U.S. She has been in education for the last 25 years, with the last 13 years in school placement. Alicia has most recently been a director of admissions for a private school in LA. She has also been a reading and writing coach, worked in K-12 and college admissions for various schools, student advising, and managing educational programs. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham methodology and has worked with students with special education needs (including, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD). Alicia earned a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College and a M.S. in Education from the University of Southern California. She has lived in New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Georgia. Alicia enjoys outings with family and friends, going to the beach, and traveling.
Karen Holloman
Educational Consultant
Global Educational Consulting, Research
Westchester County, New York
For over 15 years, Karen was the Director of Research and Strategic Planning at School Choice International. In that capacity, she worked with individual clients, oversaw group moves and analyzed education around the globe and its impact on the expat community. As a Global Educational Consultant, Karen also assisted families in North America, including the U.S. (Northeast, Midwest, South, West), EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and APAC (Asia Pacific). Prior to joining School Choice, Karen worked at the US consulate in Sydney, Australia in the Education USA Department. She was also an associate professor at the College of Health Sciences, Rush University, Chicago. Karen has a BA from Coe College and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Karen lived in Australia for 3 years and has three sons who she successfully placed in appropriate schools upon her move there.
Ingrid Jarvis
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting
Seattle, Washington
Ingrid has been involved in education for the last 25 years. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, a substitute teacher, and a private tutor. She then worked as an Educational Consultant for School Choice International and her own business, conducting school searches for families from the US and overseas. Ingrid loves finding the right school for each child! Most recently Ingrid was the Major Gifts Specialist for the Issaquah Schools Foundation, which supports her local school district. She has a BA from Stanford University and a master's in Teaching from Seattle University. Ingrid and her husband Eric have three grown children. She enjoys gardening, reading, pickleball, tennis, hiking and boating in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Linda Kiarsis
Educational Consultant
Greater New York and Florida Educational Consulting, Boarding School Consulting
Southern Florida
Linda was a Field Supervisor and Educational Consultant for School Choice International for 8 years. She worked with families relocating to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. She managed numerous school placements by supervising a team of consultants in North America and Latin America. While raising five children she was involved in searches for public schools, private day schools, as well as boarding schools in the New England area. Linda is known for her warmth, empathy, and enthusiasm for developing outstanding relationships with schools. She served as a Trustee on the Board of Education, was President of the Parent Teacher Student Association, and a liaison to the Special Services Department. Linda is a graduate from Briarcliff College. She currently resides in Florida and enjoys traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. She also enjoys playing golf and cooking.
Valerie Koo
Educational Consultant
Asia Pacific (APAC) Educational Consulting, Educational Consulting, Research
Raleigh, North Carolina
Valerie Cheung Koo is a Los Angeles native who spent a decade as an expat in Hong Kong. She worked for School Choice International for the last 10 years as a Field Supervisor and Regional Manager. As a Field Supervisor she supervised a team of consultants, assisted with group moves and successfully placed numerous families in Asia’s challenging educational landscape. Also in public relations, she has worn the hat of Regional Manager where she oversaw business development in APAC attending events and being a speaker at conferences. Valerie holds a B.A. in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles and currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and two sons. She speaks "survival" Cantonese and is learning Mandarin. In her spare time, she enjoys good food, theatre and traveling.
Lily Li
Educational Consultant
Math & Science Teacher/Tutor
Los Angeles, California
Currently a developmental scientist in Los Angeles, Lily is originally from the East Coast and has a passion for education and science. Having worked as a teaching assistant for chemistry in undergrad, she is skilled in working with students in order for them to better grasp concepts. Lily graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. She then went on to pursue a Master's in pharmaceutics at the University College London. An avid traveler, her global awareness and ability to speak 3 languages (English, Mandarin and French) help her connect with students from all backgrounds.
Rosanna Mini
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting
Greenwich, Connecticut
Rosanna has been in education for the last 23 years. She is originally from Caracas, Venezuela where she taught English in high school. She then moved to Wellesley, MA with her husband and three young daughters and then a few years later relocated to Greenwich, CT. In both moves she found schools for her kids and also taught Spanish in high school. Rosanna understands the challenges and excitement that come with relocating, both internationally and domestically, especially the school finding process. She welcomes the chance to assist families in their transition. Rosanna has a Bachelor of Laws from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, a Master’s in Education from Simmons College in Boston, and a Law Degree from Universidad Católica in Caracas. She loves languages, current events, running and the outdoors.
Day Mullings
Educational Consultant
Special Educational Needs Consulting, Educational Consulting
Houston, Texas
Day Mullings has 20+ years of combined classroom and consulting expertise with various states across the U.S. including Texas, Maryland, Missouri, Utah, Washington D.C.,and Indiana. She has a talent for developing new academic programs for special needs and gifted children and working with a culturally diverse group of learners. Day holds a Master of Science in Education in Deaf Education and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Additionally, she holds an Academic Leadership / Principal Certification, Deaf Education, and Special Education Supplement. Day enjoys spending time with her family engaging in a variety of activities such as rock climbing, visiting parks and watching movies together.
Demi Naoum-Berger
Educational Consultant
W. Europe (Germany, Luxembourg, Greece, France, Belgium, Netherlands, UK) Consulting
Luxembourg
Demi has experienced numerous relocations and can empathize with families in transition. She has worked for more than 20 years in education. As a consultant for School Choice International, she has assisted families relocating to Europe find the best fit school. As a teacher, she has supported students at the International School Hannover Region and at several international schools including ISF (International School Frankfurt, and the Japanese International School in Frankfurt. She speaks German, French, and Greek (her mother tongue) and is accustomed to various school curricula. She has an MBA from the Open University in England and a BA (Honors) from City University in London. Demi is now living in Luxembourg where she is an active member of her son’s school community and where she is enjoying nature with her dog.
Beth Nieskens
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting, College Consulting
Northern New Jersey
Beth has been working with families in NJ or relocating to NJ for over 8 years. She also works with high school students providing guidance on their college applications. She has been an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in the public school system, as well as teaching English to corporate executives’ families. Beth was a middle school counselor providing academic, emotional, and social support to her students and was active on the I&RS (Intervention and Referral Services) committee. Beth has a B.A. in Sociology/Health Services from the University of Delaware, an M.A.T in ESL and Elementary Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an M.A. in Counseling from Montclair State University. Beth holds certifications in ESL, Elementary K-8, School Counseling, and School Social Work. Beth lives with her husband and two sons.
Sara Pelgrift
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting, Boarding School Consulting
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Sara Pelgrift has over 20 years of experience in the education space. She is currently an Educational Director in Westchester/Fairfield Counties for a company specializing in tutoring. Formerly Head of Private Client Services for School Choice International. Sara counseled hundreds of students and their families through the school admissions process. She also served for 3 years as the Assistant Director of Secondary School Advising at The Greenwich Country Day School. Sara is a member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association). She graduated from Connecticut College with a BA in History and worked for several years in finance at Morgan Stanley & Co. With all of her children out of college and launched, Sara spends her free time with her husband enjoying the outdoors, cooking, and playing tennis.
Philippa Powell
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting, Boarding School Consulting
London, United Kingdom
Philippa has been in education in the UK for over 30 years. She worked in state and independent schools teaching children from Reception to Year 8, heading up the science and geography departments and then becoming Deputy Head at Broomwood Hall School, London. In addition to running the school, pastoral care, and overseeing provisions for children with special needs, this role included assisting parents with day and boarding, independent and state schooling options for upper secondary schools. Philippa gained her PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) from Exeter and her BSc(Hons) in Biology and Environmental Studies from Surrey. Philippa lives in London with her husband. She has two daughters, one who has followed her mother into teaching one who is at university. She is currently volunteering at organizations that champion mental health. She enjoys yoga and gardening.
Nancy Perches
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting
Northern California
Nancy is originally from Southern California (Los Angeles), but has spent the last 25 years working and raising her family in Northern California. Her background includes various roles in education. She has taught technology courses and computer programming to the disabled, worked as a K-8 substitute teacher for 4 years, and is currently an after school enrichment instructor. She then became an Educational Consultant with School Choice International and for 7 years assisted families find the best school fit in the complicated Northern California market. Nancy has her B.S. from the University of Southern California. She has been involved in numerous activities in her children’s schools, including fundraising, coordinating events and co-chairing school programs such as Diverse Abilities Awareness.
Denise Richardson
Educational Consultant
Special Educational Needs Consulting, Therapeutic Boarding School Consulting, Educational Consulting
Northern California
Denise has been a committed teacher/special educator for over 30 years. Her focus has been teaching special needs students and those with learning disabilities from pre-school to college both in the UK and the U.S. It is important to find the right educational environment for each child and Denise has an excellent track record of doing so. In 2000, Denise and her family relocated from the UK to California (East Bay) for her husband’s multinational corporation. She knows first-hand the challenges of relocating with children and did so with her three young children (one who has a learning disability). Denise has a B.A. (with Honors) in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, and a Masters in Education from the same institution. Denise enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren and three dogs.
Rachel Rush
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting
Los Angeles, California
Rachel has been an elementary teacher for the past eight years in Los Angeles. She is passionate about social emotional learning and has established a mindfulness program at her elementary school. Rachel received her bachelor's degree in International Studies with a focus in International Education from the University of Oregon. She then obtained her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University Long Beach, where she is now working on her master’s degree in School Counseling. Rachel is also a certified mindfulness teacher through Mindful Schools. She has an interest in international education and has taught in Hong Kong and Italy. Rachel enjoys traveling, walking her dog on the beach and spending time with her family.
Matt Sellek
Educational Consultant
English Teacher/Tutor
Los Angeles, California
Matt Sellek is a former English teacher of five years from Raleigh, North Carolina. A graduate of North Carolina State University's Master’s program, he is Advanced Placement certified, a Teacher of the Year nominee, and someone who loves all things literature and education. Matt has been instrumental in the creation and implementation of a tutoring program for a district of K-8th graders, as well as writing high school English curriculum that is used in a county of over 150,000 students. He is currently residing in the Manhattan Beach area with his wife and their fat cat named Mo.
Chris Simpson
Educational Consultant
Math & Science Teacher/Tutor
Los Angeles, California
Chris has worked as a professional educator in various capacities over the past two decades; in settings ranging from large classes of over thirty, to one-on-one test prep and academic tutoring. With a B.S. in Physics from Harvey Mudd and an M. Ed. from Claremont Graduate University, Chris’ work is inspired by a commitment to honor each student’s unique strengths as a learner by tailoring instruction to address their specific needs. When not working with students, Chris enjoys writing, travelling, and exploring the beauty of natural surroundings. Thus far, his journey has led him to over twenty-five countries across six continents, highlighted by visits to Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat, the Peruvian Amazon, and the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Florence Thomas
Educational Consultant
Switzerland and France Educational Consulting, Boarding School Consulting
Zurich, Switzerland
Florence is French and has been working in the field of education for nearly four decades as a teacher, a head of school and a consultant. She has been an expatriate for more than twenty years, and has lived in several countries including China, Thailand, Malaysia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. She has lived in Switzerland since 2007 and has extensive experience in placing students in international, bilingual, boarding, and public schools throughout Switzerland including Geneva, Lausanne, and Basel. She received a master's degree in Didactics of French and teaches French in a private school in the German part of Switzerland. She speaks French, English, and German. Florence likes writing and enjoys Nordic walks in the Swiss countryside.
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Julianne Walsh
Educational Consultant
Educational Consulting
Chicago, Illinois
Julianne has worked with relocating/moving families settle into the Chicago area for the last 5 years. She has also helped numerous families, including local families identify suitable schooling options for their children. With her network, she has extensive knowledge of public, parochial, and private school systems. Julianne also volunteers in an after-school mentoring program that ensures Chicago public school students complete middle school and are on-track to graduate from high school. Julianne has her B.A. from Vanderbilt University, and a J.D. from DePaul College of Law. Julianne enjoys the food and music scene in the city where she resides with her husband, two children and two dogs.
Jane Wang
Educational Consultant
English Second Language Instructor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Los Angeles, California
Jane has been teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) for over 20 years starting with teaching ESL in Beijing. Since then, Jane has taught ESL at numerous colleges in Southern California including Cal State Fullerton. She is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with children and teens in trauma therapy and teens with anxiety and depression. She has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) along with her Adult Education Credential. Jane enjoys swimming, journaling, as well as spending time with her nieces and nephews.