Our Staff

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Trainings/Certifications

 Global Competence and GCAA Certified Practitioner

Countries I have lived outside of the United States

 Canada

Countries I have visited

55 and counting

Biography

Dr. Aaron D. Clevenger is the Assistant Provost for International Education and serves as the Senior International Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Dr. Clevenger has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University since 2004 and, in addition to The Center for International Education, has also served in Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Undergraduate Research, and International & Graduate Enrollment. Dr. Clevenger is charged with articulating and implementing the university’s vision for comprehensive internationalization. He is an adjunct professor in the Department of Security Studies & International Affairs and teaches Human Security, Environmental Security, and Globalization & World Politics. Dr. Clevenger earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Science in Human Security & Resilience from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. 

Dr. Clevenger was born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised in Nashville, Tennessee.  Between his senior year of High School and freshman year of college he spent his summer traveling throughout Canada, making a home base in Toronto.  Dr. Clevenger was inspired by this short summer experience in Canada and has since grown a deep passion for international and global experiences, serving as a facilitator, research mentor, and international instructor. In 2016, 2017, and 2019, he served as a co-facilitator for the Global Service Initiative (GSI), a community-based global learning experience in Savanna la Mar, Jamaica where he and his students were taught lessons in service, community engagement, and project management directly from Savanna la Mar community members. In addition, he is also a four-time ERAU Ignite Global Research Mentor guiding student researchers in cultural studies, human security, or human geography throughout Hong Kong, China, Romania, Hungary, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and Brazil.

Allianz Arena, Home of Football Club Bayern Munich in Munich, Germany

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Cultural Background

Black/African American

Number of countries I have visited

1

Trainings/Certifications

Business Office Administration

Medical Assistant Technician

Biography

Michelle works as the International Student and Scholar Services office's front desk receptionist. She has prior experience and knowledge of international affairs concerning information students may have questions about while studying abroad. Located near the main entrance, it is her friendly smile and warm greeting that will welcome guests and assist them to the best of her knowledge. Always eager and willing to help, Michelle helps ISSS to bring communication and understanding of international students wants and needs as their first point of contact.

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Cultural Background

 Peruvian &  Colombian

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 Peru for 6 months

Languages

Spanish (native)

Russian: Listening (proficient) | Speaking (upper intermediate) | Reading (proficient) | Writing (upper intermediate)

Trainings/Certifications

FEMA Course: IS-00242.C - Effective Communication

FEMA Course: IS-00020.21 - Diversity Awareness

 Safe Zone Trained

Number of Countries I have visited

4

Biography

Gabriela A. Giraldo, the Administrative Assistant for the International Programs Division, was born and raised in Miami, Florida with cultural family ties to Peru and Colombia. Gabriela received her B.S. in Homeland Security from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with minors in Global Conflict Studies and Russian Studies. In her undergraduate years as an Eagle, Gabriela was an active member of the National Security Student Association, International Student Ambassadors, and the Mixed Martial Arts club. Gabriela is currently working on her Master's in Human Security and Resiliency at Embry-Riddle.

As Administrative Assistant, Gabriela supports Dr. Aaron Clevenger, the Assistant Provost & Dean of International Programs in interactions with the university President, provosts, students, staff, and faculty. Gabriela is responsible for overseeing all international travel-related activity with the university. She works closely with International Student & Scholar Services, International Admissions, and the Office of Global Engagement to ensure that all students and faculty are successful in their academic endeavors. Prior to becoming a full-time staff member, she worked as a Student Assistant in International Programs, where she provided a warm and friendly presence, welcoming visitors and students and assisted new and returning students with pre-arrival, check-in, and general immigration-related questions.

Gabriela is multilingual, being fluent in English, Spanish and Russian. Gabriela practices her language skills everyday through interactions with international students and families on campus. She is passionate about International politics and the importance of learning languages when it relates to diplomacy. In her free time, Gaby enjoys powerlifting, spending time with loved ones, hiking, and baking sweets!

Gaby's favorite ERAU moment is joining the International Programs team. Through this opportunity, Gaby is able to share her international experiences with students and guide others to understand the importance of a whole community approach - one in which global citizens are advancing towards equity, understanding, and compassion in their respective industries.

Gabriela in Cuzco, Peru

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Cultural Background

 English &  Irish

Languages

Spanish (Beginner) | German (Beginner)

Number of Countries I have visited

8

Biography

Judy Koenig is the Director of International Student and Scholar Services at the Daytona Beach campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is an instructor for the University 101 class which helps the first-time freshman adjust to university life. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal Communication from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Ms. Koenig has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University since 2012 in various positions within the International and Graduated Admissions and International Student Services offices. Her current responsibilities focus on immigration and the overall international student experience as an advisor to F1, M1 and J1 visa holders.

Ms. Koenig is passionate that all international students should understand their responsibilities and be allowed to succeed in pursuing their dreams of an education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In addition, she believes that all students should have a positive campus experience no matter their background. This principle is displayed through her work in the International Student Services Office and through her volunteer work in Florida International Educators Association and NAFSA. Her philosophy is to assist in promoting and training other international educators; this helps create an environment of empathy and a willingness of acceptance, which enhances the ability to provide the guidance and the service required to improve the overall international student experience.

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Languages

English (Native) | Spanish (Fluent)

Number of Countries I have visited

9

Trainings/Certifications

M.A. in TESOL

Biography

Elise DeWolf-Ott is the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services on Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Central Florida. In her undergraduate studies Elise participated in study abroad programs in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. She has also spent some time teaching EFL in the Dominican Republic and teaching ESL in Orlando to English learners of all ages and backgrounds. She found it very rewarding to see her students grow in their language abilities and share in cultural exchanges inside and outside of the classroom. She has been working as an F1 student advisor and DSO since 2018. She is enthusiastic about promoting international education and does so by volunteering with Florida International Educators Association. In her free time Elise enjoys spending time outside in the beautiful Florida weather.  

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Cultural Background

 Cuban &  American

Languages

Spanish (Fluent)  |  French (Intermediate)

Number of countries I have visited

16 and counting!

Countries I have lived

 Barcelona, Spain for five years teaching ESL to teens and adults. Andrea also lived in Vitoria, Spain as a high school exchange student.

Trainings & Certifications

TESOL Certified

Biography

Andrea Hinderling is the Senior International Student Advisor for International Student & Scholar Services on Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus. Andrea has worked in the field for over 20 years as both an ESL instructor and DSO/International Student Advisor. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Women's Studies from the State University of New York at Genesco, as well as a Master of Arts in Gender and Cultural Studies from Simmons University in Boston. Andrea truly enjoys working with international students. As someone who has also lived overseas, she is able to empathize with international students' experiences as they transition to a new life in the United States. Originally from New York, she has been living in Florida since 2012.

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Languages

English (Native) | Spanish (enough to navigate in foreign cities)

Number of Countries I have visited

55+ and counting!

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 Singapore

 Hong Kong

 Germany

 Spain

Biography

Sue Macchiarella Is the Director of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Study Abroad & Global Engagement (SAGE), which is responsible for student global mobility. Born in Pennsylvania, Sue's family left the United States when she was 3 years old to move to Singapore. After a time in Singapore, her family moved to live in Hong Kong. Sue holds two master degrees, Human Resource Development and Public Administration. She is an undergraduate alumna of the University of Central Florida, where she studied abroad in Spain and earned her commission into the U.S. Army. Sue's lifelong international experiences include living and working globally in Asia and Europe. Additionally, she has worked extensively in Kenya. Since starting at ERAU in November 2011, Sue has more than doubled the number of ERAU students studying abroad, won international awards for her faculty-led programs, and continues to watch student interest grow.

Sue has presented at, to name a few, the National Association of Fellowship Advisors, the Council on Undergraduate Research, NAFSA’s Region VII Chat event, and Global Engineering Education Exchange (GE3) on topics related to international education, and she has published in the European Association of International Educator's Forum Magazine with the article "Aviation Beyond Borders". Sue loves to think outside the box of international education and is currently working towards all faculty-led programs having a “real-life” learning or “giving back” aspect.

Visiting or living in over 55 countries, Sue’s own experience as a study abroad student in college not only reinforced her priority of student health and safety abroad, but also cemented her belief in the importance of international education experiences and the incredible personal growth that stems from the experience of studying abroad. She believes that learning to successfully navigate new spaces, opening one’s self to new situations, interacting with diverse populations, and evaluating one’s own beliefs as a result of these experiences creates a solid global citizen and a better employee. Students who participate in international experiences become people see the beauty and value in differences, as well as the importance and positive effect that those differences play in maximizing understanding, creativity, and innovation.

Nationality

 Italy

Cultural Background

 Italian

Languages

Italian (Native) | Spanish (Fluent) | English (Fluent)

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 Italy

Number of countries I have visited

18

Biography

Miriam Gutierrez-Cunico serves as the Exchange Program Coordinator for the Office of Global Engagement. She has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University since 2019. Miriam oversees the administration and maintenance of the Terra Dotta Software for Study Abroad Programs for Daytona Beach, Prescott, and Worldwide campuses. She has been appointed as Chapter Coordinator of Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, has over 15 years of experience working in the administration field, and over 7 years as a Program Coordinator for Universities. She is from Vicenza, Italy and moved to the USA in 2001. She is a proud military wife of a 25-year Army veteran. Born and raised in a different country, and then moving to the USA, she understands how International students feel when living and studying abroad, and getting adjusted to a different culture. She is tri-lingual and speaks fluent Italian, English, and Spanish. She traveled to over 15 countries and love to learn about new cultures. She loves working with students to help them accomplish their goals.

Milano, Italy

Number of countries I have visited

8 - Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, and Spain

Biography

Denise Dotson is the Study Abroad Advisor located on the Prescott Campus. In this part-time role, she is responsible for ensuring student study abroad involvement through professor support and informational events and programs. She also serves as a liaison for the recruitment of outgoing students. Denise will oversee all incoming exchange students by coordinating and hosting welcome and cultural events as well as providing a friendly face and caring support throughout their exchange experience.

Denise has a lengthy background in providing sales presentations and product knowledge training classes and working with people from all over the world. Her daughter studied abroad on multiple occasions, which gives Denise a unique and welcomed perspective to her position in the Office of Study Abroad & Global Engagement. Denise's enthusiasm for the Prescott area and for the Embry-Riddle community creates a positive approach to engaging students. She has been married to Rob for 28 years. They have two grown children, a German shepherd named Riley, and a 100-year-old desert tortoise named Smedley.

Denise's office is located in Building 51 on the Prescott Campus. Please drop by to meet with her Monday through Thursday between 10am-4pm.

Greece

Biography

Andrew Norris is the Study Abroad Advisor for Study Abroad & Global Engagement on the Daytona Beach campus. He recruits and works with students for faculty-led summer, winter, and spring break study abroad programs. Additionally, he assists in coordinating events such as International Education Week, Study Abroad Day 5K, and more.

Andrew earned his B.A. in English from the University of West Florida and has worked in public education as a high school teacher. He also spent a considerable amount of time as a stay-at-home dad with his two daughters, Isla and Eliza. Andrew grew up and lives in the Daytona Beach area with his wife Carrie, two daughters, two dogs (Winnie and Frank) and two cats (Charlie and Lyla). He enjoys spending time with his family and pets as well as buying, collecting, and restoring vintage audio equipment and mid-century furniture, lighting, and art.

Andrew with his daughters, Eliza and Isla

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Cultural Background

European

Number of countries I have visited

13 so far

Biography

With 20 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience in the K-12 educational sector, Jill Herzig joined Embry-Riddle in 2023 as the Study Abroad & Global Engagement Finance Specialist. After living most of her life on the west coast, Jill now begins a new chapter in the Florida sunshine looking forward to experiencing the diversity of higher education. The opportunity to learn and work with students of varying backgrounds and cultures was a prime motivator for wanting to continue her career in an educational setting.

From hiking the Swiss Mountains to enjoying the festivities of Oktoberfest and canoeing the vast lakes of Boundary Waters Minnesota, Jill's love of exploring new places has taken her on many exciting adventures. Volunteering with her mini dachshund, Cedar and Jill were a pet therapy team for years bringing smiles to people who needed them most. A proud mom of 3 adult sons, each charting unique paths in different parts of the country, nothing makes Jill happier than family get-togethers.

Gibraltar

Nationality

 Finland  |   U.S.A.

Cultural Background

 Finnish

Languages

Finnish (Native) | English (Native)

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 Finland

Number of countries I have visited

28

Trainings/Certifications

 ELT Leadership Management Certificate Program

Empower: Diversity Equity Inclusion Learning Series; Enlighten: Diversity Equity Inclusion Learning Series

Practicing Leaders Residency Program (Embry-Riddle Leadership Institute)

F-1 Student Advising for Beginners; Beyond the Basics of F-1 Student Advising; and, J-1 Advising Getting Started (NAFSA Cored Education Program)

SEVP Training for Designated School Officials (Department of Homeland Security)

Supervisor's Academy (Arizona Governmental Training System)

 Safe Zone Trained

Successful Bystander Intervention Practices

Campus Connect Suicide Prevention Training

Biography

Hannaliisa Savolainen is the Director of Embry-Riddle Language Institute (ERLI) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she has direct oversight of the program mission. Prior to her position at ERLI, Ms. Savolainen worked at Northern Arizona University as an administrator in the Program in Intensive English and International Student and Scholar Services. Ms. Savolainen has completed the Supervisor’s Academy from Arizona Governmental Training System, ELT Leadership Management Certificate Program from TESOL International Association, and Practicing Leaders Residency Program in Embry-Riddle’s Leadership Academy. Her ongoing participation in professional organizations contribute to her knowledge base on current trends in international education, teacher training and mentoring, as well as building effective collaboration across campus units. Ms. Savolainen taught English in Chicago, IL; Santa Monica, CA; and Flagstaff, AZ. Ms. Savolainen earned her M.A. in Linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, she has taught Finnish and worked as an independent linguistic consultant and translator for Finnish.

Ms. Savolainen knows first-hand the importance of both academic and language support for an international student. When Ms. Savolainen first arrived to US from her native country, Finland, she quickly learned that, while years of English language in school allowed her to communicate independently, she did not possess the academic and specialized language skills required in academic study and flight training. Intensive English programs such as ERLI focus to meet the needs of international student’s academic language and acculturation needs. Key components in this framework are providing support to teachers and students by making principled decisions, intervening early in student issues and ensuring that students are receiving and benefitting from campus services. Additionally, Ms. Savolainen wants to instill to the students the central role of accountability and autonomy play in academic success, so that once they transition to degree programs, they do so successfully. 

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Languages

Korean (Low-intermediate)

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 South Korea

Number of Countries I have visited

2

Trainings/Certifications

TESL Certification

Web Accessibility Training

Biography

Douglas is the Assistant Director of the Embry-Riddle Language Institute and has an M.A. in Applied Linguistics with a specialization in TESL from the University of Florida. He has taught English as a second language at the university level both in the U.S. and overseas for over 25 years and has been on faculty at the Embry-Riddle Language Institute for over 20 years. He has taught every class at every level multiple times, as well as courses in special topic areas including TOEFL/IELTs, ERLI 101, U.S. Government & Criminology, and Aviation & Aerospace 101. In addition to teaching at the institute, he has also served as an academic advisor for first year students at the university and taught Embry-Riddle's developmental English classes for international students for more than ten years. Douglas advocates a philosophy of empowering students with the tools to become self-learners, both in their academic life and future careers, and his experience has taught him that most students have a desire to learn and improve. As such, he believes in setting reasonable and attainable goals that challenge students and has found that they will generally rise to meet and exceed them.

Douglas’s areas of research interests include Aviation English, web design, and measures of student progress. He has also presented at SSTESOL and NAFSA, is a peer reviewer for the Internet TESL Journal, and published in the Florida Foreign Language Journal.

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Cultural Background

 Born and raised in Belarus, Minsk

Languages

Belarusian, Russian (Native speaker)

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 Belarus

 Ukraine

 Italy

Number of Countries I have visited

10 and counting!

Trainings/Certifications

Member of TESOL

Member of ELTS

Biography

Aliona Buresh, an Instructor for the Embry-Riddle Language Institute, has her M.A. in Educational Leadership/TESOL from the University of Central Florida. She started her teaching career as a University EFL Professor at the Institute of Parliamentarism and Enterprise in Minsk, Belarus when she graduated with a B.S. in Teaching English, Italian and Russian as a Second Language. She worked for two years in Daytona State College teaching ESOL and supporting students from various educational and cultural backgrounds. In ERLI, she teaches academic English classes and Special Topic courses.

By working with ERAU professors, Aliona has developed a course on Human Factors for international students, which she is currently teaching. Besides teaching classes, she is a placement test coordinator, demographics specialist, and a professional development coordinator. Aliona is multilingual as she is fluent in Russian and Italian. Aliona utilizes her language skills and multicultural background by performing translating duties for ERLI students and assisting ERAU students studying Russian in RUSS101.

Being a language instructor and being able to assist international students on regular basis is very rewarding for Aliona. She never feels more energized and fulfilled than after a class that went well. She wants to set her students up for success, and she does that by encouraging and supporting students thought out their learning process. She thinks her enthusiasm and confidence encourages students to continue their exciting journey of learning to become well-rounded professionals. Aliona enjoys participating in professional development as it always allows her to perfect her knowledge. She ensures her professional growth by participating in ERLI committees, educational associations, attending specialized workshops and conferences. She follows the latest developments in the field of ESL studies and shares that knowledge with the faculty.

Nationality

 U.S.A.

Languages

Spanish (low-intermediate)

Number of countries I have visited

40

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 Japan Germany Afghanistan Iraq

 Bahrain Turkey Italy Djibouti

 Costa Rica

Biography

Tom Cawley is an instructor at the Embry-Riddle Language Institute and also teaches Aviation English within Embry-Riddle's Flight Department. Tom is retired from the U.S. Navy and served as a Naval Flight Officer and Mission Commander with over 2,600 flight hours in the E-2C Hawkeye. While serving in the Navy, he earned an M.A.S. in Aviation Management/Operations at Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Tom earned his TESL certificate and volunteered to teach English in Costa Rica. Tom then earned his M.A. in TESOL at California State University, Los Angeles, where he completed his practicum at East Los Angeles College. A lifelong learner, Tom is currently working on an M.B.A.

His teaching philosophy is centered on providing students with the tools they need to succeed so that they can take the necessary steps to achieve their language goals. Tom understands the complexities of learning a language as an adult having learned Persian-Farsi and Spanish at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. 

Nationality

 American

Languages

English (native) | Spanish (intermediate)

Training/Certifications

M.A. in TESOL

Number of countries I have visited

2 so far!

Biography

Andy is an Instructor in the Embry-Riddle Language Institute (ERLI). They earned a B.A. and M.A. in TESOL from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Additionally, they earned an A.A. in Spanish at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. Andy began teaching English as a volunteer tutor in community English classes in 2019. They began teaching university writing classes for international students during graduate school in 2020. Andy moved from Dayton, Ohio to Daytona Beach, Florida in 2022 in to join ERLI. Andy offers an inclusive and student-centered approach to teaching that includes collaboration among students. As a bilingual person, they can understand personally where students are coming from and offer a variety of learning tools based in research and personal experience.

Nationality

 China

Cultural Background

 Chinese

Languages

Mandarin (Native) | English (Fluent)

Countries I have lived outside the U.S.

 China

Number of countries I have visited

4

Biography

Danica is the Student & Administrative Support Specialist in the Embry-Riddle Language Institute (ERLI), Daytona Beach, FL. She coordinates and performs diverse support services for students, staff, faculty, and manages all aspects of EducationUSA Academy programming. She earned a M.S. in Cell Biology from Beijing Normal University, China. She also has dual bachelor's degrees in Biology Technology and English from Qingdao University, China.

Before joining the ERLI team in 2023, Danica was a middle school teacher for 8 years. From 2015-2018, she taught biology in China. After she moved to the U.S. in 2018, she joined an IB (International Baccalaureate) school located in New Jersey and taught mandarin, science, math, and design in the middle-year-program for 4 years.

Danica is thrilled to be a central point of communication between students, faculty, and staff. Her goal is to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate a seamless learning experience for all students. When not at work, she enjoys painting, playing Pipa (a Chinese instrument), calligraphy, and sports.

New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Nationality

 American

Trainings/Certifications

 Safe Zone Trained

Number of countries I have visited

6 and counting

Biography

Jennifer has a B.A. in History from William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA and has worked in higher education since 2012. She started her career coordinating program logistics and providing student support for the National Institute of American History & Democracy (NIAHD) at W&M. She moved to Daytona Beach from Virginia and joined Embry-Riddle's International Education division in 2021. Jennifer also serves as RSO Advisor for the International Student Organization. Jennifer particularly enjoys working with international students because of the unique perspective they bring to the campus community. She recognizes that the challenges students face outside of the classroom will directly impact their performance in the classroom. In order to help students succeed in the classroom and beyond, she strives to help them develop the practical skills needed to overcome those challenges with confidence.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Nationality

 United Kingdom

Countries I Have Lived Outside of the U.S.

 United Kingdom

Number of Countries I have visited

13

Biography

Louis graduated in the summer for 2023 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.A. in Business Administration. Louis was also part of the Men's Soccer program where he captained the team for two years. The London, England native has studied for 5 years in the United States and is currently completing his master's in Aviation Finance.

Louis currently works as a Graduate Assistant for the Division of International Education assisting Aaron Clevenger and Jennifer Fox with communications for the department. His duties also include working with the SGA International Representative, International Ambassadors, and International Student Organization to plan cultural events for the entire campus community.

Louis enjoys working with his fellow students and as an international student himself, he has a good perspective of what life is like on campus for international students. He is committed to making Embry-Riddle's campus even better!

Embry-Riddle Eagles Soccer