Meet the Team
We are so proud of our dedicated staff!
Phyllis O’Neill (right of picture)
As co-director of ECI, Phyllis, together with Marie, is responsible for all decision-making involved in the planning, development and implementation of ECI operations both in Europe and the US. Residing in Berkeley, she is also responsible for overseeing US operations.
Phyllis has a Master's degree in Education, extensive teaching experience, and a love for travel and adventure. Her enthusiasm and dedication to quality keep her passionate about ECI's commitment to offer the most enriching language and cultural experiences possible. Email Phyllis
Marie Harris (left of picture)
As co-director of ECI, Marie, together with Phyllis, is responsible for all decision-making involved in the planning, development and implementation of ECI operations both in Europe and the US. Residing in Europe, Marie is also responsible for overseeing the European operations.
Marie has taught in high schools in both Vienna and England, has a Master's degree in Education, and considerable experience leading educational programs both in Europe and the US. She is committed to maintaining ECI’s reputation for excellence and quality. Email Marie
ECI Berkeley Office
Tracy Cone
As US Regional Manager, Tracy provides daily oversight of staff, programs and marketing in our Berkeley, California office. Tracy has a Master's degree in Economics and undergraduate degrees in French and Economics. She speaks French and Spanish, and is currently completing her Master’s degree in French. Tracy has lived and traveled extensively in Europe, and chaperoned numerous trips to France for ECI. A former professional golfer, she enjoys hiking to the top of Half Dome and riding centuries on her bike. Email Tracy
Stephanie Gorevin
Stephanie is a Program Coordinator with ECI, scheduling classroom presentations and working on inbound and outbound student trips. Stephanie has a BA in French from Sonoma State University. She developed a love for travel and all things French as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Lille, France. Stephanie’s hobbies include exploring the outdoors, watching movies and experimenting with creative recipes in her kitchen. Email Stephanie
Sheila Larson
As Educational Travel Coordinator, Sheila designs inbound student itineraries and works with teachers, families and students on all aspects of ECI’s programs. Sheila studied English at San Jose State University and has traveled extensively in Europe. She has been with ECI for nine years and brings a wealth of experience to her role. In her spare time, Sheila loves hosting memorable dinner parties, going to the theater and of course, traveling to far away places. Email Sheila
Molly Ruoff
At ECI, Molly is a Program Coordinator, where she handles communications with families and students. Molly earned a degree in French and Education at Indiana University. Her passions for languages and travel began with her first homestay experience in France as a high school student. While in college, she spent a year in Strasbourg and after graduating taught in Grenoble. In addition to traveling, she also enjoys foreign films, hiking and photography. Email Molly
Eric Volan
As ECI’s Student Travel Presenter, Eric interacts with high school students daily, sharing his passion for travel, new cultures and foreign languages. Eric earned a degree from UC - Santa Barbara in psychology and education. He then lived in Toledo, Spain for a year teaching English and improving his Spanish. A true conversationalist and master 3-D puzzle maker, Eric loves playing soccer, basketball, tennis and golf. Email Eric
Laura Whitton
As ECI’s Immersion Coordinator, Laura oversees all aspects of summer immersion homestay placements in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field at Stanford University. While in high school, she lived with a host family in Germany for a month. Her personal interests include gardening (especially growing interesting vegetables), community organizing, improvisational comedy, and hanging out with her dog Cecil. Email Laura
William Wardlaw
As ECI’s Information Systems & Social Media Manager, William oversees our information technology and online outreach efforts. William spent two summers studying in Germany and hosted three German exchange students while in high school. While at UNC - Chapel Hill, he spent a semester abroad in London through the Honors Program. William is an avid music fan, performs as a DJ, and produces electronic music. He also has a passion for eclectic films and shooting photographs. Email William
ECI European Office
Sonya Shinkins
Sonya is ECI’s European Regional Manager, heading up our office in Salamanca, Spain and providing daily oversight of our European staff, programs and marketing. Sonya has a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in French and Spanish from the University of Limerick, Ireland. She lectured at the Université d’Angers while living in France and taught in private schools in Barcelona, Spain. She has a passion for meeting foreign people and traveling and thinks traveling is the essence of an open mind. Email Sonya
Jesus Jimenez
As Program Coordinator, Jesus coordinates all aspects of our European programs, including designing itineraries and working in conjunction with all our European service providers. Jesus studied English Language and Literature in the University of Salamanca, Spain. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe, and has lived in France, England and Italy. He is a native Spanish speaker and also speaks fluent English, French and Italian. His passion is traveling; he believes meeting people from different cultures and working with international students gives him a better understanding of the world. Email Jesus
Céline Roth
Céline is responsible for coordinating and marketing programs to the US for our European students, working closely with our Berkeley office, and liaising with European parents and students. Céline has an Honors Diploma in Marketing and Management. She studied abroad in Ireland, Austria and Spain, and lives in Salamanca, Spain. She is a native French speaker and is also fluent in English, German and Spanish. Céline loves traveling. Email Celine