Janice McDonald - tour leader.  An accomplished writer and television producer, Janice is an avid traveler having visited all 7 continents and more than 70 countries. Janice is the President of J-Mac Productions, an independent production company which is the offspring of passions developed while working with CNN for 20 years.

Janice has traveled the world, producing videos which include a documentary from a trip to Antarctica with the company of Prince Albert of Monaco and coverage of the Hong Kong Handover in 1997. She works with numerous media outlets in developing marketing, training and commercial materials. Clients include the Travel Channel, ABC, NBC, Fox News and MTV. She has published 7 travel books and write for many magazines.   She has had 8 Emmy nominations and has won numerous awards for educational television production. She is a member of the Atlanta Press Club, the North American Travel Writers Association and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Carol Huntington - tour leader.  Carol has been on 12+ AFS trips over the years.  She has been a ray of sunlight to each of those groups.  She has a passion for seeing the world and experiencing new cultures.  Having traveled to over 60 countries and all 7 continents, she continues to pursue her dream, while working for the past 25 years in the banking industry.  Her goal is to build relationships, problem solve, and keep clients happy.  She genuinely cares for people and is cool under pressure.  These are great qualities for the business and the travel world. 

During a recent sabbatical, Carol coordinated and lead a once in a lifetime journey around the world, visiting 13 countries! Carol's excitement to discover new things is complimented by her unique ability to get along with and relate to people of all backgrounds.  She has a deep understanding of new and seasoned travelers with a knack to inspire all. Carol is all about the experience:  from seeing the world, to skydiving, to trekking with the Gorillas in Rwanda, to making new friends, there's a lot to do out there!

Deborah Arneson  - tour leader.  An accomplished lecturer, writer, and educator, Deborah’s passions are health and travel. With 30 countries and 5 continents under her travel belt and along with her studies in Ayurveda taking her abroad 6 consecutive years, Deborah combines her expertise in the world of health and nutrition along with incorporating age-old, simple and effective remedies into her private practice.

Deborah is a renowned author and lectures nationally educating the medical community and  general public on the many myths and misconceptions in the world of health and healing. As a health editor of "Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine", and a producer of the Health Quest cable show over the past 12 years, she brings health and wellness to thousands!

Deborah's extraordinary passion for living life to its fullest is infectious to all.  She's lead several AFS group to Europe and we received letters from clients commending her dedication.  I believe it's her natural maternal instincts that make her a great tour leader.

Kevin Washburn - tour leader.  Kevin grew up in a small town in upstate New York.  With a yearning to “see the world”, he joined the army which provided a 3 year active duty tour in Europe.  He excelled as an honor graduate and entered the Drill Sergeant Academy, a perfect pre-requisite for a trip leader! (Don’t worry, he never yells.)  He later joined US Airways and graduated top of his class in Flight Attendant School.  Later he joined Southwest Airlines based in Chicago.  He loves his profession which allows him to travel and meet people from all walks of life.

Kevin’s hobbies include cooking and baking (his cookies are nearly famous.)  He is also a fitness buff and is a personal trainer in his spare time.  He has been on several AFS trips and shadowed me, taking notes to learn firsthand what it takes to successfully lead an AFS group.  He has a passion for travel and loves to share it with others.  Kevin said, “I’ll go anywhere you need me Suzy!”  Afghanistan?  No, he’d be the only one.  But that’s the exact foundation AFS needs and we’re certain you’ll enjoy his enthusiasm.

Deborah has been on many AFS trips as well as leading her own groups to India. Suzy describes her in one word, “effervescent” adding that her passion and enthusiasm for life is infectious to those around her.

Jenn Weyand -  tour leader.  Jenn’s passion for adventure began when she headed to summer camp in Mentone, Alabama at age 8.  She believes that whether it’s in your backyard, around the block or around the world, there’s always opportunity to explore.  Big and small, she’s been to dozens of countries and experienced cultures of all shapes.  She has toured with AFS to Africa, South America and Asia.  Though her passion is adventure, she brings home the bacon as a partner in a marketing and PR firm.  It’s her job to plan, organize and resolve – and she takes these skills on the road with AFS.  Taking care of all the details and expecting all possibilities is a priority for her.  There’s always a solution!  You will always find her smiling – and laughing most of the time.  She believes that things are just easier with a smile.  Life is just too short not to find a great time.  She’s enthusiastic and always seeks to find the good in every person and every situation.  She will do everything and anything possible to create a memorable adventure for all AFS travelers.  So, pack your bags and grab your passport!

Terry Pawelko partner, business manager, web designer, marketing, tour leader, cabana boy and chief bottle washer .  Terry handles most of the day to day business operations of AFS. 

He has extensive background in marketing and sales working as a rep for a large audio visual company the past 20 years and AFS has benefited greatly with his addition to our team.  He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in communication and has traveled to over 45 countries on 6 continents.