The Classic Escapes
Team

JEFF BOULWARE, Operations & Sales Support
Born in Henderson Nevada, Jeff grew up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex where he acquired his BA in Interdisciplinary Studies cume laude at the University of Texas at Dallas. While he has limited international travel experience, he spent his summers in Iowa working in his grandfather’s hardware store, toured the Midwest and Northeast U.S. with his church youth choir performing Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar, and worked as a deckhand on the Mississippi river. Jeff has also experienced canoeing through the Quetico Provincial Park of Ontario, Canada. Intent on studying Sociology in the urban environment, he moved to New York City where he studied Applied Social Research. As the President of the Graduate Student Association at Hunter College, he was invited to speak at the first commencement exercise ever to be held in Central Park. In the capacity of Operations and Sales support at Classic Escapes, Jeff ensures that passengers and organizations receive their introductory travel information and final itineraries in a timely manner. Jeffb@classicescapes.com

LORI CHARLES, Operations Manager
Lori brings an amazing and thorough background in travel to Classic Escapes, as well as a smiling face as she tackles Tour Operations for many zoological, aquarium and Audubon groups. Lori may be familiar to past travelers as she worked under Stacy’s tutelage at a previous tour company. Born in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Lori spent much of her youth relocating throughout the U.S., finally landing in upstate New York. After attending Rochester Institute of Technology, Lori received her Bachelors degree in Travel Management and a career was born! She has traveled throughout the world to Scandinavia, Russia, Europe, the Caribbean, and of course numerous visits to Africa with a focus on South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. Lori and her husband live in Milford, PA (near the Pocono’s), also known as their peaceful hide-away. Sharing this journey is their beloved Weimaraner, Charlie. loric@classicescapes.com

MARY JEAN ERACI, Operations Manager

Mary Jean’s passion for travel began while attending Loyola University in her hometown of Chicago.  An opportunity to earn credits towards her Communications degree in Rome sparked a lifelong love affair with adventure that has taken her to Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and the Caribbean. Along the way, she earned her Master of Tourism Administration degree from George Washington University, giving her the chance to work in Bulgaria on an eco-tourism project sponsored by USAID and the Government of Bulgaria. Mary Jean has channeled her passion for new cultures into her career, most recently as an account manager, and looks forward to opening the door on the world for fellow adventurers in her capacity as Operations Manager. maryjeane@classicescapes.com

DIANA FIORENTINOS, Vice President
A native New Yorker, travel has been in Diana's blood since birth. Her list of countries visited is constantly growing and includes numerous visits to Greece and Europe, in addition to Costa Rica, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and India. Diana's energy and insight, truly enable her to prosper and provide the best possible travel experience. She looks forward to sharing this same enthusiasm and her meticulous attention to detail to all aspects of the travel experience for the Classic Escapes customer for many years to come. dianaf@classicescapes.com

STACY FIORENTINOS, President
Stacy Fiorentinos, founder and President of Classic Escapes, has been providing the best in nature and cultural travel around the world since 1987. Born in Greece, Stacy has lived in New York City since 1967. Working with most of the major Zoos, Audubon Societies and Nature Centers, Stacy has brought the wilds of the world within reach in comfort and style for travelers from all over America and Canada.  Since founding Classic Escapes, Stacy has also worked with numerous Alumni Associations and other Affinity groups and individual travelers. She has traveled extensively throughout Africa (with over 30 visits), South and Central America, the South Pacific, and Asia. Passionate about conservation and giving back to local communities, she has created the Classic Escapes Conservation Fund and Global Philanthropy programs, as well as being a supporter of various charities and research projects within the destinations. Stacy is proud to bring together the finest staff of experts to the Classic Escapes team and together they personify the highest level of service, experience and knowledge in the industry. stacyf@classicescapes.com

TYLER FIORENTINOS, Director of Security/Hospitality

Born in Long Island, this good-looking Taurus is single and looking for fun, but like most NY males - not commitment. Tyler loves to travel and loves the car. He has explored the streets of Queens on his own and traveled extensively throughout the East Coast in a chauffeured Lexus Hybrid SUV. Tyler sings with sirens, loves pizza and collects kisses and hugs as travel payment. His passion is dining at outdoor cafes and attacking cats.

VIVIAN FIORENTINOS, Management Assistant
Currently studying business and travel at St. John’s University, Vivian is already well-versed in ancient cultures and exotic lands due to family roots deep in Greece, where she visits often to see her grandparents and mother. An avid fan of Ancient history, especially the Egyptians and their sophisticated culture, Vivian’s interest in indigenous tribal cultures was sparked during a safari to Kenya where she experienced the warmth and simplicity of the Maasai tribe. Of course, experiencing the incredible African wildlife was a high-point too! After a recent trip to India, Vivian is now seeing life through the vibrant colors and exhilarating scents of that exotic country.  When she’s not dreaming of the pyramids, or studying them, Vivian can be found exploring the historic wonders found in her own backyard – the amazing museums and parks of New York City – and hanging out with her own little piece of wildlife, her beloved dog Coco. vivianf@classicescapes.com

SUSAN GETTUM, Executive Director
Susan Gettum has been entranced by the world of travel for over 20 years. Sporting a diverse career of sales, product development, financial planning and management, Susan has had the opportunity to travel to various parts of Europe, Africa, South and Central America, as well as experiencing our own country's splendor. Since 1996, Susan's focus has been on ecotourism and cultural travels mainly throughout Africa and the Americas. Originally from the Midwest, Susan's background includes a degree in theatre performance and she has lent her talents to numerous creative ventures throughout New England and New York City as a director, actor and singer. Appreciative of a captive audience, as you travel with her you will quite possibly hear her break out in song in the wilds of the African bush! susang@classicescapes.com

MARCIA GORDON, Director of Affinity Programs
Classic Escapes is privileged to have one of the most respected people in travel to Africa, Marcia Gordon, as part of our team. In her previous position as owner and president of a leading tour company, she gained a solid reputation for outstanding service to leading alumni, museum and natural history organizations. Marcia lived in East Africa for 13 years and Paris for 14.  During her time in Kenya she piloted her own plane, worked with “traditional healers,” designed special programs for discriminating clients and built her house overlooking Nairobi National Park, which she still owns today. In Paris she served as President of the WICE Foundation – a continuing education center for the English-speaking community.  Marcia is the founder of the Bring-A-Book Foundation which is now supported by Classic Escapes. In her career in travel she has made a point of personally inspecting every property she recommends.  In addition to innumerable visits to countries in East and Southern Africa, and Egypt, her travel experience includes Jordan, Morocco, Australia, Central America, Peru and Ecuador, Malaysia, Thailand and Laos. marciag@classicescapes.com 

THERESA MOTTET, Director of Sales
Theresa Mottet graduated from SST Travel School in Berne, Switzerland in 1980, and has worked in travel ever since – everything from corporate travel to adventure travel! She has been an independent contractor, sales representative and owner of a marketing consultant company. She enjoys a challenge and thinking outside the box, and is especially enthused about voluntourism and other methods of using travel to make the world a better place.  Theresa currently lives in Seattle.

AMANDA ORTIZ, Operations Manager
Born in Virginia while her family was assigned duties in Washington DC, Amanda has literally been traveling all over the US and several international locations since she was born.  As the daughter of a Career Military member of the United States Army, Amanda has had the opportunity to experience diverse cultures while living in several locations throughout the country and internationally. Her favorite and most visited international location is Thailand on multiple occasions as this is the place of her mother’s birth and home of several relatives. Her most recent travels include an extended holiday to Bangkok, Thailand, and excellent experience in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Along with her international travels, Amanda has visited 37 states from coast to coast. Her passion for travel, experiencing new cultures, cuisines and adventures, coupled with her background in sales and customer service make her new career as an Operations Manager the perfect fit for her.  Though born in Virginia, Amanda spent much of her youth in California, teen years in Michigan and currently resides in New York City, and continues to travel across the country visiting family throughout the year in the Great Lakes States and in the plains of Oklahoma. amandao@classicescapes.com

KATYA RASHKOVA, Accounting
Born in Bulgaria, Katya graduated from the University of Economy in Varna, Bulgaria and went on to complete her Master's Degree in Economics and Accounting. She traveled throughout Eastern and Western Europe before moving to the United States in 2003, where she attended ASA College in Brooklyn, NY and received a degree for Business Administration and Accounting. Katya’s diverse interests run from working with numbers to her great appreciation for nature. Married with a daughter, Katya enjoys going to the movies and taking long refreshing walks through the park with her family. Katya’s dedication shows through her work every day. Katyar@classicescapes.com

PATRICIA TROIA, Air Manager
Patricia’s fervor for travel was sparked by family vacations throughout the United States compelling her to pursue a career in the travel world. She has an Associate Degree in Travel & Tourism and a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from St. John’s University. After graduation, Patricia began garnering invaluable experience as an Office Manager at travel and corporate agencies allowing her to expand her experiences to include the Caribbean and Mexico. Having also received her accreditation from the Airline Reporting Corporation, and with over 20 years of experience, the travel industry is a perfect fit for her to pass on the travel bug, and hopefully persuade others to follow in her footsteps. patriciat@classicescapes.com

JULIE VRINIOTIS, Inside Sales Manager
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Julie moved to New York to attend Queens College, receiving her Bachelors Degree for Arts and Sciences. It was here that she met her husband George and settled in Queens where their immediate family includes their grown son. Julie’s passion for travel began at an early age as she ventured to many places around the world, including Europe, Asia, Canada, and within the USA. Exploring cultures and meeting new people has always been her joy, as Julie has great admiration for fascinating art and captivating history. Never losing her Greek heritage, Julie has brought with her the great food, intriguing music and traditional dancing that her country has to offer. Julie's diverse joy of life and the world around her shines through her work at Classic Escapes where she whips up costings and interesting itineraries. Juliev@classicescapes.com