Kathleen's impressive attention to detail and knack for remembering factoids and nuances stem from her days as a professional student and teacher. After having taught English in Paris, Slovakia and Korea, she joined Travel Masters as an office administrator in 1999 and grew into her role today as the Knowledge Concierge.
Joined 1999
Speaks English, French, Romanian
Loves to sip Single malt whisky
Renowned for being a French speaking Baking Queen
So, what does it mean to be a "Knowledge Concierge"?
Well, it's an all-encompassing title that best describes what I do? and what I have to remember! I train new agents, manage airline contracts, reconcile ticketing reports, meet with suppliers and create super helpful cheat sheets for everyone to use.
Why did you decide to stop being a "professional student and teacher"?
After several years of living abroad, working at one of the busiest youth hostels in Europe, organizing walking tours in Amsterdam, and hosting bus tours in Northern England, I decided to settle down. I thought that joining the travel industry would be a good substitute for actual traveling, and it definitely has been that. I wouldn't say I've stopped being a student or a teacher - I love to make new discoveries and share them with our agents and my clients.
What was your most memorable vacation?
It was in 2010, and was supposed to be a routine visit to the in-laws in Romania with golf and whiskey-tasting side trips to Scotland and Ireland afterwards. The Romania and Ireland portions went as scheduled, then while we were in the Hebrides the unpronounceable Icelandic volcano erupted, and got to extend our trip in Glasgow of all places. We eventually gave up on ever flying out of Scotland, and made our way with 4 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons from Glasgow to Amsterdam - 6 trains, an overnight ferry and a very crowded Belgian bus all in 24 hours. My husband called it our own Amazing Race and has been paranoid about traveling back to Europe ever since!
Is it true: are you really a French speaking Baking Queen?
Yes! I have a Masters degree in French Language and Literature, which is very convenient when dealing with hoteliers in France. As for the baking part, I collect all shapes and sizes of Bundt pans and make thousands of gingersnaps and hundreds of fancy Bundt cakes each year, to give as gifts and share with clients, family, friends and colleagues.
