The following staff members are available to answer your questions and help you at all stages of your off-campus experience - from beginning your search for the perfect program to readjusting to life at Skidmore upon your return. We encourage you to contact us right away with any questions. We look forward to helping you!
CORI FILSON, Director
Cori began as Skidmore's Director of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges in May 2001, bringing with her almost a decade of experience in the field of international education. Prior to coming to Skidmore she served as the Assistant Director of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges at The University at Albany where she managed programs in Spain, Latin America, Asia, and the Netherlands. She also was responsible for all marketing and publications for Albany's study abroad programs, making good use of her previous five years of experience in publishing. In addition to work at UAlbany, Cori served as an instructor and resident director abroad in Salamanca, Spain for several years. She has served on several national advisory boards, including those of Arcadia University, Butler University, Fairfield University, and is currently serving on the Academic Council for the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) and the Partnership Council for the School for International Training (SIT). Cori is active in NAFSA: The Association of International Educators and the Forum on Education Abroad and has had the opportunity to present nationally on current topics in the field. Cori has an MA from The University of Texas at Austin in Hispanic Literature and a BA in Spanish and German from St. Lawrence University. As an undergraduate she studied abroad for a year and a half in Spain and Austria.
TINA BREAKELL, Associate Director
Skidmore in China, Skidmore in Spain, & Curriculum Integration Initiative
Tina began with OCSE in January 2007, from the George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she served as the Interim Assistant Director for the Office of Study Abroad. In her role at GWU, Tina managed programs in England, Spain and France as well as all international student exchanges. Prior to that position Tina worked in the Office of International Programs at Georgetown University. In 2006, Tina received her MA in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in International Education from the George Washington University and received her BA in English from the University at Buffalo. As an undergraduate Tina studied abroad at the University of Westminster in London. Tina is now responsible for managing the Skidmore in Spain and the Skidmore in China programs. She also focuses much of her time on the curriculum integration initiative and oversight of the approved programs process. Finally, Tina is the OCSE liaison with the CAS and ACOP committees and handles all GPA and non-approved program petitions.
LISA HOBBS, Finance/Program Manager
Finances and Short-term Programs
Lisa began with OCSE in September of 2006 and brings a nice blend of experience in finance and programming to the position. Prior to coming to OCSE, Lisa was the Employment Specialist in Human Resources at Skidmore, giving her a solid knowledge of the systems and procedures of the College. Before beginning at Skidmore, Lisa served as the assistant to a CFO for four years and, in that capacity, coordinated budgets, financial reports, and other financial matters. She also has a strong background in event planning and coordination, having managed overall logistics, contract negotiations, promotional planning, travel and accommodations, reports, and events assessment. Lisa received her MBA from Wingate University and a BA in History from Syracuse University. She completed an Event Management Program at George Washington University, and has worked as a Legislative Director in the New York State Assembly. All of these qualifications will help Lisa as she manages the finances of our growing office and the domestic study programs, while supporting the site-evaluation project and other programming and events for OCSE.
KENDRA NELSON COUTURE, Program Manager
FYE in London, Skidmore in Paris, & Paris Fall Seminar
Kendra began with OCSE in June 2009 and came to us from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, where she served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Overseas Study. In her role at IU, Kendra managed the office’s exchange programs and the CIEE portfolio of programs and coordinated student advising for the office. Prior to that position, Kendra worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Study Abroad at Michigan State University and held a short-term work assignment in London, England assisting with summer study abroad programs. Kendra received her MA in Student Affairs Administration with a concentration in Multicultural Education from Michigan State University and, prior to that, received her BA in Management & International Business at Penn State University. As an undergraduate Kendra studied abroad at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Kendra is responsible for managing the First-Year Experience in London, Skidmore in Paris, the Paris Fall Seminar, Domestic Exchange Programs, pre-departure and re-entry programming, and general advising.
ELIZA CAMIRE, Program Manager
Skidmore in London, The Shakespeare Programme,Teach in China, NSE & Spelman Domestic Exchange Programs
Eliza joined OCSE in July 2011 and comes from a background in working with study abroad providers. In her most recent role as a Senior Program Coordinator at CIS Abroad, Eliza maintained a portfolio of programs spanning 6 of the 7 continents. She received her MA in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute and her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing at Saint Michael's College in Vermont. As a graduate student, Eliza participated on an SIT program to Panama and, as an undergraduate, Eliza studied abroad at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Her experience leading high school travel programs, performing site visits, as well as her own personal travel have allowed her to visit various locations including: Spain, Australia, Dominica, England, Mexico and several countries in Southern Africa. Eliza is responsible for managing the Skidmore in London program, the Shakespeare Programme, Domestic Exchange Programs, the Teach in China program, pre-departure and re-entry programming, and general advising.
LAUREN RODRIGUEZ, Administrative Assistant
Lauren started with OCSE in March 2013. She graduated with her Bachelors in American Studies from Swansea University, U.K. and moved to the U.S. from England three years ago, graduating with her Masters in Higher Education Administration and Policy from the University of Albany, SUNY. She is the first point of contact for the OCSE Office and assists students with the application process. She provides administrative support and overseas the student workers in collaboration with the Associate Director.
In addition to the staff listed here, Student Advisors are available to meet with students to discuss specific programs and the policies and procedures associated with those programs. Our Student Advisors have all studied abroad and can answer students' general questions about study abroad, the application process, and their own experiences.
To contact a member of our staff directly via e-mail, please use the online staff directory to find the proper address.