Meet Gerry
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Gerry's passion for global exploration and education is deeply rooted in his own life journey. His academic foundation includes a BA in Spanish from Oregon State University (OSU) and an MA in Spanish from Middlebury College.
Gerry is a true believer in the transformative power of living abroad, having gained extensive experience both living and working internationally, particularly in Spain and Italy. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, he navigates diverse cultures with ease. During his college years, he embraced the role of a study abroad student himself, traveling to Ecuador, Spain, and Mexico. This diverse, first-hand experience is the unique perspective he brings to the core philosophy and programming of B&G Adventures Abroad.
Over the past 20 years, Gerry has devoted his career to education as a committed K–12 teacher. His dedication extends beyond the classroom—he is a passionate and inspiring coach, guiding young athletes in soccer, volleyball, and basketball to reach their full potential. This profound love for teaching, mentoring, and motivating others—both academically and athletically—is at the heart of his approach to international education.
Gerry recently embarked on a new chapter in his life, transitioning into a full-time real estate career. This journey has now led to the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: the creation of B&G Adventures Abroad. He is thrilled to combine his extensive educational background, global experience, and passion for inspiring others to provide unparalleled study abroad opportunities.
Meet Barbara
Born and raised in the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento, Italy, Barbara's passion for foreign languages and global cultures isn't just academic—it's deeply rooted in her heritage. This lifelong dedication is reflected in her academic journey: she earned both her BA in Foreign Languages and Literatures and her MA in French Language and Literature from the Istituto Universitario Orientale in Naples, followed by an additional MA in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego in the United States.
A true multilingual expert, Barbara is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, and French. Her firsthand understanding of cultural immersion is deep, having been a study abroad student herself in England, France, and Spain. These experiences shaped her career and fueled her belief that cultural connections are the key to personal growth.
For over 20 years, Barbara has dedicated her professional life to education, teaching French, Spanish, and Italian to students in grades K-12. Her ultimate goal has always been to ignite the spark for languages and culture in her students, believing that the language truly "comes alive" when experienced firsthand.
A highlight of her career has been leading students on trips to Spain, watching them discover the joy of connecting with a new world. Alongside Gerry, she shares a love for travel, reading, and cooking, and they enjoy discovering new parts of the world with their two children. This joint passion for global exploration is the foundation upon which they built their biggest dream: B&G Adventures Abroad.