Volunteer Now!
Since it is a volunteer-based organization, Americans in Alsace can always use some extra help.
If you have the time and commitment to serve as a Board member, if you want to help organize or host an activity, if you would like to share your skills and hobbies with others at a coffee morning, or simply volunteer at one of the community events such as the 4th of July Picnic or Solidarity Day, please contact one of the committee members below.
President – Amy Swartz
Amy is originally from Pennsylvania. She moved to Strasbourg in July 2008, with her husband Darin and their two children, Matthew and Amanda. Prior to leaving the United States, the Swartz family lived in New Jersey. Amy worked at Pfizer Inc. for 15 years before “retiring” so that she and her family could experience this once in a lifetime opportunity of living abroad. Matthew and Amanda are attending the European School of Strasbourg so Amy is enjoying volunteering for school activities whenever possible. Amy loves to shop and enjoys reading in her spare time.
Vice-President – Susan Kovach
Susan relocated from Indianapolis, Indiana to Strasbourg in July 2009 due to her husband Paul’s work assignment at Lilly France. Her two oldest sons are currently university students in the US and her youngest son Chris is enrolled at the European School of Strasbourg. Susan enjoys nature activities, travelling, cooking and reading in both English and now French and therefore has found Strasbourg to be a wonderful city in which to live.
Treasurer – Matthew Neglia
Matthew moved from the Portland, Oregon area with his partner Mike and son Lukas in July of 2008 and settled in Kehl, Germany. While Matthew worked in accounting for 20-plus years, he is currently a stay-at-home dad. He enjoys biking with his family through the beautiful countryside and spending time with his son in the area’s many wonderful playparks.
Secretary – Emily DeYoung Becker
Emily was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. After finishing her BA at Dartmouth College, she came to France to teach English and married her French colleague, Marc. They live in Strasbourg with their little dog, Dina. Emily is currently working as a business developer for Technology & Strategy and finishing up a Masters Degree in international management and marketing.
Membership Coordinator – Allison Koehl
Allison hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and moved to France 9 years ago after attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where she got her BA in European History. She then continued on with her Masters in History here at the University of Strasbourg. She loves teaching, history, reading, and of course France. She lives near Strasbourg with her dog Belle and her husband Christophe. She also enjoys French food, crémant, and figs but usually without Belle.
Marketing Coordinator – Robyn Pereira
Robyn came to Strasbourg from Orange County, California in fall 2006. She currently works as a Regional Marketing Manager Europe for Johnson & Johnson. Robyn has a degree in Communications from UC San Diego and a MBA in International Business from Pepperdine University. She enjoys travelling, enjoying great French food & wine, and meeting new people.
Newsletter Editor – Katie Luck
Katie is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College with a degree in Business Administration and French. Katie moved to Alsace in October 2006 to work as an English Language Assistant and stayed in the region after meeting her husband Guillaume. Katie works at the European Science Foundation. She enjoys reading and travelling in her free time.
Adult Activities Coordinator – Veronica Vanmarcke
Veronica is a Mexican-American from Los Angeles, CA. She moved to France in 2007 to be with her French boyfriend, Patrick. They were married in 2008 and have two sons. Veronica worked in the world of the entertainment industry back in Los Angeles. She now enjoys the time spent at home with her two small sons. She loves to cook, dance salsa and travel with her family.
Adult Activities Committee – Tara Frimat
Tara has been living in Strasbourg for almost five years with her husband Patrick and two children. She appreciates Strasbourg and Alsace more and more with each passing year and enjoys all is has to offer. She teaches private English lessons to children and adults and finds the work fun and rewarding. She also enjoys tennis and yoga in her free time. After being primarily involved in the coordination of AIA children’s activities in recent years, she is now looking forward to planning events for the ‘big kids’.
Children’s Activities Coordinator – Christophe Réthoré
Christophe Réthoré is a dual citizen of Canada and France. Born in Normandy, he moved to Canada in 1989, studied and worked in North America for 18 years before returning to France and settling in Strasbourg in 2007. When he returned to France he set up the European office of a Vancouver-based market research firm from 2007 to 2010. Throughout his career he has worked in two major areas: foreign languages/linguistics/translation and market research/marketing. He has lived in many locations throughout the US including North Dakota, Alabama and Virginia; and in Canada including Montréal, Québec and Moncton, New Brunswick.
Children’s Activities Committee – Juliana Benedetti
Juliana recently relocated to Strasbourg from Seattle, Washington with her husband, Victor, two sons, and dog. She is a professional opera singer, having sung throughout the United States and some in Europe. She and and Victor, also an opera singer, moved to Strasbourg to pursue career opportunities. Their sons attend École Internationale Robert Schuman and Collège International de l’Esplanade. Juliana enjoys cooking, knitting, traveling, and learning languages. She has especially enjoyed cycling trips around the city to see the sights. She is looking forward to getting to know the members of AIA.
