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 – Robyn Powell
Robyn came to Strasbourg from the Orange County, California in fall 2006. She currently works as a Manager of Technical Support 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, meeting new people and exercising.
Vice-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.
Treasurer – Matthew Neglia
Matthew moved from the Portland, OR 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 – Leah Singer
Leah came to Strasbourg in October of 2008 from Mechancisburg, Pennsylvania. She studied at the University of Strasbourg and Elizabethtown College where she got her degrees in International Business, Marketing and French. She worked as an English teaching assistant in two French high schools for the 2008-2009 school year. Currently Leah is enjoying Alsace and new her husband Adrien and their kitten Izzy. Leah also enjoys reading, learning new languages, travelling and rock climbing.
Major Activities Coordinator – Carine Roller
Carine is French-American. She moved back to Strasbourg, where she is originally from, after 15 years in North America. Before starting her own Company (C.R.C) 2 years ago, specialized in high-end business and corporate travels, she has traveled the world extensively always working in this industry. She enjoys discovering original things to do and of course spending times with her two children, husband and Yorkshire, Diesel.
Marketing Coordinator – Emily DeYoung Becker
Emily was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. After finishing her BA at Dartmouth, 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 studying for a Masters Degree in international business management and marketing, while fitting in some work as an English teacher with Linguissimo.
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. She met Guillaume shortly after and stayed on for a second year teaching English. They recently got married. Katie loves travelling, reading and working out.
Membership Coordinator – Allison Bodine
Allison hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and moved to France 7 years ago after attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She loves teaching, history, reading, and of course France. She lives in Strasbourg with her dog Belle and they like to hike around the Vosges mountains together. She also enjoys French food, crémant, and figues but usually without Belle. Contact.
Adult Activities Coordinator – Veronica Guzman-Vanmarcke
Veronica is a Mexican-American from Los Angeles, CA. She moved to France in 2007 to be with her then French boyfriend, Patrick. They were married in 2008 and have a 7 month year old son Dario. Veronica worked in the world of the entertainment industry back in Los Angeles. She now enjoys the time spent at home with her son. She loves to cook, dance salsa and travel with her husband.
Adult Activities – Giovanna Montagna
Giovanna is Italian and American. She was born in Rome, then lived in the States, the Philippines, France, Canada, and finally settled in Strasbourg in January 2007 because of her love of France and French culture. Giovanna has a degree in translation and currently works at the Council of Europe as an administrative assistant. She enjoys good food, reading, travelling, and going to the movies.
Children’s Activities Coordinator – Gina Hannoucene
Gina, originally from NYC, is a NYU graduate who spent several years working with NGOs in various countries. Her husband’s career change and the birth of her daughter in Fall 2005 prompted her relocation to France in Spring 2008. Gina enjoys ice skating and photography and is content with life as it is in the very here and now.
Children’s Activities – Cameron Jeannot-Turner
Cameron moved to Strasbourg two years ago from Germany with her husband and two children. She joined AIA one year ago and decided to increase her commitment. She is looking forward to taking AIA to the next level. The previous board set the bar very high and it is up to us to maintain that same level of excellence while expanding our community involvement.