Jean Warneke, CTC

Jean Kelly Warneke has suffered from wanderlust since childhood. Her father's profession took the family all over the US and by the time she graduated from high school, she'd attended 15 schools. Having visited all 50 states, she is now in the process of traveling to all of the world's countries and territories.

Jean has worked in the travel industry since her college days and has done it all – retail travel agent, tour manager, receptive operator, meeting planner, conventions - she even has been known to do airport transfers!

She has a B.A. in German and Spanish, both of which she speaks quite well, and has been a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) since 1986. Jean has also earned the designation of Panama Travel Specialist.
 

 Photo: Los Quetzales Trail, Volcan, Panama

Barbara Baggett, CTC

At the age of 10, Barbara’s parents took her to South America to visit her sister. Another world filled with llamas, prop-planes, iguanas & native peoples, opened her senses and sparked a passion for new experiences. During the ensuing years she has hiked, scuba dived, birdwatched, safaried, and ate her way through over 30 countries. She finds great enjoyment in the diversity of the words people and wild places.

Barbara has more than 20 years work experience in the travel business, including work with specialty companies promoting scuba diving, Mexico & Central America and bird watching. She received her Certified Travel Counselor credential in 1992; she is a Certified Panama Travel Specialist and Africa Destination Specialist. Barbara also has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Environmental Management, and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Our planet's wealth of culture and unspoiled wild places are a siren’s call to Barbara. Her intention is to facilitate memorable vacations that will support and sustain the world's  treasures. And to inspire people to enrich their lives through travel; traveling with an open mind, a gentle heart, a light step and a curious nature.  

Photo: Trail, Cinque Terre, Italy

Steve Bartolomeo

Artist and web-designer and all around taskmaster
AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) Stephen Bartolomeo's life ought to be a model for us all. He has overcome numerous difficulties to arrive at his well-acclaimed status. Born in the dusty and remote town of Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1957, he had a mediocre and uneventful childhood until the age of 6 when what can only be described as a bizarre and uneventful accident forever changed the course of his life. One afternoon while walking his dog," rocket”, he was grazed by a falling wheel from a DC-10 airliner. He escaped unscathed and except for a small bump on his head and in severe aversion to burnt rubber. His dog Rocket, however, was not so lucky.... SunDogDesign.net

Bob Warneke

Although most days are spent in an office or courtroom, Bob considers himself a conservationist first. He is the son of one of the few career military men whose family was never stationed in an exotic land. It was only by the great fortune of marrying a travel agent, that the world opened up for him. When possible he accompanies Jean on her travels. Hiking, birding, and kayaking are his favorites; indeed the outdoors are great.

By profession Bob is an attorney with a specialty in legal and judicial ethics. He also serves on the board of the American Birding Association, Rainforest Partnership, Texas Conservation Alliance, and is president of the Malcolm C. Damuth Foundation, a small but effective group who work to save habitat for endangered species. Bob has a B.A. and M.S. in biology as well as a J.D.

Photo: Amboseli Lodge, Kenya

Pamela Whitehair

Traveling is in Pamela Whitehair's heart and soul. Although her childhood did not offer many opportunities to travel, she has been making up for lost time as an adult.

Pamela has been in some form of the travel industry for more than 18 years. She first worked with a specialty company who offered personalized tours into Mexico and Central America. She has extensive experience as a leisure and business travel consultant, managing travel for both high tech executives and oil rig crew rotations to the outer reaches of Mongolia.

The natural beauty and culture of Mexico and Central America captured Pamela's heart early on in her travel career, and she is always eager to share her experiences and help others to fulfill their travel dreams. She is a Certified Guatemala Specialist and Belize Destination Specialist.

She is always ready for a new adventure and can pack a suitcase at moments notice. As an avid photographer, she always has her camera charged. She loves to capture the local culture and surroundings and share the beauty and experience with others.  Pamela believes that being gentle with the land, having respect for the culture, and traveling with an open heart will guarantee a wonderful experience.
 

Photo: Maasai Village, Kenya