About Landmark
Join us on a journey of discovery, as we explore the world’s most iconic landmarks together. Let’s unlock the secrets of the past, unravel the mysteries of the present, and create unforgettable memories that will inspire and educate for years to come. Come, join us at Landmark Educational Tours, and let’s embark on an extraordinary adventure!
Our passion for travel is indescribable
At Landmark Educational Tours, we strive to deliver exceptional group tours with the highest quality educational services. As an employee-owned and operated company, our team of avid travelers is dedicated to sharing their passion for exploring the world’s most iconic landmarks. Our values, vision, and mission are firmly grounded in the hospitality industry, and we welcome travelers of all ages to join us on unforgettable journeys to landmarks across the globe.
Michaela Ruffino
Creating affordable travel for all
Leading the industry with exceptional service for all.
We are a group of young, dynamic travel enthusiasts that customize engaging, educational, and thrilling travel adventures for students of all ages. Experiential education is powerful. We are privileged to provide such an experience to all of our customers and our incredible team. Our trip organizers are empowered to take advantage of the opportunity to travel the world while providing excellent service to clients.
Meet Our Team
Michaela Ruffino
Managing Director
Currently residing in Rhode Island, Michaela is an accomplished leader in the hospitality industry. With a rich background and experience, she has honed her expertise in the field and possesses an impressive portfolio of travel knowledge. Michaela holds a bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University, which has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in her career.
In her spare time, Michaela likes to spend time with her beloved dogs and indulges in baking. She also has an insatiable appetite for travel and has set her sights on visiting some of the most breathtaking countries in the world. Her current bucket list includes Japan, Greece, Maldives, and many more. Michaela is passionate about exploring new cultures and experiencing everything the world has to offer.
Gerardo Barrera
Finance Director
Gerardo Barrera began his journey in the travel Industry 20+ years ago when he joined as a Finance Director for StudentCity.com. He gradually became the Chief Financial Officer of the parent company, TUI Education North America which portfolio includes Brightspark, Educational Tours, Jumpstreet, Educatours, Travel Adventures, and New Horizons. Now, Gerardo lives in Boston with his wife and two sons. He also is the Co-Founder of Go Blue Tours, Juniper Tours, and Landmark Educational Tours.
Ericka Montano
Operations Director
Ericka is our Director of Operations at Landmark Educational Tours. She has never stopped learning and is about to graduate from Tourism Business Administration. Ericka is fully bilingual and has more than 20 years of experience working in operations activities such as group management, financial management, contract management, logistics, and customer service. Her experience working with large corporations such as TUI and First Choice has given her the knowledge and skills to help improve our product.
Ericka’s signature is her strong service philosophy and focuses on achieving all aspects of our elite service.
Abbey Gibson
Accounting/Office Coordinator
Currently, in South Boston, Abbey is experienced in administrative management. She is very excited to begin her journey, as an accounting coordinator, with Landmark Educational Tours. Abbey enjoys spending her summers on Cape Cod with her family and friends.
Dream Travel Destinations: Greece, Fiji, Amsterdam, & London
Tara Marcucci
Landmark Specialist & Leader
Tara is one of our Landmark Specialists and Trip Leader. Currently living in Rhode Island, Tara shares her passion for travel and experience in trip management with every trip.
Boasting her U.S. National Parks pass, Tara hopes to one day visit every U.S. National Park with her dogs.
Stephanie LaForce
Sales Success Specialist
Currently residing in New Hampshire, Stephanie has spent the last 10+ years providing excellent customer service in a wide range of roles throughout the hospitality industry. With a background in travel operations and logistics, she possesses an impressive network within the tourism industry. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University, which has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in her career.
In her spare time, Stephanie runs a small macrame craft store making various items such as handbags and home decor. She cares for her two small parrots, Hades and Xerxes, who enjoy perching on her shoulder during virtual meetings. When the weather is nice, Stephanie enjoys exploring the breathtaking landscape the New Hampshire mountains have to offer and finding a quiet spot to stick her nose in a good book.
Marc Gonzalez
Marketing Coordinator
Originally from New Jersey, Marc, is a driven and ambitious leader in the Marketing and Hospitality industry. Pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Graphic Design and Visual Arts at Merrimack College, Marc brings his creative skills to Landmark’s marketing team.
With a strong focus on hospitality and service, Marc’s roots have guided him towards a career in the hospitality industry where he can utilize his skills and passion for helping others. In his spare time, Marc indulges in his love for cooking, baking, and embarking on adventurous hikes.
Always seeking new experiences, Marc has set his sights on California, Spain, and Ireland as his top travel destinations.
Martha Montano
Operations Specialist
Martha, hailing all the way from Cancún, México, is a true globetrotter with a passion for travel and a thirst for cultural exploration. Over the past 16 years, she has embarked on extraordinary adventures, living on the ocean and visiting over 48 countries and counting.
With a dream of completing the seven wonders of the world, Martha has already checked off five and eagerly anticipates visiting Petra and The Taj Mahal to fulfill her goal. Her experiences working for a cruise line have honed her skills in understanding diverse customer needs and providing unique and unforgettable experiences. Martha is known for her dedication, organization, trustworthiness, and ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Thriving in a culture of positive customer service, Martha enjoys engaging with customers and delivering exceptional experiences. Her passion for travel, coupled with her customer-centric approach, makes her a valuable asset at Landmark.
Savannah Rucker
Client Success Specialist
Savannah is a seasoned adventurer with a heart for travel and a passion for helping others. Having proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2013-2017, she went on to earn her BA in psychology and a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois, Savannah is dedicated to providing compassionate psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and couples.
Savannah’s adventurous spirit extends to her personal life as well. She has welcomed three incredible children, two of whom were born in Okinawa, Japan.
Savannah dreams of taking family trips to Hawaii, Italy, and Australia!
Terra Mahan
Client Success Specialist
Terra is a hospitality industry expert with a passion for customer service. With a degree in Organizational Leadership & Supervision, she has a successful background in sales and marketing, including senior management roles at prestigious hotels and local agriculture destination farm & restaurant. Terra’s joys in life include spending time with family and friends, boating, attending country music concerts, and traveling. In March 2023, she joined Landmard Educational Tours, thrilled to provide exceptional customer care to her clients and pursue her love for travel. Her energy, experience, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable addition to the team.
Briana Kotchen
Marketing Coordinator
Currently, in Minneapolis Minnesota, Briana is a new addition to our marketing team! She is passionate about marketing, social media, and traveling. Briana is a creative individual, she enjoys sharing her ideas with others and being able to come together as a team to achieve different goals. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dream Destinations: Greece, Australia, London, and Puerto Rico!
Edwin Yip
IT Specialist
Edwin Yip has decades of commerce system experience. Most recent is his 15 years of building systems for the travel industry. This experience began with First Choice in the United Kingdom which merged with TUI Travel PLC which became the largest tour operator in the world with over 60 thousand employees. While as the Director of Application Development at TUI Student Travel he worked with Brightspark , Jumpstreet, Education Tours, and other student brands of the company in building out their commerce platforms.
Our people are your people.
Traveling is hard, and planning and executing a trip of dozens of students is even harder. We at Landmark love to help, throughout the booking process and on the trip we go above and beyond to ensure that you can truly travel with ease. Click below to learn about our amazing team.
Michaela was very thorough, responsive and knowledgeable! It was a pleasure to work with her. The trip went very well and the parents and students enjoyed every minute!
Washington D.C. Trip
We work with only the best.
Building a community that works with you and your group in mind.
