Meet Cindy
I'm a lot...
of joy, curiosity, and unapologetic wonder.
With my Ph.D. in Communication Studies, I’ve had the honor of teaching college students at Chico State, the University of Texas, and Indiana University since 1990. This career has been my first love. Helping students work toward their dreams through excellent instruction, problem-solving, and compassionate guidance has been deeply rewarding. The art and skill of teaching is, quite honestly, similar in many ways to the work of a great travel advisor. In both professions, listening and authentic connection are at the heart of everything I do. Patience, organization, and a deep love of learning are interwoven with creativity and genuine enthusiasm for helping others. I would love the opportunity to help you shape a meaningful vacation built around you and what lights you up inside.
So how did I move from Professor to Travel Advisor? Let me tell you about boats… Many of my earliest memories involve boats and water. Growing up in southern California, my parents had a 30-foot Pacemaker when I was a toddler (see the photo of little Cindy on the boat, below). My Aunt also lived at the beach, and we visited often. We moved to the Sacramento River delta when I was in high school, near dear family friends who lived on a houseboat. There was waterskiing, knee boarding, and even a bit of windsurfing. Fun fact—I know how to tow and retrieve a skier! I absolutely love boats of all descriptions. Whether it’s the S.S. Badger car ferry across Lake Michigan or the transportation boats at Walt Disney World, I am filled with delight any time I step foot on a vessel. I would love to help you experience that same delight.
Based on these experiences, building Curiosity Excursions around cruising—especially European River Cruises—just makes sense. I love every minute I spend enriching my knowledge of the cruise lines and destinations. In March of 2027, I am thrilled to be going to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) River Cruise Expo in Vienna, Austria. There, I’ll be touring some 13 ships on your behalf and learning even more so I can help my clients' interests and travel goals to the perfect cruise experience for them.
