An invested, motivated, well-balanced team has been an essential element of College Excel’s ability to exceed the industry standard for 17 years and counting. Please click on the photos for bios and contact information.
Executive and Administrative Team
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Jeannie Crowell, CMC
Founder/Staff Coach
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Tomas Amodio, MA, MBA
Executive Director
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John Sabol, BS
Operations Coordinator
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Jon Baker, BS
Admissions Director
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Shelley Schwencke, CBC
Marketing and Outreach
Jeannie Crowell, CMC
Founder/Staff Coach
- Licensed Behavioral Coach Certifier
- Certified Master Coach (CMC)
- Certified Neuro Coach (CNC)
- Certified Ayurvedic Life Style Coach
Tomas Amodio, MA, MBA
Executive Director
Tomas earned his MBA through the Presidio Graduate School, where he completed his thesis on expeditionary style learning and self-concept change, and holds a master’s degree in recreational administration .
Tomas has over 20 years of combined experience in leadership education, change management, and creative facilitation. Most recently, as a consultant, coach, and trainer, he directed programs for universities to improve student outcomes by building stronger student support services and conducting needs and readiness assessments to enhance the student journey.
He discovered his passion for education during his tenure at the National Outdoor Leadership School where he led 30-90 day wilderness expeditions and designed and delivered university courses on advanced leadership, communication, environmental resource management, judgment, and decision making. In addition to his background in education, Tomas helped create and operate a mental health clinic for trauma survivors and worked as a small business development, sustainability, and planning consultant.
Tomas spends the majority of his free time outside on the water, rafting, sailing, paddle boarding, and swimming with his wife, daughters, and dog.
Education: Master of Business Administration in Sustainable Solutions, Presidio Graduate School, WA
Master of Arts, Recreation Administration, California State University, CA
Bachelor of Science, Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Human Ecology, Indiana University, IN
Certifications:
- Certified Change Manager | PROSCI
- Master Educator / Leave No Trace
- Natural STEP Network
- Applying The Natural Step Framework
- Strategic Sustainability for Leaders
- WFA Instructor | Wilderness Medical Inst.
- Member | NAVHDA
- Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
From: Evansville, IN
Proud Dad of Pudlepointer, Messi
- tomasa@collegeexcel.com
- 541-414-6629
John Sabol, BS
Operations Coordinator
John graduated from San Jose State University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Industrial Management. After graduation he served four years as a Captain in the United States Army where he was an Aviator and Operations Officer of an Army airfield.
His previous experience includes 22 years as a senior executive with the Gap Stores Incorporated, where he held the positions of Senior Vice President of Merchandising, and then Senior Vice President of Corporate Administration. His most recent experience was in the real estate profession where he was a licensed broker in both California and Oregon.
John and his wife have called Bend home for the past 5 years. Hobbies include fly fishing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors with their adventurous dog Parker.
Education: BA Business and Industrial Management, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
From: San Francisco
Proud dad of Parker
- johns@collegeexcel.com
- 541-388-3043
Jon Baker, BS
Admissions Director
Jon graduated from Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental communication and education.
Prior to College Excel, Jon worked for over ten years in the wilderness therapy industry, where he helped hundreds of families overcome hardships, heal their relationships, and move forward with optimism and confidence. He held positions as a program director and field supervisor at a nationally recognized wilderness therapy program, where he was responsible for directing and developing a team of 35 and overseeing the integrity of services delivered, risk management initiatives, and business operations.
Jon discovered his passion for outdoor education and personal transformation at Ohio State, where he led groups of college students on outdoor adventures and facilitated climbing trips for at-risk, disabled, and homeless youth. His desire to help others through the process of self-discovery and emerging adulthood continues to inspire his work today.
Jon spends his time off enjoying beautiful central Oregon with his wife, two amazing children, and elderly dog.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Ohio State University.
From: Canton, OH
Proud dad of Howser
- 541-388-3043
Shelley Schwencke, CBC
Marketing and Outreach
As someone with over ten years of experience in admissions and marketing, Shelley knows what it takes to transform the vision of individual and collective success into a reality. With a passion for people and creativity, she is often celebrated for her remarkable ability to discover and combine the perfect ingredients for a successful brand.
Consequently, Shelley has had the privilege of holding the position of marketing lead for College Excel. Prior to that, she worked in the young adult program industry in Bend from the young age of 22 after attending Linfield College.
With a natural knack for forming authentic relationships and never one to be complacent, Shelley has founded two successful Bend-based companies in energy efficiency and home inspection within the last ten years.
Having lived in Bend for almost thirty years, Shelley believes in the power of investing in her community and upholds a seat on the board of trustees for Cascades Academy, an independent school with grades PK-12. With two kids of her own, Shelley is committed to helping the youth of today succeed so that they can create a better tomorrow.
Education: Studied Psychology and Business Administration at Linfield College, McMinnville, OR
Certifications:
Certified Behavioral Coach (CBC)
From: San Diego, CA
Proud mom of two daughters, Mirren and Saxen, and the occasional goldfish
- 541-388-3043
Academic and Program Team
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Jaci Wamberg, MA, BS
Program Lead
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John Wright, MFA
Academic and Curriculum Development Manager
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Amanda Frankel, BS
Student Success Coach Lead
Jaci Wamberg, MA, BS
Program Lead
A Midwesterner at heart, Jaci has found homes in multiple locations around the world. Naturally drawn to the teaching profession, Jaci holds a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Vermont and a M.A. in international educational development from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Prior to joining College Excel, Jaci taught in various different educational environments ranging from a tertiary institution in the Philippines to a nursery school in New York City. Most recently, she has worked extensively in gap year education, leading students around the world as an international program leader. In this work, Jaci was able to witness and be a part of the transformational changes and growth amongst her students by cultivating spaces for her students to challenge themselves academically, socially, and culturally. From all her work as a student and educator, Jaci can attest and continues to advocate for the critical importance of being exposed and immersed in experiential educational environments.
Jaci finds her happiness in cooking, yoga, and gardening. She is new to the Bend area and is excited to explore all that Central Oregon has to offer!
Education: M.A., International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University (NYC, NY)
B.S., Elementary Education, University of Vermont (Burlington, VT)
From: Barrington, IL
Mom of a super mutt, Ryan Gosling.
- jaciw@collegeexcel.com
- 541-388-3043
John Wright, MFA
Academic and Curriculum Development Manager
John grew up in Eastern Kentucky and has since lived in Lexington, Chicago, Portland, and rural Oregon. He loves road trips, and his travels have taken him all over the West, to South America, and to every county in Oregon. He holds a bachelor’s in English from the University of Kentucky and a master’s in writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
John’s career has encompassed nonprofit communications and development, educational publishing, and higher education. Before moving to Bend, John was a faculty member at Portland Community College, where he taught developmental English and worked to reform his program within the college. John led dynamic and innovative classes at the college and forged lasting relationships with his students. He is interested in the holistic development of students, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Outside of work, John spends much of his free time writing, creating digital art, and deejaying. He hosts a podcast, and his writing has appeared in a number of print and online publications. John also enjoys camping and backpacking and has a particular affinity for the Oregon desert.
Education: M.F.A., Writing, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
B.A., English, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
From: West Liberty, Kentucky
Proud dad of Daphne, a Red Heeler mix, & Maxwell, a Timberwolf mix
- johnw@collegeexcel.com
- 541-388-3043
Amanda Frankel, BS
Student Success Coach Lead
Amanda has a BA in writing and environmental studies from Ithaca College, where she graduated magna cum laude. While her upbringing in northern Vermont’s Mad River Valley instilled the value of a strong community, Amanda is forever drawn to adventure; she spent her final semester traveling through South Africa with Duke University’s Organization of Tropical Studies. Through this program, Amanda studied conservation and ecology and experienced the importance of pushing her boundaries.
After college Amanda hopped on a train and headed west, landing in Oregon. Over the next near-decade, she developed her career in environmental education and community outreach. In her management of various nonprofit programs, Amanda led initiatives in social and environmental change through inclusive and experiential education programming and community empowerment. Her passion for lifelong learning informs her work and has led to her own explorations of everything from herbalism to yoga, place-based education to outdoor leadership.
Amanda brings to College Excel her love of the outdoors and the ability to empower others to pursue their biggest dreams. In her free time she enjoys gardening, spending time in the mountains and on the lakes, climbing at Smith Rock, skiing, and of course, spending time with as many dogs as possible.
Education: B.A., Writing and Environmental Studies, Ithaca College, Ithaca NY
From: Moretown, VT
Proud Mom of Sitka, Mystery Rescue Breed
- amanda.frankel@collegeexcel.com
- 541-388-3043
Student Success Team
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Vanessa Eaton, BA
Student Success Coach
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Jeremy Hansen, BA
Student Success Coach
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Eric Giovannetti, BS
Student Success Coach / Tutor
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Robert Ahmann, BS
Student Success Coach
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Bobbi Anderson, BA
Academic Tutor/Activities Coordinator
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Drew Harrison, BS
Academic Tutor
Vanessa Eaton, BA
Student Success Coach
After graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a degree in English literature, Vanessa decided to continue to follow her passion for teaching and connecting with different cultures by volunteering to teach English in Peru. Once Vanessa returned, she decided to pursue teaching as a career and obtained her certification for secondary education.
During her journey as an educator, Vanessa has led at-risk students on extensive backpacking trips, created a variety of yoga and mindfulness programs for all ages, and taught traditional curriculum in public and private school settings.
Vanessa is devoted to helping others find meaning in life by helping them connect with their true selves and cultivate their passions. She is also very committed to teaching self care practices, such as yoga and meditation as they have dramatically improved the quality of her own life over the years.
Traveling the world has always been a lifelong goal for Vanessa and one that has led her on a path of exploration and self discovery. She has traveled throughout Central and South America, as well as Europe, India and Nepal. In her free time Vanessa enjoys hiking with her dog Jaxson, snowboarding, practicing yoga, or planning her next adventure.
Education: B.A. in English Literature, University of Colorado at Boulder
Post BA Teaching Licensure Program: University of Colorado at Boulder
Certifications:
- 200 Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Certification: Pisac, Peru
- 200 Hour Yoga Therapy Certification: Varkala, India
From: Steamboat Springs, CO
Proud mama of Golden Retriever Jaxson
- vanessa.eaton@collegeexcel.com
- 541-388-3043
Jeremy Hansen, BA
Student Success Coach
Jeremy attended the University of Oregon and received a BA in philosophy. He learned Swedish and studied abroad at Uppsala University in Sweden, where he developed a love of language, ultimately leading him to become an English as a second language teacher. He spent a year in South Korea teaching ESL before moving to Portland, Oregon, where he taught at an international school for ten years.
Born in Utah and raised in Wyoming, Jeremy grew up amidst the mountains, cultivating a love and respect for nature, wildlife, and the outdoors. This led to his involvement in several sports and activities, and at one point or another, Jeremy was competitively involved in snowboarding, basketball, tennis, and cross country running. He is now excited to live in the shadow of the Cascades and to explore the Bend area while continuing to develop professionally at College Excel.
In his free time, you might find Jeremy flying one of his drones, watching documentaries, getting caught up in some outdoor activity, or allowing his curiosity to teach him something new.
Education: BA in Philosophy, University of Oregon
Certifications: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL); FAA Licensed Drone Pilot
Hometown: Jackson, Wyoming
- jeremy.hansen@collegeexcel.com
- 541-388-3043
Eric Giovannetti, BS
Student Success Coach / Tutor
Eric graduated from Lafayette College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. While in college, he served as president of the college’s Outdoors Club, as well as a calculus tutor. Prior to working at College Excel, Eric worked in a variety of professional roles, most recently serving as a jumpmaster for Central Oregon Bungee.
Eric has applied his strengths to each of the various roles he has served at College Excel, from facilities coordinator to tutor to Student Success Coach. Eric has the natural ability to empower students to face their challenges while providing them the support they need to do so successfully. Eric’s hobbies include slacklining, rock climbing, running, and photography.
Education: B.S., Mathematics, Minor in French, Lafayette College (Easton, PA)
From: Pennsylvania
Favorite Dog Breed: Husky
Robert Ahmann, BS
Student Success Coach
Amongst the tall fir trees and overzealous sports fans, Robbie earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon. A combination of philosophy and engagement in the school’s Outdoor Program led Robbie to become keenly interested in the use of wilderness for transformative experiences. After spending a semester abroad in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Robbie was ready to cut loose into a less urban wilderness. For the past six years Robbie has worked as a wilderness therapy educator, rock climbing guide, whitewater raft guide, and international gap year instructor. Through these experiences Robbie found a passion and purpose in facilitating challenge and support for adolescents and young adults in many different settings.
In his free time you can catch Robbie climbing on any rocks he can find, playing pick up soccer, or jangling on a guitar with a few friends.
Education: BS, Philosophy, University Of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Certifications: WMI Wilderness First Responder
From: Madison, WI
Proud Father of Koda Bear, a Black Lab
- robert.ahmann@collegeexcel.com
- 541-388-3043
Bobbi Anderson, BA
Academic Tutor/Activities Coordinator
Bobbi was raised between the mountains of Bozeman Montana and the west coast of Mexico. She earned her BA from Quest University Canada in British Columbia, where she completed her honors undergraduate degree in experiential education, sociology, and Spanish.
Bobbi has worked in experiential education, social work, and for international nonprofits for the last six years. Most recently, Bobbi has worked as an international gap semester instructor, where she guided high school students through a 90-day program aimed to facilitate student growth, leadership, and international awareness. Throughout her career, she has developed strong skills in curriculum development, working with students from various backgrounds, and curating meaningful student-centered experiences.
She developed a passion for experiential, student-based learning as a student with the semester program called The Travelling School. Since this initial experience, her entire background in education, as both a student and as an educator, has been alternative. Bobbi plans to continue to inspire students to find their passion through thoughtful curriculum development, intentional living experiences, and compassion. With extensive background in creative arts therapy, yoga, and wellness, and outdoor guiding, Bobbi brings her holistic and eclectic self to our College Excel team!
Bobbi spends the majority of her free time travelling, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, metal smithing, working as a birth doula, and making memories with people she loves.
Favorite Dog Breed: Coming Soon
Hometown: Bozeman, Montana
Education: B.A. Experiential Education, Sociology, Spanish, Quest University, Squamish, BC
Drew Harrison, BS
Academic Tutor
Drew was born and raised in Central Oregon and attended high school in Sisters. After studying biochemistry with a minor in music at the University of Puget Sound, Drew’s journey has been centered around teaching, travel, and outdoor leadership.
Before joining the College Excel team, Drew worked in a variety of different contexts including classroom teaching, outdoor education, wilderness guiding, and entertainment. In his most recent role teaching at The Sage School in Hailey, Idaho, Drew developed his own interdisciplinary Human Ecology curriculum and taught math in a multi-level classroom from algebra 1 to calculus. While working at The Sage School, Drew’s skillset as an educator grew to include the facilitation of academic success while also supporting students in personal and career development. His range of interests and experiences gives him a wide knowledge base to draw from when working with students. He’s excited to bring these abilities and his passion for community and outdoor recreation to his role as a tutor at College Excel.
When Drew is not tutoring, he enjoys being on the water, playing music, and laughing at his own jokes. He’s grateful to be back in Central Oregon and part of the vibrant College Excel community.
Education: BS in Biochemistry, Minor in Music, University of Puget Sound
Hometown: Sisters, Oregon
Our Parent Coaching Program
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Barbara Cass, BS, ACC
Founder/Parent Coach
Barbara Cass, BS, ACC
Founder/Parent Coach
Barb is the co-owner of Parent Coach Professionals, which provides parents of teens, young adults, and post-secondary adults with solution based coaching. Barb has more than 30 years of experience as a coach, counselor, and teacher, and she has designed and facilitated more than 100 parenting workshops and national parent support groups.
An interactive, solution-focused coach, Barb’s approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address challenges. She is a graduate of the International Behavioral Coaching Institute; she earned her ACC through the International Coach Federation; and she is a certified NLP and Parent Coach. As one of the co-founders of a therapeutic boarding school, Barb has worked with every facet of a family’s journey, from initial enrollment through the exciting and complex transition home.
Barb has more than 40 years of experience as a coach, counselor, and teacher. Prior to becoming a Parent Coach, she co-founded a therapeutic boarding school, and as its Program Director, Barb worked with every facet of a family’s journey: from initial enrollment through the exciting and complex transition home. Additionally, she has designed and facilitated more than 100 parenting workshops, seminars, and national parent support groups. Barb holds a Bachelor’s degree, is a graduate of the International Behavioral Coaching Institute, and serves as one of the Parent Coach Trainers Academy facilitators.
Partnering Mental Health Professionals
Partnering Gyms and Studios
Body Rock Training and Fitness
Personal Training & Fitness
Ally Galloway of BodyRock is an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certified Personal Trainer, a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and she holds a B.S. in Exercise Science. In addition to working with College Excel students at BodyRock, Ally is also an instructor in Central Oregon Community College’s Health and Human Performance Department. Click on the logo to the left to learn more about BodyRock!
Namaspa Yoga
Yoga Studio
Namaspa is a yoga and wellness community that inspires students to explore and dissolve their physical, mental, and energetic blocks. Through the application of balanced action (effort and ease), the yoga studio strives to create a new level of openness, freedom, and connection within each individual. Namaspa leads transformational practices of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, as well as additional yoga styles, wellness services, workshops, and trainings. Click on the logo to the left to learn more about Namaspa!
Bend Rock Gym
Indoor Rock Climbing Studio
Bend Rock Gym provides a world-class climbing experience in a cutting edge facility with high quality routes, comprehensive climbing programs, and modern fitness amenities. They value opportunities to get involved in the local community, promote life-long healthy habits, and cultivate a welcoming environment to build lasting friendships and climbing skills. Click on the logo to the left to learn more about the Bend Rock Gym!