MEET OUR TEAM
2025 will mark 60 Years in Business for (Julie's) TRAVEL & CRUISE DESK. With so many years of combined experience in travel planning, our destination specialists are among the most experienced in the industry. Our number one goal has and always will be to enhance the travel experiences of every client that chooses to book with us. Whether your next vacation involves being guided across Europe, an all-inclusive in the Caribbean, or a South Pacific cruise, we have an expert specialist with the right experience and connections to assist you with all of your leisure and business travel needs.
The ASTA Verified Travel Advisor® certification program provides a high level of verifiable professional knowledge to the advanced sellers of travel and proves all their proficiency, professionalism, and dedication to the industry. ASTA, short for the American Society of Travel Advisors, is recognized around the world as a symbol of professionalism and integrity.
The Signature Travel Expert certification course is an intensive training program completed by each of our advisors. This accreditation not only focuses on destination and experience expertise but also ensures mastery of all the tools and industry connections we have available. Together, these allow us to offer the very best customer service and luxury travel experiences.
OUR PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL ADVISORS & SUPPORT STAFF
JAMIE ANDERSON
Agency Owner
Team Member Since 2011
Jamie joined Travel & Cruise Desk in 2011 and has since become a dedicated travel advisor, known for his commitment to exceptional customer service. In 2019, he took over the agency, aiming to uphold its legacy of excellence. Originally from Scotland, Jamie has a passion for exploring the world, having traveled extensively through Europe, the Americas, the Pacific Islands, and most recently, Africa.
Jamie values the expertise of his travel advisors, recognizing that their knowledge and dedication enhance clients' travel experiences. He strives to maintain a healthy work/life balance for his team while overseeing the agency's daily operations. As an active member of the Lake Oswego community and the broader travel industry, Jamie is deeply involved in his field.
To Jamie, travel is more than just a way to escape reality. He believes it can help individuals live their best lives and be a force for good in the world. With a special interest in travel experiences that enrich lives and contribute to a better world, Jamie is committed to ensuring that his agency delivers top-notch services that not only meet but exceed their client's expectations.
CAITLIN WEIS
Front Desk Concierge
Team Member Since 2023
Caitlin, our Front Desk Concierge at Travel & Cruise Desk, is the heart of our office operations, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. As the initial point of contact for our esteemed clients, she combines a warm welcome with a wealth of knowledge, setting the tone for an exceptional travel experience. Caitlin's dedication goes beyond the first interaction; she remains a steadfast support throughout the entire booking process, committed to optimizing our clients' journeys from start to finish.
Her impressive family legacy in the travel industry spans four generations, underscoring her deep-rooted passion for client satisfaction. Active in the city and the local chamber of commerce, Caitlin is also a proud graduate of the Lake Oswego Leadership Program. Her friendly disposition, profound expertise, and organizational prowess make her an indispensable asset, ensuring your travel dreams come true with unparalleled ease and efficiency.
SANDI HANNA
Luxury Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 1972
Sandi specializes in providing curated luxury travel experiences, assisting her clients as their advisor, guide, and advocate. She started her wonderful journey in travel planning back in 1972 by overseeing the travel plans of our corporate clients. Through helping clients escape and relax with their family and friends, Sandi realized that she was contributing to building the unforgettable memories that really matter in life. Finding this extremely rewarding, she began to specialize in luxury travel.
For over 40 years now, Sandi who is a Certified Travel Councelor has been passionate about introducing clients to new destinations, cultures, and travel experiences. Meeting and building relationships with luxury travel partners around the world have enabled her to customize itineraries for my discerning clients to include unique experiences using wonderful five-star and boutique hotels. She most enjoys customizing small group and individual travel to enhance the pre and post-cruise experience for her luxury cruise clients. Through building these relationships with the major cruise lines, we have been able to provide our extensive cruise clientele with the best possible pricing and additional cruise benefits.
HOLLIS DAVIS
Cruise Specialist
Team Member Since 2000
The goal to “make people’s dreams come true” is the reason Hollis Davis first entered the travel industry, and this reason has never changed. In the past, Hollis has handled travel arrangements for all corners of the world. Still, she is now focusing her time on helping clients plan cruise vacations, as well as land and sea vacations to Hawaii, Alaska, and Australia/New Zealand. Cruising has been her first love for nearly 40 years, and Hollis has earned her ECC (Elite Cruise Counselor) Certification with CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). Her personal cruise experience includes over 135 cruises ranging from riverboats to mega cruise ships and almost every type of vessel in between. Her other areas of specialty are Hawaii (she has been there too many times to count), Alaska (via cruise ship, on tours, and independently), and most recently, Australia/New Zealand, where she has earned Aussie Specialist Certification through the Australian Tourist Board. She joined Julie’s Travel Desk in 2000 after managing an agency in downtown Portland for 18 years. In addition to Hawaii, Alaska, and Australia, her travels include the British Isles, Europe, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. So if a cruise is in your future, you should be talking to Hollis!
MICHELLE CLOUD
Luxury Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 2003
Michelle began her travel agent career in 1995, and joined Julie’s Travel Desk in 2003. While her first love is Ireland and the British Isles, she also greatly enjoys cultural and ecological travel experiences. Michelle can turn her hand to any type of travel, independent or organized, anywhere in the world, and she is adept at leisure, corporate, and group travel. In addition to Ireland and the British Isles, her travels include Vietnam, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Peru, Mexico, Hawaii, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. She can help you create your own travel memories, wherever you wish to go!
MELINDA WITTMAN
Luxury Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 2005
Melinda started her career in Arizona as a Travel Consultant in 1998. In 2005 she moved back to her home town and joined the Travel & Cruise Desk team. While she loves assisting happy couples, families, groups of friends and solo travelers in booking their once-in-a-lifetime experiences to any place in the world or around it, there are a few destinations and types of travel that are dear to her heart. Her favorite places include Mexico, Tahiti and Hawaii. Melinda also specializes and is certified by Disney and various cruise lines, including achieving comador status with Princess Cruises.
Time and money spent on travel are precious resources, especially when it comes to those special occasions that will stay with us forever. Melinda’s goal is to ensure that we enhance both your booking and travel experience and that she helps ensure that every moment of your next trip is one you'll remember forever.
NATHAN PARR
Luxury Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 2019
Nathan began traveling in college while studying Religion and Biology. As a result, his focus has always been on the religion, history, culture, art, architecture, environment, and ecology of a region, ultimately gaining insight into the experience of the local people.
He has spent years working, studying, and traveling throughout the world, especially in Europe, India, and SE Asia. He prides himself on creating exceptional experiences in the most remote and difficult destinations. If you are looking for access to authentic experiences without sacrificing elegant accommodations and exceptional cuisine, Nathan is here to help.
Over the years, his interest grew into a career focusing on real-world experience in a Luxury setting. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for personal travel, Nathan loves creating extraordinary and culturally insightful experiences. From independent travel to guided tours, he will help you create a vacation that will be both luxurious and inspiring.
JENNIFER MONTOYA
Luxury Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 2019
Jennifer started her professional travel journey in 1996, but her love for travel began as a young child. In addition to being a self-proclaimed Disney addict, she has traveled extensively within the United States and in over 13 countries. She loves cruising, National Parks, the Hawaiian Islands, and Victoria, BC! As an experienced international business travel specialist, Jennifer provides business travelers and companies with customized and detailed travel itineraries and guidance for all their travel needs.
Jennifer’s travel motto - “ To travel near and far as often as I can. I believe that travel changes, challenges, teaches, and feeds the soul. ”
BROGAN FLEMMING
Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist
Team Member Since 2021
Not only is Brogan an incredible wedding photographer and seasoned traveler who has galivanted all over the world, but she is also a certified Romance Travel Advisor! After her own destination wedding, which was, of course, planned by Travel & Cruise Desk, Brogan started thinking about how much she could bring to the experience for other happy couples. Since completing her training and certification in romance travel, Brogan has assisted many couples with their own honeymoons and dream destination weddings in Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Brogan believes that being a wedding photographer and travel advisor combines the greatest loves of her life. The passion and talent she has for these professions shine through in every experience she helps create for our valued clients.
MIA BELL
Luxury Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 2024
Mia Bell brings a rich tapestry of global travel experiences to Travel & Cruise Desk. Her passion for feeling like a local, enjoying allergen-friendly cuisine, and seeking authentic cultural encounters drive her to craft personalized journeys. With a degree in International Studies and fluency in Spanish, Mia’s curiosity about diverse cultures is reflected in her travel philosophy: Eat well, stay well, and make precious memories.
Mia's adventures span the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Spain, Argentina, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and across the continental U.S. Among her cherished memories are visiting Iguazu Falls and having breakfast atop the Burj Khalifa.
Her advice for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience is simple: "If it is on your mind and in your heart, then there is no time to wait."
GAIL JACKSON
Travel Advisor & Bookkeeper
Team Member Since 2003
Gail started in the travel business in 1976 and spent the majority of her career at Curtis Travel. She was co-owner of Curtis Travel the 10 years prior to joining the Travel & Cruise Desk. Gail’s travels include all 50 States and 40 countries on 5 continents, Australia being her favorite. She has also traveled extensively within the United States and helps many of our clients explore wonderful destinations closer to home.
Gail is multitalented. In addition to helping make travel dreams come true for our clients, her excellent attention to detail is put to more use as she helps run our back office as bookkeeper extraordinaire.
MICHELLE PRATS
Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 1999
Michelle has worked in both wholesale and retail travel over the last 20 years. She is a Certified Travel Associate, and her extensive travels include the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She has extensive expertise in European vacations, including travel experience in Italy, Switzerland, France, and Germany. She spent a month trekking in Katmandu, Nepal, Thailand, and Darjeeling, India.
Michelle would love to help you arrange your dream vacation to the sun, snow or sea.
GAYLE BONTA
Travel Advisor
Team Member Since 2019
Gayle Bonta joined us from Uptown Landing Travel in Portland. As a seasoned travel advisor specializing in upscale cruises, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for luxury travel to every client interaction. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the luxury cruise market, Gayle excels in curating bespoke cruise experiences that cater to the most discerning travelers. Whether it's navigating the serene waters of the Mediterranean or exploring the rugged landscapes of Alaska, Gayle is dedicated to ensuring each cruise offers unparalleled service, exquisite dining, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Gayle's expertise and commitment to excellence make every journey unforgettable, embodying the essence of luxury and adventure.
CRYSTAL BRYANT
Preferred Supplier & Cruise Coordinator
Team Member Since 2020
As the Preferred Supplier & Cruise Coordinator for Travel & Cruise Desk, Crystal Bryant plays a pivotal role in forging strong relationships with our most esteemed travel partners and cruise lines. With a keen understanding of the travel industry's dynamics and a sharp eye for detail, Crystal ensures that our clients have access to the most exclusive deals, top-tier accommodations, and unique travel experiences. Crystal's expertise in negotiating and coordinating with suppliers translates into seamless, luxurious travel experiences for our clients, reinforcing our commitment to providing them with an "Experience Beyond." Whether it's coordinating a grand voyage across the seas or helping our advisors secure VIP amenities for our travelers, Crystal's dedication and strategic approach enhance the value and quality of our travel offerings, making every journey with Travel & Cruise Desk a testament to unparalleled service and excellence.
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL ADVISORS
ALYSSA WILLARD
Luxury Travel Advisor
Willard Travel Since 2023
Alyssa has a true passion for creating unforgettable vacations for families and leisure travelers alike. As the daughter of a travel advisor, her early exposure to the travel industry has undeniably shaped her into the expert she is today. Having lived in Sydney, Australia for three years during college, she gained a unique perspective and appreciation for different cultures around the world. Her personal travel experiences, which include exploring Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Mexico, Hawaii, Nicaragua, and countless destinations throughout the United States and Canada, have served as invaluable assets in her career. Alyssa's commitment to personalized service, attention to detail, and extensive industry knowledge make her the ideal partner in crafting dream vacations for her clients.
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney. This quote embodies Alyssa's approach towards creating memorable travel experiences for her clients - encouraging them to dream big and then helping them make those dreams a reality!
LISA SEWELL
Travel Advisor & Groups Specialist
High Low Travel Since 2017
Lisa Sewell joined the Travel & Cruise Desk team in September 2023, bringing a legacy of travel expertise. With her roots in a family-owned travel agency, Lisa has a lifelong passion for travel, particularly in organizing custom itineraries, including group tours and cruises. Before returning to Lake Oswego and joining our team, she ran her own travel business for 7 years, where she excelled in creating bespoke group experiences, from family adventures to curated wine-tasting voyages. Lisa has a knack for crafting these specialized journeys and a commitment to exceptional service. Lisa's unique blend of experience and passion makes her an invaluable asset to our team and travelers seeking memorable and personalized group travel experiences.
ALEXA GIBSON
Luxury Travel Advisor
Travel & Cruise Desk of Sandy Since 2023
With a passion for transforming the way people experience travel, Alexa Gibson launched the Travel & Cruise Desk of Sandy. She brings over two years of expertise in coordinating both corporate and personal travel adventures. Her journey in the travel industry began with a desire to eliminate the stress and confusion often associated with planning trips. Alexa's love for travel, coupled with her realization that a well-organized trip can re-energize and renew, drove her to become a travel consultant. She aims to illuminate the joy and excitement of travel for her clients, making the process as seamless as possible.
Alexa's approach to travel planning was profoundly influenced by her own solo adventure to the South Pacific at the age of 19. Initially following the well-trodden path of "must-sees" and "to-dos," she quickly learned the value of tailoring travel to personal interests and energy levels. This experience now guides her in helping clients sift through the plethora of information and opinions to craft journeys that truly resonate with their personal desires and aspirations.
CHRIS GOTTSHALL
Travel Advisor
Sand & Sea Travel Since 2024
Chris is a seasoned traveler with a passion for exploration that has taken him to 19 countries and 37 US states, including memorable experiences like celebrating King's Day in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest in Munich, and witnessing the birth of the Euro in Rome. Transitioning into the travel advisory business after decades of his taking his own journeys, Chris aims to provide clients with unforgettable experiences, drawing from his extensive travel knowledge and knack for navigating destinations.
Whether you're seeking exploration, relaxation, or personal growth through travel, Chris is dedicated to making your journey stress-free and memorable. Contact him now to start planning your next adventure!
Additional affiliated independent travel advisors include Liz Bell of Bell’s Travel, Kim Egan DBA Kim Egan, Nancy Herron of Island Journeys, Kim Moore of Kim Moore Travel LLC, Julie Peters DBA Julie Peters, and Dana Walsh DBA Dana Walsh.