Our Staff / Team
Katie Mathis
Associate Director for Student Life
I was born and raised in California, but having lived here for the better part of the past 20 years, Italy feels just as much my home as the US.
After spending my junior year studying in Trento, Italy as part of the University of California Education Abroad Program, I couldn’t wait to make my way back!
I earned my BA in Sociology and Italian Language & Literature from UCSB, and my MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. I feel very lucky to have worked at both US and Italian higher education institutions which have allowed me insight into both systems as well as what students may experience at every step of their international experience.
My biggest piece of advice to those of you who are embarking on your time in Italy: understand it’s not all “bella vita” all the time. Living abroad can be very rewarding, but it’s no joke. Just know those times that feel most difficult at the moment will turn into some of your favorite memories of how you made it through the challenges. You can do it! And we’re here to help.
Roberto Turi
Housing Assistant
Bianca Tognini
Student Services Assistant
Born and raised in Florence, Bianca received her master’s degree in Euro-American Languages and Literature from the University of Pisa.
She studied abroad for a long time, and she knows exactly what it is like to experience a new culture and to get to know it in all its aspects. She always says: “The best part of any experience abroad is meeting local people and building friendships with them that usually continue despite the distance”.
Bianca loves music of every kind – although her preferences are rock music and indie music – and she is always ready to talk about it, to share her little knowledge, and to listen to new songs suggested by others.
She also loves literature, and she is a very versatile reader, so she enjoys discovering new books and challenging herself, reading things she never imagined she would read.
Asia Giudici
Student Services Assistant
Born and raised in Florence, Asia received her degree in foreign languages, studying English and Finnish.
During high school, Asia was lucky enough to study abroad for a year and lived with a family in Hungary living the exchange student experience firsthand. In university, she participated in summer programs in Finland where she interacted with students from all over the world.
Before working at ISI, Asia had many odd jobs, from working in cinemas to babysitting.
During spring and summer, she spends her weekends in nature in Mugello or gallivants around Europe.
She is fond of sci-fi and fantasy novels as well as movies, so swing by to ask her about her favorites! If you’re in the mood for a book or a movie, she’ll tell you all about the English language bookshops in Florence as well as any English language movies showing that week.
If you really have time to kill, ask her about her D&D campaign, but be advised that she might hold you hostage for hours.
Giacomo Cipparrone
Housing & Student Services Assistant
American mother and Italian father, I consider myself more than an “ItaloAmericano”, I consider myself a citizen of the world. Everything that falls within the international sphere attracts my attention. This is the reason why I chose International Studies as my field of study at University, why I support Inter (short for Internazionale) when it comes to soccer, and finally, but only in terms of timing, that’s why I decided to apply and work for ISI Florence. Freedom of thought and expression, linked to respect for other cultures and people, are the foundations of my values, which over the years I have solidified by traveling the world and working on different continents.
My background in the wine and culinary business allowed me to discover and test out a lot of restaurants in Florence, so if you’re ever in need of suggestions for different occasions, I’d be happy to help.
Curiosity is the essential element of my existence: “a day without having learned something new is a wasted day”. (I think this sentence has already been said or written by someone much more important and wiser than me, but nonetheless, that’s exactly what I think.) I love the United States, or rather, I’m truly fascinated by such a controversial Country, where habits and behaviors change radically from one State to another. The U.S. is my “life thesis”, my endlessly evolving object of study. More simply, together with Florence and Italy, the United States represents home to me.
Gianna Pinto
US Office Staff – Enrollment Management & University Relations Assistant
Tatum Marino
US Office Staff – Custom Programs And Marketing Assistant
Francesca Cellini
Student Services Advisor
American-Italian native to Florence, Francesca is pushing her passion to assist international students who have decided to take on this life-changing experience of studying abroad. By supporting and sharing the Italian and Florentine culture with them, her goal is to help make this the most positive experience for students as possible. She studied abroad herself, as she earned a BA in Psychology at the University of Montana, and an MA in International Education at SIT Graduate Institute. As an international educator, she has experience in the study abroad world, but also as a teacher while serving in the U.S. Peace Corps (Mozambique) and volunteering in Costa Rica.
Lavinia Strati
Bursar
Zachary Nowak, Ph.D.
US Office Admissions & University Relations | Director, Umbra Institute
Ashley Ipakchi
US Office Admissions & University Relations
Ilaria Gelichi
Housing & Student Services Assistant
Ilaria was born and raised in Florence, where she got a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature and a masters degree in Linguistics. She herself experienced a summer program abroad in Finland during her university studies. Like every Florentine, she is absolutely convinced that Florence is the most beautiful city in the world, but this doesn’t keep her from her love of traveling.
“Traveling helps you learn a lot. It opens your mind, because you get in contact with new cultures and people. You get to know new sides of your personality that you could not even imagine and sometimes you face challenges that make you stronger. I also believe that trying to speak a little of the local language is a plus when you travel. When possible, I try to do this because it helps you immerse yourself in the new culture and makes locals very happy. So, during your study abroad program in Florence, try to parlare italiano!”
Ilaria’s favorite sports are gymnastics (she practiced it herself and taught to little girls for many years) and skiing. Every winter she tries to find some days to go skiing in the fabulous Dolomiti in northern Italy. She also loves cooking – especially desserts, pies and biscuits – and organizing dinners with friends who are her “testers”.
“I discovered I was a pretty good cook some years ago and when I have time I like to try new recipes. Whether I’m abroad or just a few kilometers from home in the next region, I always try the local specialties. So if you need advice about food or have questions about traditional Tuscan dishes, I will be more than happy to help you!”
Stefano Baldassarri, Ph.D.
Program Director
As a teenager, I was lucky enough to have loving and courageous parents. They gave me a nest and they gave me wings as well, as the saying goes. At sixteen they asked me if I wanted to spend a year in the USA as a student on a program called “Experiment in international living.” A few months later I landed in Florida, where I lived with a local host family near Daytona Beach for my whole junior year in a local high school. It was 1985-86 (the same year MTV was launched) and I had the time of my life.
I thus started thinking that serving as some kind of liaison between the USA and Italy would be a fascinating, rewarding job. I only had to focus on a specific niche, as it were. Since I was not good enough in sports and an acting career was out the picture, I opted for academia. After all, I was studying Latin and Greek, so why not turn a torment into an asset? Being quite repetitive, I ended up getting two MA’s (one from “Università di Firenze,” the other from Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.) and two Ph.D’s (one from Yale, the other, again, from “Università di Firenze”) before becoming the director of The International Studies Institute (aka ISI Florence).
I have been in international education as a teacher and an administrator for some twenty-five years now. Working with students and scholars is a privilege. It’s more than a job; it’s a mission. It takes love, passion, hard work, and originality. In this field, one can help and learn a lot on a daily basis. That’s why, finishing this short bio, the following words from one of my favorite songs spring to mind: “I wish you were here.”
Caterina Brogi
Associate Director for Administrative Affairs | Registrar
Caterina has spent her whole career working with American universities and has been with ISI Florence since 2004. Discovering the world of academics and students, Caterina realized that she wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.
Her frequent visits to American campuses to promote international education has given her keen insight into the cultural bridges that students must cross to make their adventure abroad a valuable one. While Italy’s universities don’t have the same campus structure as US schools do, she considers Florence a comparable campus-like size and lifestyle and encourages students to live the whole city experience.
Besides an extensive traveler and reader, Caterina can also be seen galloping on horseback, whizzing by on skates, or volunteering with the Red Cross.
Christina Infantino
Coordinator for Student Life, Institute Sponsored Activities, & Communications
Her mixed Italian, British, and Australian background led her to meet people from all over the world, finding that cultural differences are not barriers but rather a resource.
“Observe people, learn from others, you might discover something about yourself”
Holding a BA from Università di Firenze in Linguistics and Communication, she has studied visual communication at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London). She lived in London for four years, earning a living as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language. She recalls her multinational students:
“A common goal brings people together, no matter what personality you have or what country you’re from.”
At ISI Florence since 2012: “The challenge is helping students break those barriers that keep them from considering Florence as their home. Rewarding moments are when I see sparkling eyes and the excitement that comes from those students who have truly experienced studying abroad and feel it under their skin”.
Irene Schiatti
Coordinator for Custom Programs
100% Tuscan origins and proudly tied to the traditions of the territory, I have always been interested in the world of languages and Anglo-American cultures. I have a masters degree in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Studies at the University of Siena where, together with other Ph.D. students and professors, we have created a large digital archive of interviews in English of American expatriates in Tuscany.
I was a Visiting Instructor at the University of Rochester, NY, and during the last year of my master’s program, I realized that I wanted to work for Study Abroad programs at various levels.
This year will be my 15th year in this field. After different roles (Oklahoma University, Oberlin College, and the University of Rochester) I have settled at ISI Florence where I focus on mediation between cultures, and building relationships with institutions and the territory. Through my work, I am proud to give students the best experience our country has to offer.
Studying abroad is a crucial enterprise that shapes one’s future. I firmly believe that the more students are exposed to different contexts of Italian culture, the more they will return home with rich baggage that will enable them to grow personally and professionally. Learning to be flexible, reinventing ourselves, learning from each other, stepping out of our comfort zones, but also, and above all, not forgetting our roots, values, and traditions that make up the base of our culture… this is what I hope to pass on to my children as well as to my students.
Serena Giorgi
Community Engagement Coordinator
Born and raised in Florence but a world citizen at the same time, Serena enjoys experiencing diverse cultures, and therefore, has traveled extensively both for pleasure and for studies in the fields of foreign languages and literature. From climbing the Kilimanjaro mountain to going deep into the heart of the Australian outback – following her interest in the Pacific Rim – she is always planning a new trip and a new discovery.
With ISI Florence almost since its foundation, she has guided students with their integration into the Florentine community and engagement with an authentic Italian setting.
“Break down the wall, get out of the American bubble and look at the world with new lenses. While learning about Italian culture you will discover your in-progress self-identity.”
She loves contemporary art and the young artistic vibe, which is why her favorite spots in Florence are the Oltrarno and S. Niccolò areas. There you can find artistic jewelers’ ateliers and other boutique artisan shops. Her favorite one is the street artist, Clet. Look for his sarcastic street signs all over the city!
Serena’s favorite quote is from Bruce Chatwin: “Travel does not merely broaden the mind, but makes the mind.”
Rino Punzo
Assistant Director for Housing & Facility Management
Born and raised in Termoli, an enchanting fishing town on the Adriatic coast, he came to Florence in August of 2011 and immediately felt at home. “The very next day after my arrival, I already had people offer me coffee,” Rino fondly remembers.
He studied Communication Science and wrote his master’s thesis on “Organization of Business Communication Systems.”
Before organizing the housing systems at ISI Florence, Rino worked in the human resources department for a major international American printed circuit board company.
Detail orientated, an able multitasker, and “obsessed” with organizational learning, he defines himself “brilliant in understanding people’s needs.”
He loves sport (from soccer to functional training) and is very interested in fitness and wellness in general. This is only surpassed by his passion for motorcycles (he owns two) and jazz.
“I adore all of Italy. I love to hop on my motorbike and take off for a new adventure without any precise destination.”
Rino’s favorite travel quote: “Traveling not only broadens one’s mind; it gives it form.”
Advice to students: “Speak to people, ask for information, take public transportation, travel by train, always leave time for a simple walk around without any precise destination in mind. Observe!”
Elena Coppari
Receptionist
Elena was born in Romagna (Emilia Romagna) in the small city of Faenza, famous for ceramics and the world-known “Faiance” ceramics. That is one of the reasons why she loves art and this kind of art in particular, as in her home, pieces of important ceramics have always been around.
She graduated from Bologna University with a degree in foreign languages and literature. The love for foreign languages, and in particular for English and German, led her to choose a career in international environments.
But the reason why Elena came to Florence and stayed is… Love!
Her working background has been in the fashion business (Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, Liberty of London, Polo Ralph Lauren, etc.)
Both work and pleasure have led Elena to many places like Finland, Germany, UK, New York, and Brazil, just to name a few.
After 25 years in the fashion business, she decided to dedicate more time to the academic and education field and so, in 2009, Elena joined ISI Florence.
Her first concern is to help students with all their needs or requests and contribute to making their experience in Florence and in Italy the most rewarding and pleasant as possible. She especially loves it when students ask for help with the Italian language.
Elena’s suggestion for students:
“Be curious and don’t be shy. Interact with local people as much as possible. Find an Italian friend to talk to… and breathe the whole city especially the Oltrarno area.”
Miranda McDaniel
Health, Safety & Wellness Coordinator | Title IX Officer
Originally hailing from upstate New York, Miranda has called various cities (and countries) home over the past decade. Ultimately putting her roots down in Florence, Miranda has been discovering all the sites, smells, sounds, and tastes of the city for years now.
A graduate of Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts, Miranda’s passion for foreign languages and international politics led her to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain and Florence, Italy. Her experience living among different cultures and languages impacted her greatly and later influenced her to pursue work as an EFL (English as a foreign language) teacher in Edirne, Turkey, and San Sebastian, Spain. Eventually, Miranda’s work brought her back to Florence in 2014, and she has never looked back.
“The extraordinary thing about Florence is that it has something for everyone. The best part of my job is helping students discover what it is that makes this city so special. Whether it be a local concert, food festival or sporting event, you’re never lacking in fun/memorable things to do here!”
Miranda has a secret passion. Her love of travel and keen organizational skills has turned her into an awesome travel agent. She loves helping students arrange their local and international excursions.
“While traveling is one of my greatest interests in life, I also love cooking, basketball, and Mobikes. But please don’t talk to me about soccer or the Yankees.”
Florence Franks
Front Desk & Student Services Assistant
Florence was born and grew up in Florence, from an Italo-Nigerian family.
She studied law with a focus on European affairs, youth mobility, Euro-project management, and European funds.
After an experience of voluntary service in France, she moved to Paris where she started working in youth organizations, and she then obtained a diploma in vocational education and training from the French Ministry of Youth.
After ten years of a professional career in the field of pedagogy and projects with and for young people, she decided to move back to Firenze.
“It feels good to be lost in the right direction”.
Passionate about travel, photography, textiles, and craftsmanship, she had a career break in 2017, during which she experienced solo travel mainly in South America and Southeast Asia.
“Be always respectful of local customs and beliefs, respect natural resources, do not leave your trash, because our Planet is one, learn some words from the local language, and be ready to change your plans if the place feels like home”.
She loves low-waste living hacks, slow and ethical fashion, capturing the beauty of the world with her camera, and Mediterranean aesthetics.
You will probably find her strolling around Oltrarno and San Ambrogio districts, her favorites ever! If you have questions about the hippest areas, just ask her!
“Here in Florence, put down your map and just wander”.
Nina Peci
Marketing & Communications Coordinator | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Officer
Nina, a native of San Diego, has lived in Italy for over 30 years and is a dual-citizen. She herself was an exchange student from UCLA at the Università di Padova and Venezia where she studied studio art, art history, and Italian. Her fondest memories of her time abroad were seeing her art history books come to life as well as the numerous travels throughout the Italian peninsula by train.
“I highly recommend train travel even today. It is still considerably cheap and is a great way to discover new places. There is almost no place in Italy that can’t be reached by train. I usually traveled alone which gave me the unique chance to meet locals and especially to practice my Italian.”
Nina is always happy to share her vast knowledge of the territory (thanks to her work for many years in the tourism field, as well as being an avid cyclist) with new students eager to make the most of their experience abroad. A self-described food snob, she is very opinionated about where the best places to eat are.
“Discovering local food is also a great way to integrate into your new environment. Every region has its own traditions and every Italian is very proud of their local specialties. In order to understand what you meet on the outside, you need to discover what goes down on the inside. It’s also the best way to make local friends. You will be very dear to any Florentine’s heart once you’ve taken your first bite of “panino al lampredotto”!
Nina is a trained level 2 EMT first responder and in her spare time volunteers on a local ambulance service. Good communication and teamwork are fundamental aspects of this activity and she strives to bring the same work ethic to ISI Florence. She encourages students to have fun, but also to stay safe!
“Florence is a relatively safe place to live and small enough to walk pretty much anywhere. Common sense works here too so don’t forget to take that with you when you go out or travel. Other than that, explore, live and experience! I am certain you will make memories that will last a lifetime, if not change the course of your life.”
Don’t forget to ask her about her past as one of Italy’s pioneers of the LGBTQ+ rights movement! As the Diversity. Equity & Inclusion officer, she offers first-hand insight into students’ expectations abroad and strives to provide any resources needed to welcome students of all diversities.
She is a big believer in the Oxford comma and loves sharp pencils.