Scott Fineman
Scott is the founder of Frontier Travel Club and still runs each and every trip to this day. He has over 32 years experience leading groups of special needs young adults. He received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in New York City.
He then opened the doors to Frontier Travel Club in 1997. He has led tours to more than 40 of our United States including Hawaii and Alaska. And, he has led tours to over 50 countries around the world like Canada, Australia, Japan, the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Iceland, all over Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Scott has training in behavior management and has worked primarily with children, adolescents, and adults with Autism, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities. Scott’s positive attitude and dedication toward Frontier travelers and staff has led to more than three decades traveling the world.
Lauren Fineman
Lauren Fineman is the wife to Scott and handles all of Frontier Travel Club’s Business Development and Marketing. She also works with Scott to plan upcoming trips and has been on many trips herself with the team. Lauren was born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida where she still resides with Scott. She went to the Miami Herbert Business School at the University of Miami where she received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. While attending Business School, Lauren volunteered for the four years she was in undergrad as a Peer Counselor for the Business School for all new incoming students. She loves being a part of the Frontier family because she knows the value these trips bring to all of the travelers and sees them grow over the year becoming more and more independent each time they travel the world with us.
Anna Trautwein
Anna Trautwein has been working with Frontier Travel Club for over 16 years. Anna is from Frankfort, Kentucky where she is a Special Education Teacher. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Public Health and a Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education K-12.
Anna’s favorite thing about being a staff member with Frontier is seeing the social connections that our travelers make. When they find someone who understands them and accepts them for who they are, she believes it is such a special thing to witness. She gets to see firsthand the growth our travelers make when they feel seen and how confident it makes them in all aspects in their life. Anna couldn’t just name one of her favorite memories since there are so many! However, her top memories include horseback riding in Iceland, all of her Japan experiences, soaking up the sun in Hawaii, wandering the streets of Venice, cruising around Glacier Bay on our Alaska cruise, and finally, seeing the turquoise waters of Greece.
For Anna, she says the past 16 years have been nothing short of life changing for her. She has created friendships that will last her the rest of her life. She is eternally grateful for Frontier and all it brings to her life. The memories Anna has made and will continue to make have impacted her far greater than words can possibly describe.
Rachel Lindenberg
Rachel Lindenberg is from Kutztown, Pennsylvania and has been working with Frontier Travel Club for over 15 years. She is a Special Education teacher for the last 21 years. Rachel teaches autistic support for Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.
When asked the question, “Why do you like being a staff member for Frontier?”, she explains, “The best part of working with Frontier Travel Club is getting to watch travelers have such a great time. Whether we are on top of a mountain or on a bus ride, everyone is always laughing and having so much fun.” Further, she thinks, “This program allows travelers to explore the world with friends while making memories that will last them a lifetime. As a staff member, making sure travelers are comfortable and having the best time possible is one of the greatest privileges of my life. It truly feels like a second family and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
Sarah Cooke
Sarah Cooke is from Hereford, England. She is the Deputy Manager at a residential care home for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injury. Sarah has an Associates Degree in Health and Social Care.
When asked the question, “Why do you enjoy being a staff member for Frontier?” Sarah explains; “It’s gained me a whole extra bunch of friends. Genuinely great people who I love to be around. The added bonus is I get to see the world with them. I love seeing some of the travelers becoming more confident and independent as they do more trips and build friendships with each other. I love seeing how amazing all the other staff are with the travelers. Everyone is so supportive, and I genuinely see them all as friends despite the thousands of miles between us.”
One of Sarah’s favorite Frontier memories was sitting on the bank, watching the sunset at the Sunset Cliffs in San Diego. This was her first trip as a staff member back in 2017.
Ashley Pallisco
Ashley Pallisco grew up in Michigan, about 35 minutes north of Detroit, Michigan. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education, a Master’s in Science in Special Education: Autism Research, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) for Educational Leadership with a focus on Adult Transition Programs for students with special needs. Ashley works as a Transition Coordinator and College & Career Readiness Teacher in a special education only school. She helps connect students and families to local state agencies that support people with disabilities and create a postsecondary transition plan for all juniors and seniors.
Ashley loves being part of an organization that provides invaluable social experiences for those with special needs. She further explains that these experiences help our travelers grow as individuals and become more independent and confident. Ashley’s favorite memory was touring the Canadian Rockies with “the best people on earth!”
Monica Leganoa
Monica was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She is the Assistant Principal at Coral Gables Preparatory Academy. Before that, she was a 3rd grade teacher for 21 years and prior to that, a teacher’s aide for 2 years all at the same school. Monica has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading Education, and a Specialist’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida International University.
When asked the question, “Why do you enjoy being a staff member for Frontier?,” Monica explains; “There are so many great reasons why I love being staff for Frontier Travel Club. The first and most important reason is the friends I have made throughout my years at Frontier. These are friendships that last long after the trips are done and everyone is back to their regular routines. The phone calls, text messages, and Facebook messages that continue throughout the year warm my heart. Having Zoom calls just to catch up, makes sure that we stay in contact. The genuine concern of staff members for the travelers well being (physical, medical & mental) shows the kind of amazing people that I work with. Aside from the phenomenal people that have come into my life through Frontier Travel Club, the places we go and the experiences we have are once in a lifetime. I can not wait to continue traveling with the marvelous staff and the extraordinary travelers.
When asked, “What is your favorite memory from a Frontier trip?” Monica had a hard time choosing just one! She explains, “There are so many memories that I have made during my time with Frontier Travel Club. There are a few that really stand out. Seeing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in Iceland – man was it cold – but absolutely beautiful. During that same trip, we were able to spend time together enjoying the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. On one of our mid-winter cruises, we visited a sanctuary and were able to interact with various animals and even hold a sloth. All the beautiful places along many road trips that we stopped to have lunch and enjoy the view. Sometimes it is the big and outstanding things that stick in your mind but other times it is the small and subtle things that stay in your heart. I still fondly remember sitting with three travelers at a cafe outside the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. We were talking about the trip, our lives and where they wanted to go next. It felt like I was sitting around a table with my family and we were eagerly planning our next family trip. I do not have any physical pictures of us sitting there and chatting, but I remember it like it was yesterday – and it still makes me happy.”
Jinil Harvey
Jinil Harvey was born in South Korea, but raised and lives full time in Utah. Jinil has a Doctorate Degree in Nursing and is currently a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner for an ENT in Utah. She has been working with Frontier for over 12 years. Jinil likes being a Staff member for Frontier for the friendships and camaraderie that have developed and strengthened throughout the years. She loves the adventures and exploring the various destinations. Jinil’s life has been enriched through the friendships that she considered life long, that she will cherish and is grateful for.
When asked what her favorite memory has been from a past trip, she explains, “There are so many memorable memories, however, the ones that stand out are the ones when we laugh as a group and the genuine smiles that portray happiness and joy, that through Frontier, brings us together as a family.”
Jinil is married and has two sons. Her hobbies include playing the piano, reading, hiking, tennis, and skiing.
Eboni Thompson
Eboni Thompson is from Frankfort, Kentucky and has a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. She currently is a Family Service Manager for the Administrative Office of the courts. What Eboni loves about being a Frontier staff member is that although many are faced with everyday barriers or challenges, she loves to provide support and empower travelers to embrace their independence and experience the world. It’s hard to pinpoint just one memory from past trips, but it always warms her heart to see the smiles on the traveler’s faces when they experience something new. She receives just as much love and guidance from the travelers as she provides for them.
Ashlie Malcolm
Ashlie Malcolm is from Frankfort, Kentucky, where she was a teacher for 18 years and now, for the past 6 years, has worked as a Behavior Coach. Ashlie has a Bachelor’s of Science and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Cumberlands. When asked what she likes about being a staff member for Frontier, Ashlie explains; “The relationships that I form with the travelers and counselors are incredible, and being able to experience once in a lifetime trips with amazing people that I love!”
One of her favorite memories from our past trips was going to the Columbia Icefield and standing on the glacier with the entire group. It is something she will never forget. Ashlie further explains that “It’s hard to put into words how blessed I feel every time I think about Frontier Travel Club. These experiences have been life changing. I am so thankful for all the connections I have made with everyone and it is something that I enjoy and look forward to. I can’t wait for more adventures with the best group of people.”
Chloe Benjamin
Chloe Benjamin is from Worcester, England and has been working with Frontier Travel Club for over 14 years. Chloe has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She currently is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who specializes in Autism and developmental disabilities.
Chloe loves being a Frontier staff member because of the lifelong friendships you make on each trip, as well as getting to watch people grow in so many aspects of their life. She further explains that “staff always go out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable and having a great time, there is always so much appreciation for each other, it is a real privilege to be part of.”
When asked what her favorite memory was from a past trip, she states; “I have lots of wonderful memories from so many beautiful places that I have been lucky enough to visit with Frontier, however, my favorite memories are always the moments in the airports, when everyone meets for the first time, seeing how excited everyone is to see each other and the enthusiasm to be going on a trip together. It is always a really special experience (and I love getting all the huge from everyone). It makes you realize just how special Frontier is to everyone.”
Chloe further says, “Due to the commitment and compassion from Scott and all the staff, Frontier has this amazing ability to turn a group of people going on vacation together, into a family. I have always loved to travel and finding an opportunity to see the world with such an amazing group of people, it really has been an incredible opportunity.”