SCHUYLER HEDSTROM | Director
Dartmouth College, B.A., English and Drama 

While at Dartmouth, Schuyler spent two semesters abroad, studying Spanish art history in Barcelona and drama with coaches from the Royal Shakespeare Company in London. He moved to Madrid in 2002 and started his own company, teaching Theatre in English to Spaniards of all ages. A Vermont native, Schuyler enjoys cooking, swimming, and yoga. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. This is Schuyler’s 22nd summer with Putney Student Travel. He has led Exploration, Service, and Pre-College programs. He is excited to return to Tokyo this summer, having directed the Pre-College Tokyo program in 2019 and 2024. Schuyler is fluent in Spanish, and proficient in Italian and Japanese.

BRIAN DUKIE | Assistant Director
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, B.A., Journalism and Media Studies 

While studying journalism in college, Brian also pursued Japanese language studies. After graduating, he packed his bags and headed to Japan, eager to deepen his language skills, experience the culture firsthand, and explore the country’s world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. Brian currently teaches at Meijo University in Nagoya, assisting students who are preparing to study abroad. He also conducts workshops for inner-city high schools, sharing his passion for education with the next generation. During his time in Japan, Brian worked at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, managing hospitality programs across several stadiums. In the winter season, he combines his love for languages and the outdoors, working as an interpreter and concierge at a ski lodge in the Japanese Alps, helping international travelers feel at home. Outside of teaching, Brian works in social media and public relations for a telehealth company dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic. When he’s not in the classroom, on the slopes, or behind a computer, you’ll likely find him hiking mountains, playing ice hockey, or singing karaoke. This is Brian’s fifth summer teaching with Pre-College Tokyo.

ANOUK ROSSEN | Program Assistant
The University of Tokyo, Ph.D., Applied Chemistry
Delft University of Technology, M.Sc., Science Education
Leiden University, M.Sc., Chemistry; B.Sc., Molecular Science and Technology 

After graduating high school, Anouk took a gap year to teach English conversation in Kyoto, Japan. This experience left such an impression on her that she decided to return to Japan for a research internship at the University of Tokyo during her master’s and Ph.D. programs in 2019. During this time, she was introduced to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which has since become one of her main passions and career pursuits. While at university, Anouk obtained her full teaching certification and has worked in several teaching-related roles, such as language teaching and sports coaching. She now works as a Japanese language teacher, helping students build confidence in speaking Japanese and pursue their dreams of traveling to Japan. Anouk is fluent in Japanese, Dutch, and English, and proficient in German and French. This fall, Anouk will continue her training toward becoming a professional MMA fighter for the Japanese promotion Deep Jewels.

KELLY OCAMPO COBALEDA | Program Assistant
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, B.A., English and Spanish Language Education
Universidad Salazar y Herrera, Technical Degree in Design and Animation Foundations

While earning her degree in language education at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Kelly also studied Japanese for over six years at the Universidad EAFIT Language Center, developing both fluency and a deep cultural understanding. Her journey in education began with classroom support roles at both school and university levels, where she taught Japanese and English as foreign languages, and Spanish as a native language. Alongside her teaching, she regularly contributed to volunteer programs for underprivileged youth, using creative, multicultural workshops to share her passion for the Japanese language and culture. Kelly has traveled to Japan twice. On her first visit, she was selected to participate in a prestigious two-week cultural exchange program in Osaka, sponsored by the Japan Foundation Kansai Center. There, she proudly represented Colombia and exchanged ideas with Japanese language students from around the world. Her second visit took her to Chiba, where she joined a real estate company’s training program and gained hands-on experience in Japanese corporate culture and customer service. Currently, Kelly teaches beginner-level Japanese to Spanish-speaking students in Medellín through personalized private lessons, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange. She is fluent in Spanish and English and highly proficient in Japanese. Kelly is passionate about creating learning spaces where students feel seen, heard, and inspired. For her, working with youth means nurturing curiosity, fostering empathy, and helping shape a future grounded in understanding and collaboration.

BENJAMIN MACH | Fashion & Design
University of Technology Sydney, School of Design, Ph.D., Architecture and Built Environment (candidate)
Sydney Institute of Technology, Fashion Design Studio TAFE, B.A., Fashion Design 

While at S.I.T. Fashion Design Studio, Benjamin studied womenswear design, focusing on the creative and technical aspects of creating apparel. After being awarded the Grand Marnier Evening Wear Award in his final year, he went on to launch his first collection under the spotlight of the national media and Australian fashion industry. This recognition led to various collaborations with textile artists, namely Indigenous Australian artist Robyn Caughlin, resulting in a runway presentation at Australian Fashion Week (2003) and a profile in Australian Vogue. Benjamin then moved to London and into a behind-the-scenes role, learning more about the fashion industry in a bigger playing field. He worked for notable brands, including Marchesa (couture), WINTLE (luxury menswear), and Roberto Torretta (womenswear) in Madrid. This experience had Benjamin traveling across Europe, working with garment factories and fabric mills, and showing collections at Paris Men’s Fashion Week and Madrid Fashion Week. After 10 years in London, Benjamin relocated to New York, where he was the first Australian designer to be a contestant on Project Runway (season 11), returning to compete in Project Runway ALL STARS (season 4) the next year. Still based in New York, Benjamin continues to design evening wear for private clients and explore the role of educator. He was the Education Director for the fashion school within the world-famous Mood Fabrics from 2015-2020. For the past six years, Benjamin has also been Head Instructor and Mentor for the Brooklyn Fashion Academy, a program run by Brooklyn Public Library. In 2021, Benjamin became the Studio Technologist for the M.F.A. Fashion Design program at The Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC. He has also taught fashion design for Putney Pre-College programs in Vermont and in Barcelona. In 2024 Benjamin began research for his Ph.D. with the University of Technology Sydney (by distance) focusing on sustainability in fashion.

ERIK JACOBS | Photography
Skidmore College, B.S., Sports Medicine
Western Kentucky University, Postgraduate Study in Photojournalism 

Erik is a visual storyteller dedicated to producing compelling messages in many mediums, with a particular yen for work that connects us to each other and deepens our connection to the natural environment. Erik discovered his passion for photography while working with at-risk youth in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He went on to pursue a degree in photography from WKU, and his work as a photojournalist has led him around the world, working with clients including Time, Newsweek, The Wall St. Journal, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, NPR, BBC, and many more. Erik currently works with the Emmy Award-winning production company Anthem Multimedia, which he co-founded with his partner (in life and work), Dina. His most current projects involve blending photo, video, and words into public art. Installations include The Others (Featured on, among others, PBS Newhour), Vanish (National Geographic), Black As Light (MFA Boston/JArts), the African American Trail Project (Tufts University), The Earthshot Prize, Do Damage (Boston Red Sox), Madam X Tour (Madonna). When he’s not taking photos, Erik can be found on his farm in Vermont, where all of his great loves intersect—farming, photography, community organizing, and writing.

JUAN FELIPE ARROYAVE | Japanese Language
University of Washington, Ph.D., Hispanic Studies; M.A., Hispanic Studies and Japanese Literature Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, B.A., Communications 

In a career spanning 16 years, 3 continents, and 4 different countries, Juan Felipe has taught classes at all levels, in public and private schools, and to students from extremely diverse backgrounds. After receiving his Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies from the University of Washington, he started doing comparative work between Japanese and Latin American art, which earned him a scholarship to spend a year in Yokohama, Japan, and inspired him to pursue a graduate degree in Japanese Literature. Juan Felipe is also an accomplished translator of classical Japanese poetry. In 2021, he published a Spanish edition of the Hyakunin Isshu, the most famous collection of classical Japanese poetry, and is currently working on the first-ever English translation of Matsuo Bashō’s Sumidawara, a haiku anthology.

SABRINA GREENBERG | Anime and Illustration
Adelphi University, M.A., Art Education (in progress)
Fashion Institute of Technology, B.S., International Trade and Marketing, Minor in Ethics and Sustainability ; A.A.S, Fashion Design 

While studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Sabrina focused on fashion design through a sustainable and global lens. After graduating during the height of the pandemic, she spent over a month traveling across the country before landing a contract role as an Event Coordinator with the nonprofit Biodesign Challenge. This organization connects students worldwide with mentors across disciplines in academia and the arts, culminating in a science fair-style summit at MoMA and Parsons. This experience sparked Sabrina’s passion for education. She now combines her love for art, sustainability, and teaching as an Art Educator while earning her Master’s in Art Education, which she will complete this fall. As an interdisciplinary artist, she works in ceramics, biodesign, silversmithing, painting, drawing, photography, fashion and jewelry design, fiber arts, and more. At the age of 16, Sabrina traveled as a student on a Putney program to Ecuador and the Galapágos. She is thrilled to return as a leader, helping students create lifelong memories. Sabrina’s goal is to cultivate a space where students develop both technical skills and a deeper understanding of the role art can play—not only in their personal lives, but also on a global scale in shaping a brighter future.

ORESTES ROMERO | International Business & Trade
EAE Business School, M.A., Marketing and Sales
ISAF Institute, M.A., High-Performance Functional Training
Universidad del Pacífico, B.A., Business Administration 

While at Universidad del Pacífico, Orestes focused on business administration and marketing. While completing a master’s in Sales in Barcelona, Spain, he also became a certified personal trainer and earned a second master’s in High Performance Functional Training —fusing leadership, performance and mindset. Having lived in Peru, Spain, and now the U.S., he thrives in diverse environments and adapts easily across cultures. After moving to Miami as a trainer, he transitioned back into business—working in wealth management, real estate investing, and property management. In January 2024, he earned a partnership stake in a seven-figure construction company by leading its turnaround, driving 25% year-over-year revenue growth through marketing, financial controls, and lean, scalable operations. Today, Orestes serves as CFO and CMO of Build Pro Construction, co-leads ROC Development Group—which connects investors to U.S. real estate opportunities—and co-leads 180 Property Management, supporting investor portfolios. He also works as an executive coach, helping others lead with systems, discipline, and accountability. He is fluent in Spanish and English. This fall, Orestes will continue scaling his ventures and expanding his coaching platform to empower others to lead with conviction and ownership.

COLIN REINEBERG | Tech & Innovation
University of the Arts London, M.Sc., Data Science and AI
University of Illinois Chicago, B.A., Philosophy 

While at the University of Illinois Chicago, Colin majored in philosophy, with particular interests in aesthetics, metaphysics, and epistemology. He also studied Japanese for two years. Upon graduating, he spent nearly 18 months in Japan, where he taught English, studied programming, and learned Japanese. In 2022, Colin studied Creative Computing at the University of the Arts London, focusing on interactive media, design, and projection mapping. He has also volunteered in Thailand as a veterinary assistant with Rescue Paws and helped organize concert tours and events for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Colin has spent time living and working in Berlin, Germany, as a freelance musician—producing his own work and scoring music for films. Most recently, he completed his master’s in data science and AI, while continuing to fold together and merge his interests in music, technology, and art, as well as exploring new avenues of expression and creativity.