Meet Our Team

As placement coordinators, we assist host families in providing information on our agency and the au pair program. We are happy to answer any questions regarding arrival times, available candidates, and the process to complete host family profiles. It is our goal to provide one on one customer service to help your family feel confident in our agency, program and au pairs.

Abbe Marin – Placement Coordinator

Working at Au Pair International has been such a great experience for me. As an Area Director in my local community and also a Placement Coordinator, it is so gratifying to work for a company that genuinely cares for each and every family and program participant.  One example why I love the au pair program is because it provides the security of childcare in your own home with the experience of getting to know other cultures. The program opens another avenue for parents to get the help they need while providing au pairs with the opportunity to travel without the large cost!

Some background about myself is, I believe it is incredibly important to help those in need whether it be through monetary donations or simply giving of my time. I have spent much of my time volunteering for several organizations including the MS Foundation, Red Cross, and many domestic violence shelters.

Life outside the office, I try and spend as much time with my children as possible. We enjoy jamming out to music in the car or at home, longboarding, attending sporting events, fishing and camping.  When I am not enjoying time with my children, then I am going to local concerts, playing softball or hanging out with close friends. I love to travel, talk about my travels, and hope to someday visit Jamaica, Australia, and several countries in Asia.

Amy Houle – Placement Coordinator

I joined the Au Pair International team as a Placement Coordinator because I love connecting with people and doing anything I can to make their lives easier or better. By facilitating great matches from the beginning, I help ensure the long-term success of each cultural exchange experience between host families and au pairs.

Having been married for 20 years, my husband and I have two wonderful sons, the youngest of which has low-functioning autism and is nonverbal. As a special needs mom, I understand first-hand the importance of finding the right person for your unique family and situation. Inviting a person into your home and your personal space is a big decision, and as a Placement Coordinator, I am skilled in helping find the right match for your needs.

I love exploring new places and have been to 18 countries, with my favorite destination being Positano, Italy. Through my husband’s work with the Department of State, we have also lived in East and West Africa, spending 18 months in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and a year in Nairobi, Kenya. Being immersed in such different cultures was a remarkable experience that opened our eyes and hearts to a part of the world few Americans witness. Upon returning to the U.S., we were fortunate to bring our nanny back with us from Kenya. It has been exciting to experience America and the changing season through her eyes while helping her adjust to a different culture away from home.

Some of my hobbies include hiking, reading (especially a book with a twist I didn’t see coming!), working out, watching movies, traveling, singing/dancing, and enjoying lunch with friends. I’m also a bit of an adrenaline seeker, having jumped out of a plane from 14,000 feet, bungee jumped, and ridden camels on a Kenyan beach and in the desert in Dubai. Did someone mention roller coasters? Yes, please! The faster, higher, and loopier the better! I’m always looking for my next adventure!

I hold a degree in Business Management & Human Resource Management from the University of Tennessee.

Kayla Rowland – Support Coordinator

As the Support Coordinator for Au Pair International, I am here to assist au pairs through any transition period they may experience during their program. Whether extending with a new host family or going through the rematch process, I am here to be a listening ear and a guiding hand to make the transition as easy as possible.

My love for adventure has taken me all around the world. I met my Aussie husband while working at a summer camp in the Poconos, and we’ve been exploring the globe together ever since. My favorite place to visit is Australia, but I’m always up for an adventure outdoors – whether it’s hiking, biking, golfing, or swimming. And, if there’s food involved, count me in! I love to experience new cultures through cuisine.

In addition to my love of travel and adventure, I’m also passionate about supporting the community and giving back. You can find me helping out in our community garden or fostering rescue pups when I’m not on the road.

Before working with API I spent years working at an international summer camp and as a project specialist for a start-up cruise line. I studied Therapeutic Recreation in Georgia and hope to continue to explore this beautiful world for as long as I can.

As your Regional Director, I oversee my region by hiring/training Area Directors, as well as working with Host Families and Au Pairs as they are matched throughout the area. I handle some regulatory requirements and am the best point of contact for Area Directors, host families, and au pairs. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Kristin Lublinsky – Eastern Regional Director/Regional Team Support

I love working for Au Pair International because I love to meet girls from all different cultures and backgrounds. It is so awesome to be a part of their experience in this program! I find great joy in knowing that I have made a difference in someone else’s life, whether it’s great or small! I have hosted 2 Au pairs who we still keep in touch with. We loved each very different culture and what it bought into our lives and the lives of our children.

I truly enjoy working with our awesome team at Au Pair International! We care for each other which in turn helps us to support each and every family and au pair that we form a relationship with. I strive to provide the best customer service to our clients. It is a very unique experience to welcome a stranger into your home and have them integrate into a member of the family. It is gratifying to see the relationship that develops between a host family and their au pair.

In my personal time, I love keeping busy with my children who are very involved in sports and Boy Scouts. I enjoy giving back to my community through volunteer work, especially with the PTA, Boy Scouts, and previously Girl Scouts. I love being outdoors-hiking, biking, and running. I also love to travel and do so any opportunity that I have.

Katrina Vanderhulst – EVP / Central Regional Director

I started with Au Pair International in 2010 as an Area Director for the San Francisco area. From there, I moved to the position of International Coordinator, working with our overseas offices that recruit and screen our candidates for the au pair program. My responsibilities increased over the years to include travel scheduling, overseeing billing, managing our outbound program and so many more tasks! In 2016, I was promoted to Executive Vice President. As the VP, I have the fantastic opportunity to meet with our overseas’ offices, meet with American au pairs abroad, interact with both au pairs and host families before and after the program, and plan exciting state-side trips for all the visiting au pairs.

My interest in cultural exchange programs began when I was in high school. Back then, my family hosted and befriended several exchange students and it had a lasting impression on my life, becoming great friends to this day. Since I started with API, my family has hosted 4 au pairs (both successfully and unsuccessfully). Each experience has been a learning process and I love having the opportunity to expose my children to other cultures.

I’m married with 2 wonderful children, both with varying abilities who keep me busy and fulfilled. Any free time I have after managing kids, work and travel is spent watching my favorite teams, the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors. My favorite part of my position with API is being able to pursue my love of travel. I have been fortunate enough to travel to 5 continents and look forward to visiting my 6^th very soon!

For me, the best part about working for API is having the opportunity to meet and engage with our participants, allowing me to improve our program and the service we provide to au pairs and host families.

Joslynn Kahala – Western Regional Director

I started my journey with Au Pair International as an Area Director and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with people from around the world. I love learning about different cultures and sharing a bit of my own along the way. As a Regional Director, my hope is to help foster strong, lasting relationships between au pairs and host families that grow into meaningful, lifelong experiences.

Before joining Au Pair International, I also had the opportunity to work with a foreign exchange student program, which gave me an even deeper appreciation for cultural exchange and international connections.

I was born and raised in Hawaii, where being surrounded by a rich blend of cultures helped shape the person I am today. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Creative Writing with dreams of crafting stories that bring people together and create imaginative worlds to explore.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to four strong-willed daughters who keep life busy and full of laughter. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, solving puzzles, cooking, hiking, going to escape rooms, and hosting game nights with friends.

Danielle Guevara – Files Administrator

As the Files Administrator at Au Pair International, I work with our partners, host families, and au pairs to ensure that all participant data and documentation is complete and meets U.S. Department of State regulations. I also issue visa paperwork and process program extensions for au pairs who want to stay in the U.S. beyond their first year.

With more than 10 years of experience in the medical field, I bring a strong compliance background and keen attention to detail to my role. While new to the au pair industry, I value cultural exchange through my own travels to Greece and Cancun, as well as my children’s independent travel experiences in the U.S. and abroad.

I am currently studying Spanish and am committed to supporting a positive, compliant, and enriching experience for every participant.

Joey Phelps – Operations Coordinator

As the Operations Coordinator for Au Pair International, I enter new au pair candidates into our database so that they can start the process of being matched with one of our host families. I also process completed forms for both au pairs and host families, as well as other data entry.

Before working with the amazing team at Au Pair International, I spent years in advertising, a short time working for a friend running the front office at her dental practice, and then a lucky stay at home mom. Now that my children are all in school I am so happy to now work for Au Pair International. I truly feel lucky to become a member of this work family. The team of employees is amazing. Everyone cares for each other and the success of this program. On a daily basis, I am impressed as to what this program brings to so many young adult lives; as well as, families! The cultural experience is one I wish everyone could experience.

When I’m not working I am very busy with my family. I have been happily married for 20 years to my wonderful husband and we have three amazing kids; two daughters and a son. I enjoy anything related to the ocean, movies, visiting with friends and family, and celebrating the holidays. Between school, softball, golf, family, friends, and day-to-day operations, the Phelps love our relaxing family movie nights!

Paula Adams – Director of Marketing and Records/Data Protection Officer

I have been blessed to work at Au Pair International since 2008, holding numerous positions within the company to include Area Director, Regional Director and now Marketing Manager and DPO. With dual degrees in Marketing and Information Systems, I handle everything related to our database, website, social media and marketing efforts. I also work to train valued partners within our website and collaborate with a wonderful team of developers to continuously improve and streamline the application process for all participants. Thanks to my many roles and years of experience, I am well-versed in the au pair program and take great pleasure in ensuring our au pairs and host families have a great experience from start to finish!

When not tackling the latest marketing campaign or website development, I love to experience the great outdoors and enjoy hiking, horseback riding, camping and fishing. My husband of 22 years has been my biggest cheerleader since we met during undergrad. Together, we now have three beautiful girls who never cease to astound us with their altruistic spirits and unique personalities. They are truly our greatest accomplishments!

The Au Pair Program has been my passion for the past 18 years and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. My hope is to help as many people as possible discover this amazing cultural exchange opportunity!

Katrina Vanderhulst – Executive Vice President

I started with Au Pair International in 2010 as an Area Director for the San Francisco area. From there, I moved to the position of International Coordinator, working with our overseas offices that recruit and screen our candidates for the au pair program. My responsibilities increased over the years to include travel scheduling, overseeing billing, managing our outbound program and so many more tasks! In 2016, I was promoted to Executive Vice President. As the VP, I have the fantastic opportunity to meet with our overseas’ offices, meet with American au pairs abroad, interact with both au pairs and host families before and after the program, and plan exciting state-side trips for all the visiting au pairs.

My interest in cultural exchange programs began when I was in high school. Back then, my family hosted and befriended several exchange students and it had a lasting impression on my life, becoming great friends to this day. Since I started with API, my family has hosted 4 au pairs (both successfully and unsuccessfully). Each experience has been a learning process and I love having the opportunity to expose my children to other cultures.

I’m married with 2 wonderful children, both with varying abilities who keep me busy and fulfilled. Any free time I have after managing kids, work and travel is spent watching my favorite teams, the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors. My favorite part of my position with API is being able to pursue my love of travel. I have been fortunate enough to travel to 5 continents and look forward to visiting my 6^th very soon!

For me, the best part about working for API is having the opportunity to meet and engage with our participants, allowing me to improve our program and the service we provide to au pairs and host families.