At ITD our staff members are our most critical resource, ensuring that our programs are expertly promoted, organized, and implemented; and enhancing participants’ program experience through direct support during stateside and overseas programs. Our years of combined experience in education, training, community development and cross-cultural exchange gives us the ability to create meaningful and often transformative learning environments. Because of the rich and diverse backgrounds of our staff we are able to offer high quality programming in Spanish and French. In addition, we are able to tap into an extensive network of academics and professionals that join us for specific projects and contribute their expertise.
Staff
Katie Lazdowski
Executive Director
Katie draws on over two decades of international education, training, and consultancy experience in her position as Executive Director at ITD. She began her work at ITD as a consultant in 2017 before transitioning to a full time Program Director shortly after. She has directed dozens of programs, during which she designed and delivered curricula and training sessions, and oversaw logistical management and program evaluation. Her international experience spans various continents, in particular Africa where she has spent significant time studying and working, including Morocco, Cameroon, Kenya, South Africa, and in Mali where she and her husband served in the Peace Corps. Katie holds a PhD in Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies from the University of Massachusetts, and a master’s degree in teaching foreign languages from Simmons College. She is fluent in French and working to learn Spanish. She enjoys running, time with her family, and baking.
Edgardo Rothkegel
Financial Director
Edgardo serves as ITD’s financial director. He is responsible for organizational financial management and accounting. He handles a wide range of matters of organizational importance, including financial planning, budget management, reporting and procurement. He has been at ITD since 1988 and in his capacity has provided thousands of ITD participants a range of both administrative and programmatic support. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts. Edgardo grew up in Guatemala and the US, and is a native Spanish speaker.
Stephen Sadlier
Program Manager
A recent addition to ITD, Stephen Sadlier holds a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts and has two decades experience with international exchanges, with the Experiment in International Living, American Councils, Fulbright, UGrad and English Language Programs. He has guest edited for British Journal of Sociology of Education and was author of the book ‘Movements on the Streets and in Schools: State Repression, Neoliberal Reforms, and Oaxaca Teacher Counter-pedagogies.
Yanara Barriga
Administrative Manager
Yanara has been with the Institute for Training and Development (ITD) since 2017. As ITD’s Administrative Manager, she oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations, while supporting program logistics and participant well-being. Yanara studies Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with an interest in the connection between health and community.
Jesse Eisenheim
Media and Information Technology Specialist
Jesse has been a valuable member of ITD since 2020, beginning as a Website Developer and later expanding his responsibilities to include the roles of Information Technology Specialist and Social Media Coordinator. He offers a wealth of technical experience in areas including network management, database administration, website development, graphic design, and IT security. Jesse holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cornell University, and in addition has dedicated much of his life to the IT world, bringing a passion for technology to all of his work. A native of Philadelphia and Upstate New York, Jesse also spent a year in France, serving as an Assistant d’Anglais in the Paris Banlieue while living in the city.