Meet Our Team
Chikara Kurahashi
CEO
Akiko Nagamatsu
Executive Director
Growing up in the port city of Kitakyushu, Akiko once received a gift from a kind sailor despite a language barrier, inspiring her to learn how to say “thank you” in English. Though he departed before she could express her gratitude, the simple encounter began her lifelong journey to connect with others around the world.
Favorite show: Jeopardy! (watched with her host mom while studying abroad)
Favorite quote: "White Way of Delight." — Anne Shirley about a tunnel of blooming apple blossoms in Anne of Green Gables
Allison Medoff
US Operations Manager
Allison’s passion for global education began with her experience teaching English in South Korea. With over a decade of dedicated leadership and logistical expertise, Allison demonstrates a lifelong love of learning and exploration while enjoying the outdoors with her daughter.
Favorite artists: Blink 182, Dispatch, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Pepper
Go-to karaoke song: "How Will I Know" – Whitney Houston
Associate Manager, Education Operations Lead
Catherine Decker
Studies in Japanese and international relations led Catherine to teach in Japan for two years, developing curricula and a passion for global education.
Favorite holiday: Halloween (spooky season!)
Go-to karaoke song: "Vienna" – Billy Joel
Associate Manager, Education Operations Senior Specialist
Isabella Paxton
With experience teaching around the world, Isabella is passionate about global learning and encouraging all her students to realize and actualize their ideal futures.
Favorite Japanese snack: Lawson's Tuna Mayo Onigiri
Favorite sports team: Seattle Mariners
Administrative Specialist
Amy Arimura
As a cheerleader in Japan, Amy loved helping others grow. Returning to the US fostered her personal growth while supporting students embarking on their international journeys.
Favorite dessert: frozen yogurt with fresh fruit toppings
Favorite Japanese snack: Jagarico
Senior Program Coordinator, Education Operations Specialist
Ariscell Enomoto
Raised in New York City, Ariscell valued globalization early on. After studying in Osaka and teaching in Kyushu, she continues to be connected to Japan in LA.
Go-to karaoke song: "Pop Star" – Hirai Ken
Favorite pastime: nature with her dog
Program Coordinator
Donnie Markey
Donnie's nomadic roots built a foundation of cross-cultural empathy, which sparked his passion for creating connections and has led him to explore 20+ countries and counting.
Greatest fear: planes
Favorite Japanese convenience store: Seicomart and Mini Stop
Program Coordinator
Erin Lee
Favorite season: autumn
Favorite Japanese convenience store: Lawson
Program Coordinator
Evan Cohen
Evan is a Boston native with a background in public policy and experience working in Tokyo for two years. He loves showing how Boston's changed over time!
Favorite quote: "Work smart, not hard."
Favorite pastime: biking to new places
Senior Program Coordinator
Jonathan Thumas
Jon holds a PhD in Japanese Studies and enjoys opportunities to educate, explore, and create connections between communities.
Childhood dream: be the next Crocodile Hunter
Favorite ice cream flavor: mint chocolate chip
Program Coordinator
Kimmy Pruitt
Kimmy’s experiences as an art teacher and tutor inspired her to double major in sociology and media studies with a dream to foster real change in local communities.
Go-to karaoke song: "California Gurls" – Katy Perry
Best party trick: Prisyadka
Program Coordinator
Mariel Cawthon
Mariel discovered joy in connecting with people from all walks of life through her studies in journalism and strives to brighten her students’ lives with every little interaction.
Favorite ice cream flavor: ube
Favorite Japanese snack: mitarashi dango
Program Coordinator
Megan Callans
Megan’s studies of East Asian history led her to teach in Kobe, Japan, where she developed a passion for helping others experience personal growth through global learning.
Favorite movie: Pacific Rim
Favorite Japanese snack: Fettuccine gummi (grape)
Senior Program Coordinator
Mio Takenaka
Native to Boston, Mio considers Kyoto home, where she spent childhood summers. Between our programs and directing a childcare center, Mio loves traveling.
Favorite movie: all Ghibli films
Favorite quote: "Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness."
Senior Program Coordinator, Marketing Specialist Lead
Ryan Yonaitis
Passionate about daily growth and perseverance, Ryan blends 7 years of teaching in Japan and business expertise with a 31-year martial artist mindset to help students excel.
Favorite Japanese snack: miso dango
Childhood dream: astronaut
Program Coordinator, Marketing Specialist
Tatiana Le
Favorite Japanese snack: Jagarico (original)
Childhood dream: animator at Pixar
Program Coordinator
Wakiko Sugita
Born and raised in Japan, Wakiko’s study abroad experience in California sparked her passion for international education and supporting students on their global journeys.
Favorite fictional world: Harry Potter
Childhood dream: baker
Hear from our Contractors,
Mentors & Educators
Marcell Murray
He/Him/His
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Fun Fact: I've been working 3 jobs at the same time for 3 years straight!
Years worked with GPI: 2
Positions worked with GPI:
Online Discussion Leader, Discussion Leader, Activity Group Leader, Online Head Coordinator
Andrea Moreno
She/her/hers
Hometown: Miramar, Florida
Fun Fact: I'm a multimedia artist and music composer for film!
Major: Art & Technology BFA
Years worked with GPI: 1
Positions worked with GPI: Online Discussion Leader