Jodi’s love for travel began long before it became her career. At just 18, she boarded her first international flight alone to Brazil to visit former exchange students who had lived with her family—an adventure that sparked a lifelong passion for seeing the world and building connections across cultures. One of those students became like family, and when her Brazilian “brother” later joined the U.S. Air Force, Jodi followed his assignments to England and Turkey, discovering destinations she might never have explored otherwise and now absolutely treasures.
Her love of language and culture led her into a 32-year career as a Spanish teacher, a role she cherished. During those years, Jodi coordinated and led multiple student trips to Spain and France, as well as educational travel to Panama, Costa Rica (twice), the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and even a Caribbean cruise. After retiring from teaching, she wasn’t ready to slow down—she joined an airline and continued saying yes to new destinations and new adventures.
To date, Jodi has visited four continents (with her passport ready for two more—Antarctica is a hard pass!), sailed on nine cruises, and loved every single one. The beach will always be one of her happy places, but New York City also holds a very special place in her heart.
A proud Midwesterner, Jodi has called Iowa, California, and now Nebraska home, and she is deeply rooted in her community. She’s a mom to three grown sons and one very lovable Great Dane, and some of her favorite memories come from traveling with her family—like a celebratory Bahamas cruise for her oldest son’s 30th birthday and the unforgettable (and slightly terrifying!) Disney moment when her youngest tried to climb out of the Tower of Terror mid-ride.
Her church and church family are an important part of her life, and she is grateful for the support, friendships, and blessings they bring.
Jodi is thrilled to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and personal touch to Fairytales and Sunsets Travel. With her background in education, her heart for families, and her wide-ranging travel experience, she loves helping clients feel confident, cared for, and genuinely excited as they plan their next adventure—and create the kind of memories they’ll talk about for years to come.
Contact Jodi at: Jodi@fairytalesandsunsets.com