Jodi joined Aspect in 2004 as a coordinator. Since then, she’s helped over 600 students find caring host families and create lasting memories. Now a Team Manager, Jodi is like family to many students! We asked a few to share what she means to them and here’s what they said.
Mama Jodi,
Looking back on my 2008-2009 exchange year in the U.S, one of the most vivid and cherished memories I hold is your unwavering kindness and support. You weren’t just a coordinator, you were a guiding light, a steady hand, and a true “Mama” to all of us navigating a new world far from home.
Your warmth made every challenge feel manageable and every success even sweeter. Whether it was checking in with a smile, offering words of encouragement, or simply being present, you made us feel seen, valued, and at home. You created an environment where we could grow, learn, and truly experience the richness of a new culture with open hearts.
Thanks to you, my exchange year became more than just a trip, it became a life-changing journey I’ll treasure forever. Your compassion and dedication touched us all, and your impact still lives with me to this day.
With all my gratitude and love,
– Arhyel from Nigeria (exchange year 2008-2009)
Coming to a new country, I was terrified and excited at the same time. I was feeling all sorts of emotions… I came and became part of a relationship that I didn’t know would shape me into the woman I am today. Even though there were four of us, she made out time for each of us like a mother would, creating outings that brought us, her girls, together to share in the exchange year.
She addressed us based on our personalities, making us feel comfortable being who we were (growing teenagers who were going through the most), because she saw us and treated us equally like her own dearest daughters. Mama J (Jodi) motivated me to break out of my cocoon, helping me become comfortable in my own skin. For that, I am forever grateful. We love you, Mama J.
– Rosemary from Nigeria (exchange year 2018-2019)
I’d say that Mrs. Jodi is simply wonderful and a coordinator who is truly great at what she does. Besides hosting fun activities for us, she is always energetic, and it really shows that she wants us to have the best time ever in her care.
She also guided us through our exchange year with helpful advice from her past experiences, and I have to say, her advice always worked like magic. I can honestly say I had the best time with all the activities and throughout the exchange year, and I’m so grateful that Mrs. Jodi was my coordinator.
– Pim from Thailand (exchange year 2023-24)
Mrs. Jodi was exactly the coordinator I had hoped for. Her jokes, encouragement, and advice played a big role in making my exchange year a success. I still remember our first trip to Seattle. We did a town-wide scavenger hunt, and it was so much fun and truly memorable. And our trip to Crystal Mountain was absolutely breathtaking. I miss all our Seattle adventures, but most of all, I miss Mrs. Jodi.
– Saffa from Sierra Leone (exchange year 2023-24)
Jodi is a very nice coordinator who was willing to help at any time of the day. She is also very funny and has a lot of inside jokes with her students!
– Elena from the Netherlands (exchange year 2023-24)
Are you interested in making a difference in a student’s life? Apply to become an International Coordinator with Aspect Foundation. Check out more details here: https://aspectfoundation.org/become-a-superhero/
