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ABOUT US

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OUR MISSION


Facilitate a transformative educational experience for au pairs and strengthen the global community by: 
 

  • Connecting people

  • Cultivating personal development, and 

  • Building excellence in all we do.
     

WHAT WE DO

 

2024 marks our 18th year of providing quality, affordable education for au pairs working in the United States. During this time, we have served over 50,000 au pairs from more than 90 countries throughout the world!

 

Our convenient weekend courses combine learning with fun activities, community engagement, and field trips, in a choice of twelve major locations. These courses are offered through schools of higher education and can satisfy the U.S. Department of State au pair educational requirement. 

 

At APW we are committed to offering more than just a weekend stuffed with classes. We are crafting an EXPERIENCE by selecting staff, classes, activities, and excursions that allow au pairs to make the most of their time in the USA and have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in some of the country’s most iconic cities.

OUR VISION

 

Our vision is to transform lives and enhance the global community.


 

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
 

View our Frequently Asked Questions or Contact Us

apw leadership

Click on a staff member's photo to read their bio

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Dr. Lora Anderson Cook
 Executive Director/CEO

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Ben Cook
Vice President & Curriculum Committee

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Alicia Kaye
Chief Operations Officer & Director of Curriculum

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Erika Barney
Director of Human Resources
& City Leadership

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Savannah Benefield
Director of Training & Organizational Development

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Zanny
City Director Manager

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Ming
Systems Administrator

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Mari
Marketing & Agency Relations Manager

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Kelly
Finance Manager

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Amber
Administrative Assistant

CURRICULUM TEAM

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Aylin
Curriculum Manager & Instructor

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Bee
Curriculum Coordinator

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Ramona
Curriculum Coordinator

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Emily
Curriculum Coordinator

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

The Curriculum Committee for Au Pair Weekend is a dedicated and diverse group of staff members committed to enhancing the educational experience for au pairs participating in our weekend courses. APW is renowned for providing high-quality, engaging, and substantive weekend courses designed to empower and educate au pairs during their stay in the U.S., and the Curriculum Committee plays a critical role in making this happen. With expertise in education, cultural studies, language acquisition, politics, law, gender studies, history, pedagogy, and intercultural communication, the Committee members' diverse range of knowledge and experience allows us to approach curriculum development from various perspectives and better serve the needs of our international participants.

Committee Responsibilities:

Curriculum Review: We meet regularly throughout the year to review the existing course offerings, ensuring that they remain up-to-date and relevant to the needs of au pairs and the host families they serve.

Addressing Concerns: The committee serves as a platform for addressing concerns raised by au pairs and our instructors. We are committed to creating a safe and enriching learning environment for everyone involved.

Updating and Revising: As educational trends and cultural contexts evolve, we proactively update and revise our curricula to align with the latest advancements and ensure that our courses remain engaging and informative.

Diversity and Inclusion: We prioritize inclusivity in our curriculum development, ensuring that our courses respect and reflect the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of our au pairs and host families.

Quality Assurance: Our committee takes pride in maintaining the highest standards of quality in all our course materials, ensuring that every au pair benefits from an enriching and rewarding educational experience.

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Ben Cook
Vice President & Curriculum Committee

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Alicia Kaye
Chief Operations Officer & Director of Curriculum

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Aylin
Curriculum Manager & Instructor

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Dan
Curriculum Committee & Instructor

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Dr. Emerald
City Director &
Curriculum Committee

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Christian
Instructor &
Curriculum Committee

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Michelle
Instructor &
Curriculum Committee

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