About Us

Andrew Selinka

Managing Director

Andrew grew up near New York City and has traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States and the rest of the world with experience in educational travel working with international schools over the years. He realized that there was a real need for a new ideal for a company that offered a high-quality travel experience that was delivered with integrity and a focus on the client’s needs and is accessible to all.

Felicia Nixon

Director of Operations

Felicia was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She is now enjoying her time in Northern Virginia. She has worked in the financial industry for 14 years. Working in that industry has given her the ability to have passion, for people and to create a professional and financial network. She has traveled across the United States and Internationally as a Personal Assistant to an Artist. Living in Barbados, for under a year gave her a sense of culture, as she learned different ways of living. Her passion is to create memorable and positive experiences for those who can benefit from Rise Expeditions’ mission. In her free time, you will find her with her niece, family, and friends.

Contact: Email Felicia / c: +1 917.608.1418

Tasha Meeks – Stephens

Chairman of the Board (President)

Tasha grew up in a small farming community along the Texas-New Mexico border and graduated from Clovis High School in 2011. After high school, she attended South Plains Junior College to study Hospitality Management and began her career with a hotel chain, eventually becoming the hotel and hospitality manager in Amarillo, TX.

In 2015, while visiting her mom, she met her now-husband at a Texas country music festival, and they hit it off immediately. She took on a new role as a marketing and catering director in Midland, embracing this fresh journey in West Texas. They married in 2016 and welcomed their first child in 2019, now enjoying the chaos of raising four little ones under five. For her, being a mother is her greatest achievement.

Currently, she serves as the Family Support Coordinator for her school district, driven by her passion for helping others. In her spare time, she actively participates in community boards and committees, advocating for the underserved, foster care, adoption, and education. She also pursues her love for photography through her business, TMS Photography, which she established in 2016.

A coffee enthusiast and true foodie, she loves traveling, experiencing diverse cultures, and cherishing music, which has been a part of her life since childhood. She approaches everything with intention and authenticity, fueled by her passion and drive, striving to project love and empower those around her.

Destini O’Brien

Secretary (Board of Directors)

Destini O’Brien is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, with a passion for creating meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With extensive experience working with children and teens, including those with disabilities, Destini fosters environments where every individual can thrive and feel empowered.

Professionally, she has established a robust career in the financial sector, currently serving as a licensed Relationship Banker at a prestigious financial institution. In this role, she specializes in assisting business clients and connecting them with valuable wealth management resources. Destini’s expertise in finance, coupled with her compassionate approach to serving others, makes her exceptionally well-suited for her role as Secretary of the Rise Expeditions board.

Beyond her professional aspirations, Destini is deeply committed to community service. She leverages her experiences to advocate for equitable access to education and travel, aligning seamlessly with Rise Expeditions’ mission of empowering students through accessible educational tours. Her unwavering dedication and multifaceted skill set enable her to contribute meaningfully to the board and the communities we serve. assisting business clients and connecting them to wealth management resources. Destini’s expertise in finance, combined with her compassionate approach, positions her to serve as Treasurer for the Rise Expeditions board.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Destini is deeply committed to community service. She draws upon her experiences to advocate for equitable access to education and travel, aligning perfectly with Rise Expeditions’ mission to empower students through accessible educational tours.

Katie Fields

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Katie Fields was born and raised in South Carolina and has embraced life in Asheville, North Carolina, for the past three years. Her passion for travel and enthusiasm for empowering young people to follow their dreams drew her to Rise Expeditions, where she is eager to contribute to transformative experiences for students exploring the world.

With an extensive background in customer support across various industries, Katie brings a wealth of experience in relationship management and problem-solving to her role as Treasurer. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence will ensure the financial integrity and sustainability of our organization as we pursue our mission.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Katie enjoys immersing herself in Asheville’s vibrant cultural scene, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. In her leisure time, she cherishes moments spent with her beloved fur babies and embarks on new adventures with her wife, discovering exciting destinations together.

Katie’s unique blend of passion for youth outreach, financial management expertise, and love for exploration makes her an invaluable asset to the board and the communities we serve.

Michael Kreitman

Legal Advisor, Board Member

Michael Kreitman is a New York City attorney specializing in labor and employment law. With substantial experience in employment and commercial litigation, he has worked with Macy’s since 1998, emphasizing equitable labor practices. Additionally, Michael serves as a mediator in Federal Court, promoting resolution between employees and employers.

Previously, he was a social worker with Catholic Charities, which deepened his commitment to social justice. Outside of his legal work, Michael is an avid cyclist who loves traveling to explore mountain destinations. His unique blend of legal expertise, social service experience, and passion for travel enriches the organization’s mission to promote workplace equity and access.

Emilia Cedron

Program Effectiveness and Marketing Initiatives, Board Member

Emilia grew up in Los Angeles before moving to Wisconsin, where she earned her degree in Elementary and Middle School Education. Her passion for teaching took her around the globe, where she had the opportunity to educate students in various countries.

A pivotal moment in her career came when she served as the Director of the Multi-Generational Family Program on a riverboat sailing the Danube. This experience sparked her transition from traditional teaching to the dynamic world of student travel and tourism, a field in which she has thrived for the past seven years.

Now residing in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Emilia shares her life with her partner and their two children. Her diverse background in education and travel, coupled with her commitment to fostering global citizenship among young people, enriches our organization and aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire and empower the next generation.

Tracy Roderick

Tour Education Coordinator, Board Member

Tracy was born in Washington, DC, and currently enjoys the serene surroundings of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. With a deep-rooted passion for the group travel industry, she began her career right after high school at her family’s motor coach company. Over her impressive 22-year tenure, Tracy advanced to the role of operations manager, honing her skills in logistics and customer service.

Driven by her love for Washington and American history, Tracy transitioned to become a dedicated DC Tour Guide, where she thrives on sharing her enthusiasm for the city and its rich heritage with diverse audiences of all ages. Her engaging storytelling and expansive knowledge make history come alive for her tour groups.

When she’s not leading tours, Tracy cherishes spending time with her beloved Golden Retrievers, Kirby and Murph, at home. Her commitment to excellence in program management and education, along with her warmth and approachability, make her an invaluable asset to our organization.