RIVERDALE TRAVEL - Key Persons


Ali Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Coon Rapids Trusted Advisor / Marketing and Event Assistant / Travel Advisor
  • Independent Agent With
Early on in life, Ali's parents introduced her to traveling, and at age 10, after taking her first international trip to Paris, her love for travel truly began. It became a dream of hers to someday work in the travel industry. Luckily, in 2017, Ali's path led her to Riverdale Travel in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where she started as a travel coordinator. Ali worked her way up to becoming a travel advisor and now does marketing, website, events, and social media for Riverdale Travel. Now that she can finally say she works in the travel industry, Ali loves that she can create everlasting memories for her clients.

Alicia Sandness

Job Titles:
  • ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH ALICIA an Independent Agent With

Alisa Kruse

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent
  • Independent Agent With
Passionate about travel! I love to travel, talk about travel, and book travel for others!

Amy Bakko

Job Titles:
  • Coon Rapids Trusted Advisor / Travel Advisor
I've always been passionate about traveling. I love to become immersed in new cultures and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences at every new destination. My favorite types of trips are a mix of classic tourist spots and finding amazing places off the beaten path. For instance, in my recent trip to Norway, I explored the famous Bergen Fish Market one day and went on a walrus safari in Svalbard the next! I also just visited Cambodia and it was life changing. As a person that has a number of food sensitivities, I understand and know a lot about how hard travel can be. Know I will keep any food sensitivities you have top of mind to help you enjoy travel. However you like to travel, I'd love to help plan your dream vacation!

Amy Tolentino

Job Titles:
  • Senior Agent

Angela DeCoursey

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent

Brenda Nobbe

Job Titles:
  • Travel Advisor
  • Independent Agent With
Brenda brings her professional knowledge, travel experiences, and attention to customer service to each trip she plans. Brenda's knowledge for Independent Travelers to Europe helps the agency with any itinerary request. European River Cruises are a great trip she recommends!

Brianna White

Job Titles:
  • Coon Rapids Trusted Advisor / Travel Advisor
The first trip that really got me hooked on travel was when my mom took me to Spain, France and Italy as a present after I graduated high school, just as my grandma did for her. We actually booked that trip through Riverdale Travel back then, so it's a full circle moment for me now to be working here as a travel advisor helping others do the same!

Danielle Matso

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Genie Success Manager

Debbie Palmer

Job Titles:
  • Palmer Preferred Travel an Independent Agent With

Debbie Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent With
  • Remote Travel Advisor
My love for travel began at an early age. It led me to study hospitality and pursue a career in Travel. Since then, I have not looked back. My curiosity and thirst for knowledge of new destinations will always continue. The only thing that is better, is when I can share my experience with others. My favorite destinations I've visited have been Paris, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast. Let me share my travel knowledge & experience with you so that all you need to do is enjoy your vacation… make memories that will last a lifetime!

Eric Martinson

Job Titles:
  • Mouse and Magic Travel an Independent Agent With

Gail Snow

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent With

Genie Success

Job Titles:
  • Genie Success Manager

Gretchen Nissen - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Finance
  • Member of the Leadership Team
Gretchen's passion for travel led her to the industry, where she has worked in various capacities since 1988. Gretchen has traveled all over Western Europe, but especially enjoys France and Germany. She has also visited Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, and the Caribbean several times, as well as been on many ocean and river cruises. Gretchen enjoys working with a variety of clients, though her role at the agency has changed a bit to focus more on operations.

Jayme Ward

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent With

Jeanne Strandberg

Job Titles:
  • Business Development

Jessica Freidly

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent With

Jessica Luniewski

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Leisure Travel Manager
  • Manager - Coon Rapids

John Risner

Job Titles:
  • Chief Revenue Officer
  • Member of the Leadership Team

Jose Ferreira - President

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Owner
  • President
Jose fell in love with the travel industry in 2005. Since that time, he has held senior executive roles in marketing, technology, and operations at some of the world's largest travel brands. In 2018, Jose fulfilled a decades long dream by acquiring Riverdale Travel with his wife, Amy Ferreira, and friend Robert Herman. Jose is passionate about helping Riverdale's clients experience the wonder and vitality of the world we live in. He is proud and honored to work with a dedicated team of travel experts and excited for his next trip!

Karen Listgarten

Job Titles:
  • VIAKU Curated Travel Experiences an Independent Agent With

Kathy Costopoulos

Job Titles:
  • Senior Agent

Kristin Bender

Job Titles:
  • Travel Advisor at Our Office in Tacoma, WA
My travel style is all about sun, fun, family & Disney! I'll help you plan a trip that is enjoyable for everyone in the family, including the parents! I know the ins and outs of vacations at Disney, Universal, and in the Orlando Area! and would love to share my experiences to help create the best vacation for you.

Kristina Wolfe

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent With

Linda Wood

Job Titles:
  • Travel Advisor at Our Office in Tacoma, WA
I have been in the retail travel business for over 40 years. I particularly enjoy planning highly customized, solo or small group trips to Europe for those who wish to avoid large group tours and travel at their own pace. I travel to experience different cultures, the food and great beaches!

Liz Cherne

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Director of Independent Contractor Programs

Mont Blanc

France is famous for luxurious ski resorts and skiing tracks along the French mountains. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the French Alps, reaching 4,810 meters. Beneath the mountain is a village called Chamonix. This town is filled with historic churches, authentic food, and cozy inns. If you're looking for a winter trip to France, this is the place to see.

Nancy Ferreira

Job Titles:
  • Independent Agent With

Princess Cruise Line

Job Titles:
  • SUPPLIER PARTNER
  • Rail Europe

Reesa Smyth

Job Titles:
  • Coon Rapids Trusted Advisor / Travel Advisor
  • Independent Agent With
Traveling is my passion. I have been able to take some truly unique vacations. My mission as your travel advisor will be to listen to your needs in order to curate a once in a lifetime experience. I will secure all logistics and work through any disruptions to ensure a truly unforgettable trip.

Robert Herman - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Owner
Robert has held executive roles in operations, strategy, M&A, product management, and engineering disciplines over the last 30 years. He worked for 23 years at 3M, 13 years at Imation, and has been involved in business startups, angel investing, and business asset acquisition. Robert has a breadth of knowledge in the industries of travel, broadcast, film production, real estate, data storage, document management, medical imaging, and business consulting.

Theresa Guy

Job Titles:
  • Senior Agent

Tracy SanNicolas - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Director of Sales Operations / Travel Advisor
Tracy likes all types of travel planning but especially enjoys helping people to create memorable experiences, no matter how large or small. She cares deeply about her clients and will work very hard to make sure that every detail of your trip is perfect! Tracy is a specialist with many preferred partners and believes that these relationships add tremendous value to her client's trips. She joined Riverdale Travel in the fall of 2010, bringing to Riverdale Travel 15 years of experience as front line agent and manager. Tracy combines her background in corporate incentives, group travel, and custom vacations to bring a fresh approach.

Wilbur Schilling

Job Titles:
  • Professor from Duluth