Rich Baader is a Spirit co-founder and CEO since 2016. Prior to founding Spirit Cultural Exchange, he was Vice–President of Finance for several divisions of Kraft Foods. Rich earned an MBA from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in international business from the University of Illinois. He enjoys traveling with his family, as well as physically and emotionally challenging activities like mountain climbing, Toughmudder races and fatherhood. 

Kathleen is a co-founder of Spirit Cultural Exchange with over 30 years of experience as a cultural exchange professional. Her international experience began in Denmark as a university exchange student where she learned the ropes of international exchange first hand. She followed up on that life-changing experience by working in Germany as an au pair before graduating from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in German and commercial studies. Prior to founding Spirit in 2002, Kathleen served as Director of Program Development at another US based J-1 visa program sponsor.  A life long traveler, she continues to spend her free time exploring new destinations with her family.

April is Spirit’s Responsible Officer (RO) for the BridgeUSA Work Travel, Teacher, Intern and Trainee programs, overseeing compliance with Department of State regulations. She also directs the Spirit team responsible for international partnerships for the Summer Work and Travel program. April is a graduate of Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and Russian. She spent a semester abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia studying Russian language and culture and lived with a host family. She enjoys perfecting her Italian language proficiency and trying out challenging recipes in the kitchen.

Suzanne leads Spirit’s Professional Programs team, which administrates our Intern, Trainee and Teacher Programs in the United States. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Economics & Cultural Affairs and Spanish from Valparaiso University, which included a semester abroad in Granada, Spain. Suzanne has a passion for travel, culinary adventures, and cheering for Chicago sports teams whenever possible.

Michelle graduated from Indiana University with a Master’s Degree in East Asian Studies and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Social Relations with a focus in Japanese Studies from Earlham College. Michelle lived and worked in Japan for eight years as a teacher and director of an international community center. Michelle cares deeply about local community advocacy and international education.  She also loves reading, cooking international dishes and travelling anywhere with her family.