Our Story
Our Story
Since 1974, ERDT has created opportunities for international students to learn, live, and grow through meaningful experiences in the United States. Founded in California as ELS International Student Foundation and later renamed Educational Resource Development Trust, ERDT began by sponsoring J-1 university students for study in the U.S. In the years that followed, the organization expanded its work to include independent F-1 students, then reached an important milestone in 1980 with Department of State designation to sponsor J-1 high school exchange students through what became the SHARE! Academic Year Program.
As ERDT grew, so did its commitment to cross-cultural learning and living. Short-term homestays for individual students later evolved into enVision, and group programs brought students from countries across Europe, Japan, and later China to communities throughout the United States. ERDT also added the J-1 Summer Work Travel program, giving international university students the chance to work, travel, and experience daily life in America. Through every stage of its history, ERDT has remained focused on bringing students, host families, and communities together in ways that build understanding, connection, and lasting impact.
Our Dedicated Management Team
Tracy Gautier
Director, ERDT enVision
Director, ERDT enVision
Tracy Gautier serves as the Director of ERDT enVision, where she leads efforts to promote intercultural understanding and global citizenship through educational exchange programs. A passionate advocate for diversity in education and the power of international experience, Tracy brings over two decades of experience in teaching, special education, and program leadership.
Born and raised in Southern California, Tracy studied Education and Spanish at California State University, Fullerton. She began her career teaching English as a Second Language at the middle school level and later transitioned into special education, where she championed the rights of individuals with disabilities—a cause that remains close to her heart.
Since stepping into her leadership role in 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in advancing ERDT enVision’s mission of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international cooperation. Her work reflects a deep belief in the importance of global learning and the transformative impact it can have on both students and communities.
Outside of work, Tracy’s greatest joy comes from her family. She has been married for over 30 years and is a proud mother of three adult children who continue to inspire her every day.
Nicole Bautista
Associate Director, ERDT enVision
Associate Director, ERDT enVision
Rooted in beautiful Southern California, Nicole Bautista brings over 28 years of diverse professional experience to her role as Associate Director for ERDT enVision. Since joining the team at ERDT in May 2015, she has played a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission through her expertise in office administration, customer service, marketing, and accounting. Nicole’s career includes leadership roles at The Art Institute as an Office Manager, Marketing Coordinator, and Accounting Specialist, as well as positions at Logical Apps, Inc. and Nordstrom. She holds an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Riverside City College. Outside of work, Nicole’s all about good vibes and great company. Whether she’s spending time with her family, catching up with friends over coffee, or hitting the trails on her mountain bike with her husband, she’s always up for making memories and soaking in the moment.
Janelle Denno
Development Manager, ERDT enVision
Development Manager, ERDT enVision
Janelle began her journey with ERDT enVision in 2011 as a host family and, through her dedication and leadership, advanced to her current role as Program Development Manager. Born and raised in sunny California, Janelle Denno has always believed that life is centered on connection, laughter, and family. With a background in liberal arts and a passion for learning about different cultures, she discovered her calling working with international students. As a certified EL professional, Janelle is dedicated to helping others experience the value of cultural exchange and meaningful communication.
Her adventurous spirit shines through in her travels, whether exploring a new city or capturing a beautiful sunset, she is always seeking the next story to tell and the next smile to share.
Family is at the heart of everything Janelle does. As a proud wife, mother of five, and grandmother of two, she brings warmth, humor, and compassion into every aspect of her life. Known for her positive energy and can-do attitude, Janelle is passionate about inspiring others to embrace diversity and kindness wherever they go. She believes each day presents a new opportunity to learn, laugh, and connect.
Kelli Jones
President, ERDT
President, ERDT
Kelli Jones began working for ERDT in 1990 and has been president of ERDT since 2007. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, with a minor in Japanese, from Illinois State University. Kelli lived in Japan for 6 years and studied for 2 of those years at Nanzan University, Nagoya. Kelli loves to travel and has visited nearly 40 countries on 6 continents. She is the mother of 2 daughters, a soccer mom, dog lover, and foodie.
Colin Churchill
Executive Director, ERDT
Executive Director, ERDT
Colin was born in Wellington, New Zealand, & attended high school & university in Auckland, New Zealand; graduated M.A. in English Literature from University of Auckland.
After completing formal education, travelled through Asia and Europe before returning to Asia for five years resident in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, Colin was a teacher in English as a Second Language (ESL) for the British Council, HK. During this time as contract teacher for the British Council, Colin spent three months as a teacher trainer and materials developer at Qingdao Chinese Merchant Seaman’s Training College, Shandong, China.
After residence in Hong Kong, Colin came to the U.S. for further graduate study. He graduated M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) from UCLA, with
primary interests in Second Language Acquisition, sociolinguistics, &research design.
After graduation, Colin joined ERDT. Currently, Colin is ERDT Executive Director & member of ERDT Board of Directors; also is currently Curriculum Director for ERDT’s Research in Contemporary American Society Program (RCAS), a program sited in California for students from universities in China.
Colin was previously Director of ERDT’s J-1 designated High School Exchange Program; also was previously Director of ERDT’s J-1 designated Summer Work Travel (SWT) Program.
Colin is an avid cricket player & promotor of the game.
