Meet our Cary Travel Express Team
Our Cary Travel Express Travel Advisors have traveled the world over and collectively possess the inside knowledge, tips and tricks of the travel industry to help make your “travel bucket” vacation a reality.
Please meet our energetic and hard working team at Cary Travel Express!
Neelie Kruse
CTC, VTA, Owner
“Even after 40 years in the travel industry, I still LOVE to go to work each day and create wonderful memories for my clients. As I have been fortunate to have traveled to all seven continents, I am able to share my travel expertise and experiences to ensure the best vacation for my customers!”
- Recognized as Top 25 Travel Agent 2013 by Travel Agent Magazine
- Recipient Million Dollar Travel Advisor Sales Award 2022 MAST Travel Network
Margaret Merz
CTC, VTA
“Over the past 32 years of being a travel advisor, I have traveled the world and have brought my firsthand experience back to my clients!”
- Recipient Million Dollar Travel Advisor Sales Award 2022 MAST Travel Network
Gail Timmer
CTC, Travel Designer
“In my 34 years of being a travel advisor, I enjoy finding the perfect dream vacation for my clients!”
- Recipient Outstanding Travel Advisor Sales Award 2022 MAST Travel Network
Shobha Mirchandani
Travel Designer
For over 40 years, Shobha has looked forward to planning the next cruise or multi-generational holiday for friends and family. “It gives me great joy to plan and execute the perfect family holiday!”
Dana Prichard
CTC, Travel Designer/Destination Wedding Specialist
Dana has been a travel advisor since 1999. “I know there is a little ‘exploration’ in all of us and I like to help people find and ‘explore’ what they are dreaming about and turn it into a reality! I also specialize in Destination Weddings and love working with bridal couples to be to make their wedding dreams come true!”
- Recipient Million Dollar Travel Advisor Sales Award 2022 MAST Travel Network
Jessica Kruse
Travel Designer/Honeymoon Specialist
“I am passionate about helping couples plan their dream honeymoon and once in a lifetime trip that they will remember for the rest of their lives!”
- Recipient Outstanding Travel Advisor Sales Award 2018 MAST Travel Network
- Jessy was recently recognized by Travel Agent Central as “30Under30” For full article. Click here to read the full article.
Cheryl Krueger
Travel Designer
Cheryl has been in the travel industry for over 15 years. “I am passionate about travel because it allows me to learn other cultures, marvel at beautiful landscapes, explore, and make new memories. I enjoy creating amazing experiences and helping people turn their travel dreams into reality”.
Meg Warnecke
Bookkeeper
“I have always enjoyed travel. My favorite trip was 10 days in Italy planned to perfection by Cary Travel. I am excited to be part of the Cary Travel Express team. My background is in accounting and after staying home for many years, I am enjoying learning about the travel industry from all aspects.”.
Kathy Kadlec
Marketing Manager/Travel Designer
Kathy has been in the travel industry for over nine years. “My passion is promoting Cary Travel Express, our preferred travel suppliers and our expertise and knowledge in planning the perfect vacation for our clients!”
Ursula Mata
Travel Designer
Ursula has been in the travel industry for over 17 years. “I enjoy helping my clients find the best island paradise based on their desires. I like to recommend ‘off the beaten path’ restaurants and activities to make their vacation truly special and memorable!”
Jan Calahan
Travel Designer
Jan joined Cary Travel Express five years ago. “It is very exciting to work in the travel industry because you are constantly learning about different travel destinations and sharing that with our customers. Additionally, it is very rewarding to help our clients plan their dream vacations.”
Kay Light
Sales Support/Social Media
“I’m continuing to learn, & enjoy updating and exposing clients to the many services CTE has to offer via Social media. So many destinations from which to choose, peruse our Facebook page for lots of ideas! Having lived in Ireland, I’m well versed on this beautiful country and my favorite posts are those about my homeland”.
Lacy Tischer
Travel Designer
“I think it is so important to visit an entirely new destination every year. Travel is great for relaxing, learning, adventuring, and renewing your zest for life. How many other ways can you spend your money that give you so much back in return?” Lacy has been planning vacations for over three years!
Abby Glaysher
CTC, Travel Designer
Abby is a recent college graduate in the field of tourism and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and travels with clients. “I have traveled to New Zealand, Mexico, the Caribbean and cruised several times on Royal Caribbean Cruise line with my family. I always enjoy exploring new destinations!”
Grace Heavey
CTC, Travel Designer
Grace has recently started in her role as travel advisor and looks forward to assisting you in planning your “travel bucket list” destination.
Ania Gifford
Travel Designer
Ania grew up in Poland with exceptional knowledge of her country and other European countries. She is fluent in Polish and English. Ania’s passion for travel started in her childhood when she traveled to multiple European countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Norway. When she moved to the US, she expanded her travels to include Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. She has also cruised the beautiful Caribbean and visited many islands. Ania would love to share her travel experiences with you to help create your dream vacation and make lifelong memories!
Ania speaks Polish-Mówię po Polsku. Serdecznie zapraszam!
Jamie Jones
CTC, Travel Designer
After almost 36 years in the travel industry, it’s fascinating to see how my clients travel goals have changed. What may have started out as a newly married couple planning a week long Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon, has now turned into multi generational travel, bringing their kids and grand kids along. It’s fun to see people grow and become more adventurous in their requests too. The more you travel, the more there is to see!
- Recipient Outstanding Travel Advisor Sales Award 2019 MAST Travel Network
Liisa Gunter
Travel Designer
I love to travel especially to the Caribbean and Mexico and enjoy using my experiences to plan the best trip for my clients. I am proud to be an AMResorts Master Agent and have personally been to almost all of the resort.
Pattie Beck
Travel Designer
25 years ago I decided to make my passion for travel my career and I haven’t looked back. I have enjoyed every minute with the wonderful opportunities to travel and explore new places and learn about different cultures.
Keta Lindstrom
Travel Designer
I have been been a Travel Advisor since 1999. Although I started out specializing in group cruises with the major cruise lines, I now specailize in Mexico and Caribbean all-inclusive packages. I LOVE planning dream vacations for my clients!
Barbara Kelly
Travel Designer
Contact at Barbara@carytravelexpress.com
Margaret Caminiti
Travel Designer
Contact at Margaretc@carytravelexpress.com
Murphy
Office Mascot
Murphy is the official office mascot for Cary Travel Express and enjoys getting and giving hugs!