About Our People

Travel Square One exists to serve our partner agents and staff with the best resources. We have experience, know how, technology and professionalism.

Bill O'Connor

Bill is the founder and Managing Member of Travel Square One, LLC. He is also the Co-founder & Managing Partner of The Denver Consulting Group, Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in results-oriented change in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. He was also a founder and owner of The Travel Society, and has been in the travel industry since 1966. Prior to 1986, Bill spent almost 20 years in sales, operations and marketing in the airline business, with United, Frontier and others.

His skills fall into two general disciplines of Strategic Business Planning and Organizational Development. They include: Business Planning, Financial Modeling, Marketing, Advertising, Promotion, Pricing, Distribution Strategies, Electronic Distribution Alternatives, Goal Setting, Performance Assessment, Incentives and Compensation.

His personal passions are: Fly-fishing, Mountain Hiking & Camping, Photography, Cooking, his near-mint 1962 MGA, and most of all his wife of 43 years, their four adult children, their spouses and grandchildren. Click here for a full biography.

Anita Barnes

Anita started in the travel business in 1997 after attending Colorado School of Travel. She worked with Paula Wagner, then owner of Travel Square One until it was revamped in 2006. Since that time, as one of the founding shareholders, she has been involved in training, corporate travel and co-managing the office.

Anita's background began in a different arena; the mortgage banking industry, where she was a loan closer and was involved in post closing for a large mortgage bank in the Denver Area. She then moved into commercial banking and was a supervisor in the load department, new accounts and safe deposit departments. Anita is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, with a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. She has two adult children and enjoys running - and most recently competed in two "century" bicycling races.

Jeremiah Donahue

Jeremiah has been working with technology since he was in high school. Trained in electronics and receiving a degree in Network Systems Administration combined with experience he knows his way around our systems. He started working with the travel industry in 1999. Since then has become one of the few technicians that understands how to integrate the CRS systems in the travel industry with contemporary technology platforms.

Besides technology, Jeremiah enjoys time with his wife and children, playing music, fishing, bicycling, and true to his heritage, the occasional adult brew. He has been playing bass guitar since 1986 and currently plays with several local bands.

David Glanz (Destinations Revealed)

David has been planning FIT travel for the past 20 years as an Independent Contractor and principal in his own company, Destinations Revealed, LLC. He is well known and respected in the travel industry for his expertise in Europe, Asia, and particularly Africa – for which he was recognized as a destination expert by Conde Naste.

David has served on the national board of APTA (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa). He is an avid musician and a collector of unusual art and sculpture - much from his travels.

While David arranges all types of travel for his exclusive clientele, he is best known for, and most fond of creating unique, personal international itineraries.

Tammy Hardin

Accredited Cruise Counselor
Destination Specialist
American Express Cruise Specialist

With more than 25 years in travel and an education in teaching, psychology, and coaching, Tammy began her career at People Express Airlines, followed with Continental Airlines, working in airport operations in Customer Service. She moved on to CUC Travel (now Cendant Corp, parent of Galileo and other travel businesses) where she worked initially selling air, car and hotel to “member-only” clientele. Tammy became Cendant’s lead trainer, responsible for all facets of travel as well as the development of training curriculum and materials. She was also instrumental in securing Colorado State accreditation, and as Manager of Training, was responsible for 4 offices.

Tammy left Cendant to join Virginia Horn Travel as Office Manager, where she learned first hand the agency business from “The Denver Travel Expert”. She was then made Office Manager at Frosch Travel Denver Office, who acquired Virginia Horn and has continued to develop her considerable travel knowledge since. Her passion is creating “dreams” for her clients, and she is a certified specialist in Cruises, Caribbean, Mexico – and actually loves doing airfare! In 2010 she received American Express Specialist status in cruising.

Following her first trip to Africa in 2004, Tammy has increasingly become involved in sales and education related to the continent and serves on the Rocky Mountain APTA Board of Directors (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa).

Margaret Beardall

Margaret was born and raised in Marion, Iowa. She has always had a passion for travel and faraway places.

Margaret obtained a Master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in Vermont. After teaching English in Mexico City, Bogota, and Madrid, she moved to Denver in 1979 and began work as a travel counselor. Since then she has traveled to 59 different countries on 6 of the seven continents. She completed her Certified Travel Counselor degree in 1987.

Her favorite leisure activity is singing and performing with The Cherry Creek Chorale.

Lesley Van Biljon (Golf Dream Vacations)

Golf Dream Vacations is Lesley’s dream occupation. She works at and enjoys arranging upscale golf packages for her clients to Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, the USA, Mexico, Caribbean and Canada as well as many other golf destinations around the world.

Lesley was born in South Africa and arrived in the USA with her husband and two children in the mid eighties when he was transferred here on company business. She brings almost twenty years experience in worldwide golf travel to the company and has traveled to her favorite destinations, Scotland and Ireland on many occasions. The most recent, a fact finding thirty day trip in April 2007. She still visits South Africa often to spend time with her family and to enjoy the spectacular country of her birth.

Ann Boyer

Ann is a Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs. Graduated from Colorado University with a BA in teaching and a MA in Guidance and Consulting. She worked in Jefferson County schools until she became a travel agent in 1984.

Ann has traveled to every continent with the exception of Antarctica. She loves working with people and assisting the with vacation travel.

Ann is a past president of the Rocky Mountain APTA Chapter and a former national board member of APTA.

Ann is married with two grown children and 4 grandsons. Her hobbies are hiking , theater, reading and, above all - traveling!

Valerie Sewell

Valerie born in the small village of Kenninghall, England got her start in the travel industry in England more than 25 years ago working for a travel agency who specialized in travel to the US and Canada. She moved to Colorado 15 years ago with her husband, where she started working for an agency in Littleton owned by Elfi Smith who was from Denmark, they are now lifelong friends.

Val specializes in F.I.T travel to Africa & Europe - involving very personalized itineraries focusing on conservation tourism, bed and breakfasts, small inns, unusual hotels, custom tours and safaris and personal restaurant recommendations. She also works with several local corporate clients on behalf of senior staff for both their business and personal travel.

Val serves as Program Administrator for the Rocky Mountain APTA chapter and has been on the Board for several years. She is passionately committed to green tourism causes in Africa and elsewhere and recently successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Valerie is married with 1 daughter. Her hobbies include keeping her chickens, gardening, cooking, soap making, knitting, hiking and fly fishing, as well as being serious birder.

Beth Lincoln (Sinbad Travel)

Years of living in different countries imprinted travel in her life. She enjoys facilitating clients’ journeys beyond the ordinary to experience cultures as well as places. Her interests include horseback riding and assorted adventures, music, art, cooking and meeting new people all over the world.

Beth has many years of experience and expertise in Africa and has served on both local and national APTA boards.

Mandy Lippincott

Mandy is one of those rare Colorado natives - married with two wonderful, busy boys. Hobbies include hiking, biking, camping, truly anything that includes being outside and enjoying the beauties of nature.
With over 13 years as a travel consultant, Mandy delights in making each clients travel special and hassle free. Specializing in small groups and family travel.

Pam Rathke

Pam specializes in small group educational, cultural and adventure travel. She designs and hosts custom tours for alumni, museum, botanic garden, and adventure associations. Although she escorts groups throughout the world, her favorite destination is Africa. Because of this she has recently created a new company, African Art Tours, where safaris take on an art, music, culinary, or botanic twist.

Rachel Gelfer Hornaday(Central America Journeys)
Central America Travel Specialist

A passion for studying indigenous cultures led Rachel to a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Education. In 2003 while on a break from teaching, Rachel spent one month backpacking through Belize and Guatemala. Falling in love with this area of the world, she decided that it was her calling to help other people experience the magic of these countries. Shortly after her return, she joined the travel industry. Rachel was selected in 2006 by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of "Five to Watch" (A List Agents) and has been listed on the American Express Travel Specialist site as the Central America Specialist. Rachel returns to Central America annually to stay up to date on the hotels and tours. She enjoys being able to share her experience with her clients and assisting them in creating the perfect itinerary for their dream journey.

You can find more about Rachel and Central America Journeys at www.centralamericajourneys.com

Elfi Smith

A seasoned industry veteran, Elfi, former owner for many years of Travel Counselors of Littleton, Elfi embarked on her travel career with Thomas Cook and American Express, helping them establish their presence in New York and Denver.

Elfi is very involved in the Littleton, Colorado community - as President of the Bega (Australia) - Littleton sister city, Rotary and extensive community activities. She frequently escorts groups that she has created - traveling to diverse international destinations such as China, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Israel and others - including her native land of Denmark.

She is married to her great friend and partner in life, Dwight, ex-chancellor of the University of Denver and active scientist, both of whom enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Bill Given (The Wild Source)
Bill came to the travel industry a number of years ago, as a natural extension of his extensive experience as a wildlife biologist. As a nationally and internationally recognized expert conducting research world wide, he started including a few fortunate travelers on his trips, which led to organizing them for others. Still very active in his research, Bill is deeply committed to causes of conservation and sustainable travel initiatives.

Bill is married, with three children, living in Golden Colorado. You can read much more about Bill, his research and his travel opportunities by visiting his site at: http://www.thewildsource.com/

Diane Lascor

Diane Lascor has 39 years of travel agency experience, holding many specialist certifications including Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Australia and New Zealand. She is an active member & past Board Member of Rocky Mountain APTA, the Association for the Promotion of Travel to Africa & PROST, an organization of executive women in travel.

Diane has enjoyed travels to Europe, Australia & New Zealand, South America, the Orient and Africa - with her favorite trips being Egypt, China, East Africa - and Windstar Cruising in the Mediterranean.

Paul Oseso
Paul, born and raised in Kenya is a hospitality industry veteran of many years, working for Hilton International, Safari Park Hotel, Birmingham and London Metropole Hotels and as the Asst. General Manager of the world renowned Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi. He was assigned to leadership positions in Egypt, the United Kingdom. He was educated at the Swiss Hotel & Tourism School and the Kenya Utalii College .

Paul and his family immigrated to the United States in March of 2001 where he managed hotels in San Francisco and Palo Alto in California. Amidst his busy schedule, he also pursued a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. His entrepreneurial spirits led him to later owning two Days Inn motels in San Jose, CA. He disposed of both properties two years ago. Paul is also the Founder and Co-Founder of a hotel consultancy firm and hotel and institution supplies company/
He is very active in Rotary International, a member of Tiba Foundation, and volunteer work in the Palo Alto area. He resides in Santa Clara, California and is an avid reader and occasional golfer.

Paul specializes in African safari experiences applying his unique knowledge and background steeped in personal passion for the cultures, the wildlife and the amazing beauty of the continent.

His complete bio can be reached by clicking here.

Paula Wagner

Paula has been called Methuselah on more than one occasion, and understandably so; she has been in the travel business since 1956, and refuses to leave. She has seen the best and the worst of it all. One evening after an industry meeting she had cocktails with a new found friend who explained how her father started American Airlines, and the early mail routes. It made Paula aware of how many changes have happened in so short a time.

Paula considers her contributions in Travel Education to be the hallmark of her career, and also her greatest enjoyment. She started Colorado School of Travel in 1982, and only opened the agency to obtain CRTs for the student’s use. One evening she bought 12 old CRT’s from an agency owner, and had to get ARC appointments to plug them in!

She enjoyed writing her own curriculum. Several of her student manuals were published for national distribution.. She excelled in both domestic and international tariff, loving what many thought pure misery. Paula helped ASTA and IATAN do international tariff training in the Western US after deregulation caused a major change in the international tariff rules. She was the first proprietary school owner to sit on the board of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators, bringing a face and voice to the many trade schools throughout the country to the higher education arena.

So now in her “mid-life” career she is truly enjoying helping train her friends and partners in travel in the use of Client Base and other new computer based programs that want to bring organization to the messy old agent desk of past.

At home she loves her two schnauzers, silk ribbon embroidery and making porcelain dolls…..oh, and also her kids and grandkids.

Sheridan Samano (Reefs to Rockies)

Sheridan has fond memories of flipping through National Geographic magazines as a child and dreaming of traveling to far away places to observe the animals staring out from those pages. After attaining degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Science and Biology and working on multiple research projects studying plant/animal interactions in the field, Sheridan took a teaching position at the Community College of Aurora in 2001 and at the Denver Botanic Gardens in 2002. Sheridan loves sharing her enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship with students in the classroom and while guiding trips locally and abroad.

Sheridan has always wanted to lend a hand in wildlife conservation. However, it wasn’t until her first trip to Costa Rica in 2004 that she was inspired to use tourism as a conservation tool. Peregrine Tours was formed two years later and renamed Reefs to Rockies, LLC in 2009. Sheridan believes that tourism, when done sustainably, can aid in conservation while benefiting local communities. This is now Reefs to Rockies’ primary mission. With Reefs to Rockies, Sheridan is able to combine her passions for wildlife conservation and education every day; and, her childhood dream of traveling to faraway places to see awe-inspiring wildlife is a reality.

You can read more in detail about Sheridan at www.reefstorockies.com

Ownership and service gives us the strength to empower agents.

	Bill O'Connor Bill is the founder and Managing Member of Travel Square One, LLC. He is also the Co-founder & Managing Partner of The Denver Consulting Group, Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in results-oriented change in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. He was also a founder and owner of The Travel Society, and has been in the travel industry since 1966. Prior to 1986, Bill spent almost 20 years in sales, operations and marketing in the airline business, with United, Frontier and others. His skills fall into two general disciplines of Strategic Business Planning and Organizational Development. They include: Business Planning, Financial Modeling, Marketing, Advertising, Promotion, Pricing, Distribution Strategies, Electronic Distribution Alternatives, Goal Setting, Performance Assessment, Incentives and Compensation. His personal passions are: Fly-fishing, Mountain Hiking & Camping, Photography, Cooking, his near-mint 1962 MGA, and most of all his wife of 43 years, their four adult children, their spouses and grandchildren. Click here for a full biography.
	Anita Barnes Anita started in the travel business in 1997 after attending Colorado School of Travel. She worked with Paula Wagner, then owner of Travel Square One until it was revamped in 2006. Since that time, as one of the founding shareholders, she has been involved in training, corporate travel and co-managing the office. Anita's background began in a different arena; the mortgage banking industry, where she was a loan closer and was involved in post closing for a large mortgage bank in the Denver Area. She then moved into commercial banking and was a supervisor in the load department, new accounts and safe deposit departments. Anita is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, with a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. She has two adult children and enjoys running - and most recently competed in two "century" bicycling races.

	Jeremiah Donahue Jeremiah has been working with technology since he was in high school. Trained in electronics and receiving a degree in Network Systems Administration combined with experience he knows his way around our systems. He started working with the travel industry in 1999. Since then has become one of the few technicians that understands how to integrate the CRS systems in the travel industry with contemporary technology platforms. Besides technology, Jeremiah enjoys time with his wife and children, playing music, fishing, bicycling, and true to his heritage, the occasional adult brew. He has been playing bass guitar since 1986 and currently plays with several local bands.
	David Glanz (Destinations Revealed) David has been planning FIT travel for the past 20 years as an Independent Contractor and principal in his own company, Destinations Revealed, LLC. He is well known and respected in the travel industry for his expertise in Europe, Asia, and particularly Africa – for which he was recognized as a destination expert by Conde Naste. David has served on the national board of APTA (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa). He is an avid musician and a collector of unusual art and sculpture - much from his travels. While David arranges all types of travel for his exclusive clientele, he is best known for, and most fond of creating unique, personal international itineraries.
	Tammy Hardin Accredited Cruise Counselor Destination Specialist American Express Cruise Specialist With more than 25 years in travel and an education in teaching, psychology, and coaching, Tammy began her career at People Express Airlines, followed with Continental Airlines, working in airport operations in Customer Service. She moved on to CUC Travel (now Cendant Corp, parent of Galileo and other travel businesses) where she worked initially selling air, car and hotel to “member-only” clientele. Tammy became Cendant’s lead trainer, responsible for all facets of travel as well as the development of training curriculum and materials. She was also instrumental in securing Colorado State accreditation, and as Manager of Training, was responsible for 4 offices. Tammy left Cendant to join Virginia Horn Travel as Office Manager, where she learned first hand the agency business from “The Denver Travel Expert”. She was then made Office Manager at Frosch Travel Denver Office, who acquired Virginia Horn and has continued to develop her considerable travel knowledge since. Her passion is creating “dreams” for her clients, and she is a certified specialist in Cruises, Caribbean, Mexico – and actually loves doing airfare! In 2010 she received American Express Specialist status in cruising. Following her first trip to Africa in 2004, Tammy has increasingly become involved in sales and education related to the continent and serves on the Rocky Mountain APTA Board of Directors (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa).
	Margaret Beardall Margaret was born and raised in Marion, Iowa. She has always had a passion for travel and faraway places. Margaret obtained a Master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in Vermont. After teaching English in Mexico City, Bogota, and Madrid, she moved to Denver in 1979 and began work as a travel counselor. Since then she has traveled to 59 different countries on 6 of the seven continents. She completed her Certified Travel Counselor degree in 1987. Her favorite leisure activity is singing and performing with The Cherry Creek Chorale.
	Lesley Van Biljon (Golf Dream Vacations) Golf Dream Vacations is Lesley’s dream occupation. She works at and enjoys arranging upscale golf packages for her clients to Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, the USA, Mexico, Caribbean and Canada as well as many other golf destinations around the world. Lesley was born in South Africa and arrived in the USA with her husband and two children in the mid eighties when he was transferred here on company business. She brings almost twenty years experience in worldwide golf travel to the company and has traveled to her favorite destinations, Scotland and Ireland on many occasions. The most recent, a fact finding thirty day trip in April 2007. She still visits South Africa often to spend time with her family and to enjoy the spectacular country of her birth.
	Ann Boyer Ann is a Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs. Graduated from Colorado University with a BA in teaching and a MA in Guidance and Consulting. She worked in Jefferson County schools until she became a travel agent in 1984. Ann has traveled to every continent with the exception of Antarctica. She loves working with people and assisting the with vacation travel. Ann is a past president of the Rocky Mountain APTA Chapter and a former national board member of APTA. Ann is married with two grown children and 4 grandsons. Her hobbies are hiking , theater, reading and, above all - traveling!
	Valerie Sewell Valerie born in the small village of Kenninghall, England got her start in the travel industry in England more than 25 years ago working for a travel agency who specialized in travel to the US and Canada. She moved to Colorado 15 years ago with her husband, where she started working for an agency in Littleton owned by Elfi Smith who was from Denmark, they are now lifelong friends. Val specializes in F.I.T travel to Africa & Europe - involving very personalized itineraries focusing on conservation tourism, bed and breakfasts, small inns, unusual hotels, custom tours and safaris and personal restaurant recommendations. She also works with several local corporate clients on behalf of senior staff for both their business and personal travel. Val serves as Program Administrator for the Rocky Mountain APTA chapter and has been on the Board for several years. She is passionately committed to green tourism causes in Africa and elsewhere and recently successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Valerie is married with 1 daughter. Her hobbies include keeping her chickens, gardening, cooking, soap making, knitting, hiking and fly fishing, as well as being serious birder.
	Beth Lincoln (Sinbad Travel) Years of living in different countries imprinted travel in her life. She enjoys facilitating clients’ journeys beyond the ordinary to experience cultures as well as places. Her interests include horseback riding and assorted adventures, music, art, cooking and meeting new people all over the world. Beth has many years of experience and expertise in Africa and has served on both local and national APTA boards.
	Mandy Lippincott Mandy is one of those rare Colorado natives - married with two wonderful, busy boys. Hobbies include hiking, biking, camping, truly anything that includes being outside and enjoying the beauties of nature. With over 13 years as a travel consultant, Mandy delights in making each clients travel special and hassle free. Specializing in small groups and family travel.
	Pam Rathke Pam specializes in small group educational, cultural and adventure travel. She designs and hosts custom tours for alumni, museum, botanic garden, and adventure associations. Although she escorts groups throughout the world, her favorite destination is Africa. Because of this she has recently created a new company, African Art Tours, where safaris take on an art, music, culinary, or botanic twist.
	Rachel Gelfer Hornaday(Central America Journeys) Central America Travel Specialist A passion for studying indigenous cultures led Rachel to a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Education. In 2003 while on a break from teaching, Rachel spent one month backpacking through Belize and Guatemala. Falling in love with this area of the world, she decided that it was her calling to help other people experience the magic of these countries. Shortly after her return, she joined the travel industry. Rachel was selected in 2006 by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of "Five to Watch" (A List Agents) and has been listed on the American Express Travel Specialist site as the Central America Specialist. Rachel returns to Central America annually to stay up to date on the hotels and tours. She enjoys being able to share her experience with her clients and assisting them in creating the perfect itinerary for their dream journey. You can find more about Rachel and Central America Journeys at www.centralamericajourneys.com
	Elfi Smith A seasoned industry veteran, Elfi, former owner for many years of Travel Counselors of Littleton, Elfi embarked on her travel career with Thomas Cook and American Express, helping them establish their presence in New York and Denver. Elfi is very involved in the Littleton, Colorado community - as President of the Bega (Australia) - Littleton sister city, Rotary and extensive community activities. She frequently escorts groups that she has created - traveling to diverse international destinations such as China, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Israel and others - including her native land of Denmark. She is married to her great friend and partner in life, Dwight, ex-chancellor of the University of Denver and active scientist, both of whom enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

	Bill Given (The Wild Source) Bill came to the travel industry a number of years ago, as a natural extension of his extensive experience as a wildlife biologist. As a nationally and internationally recognized expert conducting research world wide, he started including a few fortunate travelers on his trips, which led to organizing them for others. Still very active in his research, Bill is deeply committed to causes of conservation and sustainable travel initiatives. Bill is married, with three children, living in Golden Colorado. You can read much more about Bill, his research and his travel opportunities by visiting his site at: http://www.thewildsource.com/
	Diane Lascor Diane Lascor has 39 years of travel agency experience, holding many specialist certifications including Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Australia and New Zealand. She is an active member & past Board Member of Rocky Mountain APTA, the Association for the Promotion of Travel to Africa & PROST, an organization of executive women in travel. Diane has enjoyed travels to Europe, Australia & New Zealand, South America, the Orient and Africa - with her favorite trips being Egypt, China, East Africa - and Windstar Cruising in the Mediterranean.
	Paul Oseso Paul, born and raised in Kenya is a hospitality industry veteran of many years, working for Hilton International, Safari Park Hotel, Birmingham and London Metropole Hotels and as the Asst. General Manager of the world renowned Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi. He was assigned to leadership positions in Egypt, the United Kingdom. He was educated at the Swiss Hotel & Tourism School and the Kenya Utalii College . Paul and his family immigrated to the United States in March of 2001 where he managed hotels in San Francisco and Palo Alto in California. Amidst his busy schedule, he also pursued a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. His entrepreneurial spirits led him to later owning two Days Inn motels in San Jose, CA. He disposed of both properties two years ago. Paul is also the Founder and Co-Founder of a hotel consultancy firm and hotel and institution supplies company/ He is very active in Rotary International, a member of Tiba Foundation, and volunteer work in the Palo Alto area. He resides in Santa Clara, California and is an avid reader and occasional golfer. Paul specializes in African safari experiences applying his unique knowledge and background steeped in personal passion for the cultures, the wildlife and the amazing beauty of the continent. His complete bio can be reached by clicking here.