Our Team

Nancy Strong, CTC | CEO
nstrong@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6902

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Nancy Strong

Nancy Strong, one of the Founders of Strong Travel, has been in the industry over 35 years. Nancy has traveled the world and has flown on everything from the Concorde to a first class cabin on the A380 and has ridden on everything from an ostrich to a camel. Nancy enjoys planning itineraries for her clients with all her worldwide experience and relationships.

Jim Strong, CTC, ACC | President
jim@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6901 | C: 972-900-3401

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Jim Strong

One of America’s leading luxury travel consultants, Jim Strong is the President of Strong Travel Services in Dallas, Texas, a Virtuoso member agency.  His unparalleled experience and travel insights are sought by an exclusive clientele that includes prominent names in sports, business and entertainment.  Jim travels extensively throughout the world selecting and vetting unique hotels, villas and destinations for his clients so that their travel always becomes a celebration of life’s moments. Jim is the author of two luxury travel books and creator/producer of an off-Broadway play “Craving for Travel” in 2014. Recently he was featured in the BBC documentary “Hotel for the Super-rich and Famous” about the Corinthia Hotel in London.  He also was featured in the wide release major motion picture documentary on the Carlyle Hotel “Always at the Carlyle”.  He is a Certified Travel Counselor and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. Jim serves on many industry advisory boards such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Accor Hotels, IHG Hotels, Aman Hotels & Travel + Leisure Magazine.  He currently enjoys working as part of 3 generations of the Strong family in focusing the company towards the future of Luxury Travel.   

James Strong II, CTIE
Office Coordinator
james@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6915 | C: 972-824-6644

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James Strong

After many years of traveling the globe with his family James attended the University of Mississippi, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. In August 2016 he joined Strong Travel as an office coordinator with experience from many internships around the world. He looks forward to being a great asset to the travel industry in the future.

Sandy Freeland, CTA
Corporate Travel Consultant
sfreeland@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6909 | C: 972-900-1034

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Sandy Freeland

As an agent in the travel industry for over 30 years, Sandy has experienced the evolution of the travel industry. She assists the business and corporate community with planning and time managing for domestic and international travels. Working with Strong Travel since 2009 has allowed her the opportunity to also assist travelers with their leisure trips, bucket lists, holiday travels and vacation journeys.

Natalie Monzingo, CTA, ACC
Leisure Travel Consultant
natalie@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6923 | C: 214-717-7277

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Natalie Stroube

Natalie is a native Texan and has been in the travel industry for over 21 years. She started as a Reservations Agent for a large Tour Company and has been with Strong Travel for over 10 years. She has had the opportunity to travel the world and to learn the importance of service and details required by her upscale clients. She enjoys handling luxury adventures all over the world but is an expert at arranging private, custom trips to Europe. Natalie has earned her CTA Designation and ACC Designation as well as completed many other expert programs.

Daniel Scher, CTC
Corporate Travel Consultant
daniel@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6908 | C: 281-352-7773

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Daniel Scher

Dan began working with Strong Travel in October, 2016, from a career as a Corporate Travel Consultant in Houston since 1994. He has a BBA in Operations Management from University of Houston and CTC from The Travel Institute. He has worked on SABRE his entire career and has a corporate travel management focus.

Stephanie House, CTA
Leisure Travel Consultant
stephanie@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6924 | C: 972-900-3408

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Stephanie House

Stephanie was born and raised in Illinois and graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has lived in Dallas the past 19 years and has been in the travel business for over 35 years handling trips all over the world. Stephanie enjoys sending clients to many interesting and beautiful destinations as she feels travel is a life experience for her clients.

Angela Burns, CTA
Travel Consultant
angela@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6905 | C: 972-900-3843

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Angela Burns

Angela joined Strong Travel with an already established history of service to luxury clientele. Working as the Executive Assistant to Jim Strong, president of Strong Travel, Angela parlays her experience into creating world-class travel experiences for the firm’s most discerning customers. In 2016 she earned her accreditation as a Certified Travel Advisor.

Amanda Garcia-Slater, CTA
Leisure Travel Consultant
amanda@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6904 | C: 972-900-1089

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Amanda Garcia-Slater

Amanda has been in the travel industry for 35 years. Her experience includes working with airline, hotels and travel agencies. Amanda is a Certified Travel Associate. She increases product knowledge by traveling extensively and enjoys meeting clients and working with them to develop the trip they envision.

Valerie Reese, CTC
Leisure Travel Consultant
valerie@strongtravel.com
O:214.258.6917  |  C: 903.316.6055

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Valerie Reese

Toni Ponczek, CTA
Corporate Travel Consultant
toni@strongtravel.com
O: 214-523-6439 | C: 214-536-7143

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Toni Ponczek

Toni lives in Arlington, Texas with her husband of 35 years, Mike, and our three dogs. She enjoys travel of any kind, walking, music, family and friends. “I can honestly say I enjoy my work everyday!” Toni’s clients travel to a city for business or somewhere wonderful to get away and relax, knowing from departure to return, a travel challenge or just a familiar voice, she is a phone call, email or text away.

Britta Ward, CTA
Corporate Travel Consultant
Britta@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6911 | C: 817-899-6648

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Britta Ward

Clark Mitchell, CTA
Cruise Specialist & Finance
Clark@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6906 | C: 214-695-8911

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Clark Mitchell

After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising, Clark went to work for a small retail travel agency in 1981. He was hired in 1987 by United Airlines at DFW as a customer service agent and quickly advanced to Account Executive/Travel Agency Sales. In 1995 Clark joined DFW Tours, a national consolidator and tour wholesaler until joining GTT International as the manager for Transatlantic and South Pacific Markets. He joined Strong Travel in 2009, dealing with client relations and finance. Clark is also a Virtuoso Voyages cruise host on many sailings around the globe.

Karen Conditt, CTA
Leisure Travel Consultant
Karen@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6916 | C: 469-688-5566

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Karen Conditt

Larkin White
Travel Coordinator
larkin@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6926 | C: 662-275-0904

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Larkin White

Jennie Holden
Travel Consultant & ARC Specialist
Jennie@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6907 | C: 214-707-3870

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Jennie Holden

Jennie has over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry. She has been a Strong Travel team member for over 10 years, and continues to sell and promote luxury travel.

Liz Tarrant
Affiliate Team Coordinator
Liz@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6918 | C: 469-774-3026

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Liz Tarrant

Lisa Sevier
Leisure Travel Consultant
lisa@strongtravel.com
O: 214-361-0027 | C: 443-858-9309

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Lisa Sevier

Sarah Lowes
Assistant to Nancy & Jim Strong
sarah@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6927 | C:469-328-7078

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Sarah Lowes

Bonnie Clark
Travel Consultant
Bonnie@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6912 | C: 817-800-1641

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Bonnie Clark

Zack Shumway, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
See The Seven LLC
Zack@strongtravel.com
C: 407-775-0480

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Zack Shumway

Ellie Sims, CTA, ACC
Independent Travel Consultant
ellie@strongtravel.com
C: 214-577-2032

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Ellie Sims

Travel revives Ellie’s sense of excitement and adventure; whether it is following the Kansas Jayhawks or cruising the Seven Seas. Following the demise of Braniff International, she “tiptoed” into another segment of the travel world: luxury travel advisor. Crafting experience driven itineraries for discerning travelers creates memories that last a lifetime, and she loves it!

Jim Gauthier, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Arts World Travel LLC
jgauthier@strongtravel.com
C: 214-564-7523

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Jim Gauthier

Jim Gauthier, DMA, MFA, CTA, is dedicated to sharing his love of the arts, history, and culture through unique luxury travel experiences. In addition to being a world traveler himself, Dr. Gauthier is a former university music professor, symphony orchestra musician, and art enthusiast who is able to bring a broad base of professional experience and a high level of expertise to the travel industry. Whether working with individuals, non-profit arts organizations, a family, or a group of friends who love to explore the world, he brings a unique perspective to the planning and implementation of any journey.

Jennifer Ruk, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Jennifer Ruk Travel LLC
jennifer@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6922 | C: 214-457-6329

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Jennifer Ruk

Married for 20 years and the mother of three, Jennifer came into the travel industry with a desire to provide unique travel opportunities for an exclusive list of clients. Formerly an elementary school teacher and stay at home mom, her love for travel and goal-oriented personality inspired her new career. Her client list includes politicians, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and artists. Planning family travel is a major element of her daily routine as she views the education of travel as an enriching life experience.

Steve Harris, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Travel Provocateur LLC
steve@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6903 | C: 214-923-9920

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Steve Harris

Steve has been a travel industry professional for over 27 years and with Strong Travel for 20 of those. He excels in city stays with a pulse on the latest hot spots for dining, entertainment and cultural activities. Steve can usually be found enjoying live music, food, wine, and Formula 1 and Moto GP racing.

Amy Spence
Independent Travel Consultant
Amy’s Travel LLC
amy@strongtravel.com
C: 214-731-4858

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Amy Spence

Growing up, Amy’s family enjoyed many road trips throughout the country, but the travel bug really bit when she travelled Europe for the first time at age 13. In high school she spent an eye-opening summer in Calcutta as an exchange student, travelling India and learning the culture from a host family. Amy began her travel career in the very early 80’s with the Dallas Cowboys. She thrives on the fast paced world of corporate travel, and treasures the time she spends creating memorable vacations for clients..

Andrew Rocchio, CTA, ASA
Independent Travel Consultant
Andrew Rocchio Travel LLC
andrew@strongtravel.com
C: 469-237-6964

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Andrew Rocchio

Ane Lowe, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Hungry Digital Media LLC
Ane@strongtravel.com
C: 956-648-5643

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Ane Lowe

Susan Frapart, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Frapstravel LLC
frapstravel@gmail.com
C: 972-839-5813

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Susan Frapart

Susan has been a leisure travel consultant for 20 years. Her early focus as an agent was with family vacation planning including cruises, Disney, ski trips and beach vacations. Her expertise today includes honeymoons, multigenerational travel and luxury travel including private and small group experiences. She is just as enthusiastic to visit with you about a trip to any city, USA as she is to help you plan a bucket list trip for an African safari .

Dennis Nienkerk, CTA
Independent Cruise Consultant
dennisn@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6919

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Dennis Nienkerk

Dennis, who grew up on a Minnesota farm, has over 40 years’ sales experience, including 25 years in commercial real estate and 15 years as a luxury cruise specialist. He has been on over 60 cruises on all major luxury and premium cruise lines and has visited over 100 countries around the world. He passion is advising and consulting with his clients to find and design the perfect cruise vacation for their needs and interests.

Jody Rains, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
JAR Travel LLC
jody@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6910 | C: 214-259-6596

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Jody Rains

Jody worked with Braniff Airlines before starting her travel career with a travel agency. She initially worked with large corporate accounts and owned a leisure agency for several years. For almost the last 7 years she has been with Strong Travel as a Leisure Travel Consultant. Jody enjoys helping individuals and large, multi-generational family groups put together trips which will give them the memories of a lifetime.

Kris Nelson, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Kris Nelson Travel LLC
Kris@strongtravel.com
C: 817-296-3387

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Martha Merle
Independent Travel Consultant
Martha Merle Travel LLC
Martha@strongtravel.com
C: 617-851-8769

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Martha Merle

Martha caught the travel bug during a childhood family trip through Kenya. From there, she sought every travel opportunity available, including studying abroad in England and Italy. Travel highlights to date include two trips to Nepal, honeymooning in New Zealand, and visiting nearly 40 countries overall. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Martha has lived all over the U.S. including Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Northern and Southern California and she now resides in Wellesley, MA, with her husband and two young children.

Haleigh Scott, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Next Exit Travels LLC
Haleigh@strongtravel.com
C: 214-663-5691

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Haleigh Scott

Nancy Dodson, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Upon a Dream Travel LLC
Nancyd@strongtravel.com
C: 214-505-9048

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Nancy Dodson

Brenda Tosso, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Brenda’s Adventure Travel LLC
brenda@strongtravel.com
C: 214-668-6419

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Brenda Tosso

With over 20 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, this is truly Brenda’s dream job! Her passion for travel means she’s comfortable in many places – from backpacking through Europe to enjoying a luxury cruise. Brenda specializes in cruise travel and active travel; however, if food and wine are your passion, she’ll work with you to design a fabulous foodie adventure. I value experiences over ‘things’ and know your time is precious, so I strive to make your vacation an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Candis Varnell, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
Booked! LLC
Candis@strongtravel.com
C: 662-801-3118

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Candis Varnell

Patsy Martin, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
patsy@strongtravel.com
C: 214-363-8161

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Patsy Martin

Patsy has been in the luxury travel business for over 30 years. Since her days as a flight attendant for an international airline, she has always loved to travel and experience new places and to meet interesting new people. Patsy’s expertise is selling river and ocean cruises, destination weddings and honeymoons, and international travel for small groups or individuals.

Barbara Saffle, CTA
Independent Travel Consultant
barbara@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6914

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Barbara Saffle

The opportunity to work as a travel agent was Barbara’s dream come true. Her 40-year career in travel includes escorting groups to Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean, and taking clients on cruises. She counts it a privilege to work in such an exciting and interesting job and has spent 16 years of her career at Strong Travel. After being a stay at home wife and mother she wanted to work at something that would never be boring. Being a travel agent is perfect – every day has a whole new story to tell.

Marty Butler, CTC
Independent Travel Consultant
marty@strongtravel.com
C: 512-940-2209

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Marty Butler

Mary Hadden, CTC
Imagination Travel Consultants
haddenma@austin.rr.com
C: 512-496-7727

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Mary Hadden

Mary has been in the travel business for 35 years. She has started and owned two agencies and managed three agencies in the Austin area. She received her CTC from the Travel Institute in 1986 and has been associated with Strong Travel as an independent travel consultant since 2004. Mary has traveled extensively, does individual and group bookings, and loves helping people fulfill their dreams.

Joan Kerr
Independent Travel Consultant
joan@strongtravel.com
O: 214-258-6913

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Joan Kerr

Growing up and spending many years in far west Texas on a Cattle Ranch near El Paso, it was time to take wings and venture into the “wild blue yonder.” As a former airline stewardess, Joan knew travel would always be part of her life, even though there were a few detours along the way. Once she and her husband were empty-nesters, she decided it was time to get back into the one thing she loves most: travel. With cruising as a specialty, Joan has managed to visit all seven continents in her 35 years as a travel consultant.

Julie Chaump
Independent Travel Consultant
Travel Vacations
julie@strongtravel.com
C: 214-342-9045

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Julie Chaump

With over 23 years of experience selling luxury travel, Julie finds great passion within her specialty of private jet journeys around the world. She has travelled extensively to select areas in Europe, Asia, South Pacific, Mexico and the Caribbean. A graduate of the University of Memphis Business School, she currently resides in Dallas where she lives with her husband and three children. Julie is also an owner of a Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise.

Susie Wiginton
Independent Travel Consultant
susie@strongtravel.com
C: 214-435-8472

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Susie Wiginton

Marilyn Creasey
Independent Travel Consultant
M. Creasey Luxury Travel LLC
mcreasey@luxury-travel.biz
C: 214-382-3820

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Marilyn Creasey

Pam Scott
Independent Travel Consultant
pamr@strongtravel.com
C: 512-672-9878

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Pam Scott

Pam Scott is part of the Independent Agent team at Strong Travel. Her travel agent career spans more than 30 years, most of it spent working in Austin, Texas. She has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Pam has experience in both leisure and corporate travel. She currently resides in the Hill Country community of Mason, Texas.

Bernie Thomas
Independent Travel Consultant
Navigator Travel Services LLC
bernie@strongtravel.com
C: 940-367-6358

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Bernie Thomas

Heather Blond
Independent Travel Consultant
Elevate Global Executive Services LLC
Heather@strongtravel.com
C: 917-626-1239

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Heather Blond

Stephen Harris
Independent Travel Consultant
stephen@strongtravel.com
C: 214-729-3567

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Stephen Harris

Stephen is an Accredited Cruise Counselor with over 25 years in the travel industry. He has been on over 80 cruises and traveled to a large part of the world. Each cruise experience has given him valuable insight and knowledge that he passes along to clients. He continues to educate himself through personal travel, specifically cruise lines training courses, industry seminars and client feedback.

Meagan Minyard
Independent Travel Consultant
Meagan@strongtravel.com
C: 214-500-6647

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Meagan Minyard

Anne Connally
Independent Travel Consultant
Villas and Vines
Anne@strongtravel.com
C: 214-558-7748

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Anne Connally

Rebecca Kerr
Independent Contractor
rebecca@strongtravel.com
C: 214-908-4808

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Rebecca Kerr

Rebecca’s global upbringing allows her a unique understanding of people & business. Rebecca brings over 14 years of professional experience grounded with a Marketing degree from Baylor University. Her passion for luxury travel & experience has led her to be an agent for those seeking the ultimate in elite custom travel.

Abbey Rains
Leisure Travel Consultant
Abbey@strongtravel.com
C: 214-259-6594

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Abbey Rains