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Member Highlights

Celebrating the Strength of TAICEP’s Global Community: Welcoming New Voices, Honoring Trusted Expertise

TAICEP proudly celebrates the vibrant diversity of our international credential evaluation community—from the fresh perspectives of new members to the enduring contributions of seasoned professionals. As our network grows, we recognize the value of both innovation and experience in shaping the future of our field. Join us in welcoming new colleagues and honoring those whose dedication continues to inspire collaboration, mentorship, and excellence across the globe.


Name: Megan Gesell

Organization: TAICEP

About Me: If I am not at my desk, you will probably find me mowing the lawn or out riding a horse. In the evenings, there is usually a cat—or sometimes two—curled up on my lap.

I am originally from northern Minnesota, but over the years I have lived in Marietta, Georgia; Hoffman Estates, Illinois; and South Padre Island, Texas. Eventually, I missed my family and the vibrant fall colors enough to return to northern Minnesota—though I definitely did not miss the snow or those -30°F winters!

For the past 10 years, my husband and I have enjoyed a wonderful seasonal rhythm: summers in northern Minnesota and winters in southern Arizona. We bring our horses with us, which means I get to ride year-round—something I am incredibly grateful for.

I have also been fortunate to travel to Canada, Iceland, England, New Zealand, and Mexico. Each trip has deepened my love for meeting new people and exploring different cultures.

My Role at TAICEP: I began working for TAICEP in March 2023. My official title is Wiki & IT Support Manager, but my role continues to grow and evolve. I manage our internal wiki, databases, and websites, and I coordinate email campaigns and social media outreach. I also support planning for our annual conference, contribute to committee projects, assist with newsletter and training initiatives, and help maintain a strong and engaging digital presence.

One of my favorite parts of the job is helping plan the annual TAICEP conference. I genuinely enjoy event planning, and traveling to each conference location is a wonderful bonus. Getting to see everyone in person is always a highlight of the year! (Is anyone packing for Croatia yet? I am!)

My Journey in Education: My passion for international education began in college, where I worked in the study abroad and international programs office and had the opportunity to study abroad in Iceland. After graduation, I held various roles in international admissions and marketing, including working with Robert Prather—still my favorite boss to this day. Getting the chance to work with him again and be part of the TAICEP family has been truly special. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is reconnecting with the international education community.

Looking Forward: As I continue growing with TAICEP, I’m excited about the opportunities to collaborate, learn, and contribute to meaningful projects that support our global community. Being part of an organization that values connection, innovation, and support makes every day fulfilling. I look forward to what’s ahead and to continuing this journey with such an inspiring group of professionals.


Name: Robert Prather

Organization: TAICEP

How long have you been a member of TAICEP? 10+ Years

A Kentucky, USA native, I’m the Executive Director for TAICEP, a role I have proudly held for over a decade and for which I owe an eternal debt of gratitude to Margit Schatzman. I currently live in Harrodsburg, KY (on the river Dix), not far from my hometown of Lexington.

My Role at TAICEP: My main job is to keep the organization running smoothly, enabling our members and volunteers to flourish and ensuring the organization’s success. The most rewarding part of my work is collaborating with our fantastically talented and generous volunteers from around the world. Their commitment to advancing our profession is what makes this organization so special.

If I had to describe TAICEP in just a few words, it would be: Supports our profession.

My Journey in Education: I’ve been working in education since 1984, when I started my career at the University of Kentucky. While my first role was in high school correspondence and other university auxiliary programs, I soon found my calling in the world of international education. Over the last 40 years in public, for-profit, and non-profit organizations, I’ve had the chance to explore nearly every facet of the field—from international admissions, recruitment, marketing, immigration, study abroad programs, to evaluating credentials and managing a credential evaluation agency.
 
Beyond the Desk: When I’m not focused on TAICEP, you can usually find me:
  • Reading: I am currently jumping between George Saunders’ “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain” and Morgan Housel’s “The Psychology of Money.”
  • Media Scrolling: I enjoy following a range of thinkers on social media, such as Tom Bilyeu, Mo Gawdat, Neil Howe, Michael Every, and Geoffrey Hinton, for their thought-provoking ideas (even if I don’t always agree with them!).
  • Watching late-night YouTube videos: My go-to at 3 a.m. is watching people build almost anything…such as cabins in remote corners of the world or mesmerizing, ear-tickling ASMR videos of chefs whacking and clacking out beautiful dishes in their woks.  (Hey, it’s 3 a.m… it doesn’t have to make sense.)
  • Listening to Music: My tastes vary from traditional and folk to uplifting and soothing. I avoid “nervous” jazz/classical, talking, angry, or irritatingly repetitive music. 
One Wish to Make the World a Better Place: Reimagine sports, arts, and entertainment by replacing the centralized, spectator, commercial model with one rooted in decentralized, hands-on, and whole-community engagement.

 
 
 
 
Just in case you are wondering, the one I hold nearest is Ash.
He’s my 13-year-old Cairn terrier, and the best dog in the whole world.
 
 
 
 
Looking Ahead: My plan for retirement? To be alive, functioning, and adaptable.

Name: Susan Mertz

Organization: Purdue University, USA

What inspired you to join the TAICEP community? A coworker! I have worked with international transcripts for several years, but it was nice to find a community specifically for it!

How would you summarize TAICEP in a single word? Community

What’s your favorite/most useful thing about TAICEP so far? I really appreciate the community of skilled people who are so willing to offer help and advice about what can be a very grey-area profession at times. Even if I don’t often participate, I love reading the emails about specific transcripts and attending the informational webinars.

Is there anything else you want to share with the community about yourself? My favorite food is chocolate! Anything chocolate.


Name: Karin Christoph Brown

Organization: One Earth International Credential Evaluations, USA

How long have you been a member of TAICEP? 10+ Years

How would you summarize TAICEP in a single word? Indispensable

The best part of being a member of TAICEP? The collegial community!

Have you been involved in any events or activities with TAICEP? TAICEP Committee and TAICEP Conference Committee

Is there anything else you want to share with the community about yourself? Growth and comfort do not coexist: Be bold, stay curious, keep learning, get involved! Some of the best adventures, both personal and professional, come from the fringes, or further, of one’s comfort zone. I am grateful to my TAICEP colleagues, who challenge me in the best ways, support me unconditionally, and who are like chosen family in this professional home.


Name: Aysel Karimli

Hometown: Baku, Azerbaijan

Organization: QuadraBay, United Arab Emirates

The place you currently call home: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

How long have you been a member of TAICEP? 2-5 Years

The best part of being a member of TAICEP? The best part of being a member of TAICEP is the access to a global network of credential evaluation professionals, which helps me learn best practices and stay updated with international standards. It also offers excellent opportunities for networking and building meaningful professional connections.

Have you been involved in any events or activities with TAICEP? Member of TAICEP Director & Board Committee and TAICEP Conference Committee

How would you summarize TAICEP in a single word? Networking

Is there anything else you want to share with the community about yourself? Having lived and studied in Glasgow, it was a perfect feeling to return after ten years and present at the TAICEP annual meeting held there. This year, I am excited to continue that journey by presenting in Croatia. TAICEP has been an incredible space for professional growth and collaboration. My advice to new TAICEP members is to be engaged, reach out, and take advantage of the support within this global community.


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