About Spirit Cultural Exchange

A BridgeUSA (J-1 Visa) Program Sponsor

Spirit Cultural Exchange is designated by the United States Department of State as a BridgeUSA J-1 Visa Program Sponsor for the Summer Work and Travel, Intern, Trainee, and Teacher Exchange Visitor Programs. As an organization with over 20 years of experience monitoring thousands of BridgeUSA exchange participants annually in the United States, we understand power of cultural exchange.

Our mission is to encourage young people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds to take advantage of the extraordinary benefits of international exchange. Through travel, work experience and the sharing of ideas and perspectives, Spirit participants gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them – working together to develop a “spirit” of international peace and understanding.

Staffed by professionals with many years of experience in cultural exchange, Spirit Cultural Exchange provides program participants with the personal attention and extra support necessary to make each experience the best it can be.

Spirit Cultural Exchange is a member of the Alliance for International Exchange, WYSE Travel Confederation, and Americans for Cultural Exchange.

Memberships & Partners

Senior Management

Richard Baader

CEO & Co-Founder

Rich Baader is a Spirit Cultural Exchange co-founder and CEO since 2016. Prior to founding Spirit Cultural Exchange, he was Vice–President of Finance for several divisions of Kraft Foods. Rich earned an MBA from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in international business from the University of Illinois. He enjoys traveling with his family, as well as physically and emotionally challenging activities like mountain climbing, Toughmudder races and fatherhood.

Kathleen Gault

President and Co-Founder

Kathleen is a co-founder of Spirit Cultural Exchange with over 30 years of experience as a cultural exchange professional. Her international experience began in Denmark as a university exchange student and in Germany as an au pair before graduating from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in German and commercial studies. Prior to founding Spirit in 2002, Kathleen served as Director of Program Development at another US based J-1 visa program sponsor. A life long traveler, she continues to spend her free time exploring new destinations with her family.

April Bakke

Vice President of International Business and Compliance

April oversees Spirit's Department of State regulatory compliance and directs the Spirit team responsible for international partnerships for our Summer Work and Travel program. April is a graduate of Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and Russian. She spent a semester abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia studying Russian language and culture and lived with a host family. She enjoys perfecting her Italian language proficiency and trying out challenging recipes in the kitchen.

Michelle Chapman-Rienstra

Vice President of Account Services & Operations

Michelle graduated from Indiana University with a Master’s Degree in East Asian Studies and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Social Relations with a focus in Japanese Studies from Earlham College. Michelle lived and worked in Japan for eight years as a teacher and director of an international community center. Michelle cares deeply about local community advocacy and international education. She also loves reading, cooking international dishes and travelling anywhere with her family.

Suzanne Kolasa

Director of Professional Programs

Suzanne leads Spirit Cultural Exchange’s Professional Programs team, which administrates our Intern, Trainee and Teacher Programs in the United States. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Economics & Cultural Affairs and Spanish from Valparaiso University, which included a semester abroad in Granada, Spain. Suzanne has a passion for travel, culinary adventures, and cheering for Chicago sports teams whenever possible.