Ted knows the map of the world’s airline routes like the back of his hand. For ten years, he was a missionary with Youth For Christ International. He has also trained numerous international ministry music teams in the U.S. and Canada for over 25 years.

Ted’s 18+ years of experience in missions travel is sure to be an asset to your trip planning experience. Ted’s passion for world ministry guides our company philosophy – ‘Your mission is our mission.’ 

Melissa Dobmeier
melissa@rivertrav.com

Melissa enjoys assisting clients with travel as well as overseeing Riverside’s general operation. She is actively involved in missions, helping to launch a Women’s Village in Trujillo, Peru. Melissa feels the most important aspect of her job is the relationship with her clients and loves to hear how God works all over the world through the missions teams she works with.

Melissa previously worked with Mesaba and Sun Country Airlines in Marketing and Public Relations. Besides keeping busy with her husband and two boys, Melissa is pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and enjoys salsa dancing.

Kelsey Crenshaw
kelsey@rivertrav.com

Kelsey attended Northwestern College, taking classes in Ministry and Music. Kelsey oversees the finances at Riverside. She has participated in missions trips to India and Mexico, leads a small group at her church and is active in worship ministry.

When Kelsey isn’t working, she and her husband like to spend time with their daughter. If afforded a free moment, she’ll probably be out shopping for new shoes.

Julia Jacques
julia@rivertrav.com

Julia is a graduate of North Central University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Christian Education. She has worked for Delta Airlines as well as other travel agencies. Julia has traveled extensively in Europe and was part of several missions trips to Russia.

Julia has a heart for missions – both long and short term – and has a sister currently serving as a missionary in Mozambique.

Rachel Karasek
rachel@rivertrav.com

Rachel has a passion for travel - researching the details of a missions trip, or helping people find their dream vacation or relaxing break. She loves to be part of the work that God is doing in the world through her job at Riverside Travel, and is always interested to hear stories of her clients' experiences. She has traveled to the Philippines and China on missions trips, and has also enjoyed traveling in Europe and to warm places by the ocean.

Rachel is an avid reader of travel magazines, and finds many great deals that way. Aside from Riverside Travel, Rachel enjoys working with people with disabilities and the outdoors.

Emily Smith
emily@rivertrav.com

Emily is a graduate of Minneapolis Business College with a degree in Travel and Hospitality. She has a passion for travel and dreams of traveling the world – starting with a women’s mission trip to Peru in early 2008. To Emily, the most exciting aspect of her job is serving God through being part of her clients’ success when fulfilling their missions.

In Emily’s free time, she enjoys fine arts and spending time with family, friends, and her Chihuahua, Rico.