Who We Are

The Parliament Group approaches our partners’ challenges with a collaborative approach informed by Informed analysis and deep market knowledge of the Canadian and American educational systems. We help our clients/partners see further into the uncertainties of the current dynamic market, combining strategic insights and operational best practices in the fields of Higher Education, International Education, and English Language Programming. Our collegial, round-table approach in working with our partners makes us a natural extension of their team.

How Does Parliament Group Compare?

Meet our consultants

We are educational practitioners with experience from the classroom to the executive leadership team, from tactical to strategic, from launch to re-org, from Language Programs to Pathway and OPM management. Together, we have spent over 100 years of building successful student-centered experiences.

RICK RATTRAY

Managing Partner & Co-Founder

FOCUS AREAS: STRATEGY, FINANCE, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, PRIVATE EQUITY

Rick is a career innovator in the intersection of private and public-sector education, having founded several successful firms in the space before launching the Parliament Group. Rick has held numerous senior executive roles with firms helping to transform the learning landscape, including having launched and managed US university operations for ILSC Education as Founding Managing Director of ILSC GlobalFoundations; developing operational structure for US partnerships for Shorelight Education as SVP of Portfolio Management; building the industry-leading SaaS training provider, ReliasLearning (sold to Bertelsmann), as President of the platform company and then Executive Vice President of Products; leading the US division of Kaplan Global Solutions (university services) as SVP/GM and co-founder of Kaplan’s Online Program Management firm, Colloquy (sold to Everspring). With the pragmatism of an operator with experience running organizations/depts with up to $100M in revenue, Rick brings deep domain expertise in on-ground, blended, and online learning for international audiences. He holds a Masters of Public and Private Management (MPPM) from Yale University.

NADINE BALADI

Executive Advisor & Co-Founder

FOCUS AREAS: ACADEMICS, ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNANCE & OPERATIONS

Nadine thrives at the intersection of People, Education & Operations with specific expertise in Pathways, Juniors, and ESL programming. Her niche spans tactical execution to strategic planning while developing high performing and engaged teams. In Canada and the US, she has dedicated 20+ years to creating transformative language-learning experiences for international students in multiple roles, launching new programs and campuses and setting up numerous Pathway partnerships with US Universities and managing multi-million dollar budgets. She has served as a Commissioner at ACCET, and is currently President of EnglishUSA and, as an expert in the field, has participated on panels at the NAFSA convention, EnglishUSA conferences, TESOL Conventions, and ACCET conference. Nadine holds several degrees from McGill University and University of Toronto, including a Masters in Language Education.

EMILY RUKOBO

Senior Advisor

Emily Rukobo brings over 15 years of noteworthy leadership in global education to The Parliament Group. In her most recent role, she was at the helm of New York Institute of Technology’s Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization-winning global academic programs. Her portfolio included an SEVP-approved pathway program, global campus sites, mobility programs, and international partnerships. In addition, Emily has also been credited with contributions to the use of online learning and digital media in formal and informal education both globally and domestically through her work with RMC Research Corporation, WNET New York Public Media, and the United Nations Secretariat. She has served as an educator in the United States, Spain, and Taiwan.

Emily has also been honored with City & State NY’s Responsible 100 award for her contributions to social justice programming and diversity, equity, and inclusion in global education. She holds a Master’ Degree in Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Global Studies both from Sacred Heart University, where she was a member of the women’s ice hockey team. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and two daughters.

Stephen Larsen, Ph.D.

Senior Advisor

Focus areas: International Engagement, Strategic Development, Program Innovation, Product Development, Curriculum Building, and Public-Private Partnerships

Stephen is the CEO of Interlearn Global, a firm dedicated to revolutionizing global education and advises TPG and its clients in creative transnational programming. He has been leading ingenuity and transformation in higher education for thirty years, from professor and administrator at Harvard University to senior executive roles in education multinationals. Long committed to education as a force for personal, social, and global change, Stephen has for more than a decade been building international university programs that serve students and families in their home communities around the world, weaving together the mission objectives of universities and private enterprise as they bring opportunities to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. In addition to his roles with TPG and Interlearn, Stephen is a fellow at Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. He holds a PhD in History from Princeton University.

CHRIS SAUER

Senior Advisor

Healthcare Program Development and Operations

Chris brings 30 years of experience working with partners from every active market in the world. He brings his experience in language acquisition, program design and partnership development to every project. His recent work has focused on pathway programs, medical education and the development of enrollment approaches focused on both student access and success in higher education. Chris received his Masters in Applied Linguistics from Ohio University.

VANESSA ANDRADE

ADVISOR

GLOBAL RECRUITING & MARKETING

Vanessa brings over 20 years of experience working in the international education industry both in the private and public sector, in the United States and overseas and in the language and higher education industry, always being involved in the many aspects and functions of the business. Her experiences are diverse, having dealt with innumerous activities in the areas of student recruitment, program partnership development, agency screening and management, new program development, external relations expansion, program operations, customer service support and implementation, SEVIS and ACCET accreditation among others.

CINDY OCHOA

ASSOCIATE ADVISOR

ASSESSMENTS, ACADEMICS & ACCREDITATION

Cindy is a recognized leader in Intl Ed with deep experience in the development and management of Intensive English Language & University Pathway programs in both public and private sectors. She has held senior leadership positions with NAFSA, EnglishUSA and most recently, as Commission Chair with CEA. She has conducted assessment consulting projects with several US Universities, applying quality assurance standards across both academics and administration and has helped programs and institutions achieve efficiency and high academic quality. Cindy has degrees from the University of Arizona and the SIT Graduate Institute in language education & applied linguistics.

JEANNIE BUSO

ASSOCIATE ADVISOR

Program Implementation, Curriculum & Int’l. Student Success

From Grade A CELTA-certified ESL teacher to 5+ years as Academic Director, Jeannie is an academic and administration specialist with proven leadership and management experience in international education, focusing on ESL, pathway programs and accreditation. She has served as a curriculum specialist for ACCET, done consulting work for the Center for Applied Linguistics and been a regular presenter at EnglishUSA professional conferences. Jeannie is a CELTA-certified ESL instructor and holds a degree from McGill University in Intl Development and Linguistics.

MICHAEL KARAVOLOS

Associate Advisor

Digital Marketing

Michael is a lean start-up growth hacker (TechStars alumnus) and experienced crowdfunder (over $1M raised), with extensive management experience in the Education marketplace with companies like Kaplan and ClassWallet. Michael serves as a senior advisor for digital marketing to TheParliamentGroup. Michael specializes in building digital strategies that drive program growth while integrating research/testing into every phase. This approach yields both short-term results and long-term continuous improvement in industries ranging from Higher Ed to K12 to consumer electronics. Michael received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy and his MBA from the University of Miami with a focus in Marketing.

Ann Connors

I had the pleasure of getting to know Cindy as a consultant, who served as an external reviewer for our ESL program. I appreciated her clear and positive communication style. She was very specific about the terms and scope of her work and seemed genuinely interested in learning about our program and passionate about the field. She made what can often be an intimidating experience into an enjoyably enlightening one due to her excellent interpersonal skills and professional background. Cindy has an impressive resume with extensive experience in international education. This allows her to view educational programs from many perspectives – from the point of view of an educator, teacher trainer, program director, President of English USA, and CEA Commissioner. As a result, she is able to offer institutions valuable insights based on her knowledge of global education and best practices. I was very pleased with her comprehensive evaluation and forward-thinking recommendations.

Ann Connors
Director,
State Authorization at Academy of Art University

Kevin Paquette

I hired Cindy to do a quality audit for the English Language Programs division within the Tufts International Programs and Partnerships department last year and she did a fantastic job. During the course of her audit, she spoke with all our key faculty, reviewed the curriculum for the many different programs that are offered through this division, and made excellent recommendations on how to enhance the programs. She was efficient, thorough, direct, and effective. Nearly all those recommendations have been implemented. I do look forward to working with her in the future. I highly recommend her.

Kevin Paquette,
Program Director, International Programs and Partnerships
Tufts University

Jill Hosmer Jolley, PhD

Rick blends his great knowledge and skill with a personal touch that kept the partnership between our organizations positive and productive regardless of the situation. I enjoyed working with Rick and both of our organizations benefited from his leadership.

Jill Hosmer Jolley, PhD

California State University, Monterey Bay

Mer Roberts

Nadine’s ability to enhance and evolve daily operations through to long-term strategy comes naturally and in a way that allows all those around her to perform at their best and with passion. Initiatives under Nadine’s purview are always seen through to completion and with attention to detail, ensuring all areas of focus are addressed.

Mer Robert

ILSC Education Group

Linda McKinnish Bridges, PhD

Rick is prepared, a deep thinker, and a quick doer, but Rick is also a tremendous human being. Amiable, kind, a tremendous listener, able to make friends easily–these qualities are crucial to business success but are hard to describe in a cv. I write these words to make sure that you know that in my work with Rick, I have always known him to be cordial, pleasant, positive, deep listener, a true people-person who knows how and when to speak and how and when to listen. Essential traits for business success.

Linda McKinnish Bridges, PhD

Baptist Theological Seminary

Gabrielle Durana

Nadine is an outstanding leader with excellent interpersonal skills, outstanding strategic thinking and great implementation qualities. I have seen Nadine problem solve many complex situations. She is a positive leader: very strong and very compassionate, hardworking and very smart. I truly consider her a master as an education manager and an asset for any C-suite with a purpose.

Gabrielle Durana
Social Entrepreneur, Founder & President
EFBA

Judy Copeland Ashcroft, EdD

Rick Rattray is unique in his relationship with potential clients. There is no shortage of persons who have the quick solution to all the challenges in higher education; however, those of us who work in universities know that systemic improvement is complex and requires constant attention and adjustment. When I met Rick, he engaged me in a conversation. He listened, and we exchanged ideas. He respects the challenges university administrators face, and he contributes to their efforts. In the following eight years, he has been a sounding board and an idea generator for me. Rick is professional, knowledgeable, thoughtful, reliable, and collegial. I recommend him.

Judy Copeland Ashcroft, EdD

Past-President, University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

Cheryl Delk-Le Good [nadine]

I have known Nadine for several years prior to her current service on the EnglishUSA Board as our current President. What I admire about her is the thoughtfulness and creativity that she brings to discussions, conversations, brainstorming, etc. She is respectful of the different perspectives that we all bring to international education, and it’s such an exciting time for me as we work closely together with the board to lead our organization into the future.

Cheryl Delk-Le Good

English USA

Paul Lartonoix [rick]

Rick Rattray and I were introduced in 2013 while working on the University of Central Florida’s International Recruitment efforts. This was a new adventure for UCF and Mr. Rattray and his team did a wonderful job of outlining the process and establishing goals.

Mr. Rattray is incredibly knowledgeable within and beyond the educational market. His knowledge is only a percentage of his capacity as his strongest attribute is his ability to continue open conversation around difficult problems until the problems are eliminated and you are left with a cohesive plan.

Ultimately, the work Mr. Rattray did in the early years of our partnership are still in practice today and assisting in accomplishing UCF’s international student recruitment.

Paul Lartonoix

University of Central Florida

Linda Chung [nadine]

Nadine is highly result-driven and reliable. Tasks, projects and any leadership level initiatives under her charge were always completed efficiently and on time and with quality. She is also a great leader who understands empowerment and development of people, thanks to which her teams were highly motivated and driven for success and growth. She is an all-around adviser whom I admire deeply.

Linda Chung

ILSC Education Group