Barbara began her interest in foreign cultures as a High School student during a summer cultural exchange program in Xalapa, Mexico.  This led her to an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Geography at the California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. While an undergraduate student, she studied for a year at the Pontificia Catolica Universidad in Lima, Peru.  Barbara continued studying Anthropology at California State University Los Angeles; she ended her studies to raise her family.  After gaining experience private-sector offices, she joined the Off-Campus Study team in 2001.  Barbara continues to share her love of international and ancient cultures.  Barbara assists students with administrative and financial issues for study abroad, the Washington Program and Exchanges.

Barbara enjoys visiting the ruins at Ta Prohm near Siem Reap, Cambodia.