Meet our Team

Dan Dieckhaus, Founder & Director of Operations 
A certified international tour manager, has led, designed, and organized domestic and international tours for numerous travel companies. He is an experienced global operations professional, ensuring the travel plans for our guests are securely in place. Dan’s job is to oversee the process that makes stress-free journeys for guests. ​
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He possesses a wealth of information and common sense. And on top of everything, he’s a storyteller, leader, problem-solver, and overall funny guy. Dan believes that when you travel with an open heart and mind, the possibilities are endless and the rewards are life changing.​​
Caron Cassady, Founder & Director of Travel Design​ 
A certified international tour manager, independent and group tour developer, former Product Manager for a leading Tour Operator, and up-scale travel designer. She is a former expat (in Italy) and avid global explorer who has visited more than 40 countries, often solo. She draws upon her passion for discovery, traditional food and wine, history, and cultural immersion to help travelers experience the destination through all the senses, creating exclusive experiences that reflect the needs and interests of each traveler.  

​Caron promotes a way of travel that respects local communities and enriches the traveler through meaningful moments. She believes travel opens the heart, broadens the mind, and nourishes the soul. ​
Nicole Jennings, Operations Manager
A seasoned tour operations, management, and marketing & public relations professional. She makes sure all components of our trips are accurately booked, establishing new supplier relationships, liaising with our local partners on a regular basis, and interfacing with our guests to be sure we and they have accurate information in a timely manner.

​Nicole brings an impressive background in tour operations, business management, customer service, and print & digital communications. She studied abroad then lived in Italy for a time, and is a globe-trotting rock climber, mountain biker, and outdoor enthusiast. She’s passionate about experiencing the world in authentic and meaningful ways. 
Jen Williams, Communications & Marketing Manager
An experienced creative specialist passionate about travel, photography, social media, and integrated marketing. Recognized for meticulous project planning, effective communication, and reliable execution, she excels in customer service, problem-solving, and team coordination. This Vancouver, British Columbia native with an outgoing personality has traveled to 84 countries and islands and lived in four different countries, often solo.

​Jen believes travel changes us for the better. That through travel we can find confidence, happiness, compassion, and the pure joy of life. We’re excited to have Jen on the Soirée Team, leading our small company in effective communication with our valued clients, travel agent partners, and new friends.
Monica Cesarato, Product Support Manager 
​Personable and professional, Monica helps source meaningful experiences, negotiates, and builds or enhances relationships with Soirée partners in Europe and beyond. This Italian, a resident of Venice, speaks four languages (if you count the distinctive Venetian language, which we do!).

In 2022 Monica launched the Venice Talks podcast. She is the author of Andar Per Bacari (a Venice guide and recipe book) and Andar Per Isole (a guide to the Venetian islands), and has been published or featured in numerous international food magazines and televised travel programs, cookbooks, and guidebooks. Catch her in AppleTV’s 2023 The Reluctant Traveler, Episode 3, with Eugene Levy.  Monica knows that authenticity truly defines not only the destination, but the journey itself. She is an insightful researcher and connector, filling a critical role on the Soirée team. 

Interested in Tour Management?

We're not hiring, but we can recommend that you explore the exciting world of tour management by becoming a Certified International Tour Manager through our friends at the International Guide Academy (IGA). Both of our owners and all of our tour manager independent contractors have certified through IGA. Please tell them Soirée sent you!