About the Blog Contributors

 About Dori

Dori Moore graduated from Wake Forest University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She went on to attend graduate school with studies in Experimental and Social Psychology. She has a Master of Science in Applied Psychology and became a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society and the Golden Key Honor Society. She received certifications in Holistic Life Coaching from Spencer Institute of the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association and Reiki I & II training from the North Carolina School of Reiki. Additionally, she became a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist graduating with high honors from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and joined the Sigma Alpha Pi leadership honor society. She has worked for several prestigious organizations such as the Johns Hopkins Hospital System in Maryland and the YMCA in South Carolina.

Dori is also well traveled. In the Spring of 2007, she studied abroad for 4 months in Rome, Italy. She has live in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland. She has visited Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Grand Turks, France, Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, and most states across the USA including territories such as Puerto Rico. She plans to continue traveling to more destinations each year and add to her experiences.

About Tom

Tom W. Moore is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in sales, customer service, real estate, and financial consulting. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rasmussen College, where he graduated with honors as valedictorian, Tom has developed a strong foundation in management and accounting. His academic achievements, including the AAA Award in Small Business Management, have paved the way for a successful career across various industries.

Tom's career began with a focus on financial consulting, where he worked at Duke Energy. In this role, he developed inventory analysis reports, monitored inventory transactions, and improved internal controls related to inventory. His experience in accounts receivable and payable, coupled with his keen analytical skills, made him a valuable asset in maintaining financial accuracy and efficiency.

Transitioning into real estate, Tom became a licensed agent through the Palmetto Real Estate Prep School. He utilized his skills in communication and negotiation as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty, where he connected homeowners with investors interested in off-market properties. Concurrently, he served as a Real Estate Consultant for Pride Mark Company, working from home to assist real estate developers and investors in acquiring properties for renovation and rental purposes.

With a career marked by adaptability, strong communication skills, and a commitment to excellence, Tom continues to thrive in various roles, leveraging his diverse experience to deliver results and drive success in every endeavor.

Other Contributors:

About Bernadine

Bernadine Mitchell is originally from Australia and later settled in the United States, where she now resides in California. A former cruise line employee, she brings firsthand industry experience to her writing and continues to enjoy traveling by cruise in destinations around the world, including Australia and along the California coast.

Bernadine is a law school dropout due to health reasons that prevented her from completing her degree; however, her passion for legal studies never faded. She remains deeply interested in maritime law, consumer protection, and the legal frameworks that affect everyday people, and she enjoys translating complex subjects into accessible, reader-friendly language.

She currently works as a journalist and contributes regularly to book review sites and blogs. When she’s not writing, she enjoys a good book, hiking in the Rockies, and being a devoted cat mom as well as a proud mother to three beautiful children.

About Marie

Marie Tourie is the pen name of a college professor and travel advocate dedicated to global education, cultural exchange, and accessible study abroad experiences. With years of experience teaching at the university level, she has worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate international learning opportunities and broaden their understanding of the world.

A frequent traveler to Italy, Marie draws inspiration from firsthand immersion in European culture, language, and history. She created the Marie Tourie book series as a way to document, explore, and share meaningful travel experiences while demystifying international study and cultural engagement for students and lifelong learners alike.

The Marie Tourie books are collaborative in nature, developed alongside other foreign language professors, educators, and academic professionals who have lived, studied, or taught abroad. Together, they offer practical insight, cultural context, and encouragement for readers who wish to travel thoughtfully, learn globally, and see education as a bridge rather than a barrier.

Through her work, Marie Tourie advocates for inclusive global exploration—reminding readers that the world is not reserved for a few, but open to all who are curious enough to step beyond familiar borders.