Meet the Innovation Team

by on

Launched in August 2025, the Innovation Team supports AFS-USA’s commitment to developing new programs that respond to a changing world.  The team works to foster a culture of innovation across the organization while leading an activity “lab”, where new ideas are explored, tested, refined, and brought to life. Meet the team driving this work below!

Emily Betz Close – Consultant

photo of Emily
Emily joined AFS-USA in August 2026 to lead the launch of the Innovation Team. She is an AFS alum (returnee USA-Paraguay 1998 and former host sister x3), as well as longtime volunteer. She served for several terms on the National Council and Board of Directors, and is excited to now be a part of helping AFS-USA evolve in alignment with its critical mission. Emily started her career in language acquisition and intercultural education. She spent the last decade designing emergency response systems, leading humanitarian response teams around the globe, and developing innovative programs to help humanitarians become better leaders. Originally from northeast Ohio, she is now based in Columbia, Maryland, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. Although she finds time for hobbies to be scarce these days, she tries to remind herself whenever possible that she is still a musician and a rock climber. 

Christine Robinson – Program Operations Specialist

Since joining AFS-USA in 2023, Christine has led the organization’s Private and Boarding School Programs. With a master’s degree in International Education Policy, her career is rooted in a passion for global education, with experience in classroom teaching and youth program design for several global education organizations. Christine has called Nashville home since 2011, sharing it with her husband, two daughters, and dogs. When she’s not working, she’s likely crafting, scouting the city’s best food, or cooking up a meal for her loved ones.

Justin DeAndrade – Consultant

Photo of Justin DeAndrade

Justin is an AFS returnee, Honduras 2007, and worked as a staff member in various roles at AFS-USA for 10 years. With experience in guiding teams through both digital and operational transformations, he is excited to bring this knowledge to the Innovation Team! He is currently based in Mérida, Mexico with his fiancé and cat, enjoying his free time by the pool or at the beach.

Back to Innovation Hub