Managing Director, Gyroscorp America LLC

Sarah grew up in New Hampshire, but has since lived in Japan and all over the USA . She has spent over 15 years working in the education industry.

Sarah has taught middle school, high school, and at the university level. She has worked for Gyroscorp since 2015. Sarah recently established Gyroscorp America, LLC and the ALEX Program.

Sarah holds an Educational Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from University of South Carolina, a Master’s in Secondary English Education from Providence College, and a Bachelor’s in Theology from Franciscan University.

Sarah is passionate about learning and living a balanced life. She and her husband have three children, and they love enjoying nature together.

Contact her at: sarah@alexprogram.com

International Liaison, ALEX Program

Tomo is originally from Aichi prefecture Japan. He graduated with bachelor's degree from the faculty of Law. He then decided that we wanted to work in the hospitality industry. Tomo has over 20 years of experience working with Japanese and American tourism companies.

In 2007, Tomo moved from Japan to Chicago for his work. Following that, he lived in Cincinnati and New York. He moved to Newport in 2019.

Tomo enjoys playing music with a Newport Community band, Jazz band, and Orchestra. He also enjoys playing sports.

Tomo wants all Japanese students to have a great experience in the US.

Contact him at: tomo@alexprogram.com

Consultant, Gyroscorp America LLC

Helen Sowinski is a native of Sacramento, California. She served in the United States Navy for 22 years as a Naval Aviation Maintenance Administrationman at duty stations around the globe.

Upon retiring from the Navy, she served as a Naval Science Instructor for the Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) program at Durfee High School in Fall River MA, and at Silver Creek High School in San Jose CA. She returned to Rhode Island, and worked as a librarian and student services associate at IYRS School of Technology & Trades in Newport. She has recently taken a position back in the classroom with NJROTC students in beautiful Monterey CA. Her greatest passion is in making a positive difference in young people’s lives.

She possesses a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from University of Maryland, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Salve Regina University.

Contact her at: helen@alexprogram.com

RI Program Coordinator, ALEX Program

Laurie is originally from Central New York State in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. She moved to Middletown, RI in January of 2017. Laurie is a minister with the United Methodist Church; she presently serves Calvary UMC full time and Portsmouth UMC as interim.

Laurie holds a B.S. in Health Studies with emphasis in human behavior and is currently pursuing her Master's of Divinity at Boston University School of Theology. Laurie’s greatest joy is to serve people of all ages.

Laurie was a part of the ALEX pilot program, where she hosted Miyu, who became her Japanese "daughter." Laurie knows firsthand the needs and activities of hosting an ALEX student. Laurie learned to bridge language, culture, religion and experiences; creating a bond with Miyu came with joy, challenge, and adventure.

Laurie considers it an honor and a privilege to move from a host mother to program coordinator, where she now supports all ALEX students and their host families.

Contact her at: laurie@alexprogram.com