Meet the Travel Agents at Travel Services of Yorkville
Cara Purcell Behrens
Since the official opening in 1985, Cara has been a familiar face at Travel Services of Yorkville and in the community. Traveling is a passion; Europe or anywhere new is a favorite! Extensive European travels include Great Britain and Ireland, France, Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Greek Isles, Israel & the Holyland, Turkey, etc. Cruising, whether Ocean or River Cruising, all are favorites for Cara. From the 6000+ passenger cruise ships leading groups to the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean to the intimate River Cruise ships of 150+ passengers traveling the rivers of Europe or the Americas. Cara has sailed the Rhine River with its glorious castles and German wines as well as the Mighty Mississippi aboard the American Queen Steamboat visiting historic homes of the South and Civil War battle sites. There is a ship for everyone's tastes.
Cara's U.S. travels include Hawaii (4 islands), Alaska, and Florida, including Disney/Universal. Eastern U.S. including N.Y., Boston, D.C., Savannah, Charleston & Hilton Head. The western U.S., including California, AZ, CO, Yellowstone, WY, San Antonio, TX, Vegas, etc., and in between. All-inclusive and island travel to include much of Mexico, Jamaica, D.R., Turks, Bahamas, Bermuda, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama Canal Transit, Cuba , USVI, Puerto Rico, St Martin, Aruba, Curacao and many more. Whether working with families, multi-gen groups, couples, individuals, or agency groups, Cara looks forward to helping with whatever your travel needs!
Linda Friedman
Linda joined the staff in 2011, having worked for several years on the tour operator end prior. She loves beach travel, big city sightseeing, and touring as well. Anywhere she has not been is somewhere she hopes to visit. She has enjoyed extensive travel with her family, including Alaska, Hawaii, Florida coasts, as well as Disney and Universal
Studios in the Orlando area. Her North American travels include Canada, S. California, Colorado, Boston & New York, and even a dinosaur expedition in Montana. Cruises and all inclusives have taken Linda to the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Bermuda, the D.R., and Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta & Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Linda has experienced various resort chains, including Riu, Valentin, El Dorado, Hard Rock, Sandals, and more. Next up ..... Ireland and more Europe!
Kim Schimmer
Kim grew up in Mendota, IL and raised her 4 children where she was active
in school, church and community activities. She loves small town living
and loves living in Yorkville with the small town feel combined with
suburbia conveniences.
In her younger years she lived in London for 2 years and where she got a
real taste of travel and has continued non stop ever since. Kim has
traveled extensively in the U.S. and outside the U.S. including cruising
Alaska and the Caribbean with various cruise lines.. Disney, Celebrity,
Windstar & Princess. Favorite overseas vacations....Thailand, Cambodia,
Dubai, Italy, Portugal, France & more.
A favorite part of her job is helping clients thru the process of choosing
a destination and travel mode thru the planning and booking process finding
that perfect trip for all!
Brandie Britt
I am excited to have joined Travel Services of Yorkville to share my love of travel with others and help you choose your perfect vacation. As a mama to four daughters, my husband and I have always made it a priority to take time out and have an adventure with our girls. Whether it be the beautiful beaches of Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, or the Magical World of Disney (which is truly magical!), we have loved them all. I have always loved the research of finding a new place to go, and helping others find their own vacations as well.
We have never regretted one trip we have taken. Those are memories we will cherish forever. There is so much of the world to see! I would love to help you create some memories in your next adventure!
Colleen Sutkay - Disney Specialist
Colleen joined the staff in 2018 with a specific interest in Disneyworld travel planning. Colleen is pictured with the "Minnie" ears in the photo.
Her love of Disney and her multiple trips to Disneyworld directed her path to be a specialist of All Things Disney! Colleen is comfortable recommending onsite resorts specific to the client's needs.
From family travel to girl's getaways to couples getaways, there is a Disney resort for everyone. Let Colleen's talents shine when she recommends a daily "what to see" in each park as well as her dining favorites and other tidbits when visiting Disneyworld and its surroundings. In addition to Colleen's Disney travels, she has enjoyed traveling on a family reunion Caribbean cruise. Next on her bucket list.....Europe & anywhere new...but Disney is still her favorite!
Colleen's contact information is above, and she looks forward to helping you.
Ashley Gillette - Disney Specialist
I am a Yorkville native, currently residing in Sandwich, IL with my husband and three young children. I am excited to join the staff in 2024 to share my passion and drive to help others experience the most magical place on Earth, DisneyWorld!
Growing up, I was fortunate to be able to visit DisneyWorld many times, which carved my love for this special place, and ultimately my eagerness to help my family, friends, and others experience the magic.
While planning the perfect trips for my own family, I have spent an abundance of time researching and learning tips and tricks along the way. This time and energy have proven to be time well spent, as my family experienced everything and more than we anticipated during the busiest of times at DisneyWorld…Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve!
I am excited to help my clients by sharing my wealth of knowledge and creating a successful and memorable trip for all!
Heather Wayne
Heather is a new face in the office but a long time resident to our area-having seen the transformation from small town to its current state of rapid growth. Heather & husband & two children along with their "pack" of rescue dogs are happy to call Yorkville "home". You will see them out and about in the community as making a positive impact to those around her is important to Heather. Heather has spent her adult life traveling the U.S. and Mexico in search of the warmer climates, sunny beaches and hot deals! She looks forward to expanding her travel experience beyond and she looks forward to helping her clients- present and future with her "customer first" attitude.
Donna Sheridan
Donna has been privileged to travel throughout 6 continents gaining "up close & personal" experiences the past 38 years and is passionate about sharing the culture with excited dreamers who want to explore all possibilities with value. Attending the Univ. of Miami finalized her accreditation as "Master Cruise Counsellor" specializing in all types of cruises with ocean liners and the smaller longboats for the popular river cruises. Additional certificates she holds include Aussie & New Zealand Specialist, Hawaiian Specialist & others. Donna looks forward to helping coordinate the trip of your dreams in conjunction with Cara and the Travel Services of Yorkville TEAM.
