Our Staff

Cindy Tyo	Owner Cindy has a 30-year career in the travel industry. She has worked in all areas of the travel industry, beginning as a hotel desk clerk, then a travel agent, assistant manager and manager, giving her an over-all picture of the travel business. Cindy is dedicated to building customer relationships by providing the highest degree of professionalism, the best customer service, cost containment, honest, integrity and quality problem solving.

Bettie Kensmoe	Manager/Senior Corporate Specialist Bettie joined Travel Leaders in August 1990 as a leisure agent. Over the years has gained experience in all facets of travel, and now is the office manager and senior corporate specialst. Bettie enjoys the customer contact and knowing her clients needs and preferences. Bettie has traveled throughout the US, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Scandinavian countries, parts of Asia, Austrailia and Fiji. She became a “Certified Travel Specialist” designation through Travel Leaders in 2009.

Lon Waslien
Senior Corporate Specialist “2009 Top Achiever awarded by Travel Leaders”
Lon has over 30 years of experience, starting his career in the travel industry with Frontier Airlines in 1976 working as a station agent. He continued his career in 1978 as a travel consultant with Key Travel in Fargo. Leaving Key Travel in April 1994, Lon joined the Travel Leaders staff.
Throughout his career his travels have taken him to Australia, Hawaii, Asia and Europe. His most memorable trip was to the Indonesian island of Borneo.
He has attained his Travel Leaders “Certified Travel Specialist” designation and also ranks “Commodore” status with both Princess and Cunard Cruise lines.

Lisa Brasgalla

Leisure Agent/Cruise Specialist
I joined the Travel Leaders team in 2006 and was a cruise specialist with United Cruises for two years prior. What I love most about cruises is everything! Alaska and Hawaii are my favorite cruise destinations so far. I have also completed cruise line certification programs for four of the major carriers: Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean.
I enjoy all types of travel planning, from destination weddings to business incentive trips. I do my best to make sure all of my clients have a rewarding and trouble-free vacation experience.
In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, cooking for family and friends, and an occasional night of karaoke.

Katie Rahr

Director of Leisure Sales & Special Event Travel
Katie has over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, and has been with Travel Leaders of Fargo since 2005. She specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Family Reunions, Europe, Hawaii, and Custom Vacations. Katie has personally experienced many of these destinations, including: Hawaii, China, Mediterranean Cruise through Spain, France, and Italy, River Cruise through French Riviera, New York City, Jamaica, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Disney World. Her mission is to get to know each client’s travel passions and make dreams come true!
When not working or traveling the world; Katie is watching soccer games, swimming lessons, baseball practice, and golf lessons with her three little boys.

Michelle Johnson

Leisure Agent/ Destinations & Disney Specialist
Michelle joined Travel Leaders of Fargo in July 2004. Michelle has over 15 years of experience in the travel industry; both leisure and corporate travel. She graduated from Interstate Business College in 1994 with an Associates Degree in Travel Business. More recently, she has become a Certifed Sandals Gold Specialist and Destination Wedding/Honeymoon Specialist.
Michelle has traveled the Caribbean extensively; including Cancun, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, and Jamaica. She specializes in Mexico and Caribbean travel. She likes all types of travelplanning but especially enjoys creating memorable family vacations. She became a “Certified Travel Specialist” designation through Travel Leaders in 2010.

Patty Auka	Leisure Specialist Patty has been with Travel Leaders since the Fall of 2005 after earnings her degree in Travel Business Management from Aakers Business College. Patty has travel to destinations including: Marshall Islands, Hawaii, The Rivera Maya and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, London, England, and Las Vegas. Patty has a passion to see the world and to help others plan their next vacation. In her spare time she enjoys photography, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family. She became a “Certified Travel Specialist” designation through Travel Leaders in 2010.

Debbie Bjerke	Back Office Specialist Debbie started with Travel Leaders in fall of 2008. Recently completing the Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) Specialist program. She has a degree in accounting from Aakers Busienss College and a background of business accounting for numerous years; owning and overseeing operations of Construction Guide Inc. She has three children, all in college.

Darrett Bykonen	Administrative Travel Assistant Darrett joined Travel Leaders team in 2009. An aspiring young adult hoping to make his mark in the travel world. Bykonen is a College of Disney Knowledge graduate and is attending MLT U in the fall of 2010.

Karen Munson	Corporate Travel Account Executive The Travel Leaders location in Fargo announced the appointment of Karen Munson to the position of Corporate Travel Account Executive. Munson, who most recently worked for Tharaldson Lodging, brings several years of sales-related experience to Travel Leaders. Munson specializes in sales and is committed to superior customer service. She is eager to work with Fargo-area travelers who seek the knowledge, guidance and personal service that can only be found by consulting with a locally-based travel expert.