Tour Assistants

Our Assistants

Victoria Widi
Has studied dance for over twenty years, and is an accomplished fiber artist and instructor. A member of “Peace Works: International Network of Dances of Universal Peace”, and a mentored leader working toward certification, she is also involved in Women’s Ancient Tribal Movement. Victoria teaches English as a Second Language and serves as a mentor to young girls. She is also a gourmet cook. Victoria weaves her creative energies for dance and fiber arts into the tours, inviting travelers to participate in artistic expressions.

Dick Rettke
Has almost 40 years experience in the computer industry, the largest portion as a Software Specialist. Today those skills are applied in website consulting, design and implementation. He currently owns an international marketing company and is a founding member of International Leadership Development. He has spoken extensively throughout the United States as a new business development trainer and a motivational speaker.

Jan Petersen
Has been an enthusiastic supporter of Irish Byways since her first tour with our company. She is a highly developed watercolor artist with a fine arts degree from OCC in Michigan. She studies with Joye Moon and Viv Hayten at the Clearing in Door County WI and continues classes at Appleton Art Center, Appleton, WI. Jan is a refreshing artistic talent who continues to paint many images from our tours to the west of Ireland.

Judy Owen
Is an educator with experience in leadership and staff development providing skills important to the organization of tours. She has been on the path of spiritual awakening for many years and currently is a student of Spiritual Direction Preparatory Program at the Franciscan Center in LaCrosse, WI. She is also a ballroom dancer and yoga student bringing the gift of inner and outer movement to the tours.

Tina Heerdt
Film and photography specialist, has accompanied Garry Jones, Kate Hennessy, and Fiachra O’Regan on one of their music tours. Tina is currently a film student at University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She remains available to support the work of Irish Byways with special attention to the music.

Tom and Barbara Boyd
Dr. Barbara Boyd is the Director of Outreach for the Religious Studies Program and teaching professor at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Tom Boyd is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma. Barbara and Tom are strong advocates for the experience of travel as a means of expanding our horizons and setting the stage for enlightened experiences. Both are ordained Presbyterian Ministers with special interests in working with people from a variety of cultures and religions to increase understanding through interfaith dialogue with a particular interest in the spiritual life. As a couple, they thrive on backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, reading novels and late night conversations.