Sebastian Barrientos

CEO and Co-Founder

CEO and Co-Founder of Grasshopper, he has over 25 years of experience in international education. He leads with a strategic vision focused on connecting students with global academic opportunities, building strong international partnerships, and enhancing the overall student experience. He specializes in collaborative leadership, vendor management, and global network development, and is deeply committed to integrating education and technology to create innovative, scalable solutions that deliver meaningful impact for students and partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Lucia Quigley

Senior Account Manager

Lucia has been part of the GuardMe team since 2014. She brings over 20 years of experience in the international education sector, with extensive knowledge in cultural diversity, student recruitment, business development, and managing clients and partners locally and globally. Lucia has collaborated with both Canadian and international institutions, developing new markets and fostering long-lasting relationships with agents, institutions, and students. She is deeply passionate about supporting international education and creating meaningful experiences for students worldwide.

Jefferson Lima

Business Develoment Manager | Team Lead

 Jefferson Lima is a business leader with over 20 years of experience in sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship. For the past five years, he has specialized in international education, working with agencies, schools, and technology providers such as Edvisor, and others. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Jefferson combines commercial vision with operational excellence, continuously contributing to the transformation of global financial ecosystems. His work is guided by a strategic outlook, anticipating changes driven by geopolitical and economic factors. With a global perspective gained through visits to key regions such as Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, and several European countries, Jefferson brings unique insights to every initiative he leads.

Melanie Milanes de Meana

Founder & Lead Education Strategist

Melanie Milanes de Meana is the Founder of The U For You, an international education consultancy focused on career design and academic decisions. She has lived and studied in different countries and knows how confusing it can be to reach a point where the next step isn’t obvious anymore. Her work is shaped by real conversations, real doubts, and the belief that education should be a thoughtful choice, not something you do on autopilot. Melanie works closely with students and young professionals who are navigating change and trying to figure out what actually makes sense for them, not just what looks good on paper.