Our Team
President
An Interview with Cristiana Panicco, Sant’Anna Institute Founder and President
How did you come to create Sant’Anna Institute?
After studying abroad as a university student in England and Germany, my world changed. My world became bigger, and I realized that there are few barriers that one cannot overcome.
As a speaker of four languages and a world traveler, I believe in the transformational power of exposure to new languages, people, and cultures. I started Sant’Anna Institute to share this philosophy and vision with others.
What is your favorite part about directing Sant'Anna Institute?
I really enjoy sharing my passion for language and diversity with students. I like to contribute to the growth of students by understanding their difficulties and helping them see all of the possibilities for their life.
I am an educator and an entrepreneur and want others to experience the beauty of learning and creating. It is a privilege to watch students open their minds, become more intuitive, and see all that the world has to offer them.
Why did you choose to have Sant'Anna Institute in Sorrento?
I was born and raised in Turin, Italy, in northern Italy. I have traveled extensively but have always been fascinated by southern Italy; the culture, traditions, and sheer beauty of its landscape have drawn me back ever since I first visited the unspoiled, typically Italian small town of Sorrento.
When I arrived in Sorrento, I felt as if I had just woken up from a long, deep sleep. Sorrento was one of the most charming and distinctive towns I had ever seen. Its unique location was a deciding factor in my decision to open a school that could help international students expand their worldview.
How has Sant'Anna Institute evolved over the years?
Sant’Anna Institute, born in 1998, has evolved into an international community where Italian and foreign students of all ages and from all corners of the globe can come together to exchange ideas, cultures, and projects. I started by providing Italian and cultural courses for foreigners and then added foreign languages for native Italians.
A couple years after Sant’Anna Institute was founded, we set up collaborative relationships with American and other foreign universities and high schools, providing study abroad programs. Despite the world’s uncertain political and economic outlook, we offer students, teachers, and universities a professional service in international education.
Our team
Staff

Cristiana Panicco
President

Marco Marino
Vice President for Institutional Relations and Advancement – Director of Academic Affairs

Olga Stinga
Vice President for Operational Strategy & Logistics - Director of Student Services and Support

Serena Vacca
Director of Study Abroad - Title IX Coordinator

Chad Blunt
Director of Custom Programs and Outreach

Gabriella Russo
Assistant Director of Study Abroad

Sarah Cruz
Communications & Digital Strategy Manager

Haley Mathis
Internship Coordinator

Clelia Dalila De Marco
Alumni Relations Coordinator

Danila Cinque
Student Experience Coordinator

Samantha Iovine
Student Life Assistant

Raffaele Acanfora
Service-Learning Coordinator

Laura Megna
Housing Coordinator

Elena Iaccarino
Foregin Languages Department Coordinator

Pasquale Santovito
Social Media & Communication Coordinator

Licia Amura
Head of Finance

Valeria Formicola
Finance Officer

Stefania Villani
Counselor

Daphne Iaccarino
Counselor

