AVIATION BEGINS WITH EXCELLENCE

US & EUROPEAN TRAINING

VVIP’s Executive Director and Lead Flight Attendant Lauren Pires, exemplifies the meaning of excellence; from the nearest landing strip of your convenience, to the farthest destination on the globe, VVIP International is there. With 27 combined years, Lauren and her team hope to bring a much needed refresh to crucial facets of the aviation industry. Whether it's the incomplete training program or the antiquated manuals that the Industry has grown accustomed to, VVIP International continues to raise the bar in this multi-billion dollar industry one flight attendant at a time.

Our Team

IRIS CHRISTMANN

EXECUTIVE GLOBAL CONSULTING DIRECTOR

Iris has an exemplary work history that spans from sailing on 70-foot yachts through Indonesia and the Seven Seas to her present locale in Germany.  Iris herself comes from Germany, where she currently works for one of the world’s largest airlines.  Her experience working as a concierge at 5-star hotels in both Germany and Australia has provided Iris with an extensive background in the field of hospitality. Iris has worked as an FA for several years in various locations throughout the globe.  Iris is an expert in international methods as well as cultural training. She has previously served as lead flight for Middle Eastern royal family and diplomats. Iris has also worked in Japan, and has traveled to over a 120 countries in her illustrious career as a flight attendant. Iris’s impressive background also includes five and half years at Vista Jet, one of the leading private aviation companies in the world. Iris’s experience is a priceless addition to the VVIP International Executive Team.

KARA GRINDROD

GLOBAL SENIOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGER / RECRUITMENT LEAD

Kara is a motivated team player known for her integrity and dedication. Kara brings over a decade of corporate experience working for a fortune 100 company to VVIP International. She has a proven track record of success in securing business with prospective clients, and identifying new vendor relationships to continually improve the company’s services and product development. At VVIP International, Kara manages the smooth operation of multiple work streams while partnering with leadership to drive successful outcomes. Kara’s robust knowledge and love of new ideas is poised to yield innovative solutions to put VVIP International at the leading edge of the aviation sector. 

SHARON ROSE

IN-FLIGHT SERVICE INSTRUCTOR

Sharon graduated at the top of her training class and is highly accomplished. She has flown both foreign and domestic, and has managed both large and small crews. Sharon’s experience ranges from commercial airlines to some of the world’s biggest 5 star airlines. Sharon is a graduate of University of Geneva, in Switzerland, where she now lives. She completed an advanced degree in Aviation Management, with a certificate in Project Management. Sharon has mastered several languages and has expertise in culture and diversity, along with diplomatic protocols. She is the sole proprietor of her company, Stellar Rose, and is exemplary at in-flight service and efficiency.

STEWART PULLEY

CHIEF PILOT, PROFESSOR OF AERONAUTICS

Stewart has accumulated 25+ years of aviation industry experience. He has served in General, Commercial, and Military aviation in the fields of flight, maintenance, operations, administration, education, and training. He enjoys photography, physical fitness, and traveling.

JASON SMITH

SAFETY COORDINATOR

Jason Smith joined Broward County Fire Rescue in 2003 and has served county residents and visitors in every service area. He began his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic and then rose through the ranks as an Acting Driver, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and even Assistant District Fire Chief. Since the beginning of his career, Jason Smith has been diversified in all areas of the county, including Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, and the Special Operations Command. President Smith has also been the Planning Section Chief at the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center as well as being part of Presidential details. Jason Smith has been teaching adult education since 2003. As an Assistant Dean at Barry University, Mr. Smith oversaw all EMS, Fire, Special Ops, and continued education courses. Mr. Smith has created curriculum for various sea and air emergency medical procedures. Recently contributed as a reviewer to the AAOS 10th edition Paramedic curriculum. Mr. Smith is also a licensed pilot. He has graduated with an Associate degrees in Emergency Medical Servicesand Fire ScienceTechnology, a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, and a Master’s degree in Emergency Management from Walden University.

ANTHONY BERGER

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

Anthony Berger is a Battalion Commander Paramedic/Firefighter. For 12 years, he’s been providing emergency patient care on land and in bodies of water for the Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Department.  Outside of Fire-Rescue, 10 years of certified experience in multiple forms of water rescue, from surface water rescue to dive rescue. Berger also have experience providing emergency medical services including patient escort, special event medical coverage, and first-aid medical training. 

ALESIA MASSARELLA

CONTENT STRATEGIST

A picture can be worth a thousand words, but a thousand words from her can really create a picture. There’s some people who claim they can do it all, and then there are the ones that actually can.

Meet Alesia Massarella, our newest asset. She is VVIP’s official Content Strategist. Alesia is responsible for content and resume building services. She may be new to the team, but she’s far from a newbie. Alesia has been a writer from the time she first picked up a pen. With her earliest poems published when she was in 2nd grade, she went on and used her writing skills and further developed her passion, graduating from the University of Connecticut (Go Huskies!) in 2008 with a degree in English. Alesia lives in Connecticut with her two sons, Michael and Giovanni, and loves spending her spare time doing anything to make them smile.

LAUREN PIRES - CEO | President

Determined, hard-working, and bold are all ways to describe VVIP’s CEO, Lauren Pires. Lauren is a self-made woman with vast years’ experience in aviation. She began her career as a corporate flight attendant motivated for success. With effort and hard work Lauren became a Lead Corporate Flight Attendant and held various leadership positions within several affluent companies in the industry; giving her a combination of experience and leading her to the concept of VVIP International (a woman owned/ ran business), and to building her own brand.

Lauren founded VVIP International and VVIP International Agency Services, motivated to contribute to the aviation community and to raise the standards for cabin attendants in the industry. With that concept in mind, she built VVIP International from the ground up. Lauren personally crafted the VVIP training program to be tailored to the private aviation industry, to be thorough, and to empower her students so that they are given the self-confidence they need to take to the skies and succeed. VVIP International is now an elite training program for flight attendants that offers more than most and VVIP International Agency Services is now staffing Corporate Flight Attendants for owners and operators. Today both remain set apart from the rest.

Lauren’s passion is for aviation, and she has dedicated herself to becoming one of the most in demand corporate flight attendants in the Industry. Lauren has worked on some of the world’s most elite private aircraft; both domestic and international, and her experience includes creating concepts for aircraft fleet interior design renovations. Lauren prides herself in understanding clients and anticipating the future direction of the industry. She is highly trained and encourages her students to immerse themselves in the knowledge of the industry as a driving force for success.

Lauren’s passions reach beyond the classroom and have grown over the years. She is highly supportive of philanthropic efforts in the Miami area and supports several organizations designed to help women. Lauren is a member of the WCA frequently, requested for public speaking engagements and panels in South Florida, where she discusses her strategy for success and the foundations of building a brand. Lauren has a prestigious reputation in the industry and is a well-recognized globe trotter, designer, entrepreneur, and NBAA member.

LYNNE OBALDIA

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Lynne has proven it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Before joining VVIP International, Lynne had a background in Human Resources working in industries such as real estate, finance, and educational services for top Fortune 500 companies. She has been recognized for her exceptional problem solving, organizational; leadership and communication skills. Lynne is a team player and can handle multiple priorities while working in a fast-paced environment. Lynne currently serves as VVIP International’s Director of Operations and Head of Human Resources. She is also a VVIP International trained corporate flight attendant with flying experience.

SIMONE CARTER

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT / OFFICE MANAGER

Simone has an undeniable love for aviation and loves to be of service and help others train and have their dreams of becoming a Corporate Flight Attendant come true. Simone began her career with VVIP International as a student and graduated at the top of her class. Simone has over 10 years of experience in Luxury Customer Service and in the Fashion and Marketing Industry. She has been actively involved with VVIP International and the world of Private Aviation for more than 5 years flying both domestically and internationally. Now, Simone is fully committed to VVIP International and as part of the team she strives to help others succeed in the business. She loves and respects VVIP and she is dedicated to uplifting individuals and being part of the VVIP movement. Simone carries herself with grace and poise and she dedicates herself to promoting excellence within VVIP and within the aviation industry.

NICOLE HAVILAND

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

Nicole came to VVIP with a full repertoire of experience. She has over 25 years of combined work experience and education making her the perfect candidate for a spot on our VVIP team of experts. Nicole is experienced in Educational Instruction, Communications, Talent Management, Grant Writing and Human Resources. Nicole is passionate about family, community, and empowering others to persevere in life. She serves her local schools and communities and involves herself with local non-profit organizations; namingly Suicide Awareness and services for Special Needs. Nicole works closely with VVIP trainees who have completed the full VVIP training and are ready to take their next step in the industry. Essentially Nicole prepares VVIP students to achieve success in aviation after training.

KEYSHA SINGH

IN-FLIGHT SERVICE INSTRUCTOR

Keysha was first exposed to aviation over 10 years ago and corporate world over 6 years ago has been in love since. She flies both domestic and internationally on a regular basis and is well versed in how to work with different cultures and in different environments. She is passionate in service for others and has served as an exemplary trainer/lead in her career. From training in the classrooms to in flight service, Keysha is committed to the VVIP overall excellence and higher than average expectations we are known for. What she brings to the table is invaluable as she has encouraged and assisted many successful women in the industry by leading them to VVIP to kick-start their dream careers.

WESLEY ECHEVARRIA

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Wesley Echevarria is a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Broward Sheriff Office Fire Rescue for the last 27 years. The first 13 years of his career were spent as a firefighter/paramedic and driver engineer with the Technical Rescue Team (TRT). For the last 14 years, Wesley proudly serves the citizens of West Park as a Lieutenant on rescue 227. Wesley also has experience outside the fire department which includes 20 years with Superboat International and DarkSide Rescue, 3 years with the Homestead Speed Way Fire Rescue and the last 8 years as owner/operator of Emergensea Medic, LLC. Crew members of Emergensea Medic specialize in patient escorting worldwide, dive rescue and water survival training and events medical coverage.

SARAI ACOSTA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / CLERICAL SPECIALIST, MS

Sarai is an intricate part of VVIP International.  Sarai has completed a Bachelor Degree in Business and a Master Degree in Business Management.  She has 15 years of clerical and administrative experience, which really makes her an asset to our team.  Sarai oversees all of the day to day work activities for the VVIP International Team.  She provides all of the staff at VVIP with a high level of administrative support while maintaining sensitive data, scheduling important meetings and conferences, and preparing all VVIP International’s correspondence.  At VVIP there is no job too small, or too big for Sarai.  She is the go to person for all of our new coming and current students.  Sarai guides students who need help every step of the way!  Sarai ensures communicates between the group of VVIPs and the rest of the VVIP staff whenever necessary.  She handles all incoming VVIP inquiries and incoming work requests, and ensures the productivity of the entire VVIP Team!

MELISSA RICCARDI

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

VVIP gives a big ALOHA or Welcoming to Melissa Marie. As an Army Veteran and Nurse, Melissa’s disciplined and adaptive in all that is asked of her. VVIP is confident these responsibilities and others will come naturally. Originally from Connecticut, Melissa served in the Army and was stationed in Hawaii. Falling in love with the Island lifestyle, Melissa decided to call Hawaii home. She completed her Nursing degree with the University of Hawaii and has worked with elderly Veterans for over five years. Being married to a Minister and blessed with two children has Melissa excited for each new day. In her spare time, Melissa and her family enjoy all the islands have to offer. From snorkeling with dolphins to hiking up a spectacular waterfall, there’s constantly thrilling and spontaneous moments in Melissa’s life. Melissa’s dedicated work ethic and adventurous spirit is vital to the VVIP Team.

ALOHA Melissa!