About Us
The team behind the AIS Dual Diploma™
For more than 10 years, we have been building bridges between European and American school systems. We know every student by name, and we are here to guide them step by step.
Our Story
Twenty years of
international excellence
2001
The origins
Academica, a leading U.S. provider of educational services, begins the international recognition of academic credits.
2009
Launch in Spain
Spain becomes the first country to offer the Dual Diploma Program with Academica alongside the Spanish Bachillerato.
2014
Arrival in Italy
The AIS Dual Diploma arrives in Italy: the first students enroll to earn both the Italian high school diploma and the U.S. diploma.
2021
Austria and Poland
The AIS Dual Diploma™ Program launched in Austria and was immediately followed by Poland.
2025
First Campus
The first physical campus in Italy opens in a historic villa surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, where English is lived every day through student retreats, workshops and unforgettable moments.
Oggi
A community
The AIS Dual Diploma™ Program welcomes talented students from all over Italy, Austria and Poland. The community grows every year. Join us!
Team Mater Academy Italia-USA
The Italian Team
Richard Collins
President
Michele Dondarini
Accounting & Institutional Relations
Nathalie Nioi
Campus Director & HR Manager
Andrea Sordelli
Marketing Director - Data Analyst
Valentina Busanca
Chief Academic Advisor, Italy
Francesco Costantino Ciampa
Academic Advisor & Communications Specialist
Nadia Hashlamoun
Academic Advisor & Outgoing Coordinator
Marta Russoniello
Academic Advisor Italy, Poland & Doral College
Erica Marchioro
Academic Advisor & Incoming Coordinator
Valeria Berger
Dual Diploma Ambassador Austria
Chiara Pansera
Academic Advisor, Italy
Annalisa Lakus
Academic Advisor & Campus Programs
Ilaria Marchiori
Academic Advisor & Campus Assistant
Ilaria Bonamini
Accounting
Riccardo Barbierato
Accounting
Academic Staff
The USA Team
Academica International Studies
An international network of teachers, academic advisors and education professionals based in the United States.