Our Team
Brigham Joy
Founder & President
Brigham played college baseball at Washburn University and was invited to play on a team competing in Germany and the Czech Republic. He traveled to Europe, and his life was changed forever. “It is absolutely the coolest thing I have ever done”, is something you will hear Brigham say time and time again. Coming from a small town in Kansas, to having the honor of putting the USA on his chest and represent our country in baseball was incredible! And on top of that, being able to learn about a foreign people and their culture really helped him grow and mature.
Brigham has been involved in international sports since 2002. He has traveled with teams to Italy, the Dominican Republic, Australia, Peru, Aruba, Curacao, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Czech Republic, and Spain.
Brigham founded America’s Team with the simple goal: To give kids the same opportunity he was given, and to help them see the world and change their lives in a positive way.
Lisa Mays
Recruiting Coordinator
Lisa is a Jayhawk, graduating from The University of Kansas. Besides being a huge Jayhawk fan, she loves the Royals and Chiefs! Before coming to America’s Team, Lisa worked in retail management and youth education and development. Education has always been a core value of Lisa’s. She loves the feeling of helping kids realize their dreams of seeing the world and educating themselves through self-discovery and travel. She is the proud mother of two young boys, and can’t wait until they get to take their first steps on foreign soil!
Tom Heigham
ACIS - Regional Director of International Programs
At the age of 6, Tom began a persistent campaign to convince his family to vacation at his grandparents’ in Florida. Eight years and nine trips later, he had mastered the sunshine state of FLA and had an insatiable desire to see and experience more. Partial to warm weather and white sand, he and his family toured 6 different Caribbean islands’ beaches in 7 days, falling in love with the new cultures and environments, the pastel-colored houses and the laid-back attitude.
Tom’s favorite destination is Montezuma, Costa Rica.
Always expect the unexpected and be open to change. Sometimes the best parts of a trip come from spontaneity. Those are the random moments that you’ll look back on with a smile and be able to say, “Do you remember the time when…”
I couldn’t agree more with the ACIS belief that ‘travel changes lives.’ I recently backpacked throughout Costa Rica with a friend, and upon my return to the states, I realized that I needed to help other people experience the things that I had. As fate would have it, I’ve found ACIS. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to help others see the world, and I am excited to share my experiences with you and help you plan your next life-changing adventure! - Tom
Ryan Harshbarger
Recruiter
Ryan graduated from Rock Creek High School in Westmoreland, KS. There he was a dual sport athlete, playing football and baseball. During high school, Ryan traveled on 2 baseball trips with America’s Team, in 2010 to the Dominican Republic and 2011 to Germany. Those experiences helped shape the rest of his high school career and helped him obtain a college scholarship to continue playing baseball in college. Ryan attended Longview Community College in Lee’s Summit, MO and continued playing baseball for another 2 years. After that Ryan attended Kansas State University to pursue a Marketing degree. The opportunity to work at America's Team to share experiences with other athletes was a no brainer...sports and travel...there is nothing better!!!