Beyond the Classroom Immersive Education
Meet the Duo
Who We Are
Stephanie Dean
Co-Founder
Ms. Dean has extensive experience leading and working with young people. From being a Girl Scout leader when her children were young to coaching sideline and competitive cheerleading she has always had a passion for assisting the next generation in growing their confidence and finding their voice through new experiences.
For over ten years she has been planning trips in collaboration with St. Barnabas staff that take students outside the classroom and provide immersive education opportunities. Stephanie discovered her passion for providing people opportunities to see and experience things that they might not otherwise see and experience. “Things” that will help shape who they are.
As a young child Ms. Dean was exposed to a plethora of culture, and by the time she was 22 she had traveled around
both Mexico and Canada, spent summers exploring Europe, as
well as having been to South Africa and Japan. These
experiences at a young age directly impacted not only her view of the world, but the role she would play in it.
For the past forty years Stephanie has worked in the field of health care consulting, where one of her primary responsibilities has been planning and managing travel for multiple consultants and clients, as well as planning and hosting corporate meetings
and retreats for large groups.
With her extensive background in leadership, travel, and event planning, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education to Beyond the Classroom Immersive Education. Her lifelong commitment to providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences ensures that every trip is not only educational but also transformative, inspiring students to explore the world with curiosity and confidence.
Savanna Cowan
Co-Founder
Upon graduating from High Point University in Spring 2024 with a degree in Strategic Communication and a double minor in Marketing and Fashion Merchandising, Savanna knew that her next step would be joining forces with her mother, Stephanie, to expand her one-of-a-kind service. Having experienced the value of hands-on, engaging, and immersive learning opportunities firsthand as a student, she recognized the potential behind exposing others to these transformative experiences. Together, they created their business, Beyond the Classroom Immersive Education.
Throughout college, Ms. Cowan gained extensive experience in planning, organizing, and executing large-scale events. She served as Vice President of the Executive Board of her sorority before taking on the role of Social Event Director, where she was responsible for coordinating all chapter events throughout the year for a chapter of over 180 members.
Savanna developed a deep passion for travel and cultural exploration at a young age and understands the profound impact such exposure can have on a young person. Before her 23rd birthday, Ms. Cowan had traveled extensively throughout North America, including Canada, Mexico, and more than half of the United States. She has also explored the U.K., several Caribbean islands—including Cuba—and multiple Central American countries such as Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras, having participated in two separate mission trips.
Ms. Cowan brings a fresh perspective and a deep passion for experiential learning to Beyond the Classroom Immersive Education. Her commitment to creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities ensures that each trip not only expands students’ knowledge but also inspires curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of exploration.
