DRAFT FOR TEAM — Southlake Travel

The Vision Behind the Journey

Karen perspective continues to shape Southlake Travel—setting the tone for how each journey is designed and experienced.

That vision is carried forward by a close-knit team who share a common approach: listening carefully, guiding thoughtfully, and paying attention to the details that make travel feel effortless.

The Team

We work collaboratively, but every client relationship is personal.

Each advisor leads with care and insight, supported by a coordinated team behind the scenes. The result is a level of attention that allows our clients to travel with confidence—knowing every detail has been considered.

Together, we design travel that feels seamless, enriching, and distinctly your own.

Deonne Swanson

Travel Advisor – Europe, Family & Global Journeys

For Deonne, travel is about the memories that stay with you long after you return home.

Having explored more than 20 countries and much of the United States, she brings both experience and perspective to the journeys she designs. She works closely with families and couples to create itineraries that feel well-paced, thoughtful, and easy to navigate.

Clients value her steady guidance and attention to detail—ensuring each trip feels seamless, enriching, and truly personal.

Sophia Iverson

Travel Advisor – Honeymoons, Celebrations & Luxury Safaris

Sophia brings a global perspective shaped by years of living and traveling abroad, including meaningful time spent in Africa.

Her background in event planning adds a natural sense of structure and flow to the journeys she designs—whether it’s a honeymoon, a milestone celebration, or a more immersive travel experience.

She approaches each trip with care and intention, helping clients experience destinations in a way that feels both comfortable and deeply engaging.

Carol Palazzo

Travel Advisor – Europe, Culinary & Cultural Journeys

Carol specializes in European travel with a focus on food, wine, and cultural immersion.

She has a natural ability to listen closely and translate what clients are looking for into experiences that feel both refined and authentic. Her itineraries balance structure with flexibility—allowing travelers to enjoy each destination at their own pace.

Her approach is thoughtful and intuitive, resulting in journeys that feel effortless from beginning to end.

Jim Dawson

Marketing Director & Client Engagement

Jim helps shape how Southlake Travel connects with clients, partners, and the community.

His work brings together the many ways clients experience the brand—from the Portfolio publication to Travel Talks, social media, and local partnerships. He works closely with leading travel partners including Tauck, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and AmaWaterways to ensure those relationships translate into meaningful client experiences.

At its core, Jim’s focus is simple: creating opportunities for conversation, discovery, and connection—so travel begins well before departure.