About us

About DNA Guardianship

Guided by experience and a parent’s insight.

45+

Together, more than 45 years of combined experience in education and international student programs

Dany Benoit and Alejandra Ruiz, co-founders of DNA Guardianship

Our story

Two education professionals, and two parents

We are two seasoned education professionals from Canada and Mexico, dedicated to supporting international students at Canadian boarding schools through personalized guardianship services. With over 45 years of combined experience in education and international student programs, we understand that succeeding abroad requires more than academic success: it demands care, trust, cultural sensitivity, and consistent guidance.

We founded DNA Guardianship in 2025. Through our work with schools and families, we saw the need for a different kind of guardianship: one that is personal rather than administrative, where families know their guardian by name and students always have someone close who truly knows them.

As parents ourselves, we understand how difficult it can be to entrust your child’s well-being to someone far from home. We have guided our own children through different cultural and educational environments, and we know the questions and worries families carry when their teenagers study abroad. We make sure students feel supported, confident, and secure, and that parents feel informed, reassured, and connected at every step.

Our story, our team

Meet our founders

Two education professionals, one from Canada and one from Mexico, who personally act as your child’s guardians.

Dany Benoit

Co-founder of DNA Guardianship

Born in New Brunswick, Canada. For more than 28 years, Dany has worked in education, always close to students. At Université de Moncton, he led French-language and summer programs for large groups of young people, managed a wide range of learning programs, then directed International Affairs, keeping up to date with the requirements for international students. Today he leads development for a network of colleges and a sport-study academy in Québec. He holds an MBA and works in French, English and Spanish.

A dedicated father of two daughters and a cyclist at heart, Dany loves Mexican culture and believes every student deserves the best possible learning experience.

Alejandra Ruiz

Co-founder of DNA Guardianship

Born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. For more than 15 years, Alejandra has helped families send their children to study abroad. After years as an agent with an international placement firm, she co-founded Parla Internationally Schooled during the pandemic with two colleagues. Parla has since helped thousands of students while staying true to its vision: a small team of three founders and women agents offering a personal, professional and tailored approach to each student, from preparation to life abroad.

A mother of a daughter and a son, an entrepreneur and a runner at heart, Alejandra is a people person who takes the time to understand each family and personalize every step. She believes every Mexican student deserves the best international learning experience.

Canadian and Mexican roots

A global perspective grounded in local understanding

Rooted in both Canada and Mexico, and strengthened by our international experience and cross-cultural expertise, we bring a global perspective grounded in local understanding.

Our approach

A trusted extension of families and schools

Unlike large agencies, we offer direct, personalized attention and a genuine understanding of each student and family.

We partner closely with boarding schools, serving as a reliable extension of both the family and the institution. With deep knowledge of school expectations and student life, we help bridge cultural, academic, and personal needs, always with sensitivity, discretion, and care.

Families and schools always know exactly who is responsible, how to reach us, and that there is continuity of care throughout the student’s journey. We are present, responsive, and fully committed, because for us guardianship is not just a service: it is a responsibility built on trust.

Our strategy and commitment

International students thrive when they feel supported, understood, and valued

Our vision, mission, and core values embody this belief. They guide how we serve students, engage with families, and build lasting relationships rooted in trust and genuine care.

Our vision

To be Canada’s premier guardianship provider, recognized for our culturally inclusive, student-centred approach and distinguished by exceptional support, transparent practices, responsive communication, and authentic human connection.

Our mission

To provide dedicated support and genuine care to international students, guiding them through moments of growth, adaptation, and discovery as they navigate their Canadian educational journey.

Our values

What guides us

Care

Genuine compassion and care in everything we do.

Trust

Transparent, honest relationships with students, families and schools.

Respect

Honouring every student’s unique cultural identity.

Reliability

Consistent, dedicated support when it matters most.