Elena is the art director at Greendale Studio in Annandale, VA, guiding young and adult artists and managing creative art-making events for groups, families, and the community. Prior to opening the studio, Elena worked as a program coordinator at ALPHA Education and art instructor at Mississauga Valley School of Art. She earned a Master’s degree in International Education from New York University and completed two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Visual Arts and another in Education, at York University. Her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership in education has enabled her to gain professional experience across multiple locations, including Canada, the U.S., Uganda, South Korea, and Taiwan, where she has designed and led impactful programs that foster global engagement and cross-cultural learning.

A long-time resident of Toronto, Canada, she is passionate about photography, re-reading classical books, and leading an artful life. Elena now resides in Virginia with her family of four and is excited to be working with her talented and creative students.