Elena is a native New Yorker and grew up in Westchester, New York. She obtained a Master of Arts degree at Pace University, working in media arts before discovering her passion for helping others. She then went on to complete her Master of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University.

Elena has experience working with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety and trauma. She enjoys working with members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, those with differently-abled identities, and adults working to merge the cultural and spiritual beliefs of their family of origin with their lived experience. Elena is especially interested in supporting those impacted by familial substance use addiction, burnout due to “hustle culture”, and those navigating interpersonal conflicts with loved ones.

Elena believes that therapy works best when a therapist lets the client set the pace and creates a judgment-free space. Elena understands that change is not easy, so she strives to help clients first weigh the pros and cons of breaking out of their patterns and changing their behaviors. Together Elena and her clients work to establish and maintain a life that aligns with their goals.

Elena is a proud Romanian adopted from Bucharest, Romania at 4½ years old. Although she does not know how to speak her native language, she hopes to learn one day. During her free time, Elena enjoys spending as much time as possible with her cat Tiggy, and her siblings’ dogs. To unwind, she likes to cook and learn new recipes and watch sitcoms and cooking shows. Elena also ensures to prioritize what she has coined as self-care Sunday to combat any ‘Sunday scaries’!