Hi, I’m Elena, originally from New York, USA. I’ve been coming to Parma ever since 2008, when I started working for a US subsidiary of a local Parma based company, where I also met my husband. My husband and I moved here with our son in 2021 for my husband’s career.
I love Parma, particularly the Centro Storico where I live, which is very lively. Whether in via Farini or in Cittadella, you always run into friends from school or the neighborhood – it’s never lonely. There's an excellent balance between city and nature. It's easy to go out, find cultural events and restaurants, but most importantly it is easy to get to the sea and the mountains to explore our other passions such as sailing, hiking and skiing.
Currently, in addition to working on Parma Mia Expats with Doyin McArthur and Sarah Goldman, I'm a painter and an English teacher for students of all ages. I also continue to operate my property management business, Front Stoop Property Management, located in Brooklyn, NY.
Additionally, I’m busy preparing to get my Yachtmaster Ocean license and hope to complete it in the next few years. In 2023 alone I’ve completed over 1500 nautical miles at sea, including 800 offshore between Portugal and Gran Canaria. My family and I spend most weekends sailing on the Ligurian coast, and in November 2023 I will cross the Atlantic, a 3,000-nautical-mile offshore voyage, with my dad, an experienced captain.
Right now I feel as much at home in Parma as I do in New York, despite my rudimentary Italian (I'm working on it!). As a relative newcomer, I don't have as much experience to offer as Doyin and Sarah, but I've gotten around a fair bit since we arrived. Feel free to reach out to me via this website with any questions you may have - at the very least, I know a lot of amazing people who are always happy to help!
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