Working

Playing

Volunteering

From continuing education marketing to e-learning instructional design, I've been dedicated to helping adults of all ages upgrade their professional skills and prepare for new careers. Here's a bit more about who I am as a person and what I do outside of work.

Strength in Diversity
Much of who I am is a fusion of interests, experiences and ideas. This diversity has informed and inspired my work. It has also helped me relate to different types of learners and a wide variety of instructional topics I work with.
Culture
I am a Russian-Canadian with an interest in world cultures, particularly African and Middle Eastern.
Career
I had a successful corporate career before discovering a passion for adult education.
Education
I've studied business, languages, design, writing, and social entrepreneurship.
Learning
Although I'm an e-learning enthusiast, I also enjoy face-to-face learning experiences.
Integration
As an instructional designer who loves to learn, I want to help working adults integrate studies into their daily lives and make regular learning part of their lifestyle.
Strength in Diversity
Much of who I am is a fusion of interests, experiences and ideas. This diversity has informed and inspired my work. It has also helped me relate to different types of learners and a wide variety of instructional topics I work with.
Culture
I am a Russian-Canadian with an interest in world cultures, particularly African and Middle Eastern.
Career
I had a successful corporate career before discovering a passion for adult education.
Education
I've studied business, languages, design, writing, and social entrepreneurship.
Learning
Although I'm an e-learning enthusiast, I also enjoy face-to-face learning experiences.
Integration
As an instructional designer who loves to learn, I want to help working adults integrate studies into their daily lives and make regular learning part of their lifestyle.
Working as a Digital Nomad
As a multicultural person and a citizen of the world, I embrace differences and thrive in unknown and multifaceted settings.
  • Home Base
    My home is in Vancouver, the most beautiful place in the world in my very biased opinion. I'm currently based in Moscow to support my family during difficult times.
  • Worldwide Work
    As a digital nomad, I work in the virtual world of e-learning, collaborating with teams and subject-matter experts from around the world. My recent collaborations were with colleagues based in Indonesia, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
  • Global Clients
    My clients and employers are just as diverse in their locations. I've worked for a German company in Vietnam, an American company in Canada, an Asian company in the US, a Russian company in Estonia and Turkey.
Finding Inspiration
Since all work and no play makes Elena a dull girl, I enjoy playing as much as I enjoy working.
I find inspiration in nature—through outdoor adventures—and in world cultures—through travel, books, beads, music, and food. These experiences enrich my life and energize my work.
Outdoor Adventures
Exploring World Cultures
Community Service and Volunteer Work
I find deep meaning in community service and volunteer work. Here are some of the causes and organizations I've supported.
  • Habitat for Humanity International
    Seeing my enthusiasm, Millard and Linda Fuller, founders of Habitat for Humanity, invited me to help with a project at the organization's HQ in Georgia. I also had the privilege to be part of the HFH construction trip to Hungary.
  • Powell Street Festival
    An annual celebration of Japanese-Canadian arts and culture in Vancouver, this festival represents the diversity and multiculturalism I value and support. I've attended it many times and helped solicit donations from local businesses.
  • Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan
    Working to advance educational opportunities for Afghan girls and women, this Canadian non-profit spearheads many important initiatives. I've helped with several fundraisers and hope to help with more in the future.
I'd love to help with your project
If you have a work or volunteer project in mind, I'd love to hear from you!
Photos: Todd Belcher, Annie Spratt, EdMarket, Theo Sunardjaya, Kit Griffin, Elena Ouliankina