living happily at home and at work
This page used to be dedicated solely to IT product and project management consulting. Over time, my work expanded into wellbeing coaching.
There is more overlap between these two disciplines than one might expect. Both begin by understanding the current reality, clarifying a meaningful vision for the future, and translating that vision into intentional, measurable steps that create forward movement.
Certified in:
Project Management Professional
Agile Practitioner
Scrum Master
Scrum Product Owner
Scrum@Scale Practitioner
Scaled Agile Framework Agilist
Approach
Whether in organizations or personal transitions, the aim is clarity, alignment, and sustainable change. You can work with me in a combination of formats.
In 1:1 coaching, the process is fully client-centered. There’s no cookie-cutter approach. Each session is shaped by context, guided inquiry, and the vision and goals that emerge over time. The work is adaptive, responsive, and deeply personal.
In the structured programs, participants move through intentionally designed exercises. Each course creates its own container to support specific shifts, from grounding and resilience to identity exploration and forward movement.
From Agile Implementation to Human Transformation
Organizations rarely struggle because of process alone — processes themselves are shaped by people. The real struggle lies in disconnection, burnout, unclear communication, and the strain of constant change.
My work in Agile environments, supporting teams through structural transformation revealed that sustainable change depends less on frameworks and more on the psychological conditions beneath them — how people think, communicate, lead, and relate under pressure.
Sustainable transformation happens when we strengthen that human foundation — fostering clarity, honest dialogue, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
I saw Ella teach the Agile methodology to a very skeptical IT group with great results. Ella is passionate about her role as an Agile coach and I am grateful that she helped answer a lot of my questions about Agile as well!”
Christopher Turton, previous pmo team lead at kaleida health
Clarifying What Truly Matters
Managing complex projects during periods of transition often reveals deeper challenges such as unclear expectations, shifting priorities, or processes that no longer support the work. These competing forces can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm.
Similar patterns emerge in personal life. Competing priorities, internal conflicts, and unspoken assumptions can generate the same feeling of confusion and stagnation.
Clarifying priorities, examining patterns and blind spots, and reducing unnecessary friction restore focus, alignment, and steadiness — turning chaos into clarity.
Ella’s passion for the work she does is unparalleled. Analytical & problem solver, she has the ability to synthesize complex problems into clear, high level, visual presentations. I personally worked with her on many different projects and programs, including a team group working with the governance team to improve the infrastructure methodology. Ella has a great skill at motivating others and working through solving complex problems, and gained the respect and admiration of her team leads, engineers, and peers. If you are looking for a leader and a creative problem solver, and have Ella in your sights, I highly recommend Ella for the job.”
Paul Balbuena, Assistant Vice President at M&T Bank
From Clarity to Personal Growth
Meaningful change can feel like climbing a steep rock—invigorating at the start, overwhelming halfway up, and deeply transformative at the top. Along the way, it’s completely normal to feel hesitant, resistant, or unsure about your next step.
Growth is rarely linear. Some days bring momentum, others require patience and self-compassion. What matters is not speed, but consistency — the willingness to continue even when progress feels slow or uncertain.
Step by step, you strengthen self-trust, develop resilience, and move toward the version of yourself you’ve been holding back. Reflection and follow-up keep momentum steady, even when motivation dips.
Ella made the transition very smooth and her great knowledge in agile methodology made it easy to understand. To say the team was hesitant is an understatement and the push back was immense, but the entire time Ella was patient, calm, and very professional. I would recommend her for any position just from the experience I had with her leaping into the agile methodology.”
william joyner, engineer at kaleida health
About
There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris.”
Ernest Hemingway
My story
I was born and raised in Romania, where my lifelong pursuit of meaning and purpose began. From an early age, I was drawn to the intersection of art, philosophy, psychology, and human potential. That curiosity has shaped every chapter of my life.
My path wasn’t linear. I first completed a Master of Science and studied painting. I worked as an engineer and fashion designer, taught technical drawing to undergraduate students, produced a radio show, and ran my own gym. Later, I expanded my creative practice internationally, earning master’s degrees in Scenography and Theatre and producing multidisciplinary work.
Alongside my artistic practice, I’ve worked in IT across industries including manufacturing, healthcare, banking, media, and telecommunications. In these environments, I observed how people respond to pressure, complexity, and constant change.
My own midlife challenges brought that curiosity into sharper focus. I returned to academic study and completed a Master of Science in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Across all these experiences, one thread has remained constant: my desire to grow, and to inspire others to grow, adapt, and become more fully themselves.
That’s the foundation of my work as a wellbeing coach.
Why work with me
I grew up in a military family, which shaped my values early: honesty, loyalty, responsibility, and keeping my word. These are the qualities I bring into every coaching relationship. When I work with someone, I show up fully present and invested in their growth.
Change has been a defining thread of my life. I’ve lived in 13 cities across seven countries, and like many in midlife, I’ve navigated personal and professional upheaval — loss, heartbreak, illness, job transitions, burnout, and long periods of feeling stuck. These experiences strengthened my resilience and deepened my empathy.
I know what change feels like — intellectually and emotionally. I meet clients not only with knowledge, but with lived understanding.
My goal is simple: to help you navigate change with clarity and self-trust, so you can step into your next chapter with confidence.
How to start working with me
I offer a 30-minute exploratory coaching session to assess whether working together feels like the right fit and how I might support your goals.
If we decide to move forward, you will receive a coaching agreement and intake materials to help us begin the work with clarity and structure.
Schedule your 30-minute session
Use the “Go to My Calendar” button or the scheduling widget at the bottom of the page to book your session.
If you can’t find a time that works for you, visit my Contact page and send me your availability — I’ll respond within 24-48 hours.
Confidentiality
Your privacy matters. All coaching conversations are confidential and conducted with professional discretion. A formal confidentiality agreement is included in the coaching contract.
Coaching structure and fees
If we decide to move forward, I’ll outline the coaching structure and fees at the end of our exploratory session so you can make an informed decision.
Your questions
If you have any questions before booking, feel free to reach out through the Contact page. I’ll respond within 48 hours.
Newsletter
If you’d like to follow my journey — along with the lessons, tools, and reflections I gather along the way — you’re invited to subscribe to my Sunday newsletter. In return, you’ll receive the summary of findings from my qualitative study, Lived Experiences of Depression and Overcoming Depression in Midlife.