Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Certified in:
Project Management Professional
Agile Practitioner
Scrum Master
Scrum Product Owner
Scrum@Scale Practitioner
Scaled Agile Framework Agilist
Solutions
I combine psychological insight with practical tools to help you navigate personal and professional challenges with greater clarity and resilience. My approach is shaped by individual needs and grounded in evidence-informed methods, along with years navigating change in complex IT environments and in my personal life.
From Agile Implementation to Human Transformation
Organizations today rarely fail because of inadequate processes; they struggle because people feel disconnected, burned out, unheard, or overwhelmed by constant change. Through my work, I realized that frameworks don’t transform cultures—people do.
My focus has evolved from teaching Agile methodology to examining the psychological environment: communication patterns, leadership behaviors, and team dynamics—the real drivers of human transformation.
This shift supports recommendations that foster honest communication, authentic relationships, sustainable performance, 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
Human-Centered Project Support
Managing complex projects while navigating organizational transitions often reveals deeper challenges—power dynamics, communication gaps, unclear expectations, burnout, shifting priorities, or processes that do not support the work. With over 20 years of experience in IT and a background in psychology, I help organizations understand the human and structural factors that influence project success.
Together, we uncover what’s working, what’s draining your people, and which practices will genuinely improve clarity, collaboration, and emotional wellbeing—without adding unnecessary process or pressure.
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
Supporting Your 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.
With experience guiding teams and individuals through complex transitions, I help you move through change with patience, clarity, and emotional steadiness. My approach blends psychological insight with practical guidance, making the process feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Together, we work through resistance, build confidence, and create a path forward that feels aligned, sustainable, and grounded in your wellbeing.
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, on a lifelong pursuit of meaning, creativity, and happiness. From an early age, I was drawn to the places where art, philosophy, psychology, and human potential intersect. That curiosity—and a deep belief that failure is simply part of the learning process, an invitation to assess, adjust, and try again—has shaped every chapter of my life.
My path hasn’t been linear. After completing a Master of Science in Textile Design and Engineering, I worked as an engineer and fashion designer, studied painting, taught drawing and descriptive geometry, worked as a journalist, produced a radio show, and even ran my own gym. Each chapter taught me something essential about people, systems, and the courage it takes to reinvent oneself.
In 1995, I moved abroad and expanded my creative practice, earning a Master of Arts in Scenography and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre. I produced multidisciplinary performances, taught dance, created new media work, and led technology-driven art projects. Along the way, I realized that what fascinated me most wasn’t just creativity itself, but the inner world behind it—how people think, feel, transform, and make meaning through change.
This calling led me to deepen my understanding of the human mind and complete a Master of Science in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. It became the missing piece that brought all the others into focus.
Since 2001, I’ve worked in IT, completing hundreds of projects across Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofits, and organizations in industries ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to higher education, banking, media, and the arts. Through project and product management roles, I saw firsthand how people respond to pressure, uncertainty, complexity, and constant change. The patterns were universal—people want to grow, but they often need support to navigate the transition from who they’ve been to who they’re becoming.
Across all my roles—engineer, artist, writer, IT professional—one thread has remained constant: my desire to help people grow, adapt, and become more fully themselves.
This is the foundation of my work as a Wellbeing Coach: a practice that blends psychological insight, creativity, and over two decades of organizational experience to support people through change with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Why you should 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 progress.
Change has been the defining thread of my life. I’ve lived in 13 cities across seven countries, on three continents and one island. And, like many people in midlife, I’ve moved through seasons of both personal and professional upheaval — losing my parents, beloved pets, heartbreak and divorce, illness, job losses, and career burnout. Each experience strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and taught me what it truly takes to rebuild a sense of purpose when life forces a reset.
I know what change feels like — intellectually, emotionally, and in the body. I can meet clients not just with knowledge, but with genuine understanding.
My coaching approach is shaped by a lifelong commitment to personal development and supported by formal training in psychology. I use a customized, client-centered method that blends coaching with elements of counseling, drawing on a number of approaches, including solution-focused techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
My goal is simple: to help you navigate change with clarity, self-trust, and emotional wellbeing — so you can step into your next chapter with confidence.
How to start working with me
I offer a free 30-minute coaching session to explore whether I’m the right fit to support you and your goals.
Schedule your 30-minute free coaching 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 hours.
Confidentiality policy
Your privacy matters deeply. I promise 100% confidentiality in every conversation.
And if you prefer something formal, I’m happy to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Fee and payment structure
We’ll discuss a fee structure that feels fair and workable for both of us.
My commitment is simple: I respect your investment with honesty, confidentiality, and a coaching process designed to create real movement in your life.
Your questions
If you have questions, please use the contact form on my Contact page. I’ll get back to you within 24 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.