Elena was born and raised in Lower Saxony. Early on she developed a high interest in foreign languages and their cultures. Consequently, she set off to the US as an au pair after graduating from high school. What started as a one year stay became an 18-month adventure taking care of three wonderful kids in Cincinnati, OH.

After returning to Germany she attended a language school that was also focusing on business studies and worked for several international companies in different industries with international teams.

In 2019 she and her husband took the opportunity and moved to Chicago. Before moving to the suburbs with her family, she volunteered at the German International School Chicago and worked at the Christkindlmarket.

Having learned several foreign languages herself, Elena is excited to switch roles and pass on her native language and culture to GLSN students.