About Elena
Elena Zifkin | Founder & Coach
Elena began tutoring in 2014 as an editor in the Williams College Essay Center, and began working as an independent college prep tutor in 2018. While working with individuals in this age group (16-24), she learned the importance of connecting on a personal level with her clients to make them feel truly seen, heard, and supported. Throughout her years as a tutor, she became intimately familiar with the unique challenges this age group faces — everything from deciding where to go to college, to navigating interpersonal drama.
After seven years as a college prep tutor, she decided to pursue coaching as it felt like a more holistic way to connect with and help her clients. Having received her BA in Sociology from Williams College, she continued her education in this field by becoming ICF Certified in Life Coaching, with a specialization in adolescents and young adults.
When she is not with her students, she loves to be outside. She is currently a mentor for Explore Austin, where she works with a group of teen girls from 6th to 12th grade as they navigate the outdoors. Through guided outdoor activities, she helps teens strengthen their capacity for comfort in new environments. She is also a certified yoga instructor who is skilled in mindfulness and stress reduction strategies.
“Not only has Elena taught me so much about what good test taking looks like, she has taught me more about myself and what it means to be a positive person in a negative leaning world.” — Natalie W., College Prep Student