About

Elena is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer and founder of Finn Woodworking & Design, LLC and Newport Sauna, LLC, where she unites her passion for woodworking, the outdoors, fitness, and community. A New Englander from Boston, she has spent most of her life along the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, blending craftsmanship with a deep connection to the sea. Trained and educated in business management, boatbuilding, and design, she has worked as a marine carpenter, boatwright, captain, and designer-builder of custom furniture and other items. In 2025 she launched Newport Sauna, LLC, creating Aquidneck Island’s first homegrown Finnish sauna experience. An avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, she is active in several professional and cultural organizations and enjoys biking, hiking, swimming, and sauna time with family and friends.