Our team

Nelli, a refugee from Moldova who came to the U.S. in 1993, has 20+ years of community support experience. She is a child/adolescent therapist with a background in education, bilingual student support, and writing.

Nelli's main projects target:
— working with kids affected by war and bullying;
— building connections between schools and newly-arrived families;
— helping refugees navigate social and medical services;
— providing academic and college planning advice to K-12 and adult students;
— organizing community events and leading the volunteer team.

Since February 2024, Seattle Envelopes have been focused on resettlement efforts in Seattle. Nelli is committed to helping new families in the Seattle area find opportunities for success, as well as building a community to rely on for support and networking.

Under Irena's guidance, Seattle Envelopes has launched key ESL programs and expanded its education efforts. She has effectively trained a diverse group of volunteer ESL teachers, including teenagers, to bring fresh and engaging ways to teach languages. This mix of volunteers helps create a learning environment where both young students and their teachers benefit from each other.

Irena's methods help overcome language barriers, giving non-native speakers the confidence to adjust to their new surroundings. Her commitment has made Seattle Envelopes a place where volunteers gain the teaching skills and understanding needed to truly help immigrants.

Gregory Gridin is a professional with years of experience in the design, development, and delivery of software solutions. He has been assisting Seattle Envelopes and The Lucky Pen with various technical projects for a long time. These projects include supporting and repairing electronics, procuring and donating quality computers for refugees, maintaining office network security and internet infrastructure, and creating videography for educational events.

In today’s digital age, access to a reliable computer and a stable internet connection is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. This is especially crucial for people who are starting a new life thousands of miles away from home. Staying in touch with their families, accessing legal and healthcare information, connecting with local communities for help and social support, utilizing educational resources, researching work opportunities, and applying for jobs — all these activities require digital access.

Gregory firmly believes that new technologies, coupled with human kindness, can make the world around us significantly better.

Alena moved to the United States from Donetsk, Ukraine, and has built a diverse career in data analytics. Throughout her journey, Alena has remained deeply committed to volunteering in various capacities. She has worked extensively with children of all ages, providing academic support and guidance through school challenges. In addition, Alena has dedicated her time to helping elderly adults and assisting refugees in adjusting to life in their new country, fostering both social connections and a sense of community.

Since 2024, Alena has been actively involved with Seattle Envelops, bringing her expertise to help streamline and structure the organization’s vast amounts of data. Her contributions have played a pivotal role in improving the efficiency and impact of Seattle Envelops' operations.