Meet our team

Steliana van de Rijt-Economu – Founder of the Ithaca Journey  has more than 10 years international HR experience working for blue chip companies like Kraft Foods, Vodafone, Nike and Shell. She designed the Ithaca Journey’s rural learning experience after she herself has been  at a cross road in her career and decided to go back to the childhood village to gain some new perspective on life.  She now lives in London with her husband and daughter and she is a Program Manager for Coaching and facilitates  leadership courses for an international company. She is also an accredited Coaching Practitioner, member of the EMCC and Meyers Briggs certified. In Ithaca Journey, Steliana designs and facilitates most learning interventions and conducts all the  coaching sessions.

Toli Gigica – Operations Manager in Romania.

Toli spent most of his life in the rural area of Camena, working at his family farm. For him, the down-to-earth way of living is the only way of life. He will welcome you in his world and he will introduce you to some of the ancient skills like making wine, making cheese and milking goats.

The Host Families – families from Camena who will welcome you into their homes. Once you meet them you will recognize the hospitality and warmth of the people living in a small community.