Elena Efimova

Education 
M.A. in Architecture and Education

Bio 
Elena Efimova (Townsend-Efimova) joined Rudolf Steiner School in 1996, bringing extensive experience teaching art to children, adults, and art therapy for autistic children. Her students’ artwork has been exhibited internationally in Russia, Finland, France, and the USA. After moving to Ann Arbor in 1993, she opened Talking Colors Art School. Elena is a practicing artist active in art shows, including the Ann Arbor Original Art Fair, and presents at the National Art Education Association (NAEA). She also takes private and commercial commissions. In 2022, her book on creating art with children was published in Russian and is being translated into English.

Elena is a parent of two alumni (classes of 2004 and 2014) and grandmother to four current students. Outside of teaching and art, she enjoys fishing, mushrooming, and playing pickleball.