Meet Your Coaches
Nikki Taylor
Property and Investment Coach
Australian expat turned real estate guru, Nikki Taylor’s fascination for La Dolce Vita led her to following her dreams and moving to Italy in 2014. She has combined her love of all things Italy and Property with her years of experience in the real estate and Holiday Rentals industries and coaches overseas buyers as to how to confidently buy property in Italy. Nikki resides in Puglia with her Italo-Australiano bambinos. She is a 3 x Amazon best selling author and has featured in world class publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur and Millionaire magazines, plus writes the real estate section of Italy Magazine (www.italymagazine.com).
Nikki has also featured in HGTV’s Mediterranean Life, where she helps an American couple find their dream home in Italy and has appeared in two episodes of House Hunters International where she assisted two incredible women on their journey to finding not only their dream home in Italy, but their own version of La Dolce Vita.
Dena Fenza
Italian Cooking Coach
Dena Fenza is the influencer and multi-talented culinary & lifestyle expert behind the popular MiciaMammas blog and social media accounts where she’s gained a viral following for sharing her culinary know-how alongside her timeless tips for hosting, traveling with kids, and making it all work as a busy mother of five. After leaving the restaurant industry to prioritize her expanding family, Dena set out to create something of her own and began documenting and sharing her treasured recipes through social media as a meaningful way to
honor their grandparents’ legacy.
This journey culminated in the creation of My Italian-American Table, which Dena hopes will inspire others to cherish meals, memories, and family connections.
Sara Garafalo
Holistic Wellness Coach
Sara is an Intuitive Health and Life Coach, Energy Healer, Ayurveda Counselor, best-selling Author; and your guide to creating a healthy, balanced, holistic lifestyle to help you connect deeper with your body, enhance your intuition, and connect with your Higher Self.
She has worked with countless CEOs, founders, influencers, and professionals looking to optimize their health, find full alignment, experience pleasure, and create freedom in their lives.
Her food, recipes, intuitive healing sessions, and coaching programs serve as a vessel to connect people back to their most authentic selves and master their intuition to navigate their health, love, and money.
Shirley Shivhon
Yoga and Slow Living Coach
Shirley Shivhon is a passionate yoga and meditation teacher, reiki practitioner, and sound healer. Her journey began on the sun-kissed coast of southern California before she embarked on a transformative decade in Hawaii, eventually finding her way to the picturesque hills of Tuscany in 2015.
Her deep-rooted connection with yoga and meditation has been a source of strength and solace, inspiring her to pursue numerous certifications in power/vinyasa yoga, meditation, ashtanga yoga, kids’; yoga, yin yoga, reiki, sound healing, and various energy work modalities. Shirley holds a Master’s degree in Yoga Studies from Ca’; Foscari in Venice, Italy, and is currently pursuing a degree in Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine from MIU.
Shirley’s teaching style encapsulates both invigorating vinyasa flows and deeply meditative practices, tailored to meet the unique needs of her students. She conducts private and small group yoga sessions in and around Florence, as well as at prestigious luxury hotels in Tuscany. Additionally, she curates personalized and exclusive wellness retreats, offering an intimate escape into the realm of holistic well-being.
As a cherished faculty member at one of Florence’s esteemed higher education institutes (Instituto Lorenzo de Medici), Shirley imparts her wisdom in yoga philosophy, mindfulness, and Eastern religions to international Study Abroad students, further enriching their educational experience.
Shirley’s dedication to sharing the transformative power of yoga and meditation, combined with her profound knowledge and nurturing approach, creates a space for individuals to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and inner balance.
PATRIZIA GUASTI
Italian Language Coach
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of residing in diverse locales: the scenic Lake District in the UK, the enchanting region of Tuscany in Italy, and the vibrant state of Florida in the US.
My passion revolves around imparting the beauty of the Italian language to those eager to learn. Additionally, whenever the opportunity arises, I also share my knowledge and love for kayaking and sailing.
As you embark on this journey of language acquisition, know that you’ll be learning Italian in an environment brimming with enjoyment and fulfillment.
The Italians will wholeheartedly embrace your efforts and your distinctive English accent, and any linguistic hiccups you encounter along the way will be met with understanding, as they hold a deep admiration for those who undertake the endeavor of mastering their language.
Amy Sciarretta
Italian Style Coach
Born and raised in a Gilmore Girls-esque town in the northeast, with roots in central Italy, my style is a misto of bold New York and Italian romance.
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for over a decade, from personal shopping to editorial shoots, to interviewing designers at MFW and beyond. Through it all, my favorite experience is helping people I love feel their best – whether it’s friends and family, or inspired dreamers and doers like you.
As a personal stylist, my goal is to make you look and feel fabulous for any trip, closet refresh or life event you have planned next. Where Carrie Bradshaw meets Sophia Loren, I tie American and European cultures together to create looks that are comfortable, fun, and make you feel like the main character of your own incredible story.
Pauline Val Dungca
Community Manager
Connie Costa
Sicily Guide
Connie Costa, MA, is a dynamic leader in the realm of personal growth, seasoned leader in Sicilian retreats, an esteemed international speaker, and a prolific writer dedicated to guiding individuals towards their life’s purpose. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and certified as a Life Coach by the Holistic Life Coaching Foundation, Connie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.
With a focus on delivering unparalleled experiences, Connie orchestrates a range of events, crafts insightful articles, facilitates spiritual retreats, and offers both group and private coaching sessions. Her forte lies in curating bespoke luxury experiences in the picturesque backdrop of Sicily, Italy. Since 2010, she has been curating immersive retreats and personalized adventures, where she customizes exquisite journeys for discerning travelers. What began as hosting personal development retreats for coaching clients has blossomed into a full-fledged venture dedicated to providing VIP treatment in Sicily.
Connie’s commitment to excellence is unwavering, and she takes pride in delivering nothing short of the finest. With a passion for crafting exclusive and unforgettable experiences, she strives to infuse her signature blend of luxury, exclusivity, and authenticity, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of all who journey with her.
Elisa Doro
Puglia Guide
Tour guiding, Elisa style, is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It’s not just about taking you to beautiful places; it’s about immersing you in a world of wonder and enchantment. Elisa’s approach is deeply personal and intuitive, as she seeks to understand your desires and preferences to tailor the journey specifically to you.
With Elisa as your guide, you’re not just a tourist; you’re a cherished guest, and laughter and storytelling are always on the itinerary. As you explore the picturesque trulli of Alberobello, the ancient wonders of Matera, and the bustling streets of Bari, you’ll not only see these places but feel their magic.
Elisa’s tours also venture off the beaten path, exploring the hidden gems like the Baroque splendor of Lecce and the captivating town of Otranto, perched high above the Adriatic. Her tours are a delightful blend of history, culture, and the culinary delights of Puglia.
In Elisa’s world, it’s not just about seeing the sights; it’s about experiencing them with all your senses. The colors, flavors, and history of Puglia come to life under her guidance. It’s a journey that will leave you with lasting memories and a deep connection to this enchanting part of the world.
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