Russell Thompson
Accounting Manager
Originally from New York, Russell “Russ” moved to south Florida in the late 1990’s and hasn’t shoveled snow since. An energetic and ambitious accounting professional with a passion for mathematics, Russell has worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies before transitioning from sales to spreadsheets. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University with degrees in psychology, accountancy, and a minor in business law. An avid learner, he’s working on becoming a Certified Public Accountant in the near future. His easy-going and fun-loving personality brings a great deal of positivity into his interactions with both coworkers and clients. Russell loves the outdoors and his favorite stress-reliever and passion is martial arts.
Simona Normand
ByDesign Manager
Simona was born and raised in Catania, Sicily. Few years after she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures she moved to United States and jumped into the travel business right away and worked as a travel agent for almost 15 years. She loves to share the love for her country, its culture, the smells, and the food with all the travelers who enjoy exploring the world as much as she does. Simona is part of the ByDesign team and the World Travel Program at Nada’s Italy. On her days off, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her two children and dog.
Daria Donnelly
Journey Coordinator
With an Italian mother and English father, Daria, a native Floridian, was born with a spirit of adventure and love for travel. She spent four years living and working in Rome, while enjoying the summer months on the glamorous Amalfi Coast. This strengthened her love and passion for Italy, which she enjoys sharing with everyone she meets. After working in the healthcare system as a radiologic technologist for several years, Daria decided to focus her full attention on her family and raising her boys, Giovanni and Luca. Eager to use her knowledge of Italy and the Italian language, she decided to then move into the travel field and join the Nada’s Italy team.
Jesse Fell
Boutique Store Manager
Jesse grew up in Northeastern Maryland, and has spent much of his life traveling around the Eastern United States with his family. In 2014, while studying Italian in Orlando, this on-the-go lifestyle inspired him to sell his car, pack up his belongings and travel to Italy to tutor English to Italian children. After eight years of Italian Language studies, Jesse speaks the language fluently. He loves to share his passion for Italy and its language, culture, and way of life with everyone he meets. Jesse supports Martina, Simona, and Betty with Nada’s Italy ByDesign services, and lovingly creates a Welcome Box for every traveler on Nada’s Italy tours!.
Reba Larney
Journey Expert
Originally from Philadelphia and with a diverse professional background, Reba is a very outgoing individual who loves interacting face-to-face with people. As she loves to be involved in the community, you will most likely see her at a Chamber of Commerce networking event or at a charity fundraising function. Previously an Employee Benefits Consultant, Reba transitioned into the hospitality industry after moving to South Florida as the Sales and Marketing Manager of a popular fine-dining establishment. Reba loves the water and enjoys boating, swimming, and spending time at the beach. She has two beautiful daughters and loves living in sunny Florida with her boyfriend and their dog.
Sabatino Nappi
Journey Expert
Originally from New England, Sabatino or “Saba”, began his sales career in the real estate industry in 2003, obtaining his broker’s license in 2005. While he enjoyed working in both residential and commercial markets, he realized that he was ready for a change when he and his wife decided to start a family. As many others, they chose to move away from the cold winters, and settle in South Florida in 2015. When not talking to customers, Saba is now a busy dad to two boys. He is a passionate New England sports fan, loves to eat healthy and be active, and enjoys going back up North to visit family. With a mischievously innocent smile, Saba is considered the “lovable prankster” of the team.