Meet the Team: Bethany, Education Coordinator & Client Relations Specialist

Bethany, Terrasini, PA

Navigating the complexities of citizenship by descent can be daunting. Thankfully, ViaMonde's Education Coordinator and Client Relations Specialist, Bethany, doesn't just understand these challenges – she's lived them.

Bethany’s career began in teaching, but after a few years she realized that something was missing. Although teaching could be rewarding, it was draining and often left her feeling underappreciated. She dreamt of a passionate career that allowed her to explore the wide breadth of her skillset and push the limits of her knowledge. Just as in teaching, her role at ViaMonde enables Bethany to act on her primary drive: helping others.

The analytical side of her mind excels at multi-tasking, extensive documentation, and data collection and interpretation, which was a significant part of her work as a teacher. As ViaMonde evolved and our services expanded, we needed someone who could build our new educational programs, but also give our clients a truly personal and supportive experience. 

“My role was created to do exactly both,” Bethany says. “With the transition into the role of ViaMonde’s Education Coordinator, I can focus my skills on building and managing ViaMonde’s educational programs for clients in addition to document preparation. It's a role that combines the big-picture creativity with real, human connection.” This unique position finally allowed Bethany the freedom she craved to explore her bold, creative side. With a robust background in photography, graphic design, and social media, Bethany’s multifaceted expertise makes her an indispensable asset to the ViaMonde team.

Her personal connection to ViaMonde began with her desire to reconnect with her Italian heritage. Like many of our clients, Bethany found herself blocked by the recent changes to the laws of jus sanguinis. First came the 300 euro fee from comune for requesting her great great grandparents vital records, then the hurdle of impossible name inconsistencies, getting hit by the so-called “minor issue,” and the final straw was the passing of the decree law on May 28th. This firsthand experience gives her a deep understanding of the challenges our clients navigate.

During the genealogical exploration of her roots, Bethany discovered that she is also eligible for Croatian citizenship by descent through her father’s ancestors. She found this process significantly simpler than the Italian route, requiring only birth certificates, with no impact from marriage or naturalization records, and no language test. Background checks and a letter of intent are required, and appointments are conveniently booked via email. Bethany will be the first of ViaMonde’s clients to pursue Croatian citizenship!

Bethany’s journey to ViaMonde, driven by a desire to help others and explore her multifaceted talents, perfectly embodies the spirit of our team. Her unique blend of analytical prowess and creative flair, combined with her personal experiences in navigating complex citizenship processes, makes her an invaluable asset to our ViaMonde family and a relatable guide for our clients.