Justyna Simmons

I moved to Paris for work planning to stay for 1 year, maximum 2… in 2007.

After graduating from a Business and Polytechnics School in Poland, I worked for 15 years as a Project Manager in the automotive industry. During that time I managed industrial relocations, moving automotive production parts between countries. That job taught me how to be organized and plan ahead when managing complex international projects. All this while moving to different countries, learning about new cultures and how to make somewhere new feel like home.

When I first arrived in Paris, I was shocked at how long it took me to complete what I thought would be simple procedures- renting a home (I spent 6 months in hotels), setting up a French bank account (this took me 2 months), and registering with French social security AKA Carte Vitale (this took 2 years!). I knew that there had to be a better way to manage international relocations, and that’s how I found my true calling.

I co-founded Your Friend in Paris with the goal of creating a company that allows people to not only feel comfortable, but confident in the huge life change that is a relocation. I’m passionate about building a sustainable, inclusive, and ethical business, while providing a good work-life balance for my team and myself. Our priority is to understand, and meet, our clients’ individual and unique needs – making sure they start their French adventure on the right foot so they can flourish here.

David Simmons III

Born and raised in Virginia, USA, I’m a proud graduate of the University of Virginia who made the leap to Paris in 2009. Shortly after arriving, I founded Your Friend in Paris, originally managing rental properties for American clients adjusting to life in France. Over time, the company grew into a full-service relocation agency with a focus on immigration, housing, business setup, and French administration.

When I was first establishing my new life here in France, I faced many of the same challenges our clients do today, such as complex administrative procedures, language barriers, and an unfamiliar banking system. Having been through it firsthand, I developed a deep understanding of what expats truly need to succeed in France.

Today, I serve as CFO and Head of Immigration & Business Setup at Your Friend in Paris, overseeing company operations while working directly with clients to guide them through the French system. With over 15 years of experience under my belt, I confidently assist individuals and families as they create lives, launch businesses, and thrive here.

Kattin Lopez Manterola

Originally from the seaside in the south of France, I began my academic journey with a law degree in 2011, followed by a degree in Spanish civilization and literature in 2012. After working in a Parisian law firm, I spent two enriching years in Mexico before returning to Europe to complete my master’s degree in political science at the Sapienza University in Rome.

Back in France, I found myself torn between two passions: literature and the intricacies of legal and administrative processes – so I chose to pursue both!

At Your Friend in Paris, I now work as a project manager and specialist in social and administrative procedures. As a project manager, I love that I am able to accompany clients through their entire relocation – from building their timeline together, to overseeing the completion of procedures. As an expert in French administration, clients often value my persistence and my commitment to finding creative solutions to administrative tangles.

Elena Ferrari

Born and raised in the beautiful town of Genoa, Italy, I qualified as a lawyer in 2012 before hopping on a plane to Dubai, UAE, where I worked as a corporate legal advisor. Then la Ville Lumière called, and I moved to Paris at the end of 2013. I studied French law at La Sorbonne in Paris. In between (4 different apartments, arrondissements, and life), I relocated for a year to Singapore with 2 kids in tow

At Your Friend in Paris I work in the house search department, helping clients find their dream homes.
My clients appreciate me for finding “out of the box” solutions and breaking the French “catch 22”. I translate legal French into understandable English, with an Italian accent.

Liz O’Dell

Born and raised in Tennessee, I’ve always had a curiosity for the wider world. I gained a global perspective early on through my work with Sister Cities, hosting and participating in student exchange programs around the world. In 2020, I followed my passion for cross-cultural connection and moved to Paris to study at the American University of Paris, where I earned my degree in Global Communications.

At Your Friend in Paris, I manage both communications and daily office operations. That means I wear many hats- writing articles and newsletters, managing our marketing efforts, and supporting the team to help keep things organized and moving forward. I love creating helpful content that supports our clients and ensures they feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout their relocation.

Seville Croker

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I moved to France in 2024 and quickly found a sense of purpose in helping others navigate the challenges of relocation. As a member of the immigration team at Your Friend in Paris, I support clients through the complex and often overwhelming visa and residency process—answering questions, preparing documents, and helping them feel confident every step of the way.

With a background in French and Swahili, and field research experience in Kenya, I’ve long been passionate about international connection and cross-cultural exchange. As an expat myself, I understand how complicated moving abroad can be—before and after arrival—and I’m committed to making that transition smoother for others.

Anaelle Caetano

After earning my law degree in 2022, I decided to build on my love for complex procedures and pursue my true passion – real estate. I then went on to earn my masters degree in real estate from School Suptertiaire, a prestigious real estate school in Paris. This profession allows me to combine my love for human connection, my attention to detail, and my passion for architecture and heritage.

At Your Friend in Paris, I work in the house search department. Finding a place that you can call home is the first step to adjusting to life in a new country and I truly appreciate that I get to accompany our clients in this otherwise difficult process. I’m committed to helping people who want to settle in France, especially expats who are faced with complex procedures and a different culture. My role is to make their transition smoother, guide them through every step of the way, and ensure that their arrival goes as smoothly as possible — with peace of mind and full confidence.

Being a steady point of reference in this new chapter is not only a challenge I enjoy taking on, but also a true mission that gives real meaning to my work at Your Friend in Paris.

Mary Béatrice Petit-pas Becue

I was born and raised in France, more specifically in the small town of L’Etang la Ville to the west of Paris. My family business was real estate, so I grew up learning the ways of the industry that I have come to love. I spent 20 happy years working in real estate sales, continuing my family’s legacy while also making my own. The connections I made with the clients (both buyers and sellers) were my favorite part of this work. The satisfaction of reaching agreements between parties, so everyone could win, was the greatest reward for my efforts and fuelled my passion.

My greatest joy, however, has been raising my 5 wonderful children. Once they had “left the nest”, I knew it was time to start a new chapter as well.
Now, at 68, I’m thrilled to be a part of such a young, dynamic, and welcoming team. I love that I am able to use my years of expertise in a new way and help expats make my home country their home too.

Vladimir Stanojevic

Born in France and raised between Serbia and Paris, I’ve grown up navigating different cultures. This naturally led me to a passion for helping others adapt to new environments. After studying Finance and Commerce, I’m now completing my third year in Marketing and Brand Strategy.

At Your Friend in Paris, I’ve worked across every department: Immigration, housing, administrative procedures, and community building. Now, my work is focused on content creation for our social media. I love that I am able to combine my creativity and knowledge of relocation procedures with my passion for helping and educating others. My favorite part of my job is when I get to share the stories and experiences of our clients through the content I create. When others see these stories, they realize that it’s possible for them too, and we can make their Parisian dreams come true.

Melissa Aboun

I was born and raised in Algeria, and I moved to Paris in 2018 to complete my studies in German-English translation. After finishing my studies, I decided to stay and work in this beautiful city, which I now call home. Being an expat myself allows me to truly understand the expectations, concerns, and hopes of our clients when they search for their new home. My personal experiences make me even more passionate about helping them feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.

I work with Your Friend in Paris in the house search department, attending apartment visits with or on behalf of our clients. During these visits, I become your eyes on the ground, I walk you through every detail of the apartment, answer your questions in real time, and share practical advice to help you evaluate if the property meets your needs. I also make sure to gather your feedback and comments so we can refine the search and find the perfect home for you.

Michael Westwood

After earning my MBA from Cornell (Go Big Red!) I became a Manhattanite by choice and spent most of my adult life living and working in New York City. In 2024, my husband Eric and I “retired” from Corporate America to pursue la vie française! It was this journey that led me to Your Friend in Paris, first as a client. I loved the idea of helping fellow expats through their relocation, and knew that I wanted to be a part of the team.

Before making the leap, I worked in the travel industry, managing the travel insurance division of a Fortune 500 insurance brokerage firm and overseeing the call centers for British Airways North America. I was also deeply involved in community life in NYC, serving on the Board of Governors for the Human Rights Campaign, volunteering with Broadway Cares’ Red Bucket Brigade, and being an active member of my church’s Hospitality Committee.

Now in Paris, I’m thrilled to be working with Your Friend in Paris as the Client Experience and Community Manager. My role is to make sure that every client’s experience is as great as mine was. As someone who understands, and deeply appreciates the importance of creating community, I love that I am able to bring people together through our client events. In my relocation journey, finding my community here in Paris has been a huge part of making France my home. Accompanying others on this journey and becoming their friend in Paris is the most rewarding part of my work here.

Anna Struzik

I’ve been passionate about international mobility since 2008, and over the years I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate hundreds of relocations – mostly focused on housing searches and supporting expats as they settle into their new lives.

My hands-on experience since 2016 has given me deep knowledge of real estate rules, how to organize effective home visits, and how to handle all the unexpected surprises that can come with a move – always with an eye on my clients’ unique needs.

As a Polish expat myself, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate a new culture, a new city, and a new system. That’s why I love what I do: helping others feel confident and supported as they search for a home in Paris.

After working in larger corporate environments, I’m especially happy to now be part of the Your Friend in Paris team. It’s a boutique agency and that’s what makes it special.

Here, I have the time and space to really get to know our clients and make sure the service we provide feels personal, thoughtful, and human. And I feel lucky every day to be part of such a kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive team.