Valentina Filina is a NYC - based model and actress. She was born and raised in Yessentuki, Russia (former USSR). At an early age she started attending dance classes, modeling classes and acting classes. She took part in ballroom dancing competitions, runway shows and performed in a local theater. Her mother Ella, a professional dressmaker, made all her performance outfits. In 1998, after a major financial crisis that hit the country, the girl had to quit all the classes she was taking because the family couldn't afford them any longer and started learning English. In 2004 Valentina entered Pyatigorsk State University (former Pyatigorsk State Linguistic University). In 2009, she graduated from the university with a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. A year later she graduated from the same university with a Master's degree in Psychology. In 2013, Valentina immigrated to the USA to fulfill her dreams. Show less «