I was born in Brazil, in a town about 300 km from Sao Paulo capital called Araraquara which in the native Indigenous language means “Abode of the Sun”. My childhood in the early 70s was a happy one but also with many life adversities.

During school holidays, I used to travel with my family and extended family to camping sites, to a rural village with thermal waters and to a popular beach town where my maternal grandfather owned a studio flat. I love being surrounded by nature and being in the company of my family and friends. While travelling in Brazil was expensive and less accessible, since moving to the UK, I travelled to many countries in Europe, nurturing my passion for exploring cities and natural reserves and learning about new cultures.

Education is an important value for me and part of my family script, especially on my mum’s side. Working class values are very much part of my dad’s side of the family. State schools in Brazil are not usually well resourced and often the standards are not great. I was lucky to study in good state schools for most of my education, including one of the best universities in Brazil where I completed my training in clinical psychology. I consider myself as very privileged to have had access to good quality education and for my parents being able to provide me with the means in which I could focus on my studies all the way to high education.

Art is another important part of my life, dance as my most personal channel. During my childhood and youth I dedicated a great deal of time practicing contemporary dance, classical ballet and other dance styles. Nowadays I practice Swing dance, especially Lindy Hop. I also love going to art exhibitions as well to dance performances and concerts.

I moved to the UK in mid-90s and made this the place where I call home. Migrating from another continent was a challenging and transformative experience for me. During my first few years in the UK, I worked as a nanny and in the hospitality industry while I learnt and mastered English language. I lived in South and West London until I moved to Hertfordshire in 2012 where I enjoy the benefits of both worlds: the countryside lifestyle with a neighbourhood community as well as the easy access to the vibrant and multicultural life that London offers.

I have a caring and diverse group of friends. Being with people with diverse social identities is a reflection of my own alliances as well as my values; and undoubtedly it enriches my personal and professional experiences. I had a sister with physical and learning disabilities and have a close relative experiencing serious mental health issues. This gives me a first-hand insight into the emotional and practical issues that arise from caring for a person with special needs and enduring mental health illness.

I recognise that looking after one’s own well-being is of most importance and also often a challenge. I endeavour to do this in a variety of ways including eating healthily, sleeping well and protecting time for activities that help with work-life balance as well as with promoting mental and physical health. By looking after myself, I hope that I will be in my best form to support those with whom I relate and work and also in setting the grounds to help them doing the same.