I am 49 years old, married to Lars and mother to Katharina (who is 14 years old). I was born in Brazil, raised in Germany, where I stayed during my school years, and returned to São Paulo to attend university, where I graduate in law. Later, I decided to broaden my view and concluded a Master of Business Administration (MBA). For 18 years, I worked in mergers and acquisitions in law firms and as the General Counsel and board member of a multinational company.

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After the birth of my daughter, I felt that work was lacking in soul and creativity, so I decided to “reset” my route. I took a sabbatical year to dedicate myself to the arts, unexpected experiences and to dive within. After searching, not knowing which direction to take, one day, I had a vision. A place where all arts were integrated and people could find the way back to themselves through different experiences. Although it seemed a bit intangible, the vision was crystal clear in my heart and mind. I found a small warehouse in a quiet street of São Paulo and I saw all the possibilities of creating something that was coming from the depths of my soul. With the help of amazing and loving family, friends and strangers, I took care in all the details of bringing this place to life. Everything was coming together, and the ideas were being formed, as the place came to life. This is how Petalusa, an art center for mind, body and soul, was created. I had the opportunity to experience myself in a completely different environment and to deconstruct known structures. In 2 years, we hosted more than 250 workshops with artists, therapists, scientists, teachers and other facilitators. It was – and still is – a magical place of joy and healing called Espaço Travessia, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024.

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In 2016, as a family decision, we decided to move to Switzerland, so I passed the reins of Petalusa to loving people who would carry on with its growth and development. Moving to Switzerland has allowed me the quiet and slow pace of life I never had the chance to experience. I have been dedicated to my family, home and personal studies. I have discovered the benefits of a healthy plant-based diet and the joys of cooking. I found a deep connection to nature and spent most of my free time in the mountains and forests.

In 2021 I started an expressive art therapy education at InArtes in Winterthur, Switzerland. Since then I have immersed myself in the study of art as a therapeutic path, which combines psychology and the creative process to enable emotional growth and self awareness. In connection with my degree, I worked at a special education school where I was allowed to accompany young people with mental and learning disabilities. I also supported children with special school needs as an educational assistant in a school in Zurique. Today I work at the Living Museum in Wil, a place of warmth for people with mental illness where art is created.

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