My Story

The first chapter of my career was dedicated to academia, where I worked long hours as a researcher and professor at the University of Algarve. My journey began in marine biology, but as my research interests expanded, I pursued additional studies in Psychology. I even did research on the impact of yoga on mental disorders. Alongside my academic career, I completed my first yoga teacher training in 2013 and began teaching yoga part-time.

The next chapter of my career emerged from deep self-reflection. I realised that my work at the university no longer fulfilled me. I have always wanted to be of service to others, and my job as a researcher is mostly focused on myself – with no immediate impact on the community. This misalignment has always bothered me.

I have now embarked on a new adventure, slowly transitioning to teaching yoga full-time - doing work that aligns with my passion and that allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Teaching Philosophy

As a yoga teacher, I integrate an evidence-based approach informed by my background in science. My class offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Restorative, Yin, Yoga Nidra, Pranayama and meditation. The physical practice is rooted in functional anatomy, allowing me to offer a safe practice, adapted to everyone’s unique body.

My teaching is focused on movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. I use science-backed methods to enhance strength, flexibility, mobility, and body awareness, with the ultimate goal of promoting long-term physical and mental well-being. I do not include mystical or esoteric elements in my teaching.

Personal Practice

My personal yoga practice has been deeply rooted in the Ashtanga Vinyasa system. I have practiced with renowned ashtanga teachers such as Tarik van Prehn, Lea Perfetti, Tomas Zorzo, Vera Simões, and Nancy Gilgoff. In recent years, my practice has expanded to include other styles of yoga and yoga-based body movement. My focus has shifted from an alignment-based approach to a more functional perspective, informed by anatomy and biomechanics. To deepen my knowledge on functional yoga, I am currently enrolled in an additional 200-hour teacher training at the Yoga Easy Academy.

As for my meditation and mindfulness practice, I practiced Zen Buddhism with the Almond Blossom Sangha, in the tradition of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Currently, my meditation practice is still rooted in Zen, but it integrates elements from other philosophical traditions, namely Taoism and Stoicism.