My Story

The first chapter of my career was dedicated to academia, where I worked long hours as a university researcher and professor. 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.

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.

Teacher Training

ongoing - 300 h Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, at My Vinyasa Practice - focused on integrative teaching, trauma-informed, adaptive, Yin, restorative, prenatal yoga, and yoga nidra; lead teacher: Michelle Young

2025 - 200 h Yoga Teacher Training, at Yoga Easy Academy - focused on Functional Hatha Vinyasa Yoga; lead teacher: Esther Ekhart

2013 - 200 h Yoga Teacher Training, at Associação Europeia de Terapias Orientais - focused on Hatha Yoga; lead teacher: Paulo Hayes

Other Certifications

2025 - Sound Healing level 1, at Associação de Musico-Terapia Vibracional Ressonância Holística - Cosmic Gong; teacher: Ângelo Surinder

Short Trainings

The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes, Elena Cheung - Yoga Medicine

Teach Yoga in English: Essentials, Enga Unite

European First Aid Certificate, Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa

Academic Background

2021 - PhD Psychology

2019 - MSc Clinical and Health Psychology

2017 - BSc Psychology

2010 - PhD Marine Ecology

2007 - MSc Ecology

2002 - BSc Marine Biology