Caracas
An early (and slow) start
I was born in Venezuela, where my nanny, Guendalina, only spoke English to me. Everyone else around me spoke Portuguese or Spanish.
They say children exposed to several languages take a little longer to start talking. I was no exception: I only started at age 3. My family jokes that I’m still making up for lost time.
Brazil
Growing up in Brazil, looking out at the world
At two, I moved to Brazil with my family and stayed until I was 21. My stepfather was French-American, and thanks to him I got to see many countries at a young age.
My mother signed me up for English classes at 7 — and didn’t let me quit until I finished high school. Later, I earned a degree in Agronomy from ESALQ-USP.
Orlando · Chicago
Twelve years in the United States
After college, I moved to the United States with my mother and stepfather. I spent six years in Orlando and six in Chicago — a fantastic experience.
After eight years, I became an American citizen. Today Brazil and the United States sit side by side in my heart. It was there that I came to love the English language even more.
2005
Coming back, and discovering translation
I returned to Brazil in 2005 to work with Ricardo Semler on the opening of Hotel Botanique in Campos do Jordão. In two years, I learned a little bit of everything.
When the project was put on hold, I had to find a new path — and translation came naturally. I’ve always loved reading and studying. Translating kept me connected to English and still feeds my very curious side: every job is a window into a world that isn’t mine day to day.
2009 onward
Translator and teacher
In 2009 I graduated in Translation and Interpreting from Alumni, and I haven’t stopped since. I’ve worked in information technology, medicine, the environment, marketing, energy, economics, gastronomy and much more.
Along the way, teaching took on a bigger role: private lessons, academic coordination at Elfe Idiomas and, today, tailor-made English lessons. I do what I love — and it shows in every lesson.
Countries I’ve visited
Travel is another way to learn languages — and I bring those stories into my lessons.