My story begins where most still hesitate
The turning point
When Gabriela was born, the Down syndrome diagnosis could have defined our family's horizon. We chose to treat it as a starting point, not a destination. Over the years, we intentionally built a path of secure bonding, continuous stimulation, conscious boundaries, and autonomy. Today, Gabriela is a young adult with academic training and active participation in society. This experience transformed not only our family but my entire understanding of human development.
The training
I am a parental educator, neuropsychopedagogue, and mentor focused on human development, inclusion, and autonomy. My work integrates personal experiences, solid academic training, and practical experience with families, educators, and health professionals. Throughout my career, I have taught in graduate programs, conducted training for health professionals, accompanied families through deep transformation processes, and developed the VELLA Method, an approach based on evidence and real experience.
What drives me
I deeply believe that every human being has the potential to develop autonomy, dignity, and belonging, when they find environments that offer secure bonds, adequate stimuli, and conscious boundaries. This is the principle that guides the VELLA Method and all my work, whether with families, schools, health professionals, or organizations.
Social impact
Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of co-founding and supporting initiatives that transform the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
Projeto Up Down
Co-founder (with Sandra Codogno)Associação Reviver Down
SupporterInstituto Point Down
Co-founderMovimento Down
SupporterCESD - Centro Síndrome de Down
SupporterProjeto Ding Down
SupporterInstituto Simbora Gente
SupporterCHAT21
SupporterFundação Síndrome de Down
SupporterFederação Down
SupporterInstituto Mano Down
SupporterInstituto Cromossomo 21
Supporter
Non-negotiable values
- True and respectful inclusion of people with disabilities and neurodivergences
- Equity in human development opportunities
- Respect for the dignity and uniqueness of each person
- Education and human development as paths for social transformation
- Responsible communication, without sensationalism or unrealistic promises
"The diagnosis doesn't have to be the destination, it can be the starting point."