a distinguished sports coaching and physical education (PE) expert with 12+ years of higher education experience and an extensive track record in elite futsal coaching. She holds a PhD in Sports Coaching (Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2016), an MA in Education (Sports Coaching, University of Bath, 2007), and a BSc in Physical Education (with Qualified Teacher Status, Brazil’s UFMG, 2003), complemented by a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching (PgCTHE).
Currently, she serves as a Principal Lecturer (Sports Coaching/PE) and Teaching Development Scheme Lead at Hartpury University (since 2011), shaping curriculum and supporting educator development. Her coaching career includes founding Hartpury’s futsal team (10 years, 4x BUCS League Champions, 3x BUCS Cup Champions) and leading England’s Deaf Women’s Futsal team to 2nd place in European qualifiers. She also acts as an External Examiner for universities (e.g., University of South Wales) and a Coach Developer for The Football Association (FA) and UK Coaching. Fluent in English and Portuguese (native), with working Spanish/Italian, she bridges academic research, teaching, and elite sports practice globally.