Rita Baptista

In 2007, I graduated from the Higher Education School of Education (ESEP) in Porto, Portugal. I completed a five-year degree in Social Education / Social Work: three year bachelor plus a two year specialization in Social Work in schools. I also concluded a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychopathology and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescents.

I worked as a lecturer at the National University of East Timor (UNTL) for 14 months, where I taught the disciplines of Community Development, Psychology of Education and Group Dynamics.

I have a particular passion for Theatre of the Oppressed, Drama and Social Circus and I have been further developing these interests through my work with children and young people, in different countries and social contexts.

For the last five years, I have been working at the Mulberry Bush School, a therapeutic community for children who experienced severe trauma. During this time, I completed a Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People, where I won the prize for the best final project: Juggling as a therapeutic approach to working with traumatised children.

Currently, I am also undertaking a Masters in Dramatherapy at the University of Roehampton.