Meet the Team

Ivone Apolinário

Ivone Apolinário is co-founder and general coordinator of O Mundo Somos Nós Learning Community, where she also teaches Yoga and Drama. Her teenage son was one of the three founding children when O Mundo Somos Nós Learning Centre was established in 2013. With a degree in International Relations, specialising in economics/politics and a solid experience in public administration, Ivone's journey led her to explore natural medicine, macrobiotics, yoga, parental coaching and various educational approaches, particularly influenced by J. Krishnamurti's philosophy. Since 2011, Ivone has volunteered and represented the Portuguese Krishnamurti Committee, connected to the Krishnamurti Foundation Trust.

Ivone has successfully launched and managed various small businesses. Her creative experiences in theatre, writing, and music enhances her innovative approach to problem-solving and project management.

This multifaceted experience complements her extensive work with children, adolescents and adults, as well as her proficiency in organising and facilitating international training programmes and retreats.

Lorenz Thielbeer

Lorenz Thielbeer holds a degree in computational astrophysics from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, where he studied physics and computer science. He tutored students in mathematics and physics. His experience with youth development began in his teenage years when he served as a facilitator in summer camps for children aged 6-15, a role he continued for several years. This early experience laid the foundation for his later involvement as a trainer in an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange programme, where he worked with teenagers and young adults from across Europe.

Driven by a curiosity for different cultures and ways of living, Lorenz embarked on travels through South America. Further explorations guided him to a period of volunteering in Portugal, where he contributed to various farming and construction projects and eventually settled down near OMSN and Quinta de Sandelhas. During his travels, he studied works by authors such as J. Krishnamurti, Eckhart Tolle, and Mooji, exploring spiritual wisdom and self-knowledge.

Following these experiences, Lorenz developed a passion for creating and providing value through business ventures, combining his analytical thinking skills with his vision for a more harmonious world.

Susana Pires

Susana Pires holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Postgraduate degree in Nursery Child Education, Susana discovered her vocation for working with children early on. Her professional journey includes experience in various schools in Porto, where she applied innovative methodologies such as project work based on the Reggio Emilia approach.

Beyond the classroom, Susana has dedicated herself to organising children's events and promoting educational activities in various contexts, such as schools, museums and libraries. A particular focus of her work has been parent-child interaction and sensory stimulation for babies.

Dissatisfied with conventional teaching models, Susana explored alternative educational practices, which led her to embrace OMSN. Here, she co-founded the "O Mundo da Floresta" project, finding an educational model with which she deeply identifies. To enrich her practice, she participated in "Forest School Leader" and Montessori Pedagogy trainings.

Today, in addition to being a board member of OMSN, Susana fulfils multiple roles, including Learning Centre Coordinator, Educational Coordinator of Mundo da Floresta (Forest World), and Forest Guide/Educator.

João Lopes

João Lopes has been passionate about the natural world, sciences, history, and sports since childhood. He graduated in Industrial Engineering in 2003. During his studies, João participated in an Erasmus program in Denmark, developing his social, language, communication, and project management skills.

João's career in the automotive industry supply chain has spanned various roles, from purchasing to sales and business development. This work has taken him on business trips across four continents, broadening his global perspective. Committed to continuous learning, João has completed two postgraduate degrees in Environmental Technology and Sales Management. He has also undertaken courses in Business Internationalisation, Marketing, Finance, and German Language.

For four years, João managed marketing and communication for his local football club's youth program as a hobby. He resonates with the slogan "Think Global, Act Local" and sees OMSN as offering a unique approach to learning.

At OMSN, João is a member of the governing bodies and serves as a volunteer. João envisions living closer to nature in the future. He prefers smaller communities, finding even his native city of 200,000 inhabitants too crowded.

Eliana Rodrigues

Eliana is co-founder of O MUNDO SOMOS NÓS Learning Community. She holds a degree in food engineering, and is also an artisan and enthusiast of organic farming and vegetarian cuisine. She began working in the learning centre as an environmental and food educator, evolving in sync with the project's growth.

This journey of mutual development led her to discover new skills, culminating in her current role as Educational Coordinator at Escola do Mundo (World School). Eliana serves as the lead educator for elementary students, specialising in the crucial developmental years between ages 6 and 10.

Over the years, Eliana has invested in her continuous education, participating in various training programmes, with a focus on deepening her knowledge of Montessori pedagogy and training on rules and boundaries with Ivana Jauregui.

Today, in addition to being a board member of OMSN, Eliana is the educational coordinator and guide at Escola do Mundo, as well as responsible for facilities management.

Luís Duarte

Luís Duarte, a founding member of O Mundo Somos Nós Learning Community, serves as a tutor for the Mundo Teens project. His academic background in Architecture and Rural Resources and Environmental Engineering provides a unique foundation for his multidisciplinary approach to education.

At O Mundo Somos Nós, Luís is the Itinerant Guide for older students and tutors Visual and Technological Education. His diverse contributions include volunteering, accounting, and carpentry, reflecting his versatile skill set.

An adrenaline enthusiast with a head for heights, Luís has forged a diverse career as a rope access technician. His expertise spans building maintenance, arboriculture, and canyoning. In his youth, Luís channelled his adventurous spirit into competitive canoeing. His background in sustainable living practices, including a recent Permaculture Design Course, enriches the learning environment. Luís also volunteers at the local fire station, driving ambulances and participating in wildfire teams.

He runs DIY classes and projects at O Mundo Somos Nós, sharing his practical skills and fostering creativity among students.

Explore Options to Join Us

We appreciate your interest in supporting our project. At this time, your support will directly fund Phase 1 of our project, which focuses on establishing essential infrastructure at Quinta de Sandelhas. This includes implementing permaculture design, setting up basic accommodations, creating an outdoor kitchen, and initiating our ecological agriculture initiatives.

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