Hi, I’m Carolina, I’m a nursery teacher and I’ve been working with children for over 20 years. I started out as a babysitter and worked my way up to my dream job: educator at Butterflies!
I believe in the power of emotional development and autonomy as pillars for children’s growth. I’m passionate about nature and before working in education I studied Marine Biology. I’ve lived on an isolated farm in the Açor mountains, where I learnt to value simple things and contact with the natural world. I’m excited to share this adventure with you!

I’m Joana and I work in the school reception where the magic happens every day.
Here we lovingly take care of every detail so that children, parents and teachers always feel welcome.
Our mission is to create a collaborative environment where parents can actively participate in their children’s education.
Together we form one big school family!

Hello everyone and welcome to Butterflies School!
My name is Sandra and I’m a classroom assistant.
I’ve enjoyed looking after children since I was very young; I started as a babysitter, was an au pair in London for a year and have now been an assistant for almost 19 years.
I’m a mum of two and I love looking after your children as if they were my own.
I have always looked after little ones and I find it very rewarding because they are natural, real and very loving.

Hello Butterflies’ families. I’m Sofia – English and Portuguese teacher at Butterflies. I was born in Portugal, and I lived in the US, Estonia and Finland. I have experience in language instruction at schools, particularly English and Portuguese as a foreign language teaching. I believe cultural sensitivity and awareness have been essential in diverse educational settings throughout the years. Growing in a multicultural environment, Butterflies will play a crucial role in children’s growth in the long term. Teaching entails diversity, and we foster children’s creativity and expression. As a hobby, I do enjoy modern country music and walking near the sea.

Hello, my name is Raquel and I’m an Early Childhood Educator. I trained at the Almeida Garret School of Education, motivated by the idea that early childhood education is one of the most decisive stages in a person’s life.
Being an educator is more than a profession: it’s a vocation that allows me to be part of each child’s story, providing a lasting and significant impact on their lives. I try to offer a safe, cosy and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn and develop their skills fully and harmoniously. In every moment with them, I try to encourage creativity, respect, autonomy and the ability to socialise.
Come and join our family so we can fly together!

My name is Érica Lopes, I’m a classroom assistant and I have a huge passion for children.
I grew up looking after the children of friends and family and, as soon as I finished 12th grade, I took the Educational Action course where I learnt a lot about child development and the importance of following children closely. I was always sure that my future would be with children and the course reinforced my desire to pursue this area even more.
I love playing with children because, as well as being fun, I believe that it is through play that we strengthen our relationship, gain their trust and receive their love, and there is nothing purer and truer than the love of a child.

I’m Susana Reis, and I have an innate passion for working with children. I graduated in Occupational Therapy from the Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão and have 18 years’ experience in Paediatrics.

Throughout my professional career, I have continually invested in specialised training to enhance children’s development. I believe that play is the essence of development! Every day, I dedicate myself to creating playful and dynamic moments – running, jumping and exploring – because it is through movement and fun that children build fundamental skills for life.

My name is Letícia and I am Brazilian. I’ve lived in Portugal for 13 years. I’m a pastry chef by profession and I love baking cakes and sweets.
Here at Butterflies school I work in the kitchen and I feel that having contact with the little ones, watching them grow and learn every day is one of my greatest satisfactions.
It is a pleasure to serve all the children at the school – from the youngest to the oldest of them.

Hi, my name is Monika, and I work here at Butterflies as an English speaking teacher assistant. I have a deep passion for working with children and truly value the uniqueness and individuality in the way each child thinks and learns. Since the age of 14, I have gained extensive experience working with kids as a babysitter and nanny. Additionally, I’ve held various roles at camps, including teacher, counselor, and more, which have all enriched my understanding and love for guiding and supporting children in their growth and development. I’m so excited to help support and grow with your children here!

Hello, I’m an educational psychologist with over 20 years‘ experience in schools, where I support students’ emotional and academic development. Throughout my career, I have deepened my knowledge in the areas of educational psychology, special educational needs, neuropsychology, family therapy and various approaches to clinical psychology.
At Butterflies, my goal is to create a healthy school environment where all students feel supported and have the tools they need to succeed. I believe that emotional well-being is fundamental for good academic performance, and I am always available to support the school community (students, families and staff).

Hello, I’m Joana Querido, pedagogical director at Butterflies. With over 20 years dedicated to education, I create learning environments promoting respect, creativity, and individuality. My experience as a primary teacher, leading teams, implementing innovative methods, and training staff, reinforced my belief in education beyond academics. I embrace this project focused on integral development in a welcoming space where each child grows at their pace, exploring potential with curiosity and confidence. Pedagogical leadership, for me, is an act of service, inspiring and empowering to make a difference in the lives of students, teachers, and families.

Hello, my name is Ana and I’m the Arts teacher in this amazing school. I’m from South Africa where I obtained a BA Communications degree and worked in the corporate world. Arts and crafts are my passions. I grew up around a creative family, which allowed me to explore and appreciate working with my hands whilst experimenting with different techniques and materials. Working with children over the past 11 years highlights my days! Seeing them perceive, understand and respond to the things around them; being visual storytellers; helping them become little artists, critical thinkers, decisions makers and creators. Seeing the smile on their face after creating something new is priceless.

Hi, I’m Marta Magalhães and, ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher. I chose ISCE for my training and I’ve been working as an early childhood educator since 2015. I’m passionate about what I do, it’s very gratifying to know that we can make a difference in the life of every child who comes through our doors. Knowing that they take a little piece of us with them is the best reward for my work. Being an educator is more than a job for me. It’s a mission of love, dedication and continuous learning. Every smile, every achievement and every moment shared with the children reinforces the certainty that I have chosen the right path.

Hello everyone! I am Vanessa and I have a great passion for music – I love singing – it’s an important part of my life.
I work in the kitchen and I love baking cakes and I love serving children with all my love and affection. Every day that I spend with the children I learn more about them.

Hello, my name is Raquel and I work as a classroom assistant. I knew from an early age that I wanted to work with children, so I started working as a babysitter and then in a school context.
I have a great passion for children, and I believe that routine moments, as well as playtime, are fundamental to establishing a solid and healthy emotional bond with them. For me, these moments are essential for children’s development, as they allow us to create a foundation of trust and affection.

My name is Sara Rodrigues, I’m a classroom assistant. Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to work with the little ones, and in 2016 I achieved that dream by completing a professional course in Educational Assistance. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with children and learning from their spontaneity and ability to be surprised by the simplest things. My main goal is to support each child in their growth, respecting their unique rhythm. I’m a calm and dedicated person, and I believe that education is a shared journey, where every step is as important as the destination!