Our Team

Luís is the Managing Director at New Life Portugal. Born and raised in Seia, he is passionate about his hometown and the surrounding mountains. Luís graduated from the fields of Sports Science, Physical Education, Personal Training, and Hotel Management. Five years ago, he founded an outdoor activity tourism company, showing the best of the region to visitors.

In addition to his tourism business, Luís has worked in the hospitality industry for the past three years at exclusive hotels and resorts in the mountains. Luís also brings to his role at New Life Portugal more than five years of experience in the health and fitness industry, having worked as a group class instructor and personal trainer creating personalized programs for health improvement.

Detail-oriented, a problem solver, and focused on offering a great guest experience, Luís is always happy to meet new people and talk about the region and his personal story. He loves helping others and making a difference in the world. His hobbies are traveling, snowboarding, hiking, and nature photography.

Maria is the Chief Financial Officer at New Life Portugal. Maria has a background in accounting and taxation and her responsibilities include daily accounting, producing financial reports, and supporting the financial sustainability of the centre. A local resident of Gouveia, Maria has personally experienced the importance of nurturing mental and emotional health in the wider community and is very happy to be working with New Life Portugal to achieve its goals.

Having previously joined retreats like those at New Life, in addition to running the operational side behind the scenes, Liz has a great appreciation for everything that goes into the experience. Anything she can do to contribute to another person having a good week, or even better, a good outcome in their lives, makes her immensely happy. Liz enjoys supporting her team members and focusing on giving our clients an incredible stay. She is proud to channel her corporate expertise in project, people, and financial management, as well as her technological and marketing skills, in a direction that feels more purposeful and uplifting. It gives her joy to contribute to a happier, kinder, freer, and more balanced society by being part of the work of an organisation like New Life.

Liz approaches her work as she does her life, as a lifelong learner. She is always learning new modalities, doing a new practice, or taking a new course. Her energy for life comes from curiosity, and fascination with continuous growth and expansion. She is always open to understanding more about how she and others work through the connections she makes with people around her, and from new experiences and the challenges they bring. Liz has trained in many different healing modalities in order to grow in her understanding of herself and her work. She is a certified holistic life coach and mind-body practitioner, RYA200 yoga teacher, OWA meditation instructor, and reiki master. She is very excited to be a part of the team at New Life, and to be a guest of the magnificent Serra da Estrela. She has been fortunate to live in many stunning places during her five years in Portugal, and is grateful for the possibilities of her next adventure.

Maria João is defined by her humanity.

Registered EUROPSY Psychologist in the Clinical and Health Education field, she has been practicing Psychology for 24 years. Graduated from the FPCE of the University of Coimbra in the field of Psychological Assessment, Defectology and Rehabilitation, and Post-Graduate Grade III in Clinical Psychology (Psychological Consultation, Neuropsychology and Psychotherapy.

Maria João is an effective member of the Order of Portuguese Psychologists. She has worked in different contexts in the field of Psychology, highlighting her long activity in private practice, in particularly in the areas of anxiety, depression, burnout, domestic violence, education, ADHD, in the implementation and coordination of projects related to psychotherapy, training and clinical supervision.

She has been a Reiki therapist since 2014, being a member of APRE- Associação Portuguesa de Reiki Essencial.

As a facilitator of Sacred Circles of Personal Development for many years, observed the contribution of the community as an organizing element, which provides understanding and compassion. This awareness has become increasingly noticeable, helping to integrate shared dynamics.

Eclectic in her passions in all the developments that art entails, but assuming her preferences in literature, dance and music. Practitioner of Lu Jong, Qi Qong, Tai Chi, Mindfulness, Argentine Tango and Contact Improvisation. She considers herself a monist, and the classification between body and mind as two separate “realities” does not make sense. 

With a restless mind, she concluded that the biggest challenge would be to “re-signify” herself, and on this internal journey to develop an identity that was not “stuck” to the labels she gained, transforming and integrating a hectic and overloaded life, in full presence and balance.

Simone takes a relational, somatic, and mindful approach to her counselling work at New Life Portugal. She focuses primarily on the areas of relational wounding, low self-worth, core beliefs, career/life direction, and transitions and relationships. Simone enjoys witnessing the subtle shifts which occur in her clients when clarity emerges from chaos, or when peace surfaces from the depths of suffering. In addition to her counselling background, Simone’s extensive experience includes teaching group yoga and meditation classes, facilitating and coordinating personal development programs, and leading charity outreach programs. She loves nature, dancing, and her two amazing nieces.

Training and Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – St. George’s University, Grenada

Master of Arts in Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapeutic Practice – Karuna Institute, UK

200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification with Sianna Sherman

In his role as life coach at New Life Portugal, James loves seeing the people he works with arrive at life-changing insights and realisations. He focuses on supporting clients in achieving greater clarity and awareness of the old, conditioned thinking and beliefs which hold them back, whilst helping them see they have the choice and power to create a strong vision and the life they’ve always dreamed of.

James takes a holistic, whole person approach to his work. He believes it’s important to have awareness of each part of our lives and inner selves in order to heal, thrive, and live our true potential in joy and peace.

James has previously worked for the Wilderness Foundation as a facilitator on nature-based therapy and education programs to support and mentor vulnerable youths and adults to reconnect to themselves, nature and society. He has a huge love of his family, animals, sports, and nurturing mental and physical wellbeing.

Training and Qualifications:

Holistic Counsellor (2019-2021) – School of Essential Counselling, Italy. Accredited by SIAF Italia: CF 92018180429

Holistic Life Coach and Mind-Body Practitioner (2020-2021) – Mind, Body and Food Institute, Australia. Accredited by ACCPH – Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists

Wilderness Therapy Theory (2020), UK

Pulsation Facilitator – Emotion and Tension Release Through Breath and Body (2018-2020), Italy

Holotropic Breathwork and Mindfulness (2017), Spain

Meditation Instructor (2015) – One World Academy, India

Reiki Master (2014 – 2016), UK

Jules offers a transpersonal, holistic, and integrative approach to coaching and counselling which draws on mindfulness and compassion-focused approaches. She enjoys holding an empathetic and compassionate space for people to transform and engage in their inner work. She is especially passionate about helping clients find greater meaning and purpose through times of crisis – in particular those who are experiencing burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm. Her expertise is in working with ‘highly sensitive people’. She guides those who identify with the traits of high sensitivity to navigate emotional overwhelm and step into their authentic gifts and purpose in life.

Jules has taught the Transpersonal Coaching Psychology Certificate Program at Alef Trust, which explores the science, art, and practice of transpersonal coaching psychology. She is the founder of the Highly Sensitive Human Academy and runs an online professional and certified training programme on how to coach and empower Highly Sensitive People. She is also the host of The Highly Sensitive Humans Podcast. Jules has published a book titled ‘Resilience: Navigating Loss in a Time of Crisis’ as well as articles in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology, Science and Nonduality, Transpersonal Perspectives, and Psych Central.

Her hobbies include yoga, writing, spending time in nature, and travelling. She lived in Asia for 11 years and loves exploring new cultures. She is an entrepreneur at heart and is driven by exploring creative projects and writing about psychology and spirituality. She also offers sound baths with Tibetan singing bowls, a skill she learnt while travelling Nepal in 2016.

Training and Qualifications:

MSc Transpersonal Psychology, Consciousness, and Spirituality (2019) – Middlesex University
MA Education (2014) – Nottingham University

Transpersonal Coaching Certification (2018) – International Association of Coaches Therapist and Mentors. Accreditation Reference Number: JD18092018

Authentic Self-Empowerment Facilitator (2018)
Open Awareness Facilitator (2017)
Youth Counselling Diploma (2016)
Getting to the Heart of Counselling (2016) – PTC, London Counseling Across Cultures
Mindfulness Educators, Mindful Schools (2016)
Mindfulness Fundamentals (2016)
BSc Psychology (2007) – Nottingham Trent University

Teresa has been a meditation practitioner since 1988. She has extensive training and experience in mindfulness, and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Interventions (with a focus on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) from Bangor University, UK. Her background is in Transcendental Meditation and she studied the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sanskrit, and Ayurveda before training in the Theravadin tradition. Additionally, Teresa practices and teaches Insight Dialogue, an interpersonal practice created by Gregory Kramer that brings together meditative awareness, Buddhist teachings, and dialogue to support understanding of the nature and release of human suffering.

Teresa offers mindfulness-based programs in different social contexts, supporting other humans in their search for more balance in their lives. She facilitates mindfulness courses and retreats at Centro Upaya in Lisbon, Instituto Português de Psicoterapia Corporal in Coimbra, and the Porto Buddhist Centre. She also offers online training courses to the public on the topic of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBCT, MBSR, and Mindful Eating). Other nonprofit organisations she is involved with include MP4s/ Mindfulness Practices for Students in Society, Conhecer-Se, and the Potential Project.

She enjoys the opportunity to provide extensive support for people in search of a meaningful life while motivating them to discover true inner peace and their healthiest self. She feels that it’s a real gift to see people moving toward this direction. Her intention when working with people is not about fixing their problems but being of service. She believes her strengths emanate from bringing forth love, understanding, and respect for mindfulness, and all that it encompasses. Teresa practises yoga, loves to swim, and prefers the countryside over towns. She likes to learn and engage in meaningful conversations. She has lived most of her life as a foreigner, something which has taught her to be flexible and to learn from different cultures.

– Training and Qualifications –

Master’s degree in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Interventions (focus on MBCT)
Bangor University, UK
Certification for the Mindful-Based Stress Reduction program
Mindful Academy, Spain
Certification for the ‘Mindful Eating – Conscious Living’ program with Jan Chozen Bays and Char Wilkins
Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute, University of California-San Diego, USA
Certification for the ‘Finding Peace in a Frantic World’ course
University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre, UK
Bachelor & Master’s degree in Pedagogy of Performing Arts
Bruckner Universität, Austri

Nicola brings extensive experience in mindfulness, meditation, yoga, art therapy, pilates, reiki, sound bowl therapy, dance therapy, and breathwork to her role as New Life Portugal’s Wellness Professional. She has worked at some of the top recovery centres in Asia and South Africa and operated her own studio in South Africa for many years. She is also a holistic practitioner offering a variety of healing modalities to her clients.

Nicola enjoys being part of her clients’ personal transformational journey towards improved health and deeper self-connection. She finds it very meaningful to witness this transition. Being able to guide and share movement with others brings her the greatest joy. Her work with clients focuses mainly on emotional regulation, body connection, breathwork, postural correction and alignment, and alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, fear, burnout, and negative self/body image.

Nicola enjoys being outdoors, hiking, biking, jogging, kayaking, and surfing. She balances her active life with inner work of meditation, reflection, journalling, reading, yoga, and daily spiritual practices.

Training and Qualifications:

Dance Facilitator in Ecstatic Dance, 5 Rhythms, Yoga Dance, Dance Movement Therapy (2018-2022)

Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing Therapist – Chiang Mai Holistic Thailand (2022)

Kundalini Yoga Teacher (2021) – Kundalini Research Institute, South Africa

HeartMath Coach and Facilitator (2016) – HeartMath Institute, South Africa

Secret Sunrise Dance Facilitator (2016) – Secret Sunrise, South Africa

Reiki Practitioner Levels I-III (2015) – Reiki School, South Africa

Zumba Basic Level 1, Zumba Step, and Aqua Zumba (2009-2014) – Zumba Fitness

Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga Teacher (2012) – Santi Yoga Teacher Training, India

National Diploma in Personal Training and Conditioning Coaching (2009) – Health and Fitness Professionals, South Africa

Facilitation Training: Making Learning Happen and Train the Trainer (2007-2008) – Virgin Active

National Qualification Level 5 in Leadership and Management Development (2006-2007) – Knovation

Pilates Teacher (2001-2007) – Virgin Active, World Gymstick Team and Institute of Fitness Professionals

Cardio Kickboxing Instructor (2005) – Bodyline Fitness Academy

Aerobics Instructor (1999) – Institute of Fitness Professionals

Sport Massage (1999) – Sport Massage Training Academy, South Africa

Sue was born in Melbourne, Australia to Greek parents. In search of her passion and purpose in life, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she discovered a love for complementary therapies. Her love for food and cooking encouraged her to learn about how food and nutrition can help heal the body. She obtained her first diploma in nutrition and nutritional therapy, before going on to earn her second diploma in massage, reflexology, advanced reflexology and sports massage.

Over the years, Sue has worked with a variety of individuals of different ages and types of imbalances. She has extensive experience in supporting clients with injuries, poor posture, or general health imbalances, or who are in need of sports improvements. She specialises in therapeutic deep tissue massage with the goal of alleviating aches and pains. She also provides nutritional therapy advice when needed. Her treatments sometimes evoke an emotional response which in many cases points to the root of the issue. Sue is currently studying for a degree in health sciences. So far, the modules she has completed are human health and disease, science of the mind and mental health, psychology, and human biology.

At New Life Portugal, Sue offers the following treatments:

– Reflexology –

An oriental massage which stimulates certain areas of the feet corresponding to different organs or parts of the body, thus promoting balance in the body. Reflexology induces a state of deep physical and mental relaxation and a sense of general wellbeing.

– Localised or Full Body Relaxation Massage –

A gentle and relaxing massage to restore balance to the body and mind. Useful for relieving daily tensions accumulated over time.

Joana specialises in traditional Chinese medicine. Trained at the Portuguese Institute of Naturology in Coimbra, she has extensive experience in acupuncture, auriculotherapy, Chinese dietetics, emotional kinesiology, phytotherapy, and aromatherapy. Joana is also an expert in several types of massage, including tui na, shiatsu, reflexology, manual lymphatic drainage, and relaxation massage. She works in a variety of professional modalities across numerous locations in the central Portugal region, and is dedicated to the wellbeing of the people and communities she serves.

At New Life Portugal, she offers the following treatments:

– Relaxation Massage –
A gentle and relaxing massage to restore balance to the body and mind. Useful for relieving daily tensions accumulated over time.

– Tui Na –
A traditional Chinese Medicine therapeutic massage, tui na is very useful for relieving pain and muscle tension. It is an intense massage, with deep and vigorous movements which trigger self-regenerating, immune, and analgesic processes.

– Shiatsu –
A massage of Japanese origin which promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through the digital pressure of acupuncture points. An extremely relaxing massage, this method increases vitality and promotes the circulation of energy (qi) in the meridians, in order to promote health and help the body in its self-regulation and healing.

– Reflexology –
An oriental massage which stimulates certain areas of the feet corresponding to different organs or parts of the body, thus promoting balance in the body. Reflexology induces a state of deep physical and mental relaxation and a sense of general wellbeing.

– Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Dr. Vodder Method) –
The lymphatic system’s ‘mission’ is to collect excess fluids and toxins from the body. It also plays a fundamental role in our immune system, activating defence cells and destroying certain viruses and bacteria. Manual lymphatic drainage is a localised, therapeutic leg massage characterised by very gentle and precise movements, capable of stimulating the lymphatic system and improving circulation.

– Therapeutic Massage –
A deep massage that aims to relieve tension, pain, and muscular contractions. It promotes intense relaxation and general physical wellbeing.

– Acupuncture –
Acupuncture is an ancient therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of the insertion of very fine needles into specific parts of the body in order to regulate and harmonise the body through the circulation of vital energy (qi) and blood (xue). Acupuncture stimulates the release of several chemical substances in the body, which produce a calming, analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory effect. The World Health Organisation recommends acupuncture for the treatment of more than 40 diseases. At New Life, Joana offers two types of 60-minute acupuncture sessions aimed at (1) relaxation / stress relief, and (2) physical recovery / relief of musculoskeletal pain.

Carina has been a massage therapist since 2016, specialized in Deep Tissue Massage, also known as sports massage.
She has been an athlete since she was 5 years old, and so massage therapy and physiotherapy have always been an integral part of her life. From the love of sports, grew the love of human kinetics and human physiology. Her goals as a therapist are to help improve the clients’ quality of life, promote relaxation and a healthy lifestyle, and at the same time try to decrease stress, tiredness, soreness and physical pain.

Cristiano is the New Life Portugal’s Guest Services Manager. Born in Seia and passionate about the Serra da Estrela, his goal has always been to stay in the area and help in its development. It was therefore with great pleasure that he discovered that a New Life centre was being established in Folgosinho. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its growth. With more than five years of experience in the hotel business, Cristiano’s main focus is the comfort, safety, and wellbeing of New Life Portugal’s guests. He is a positive person and is always available to listen and help.

Born and raised in Gouveia, a small and local city located in the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela.
She has a degree, finished in 2018, in Tourism and Leisure taken in Escola Superior deTurismo e Hotelaria located in Seia, another local city. She always worked in hotelary as a receptionist in 5 and 4 stars hotels in the countryside of Portugal. She loves nature and the mountain landscape, the sunsets are her favourite part of the day, she loves to listen to music and read. She is passionate about constant learning.

One of her main goals is to travel around the world and know the heritage of our ancestors. For her, work in New Life has been a wonderful and life changing experience with the opportunity to know different cultures and different ways of thinking. All her knowledge contributes to her kind and friendly way of dealing with guests.

João is a young man who has been passionate about hospitality and serving well for as long as he can remember. From a very young age he became involved in the area and developed a passion for it. With studies in the Tourism School of Seia, and with a great desire to interact and help others, he found in the project of New Life Portugal a great combination with his studies and his passion for hospitality.

He will always be willing to help and assist the guests. His greatest achievement at the end of a day’s work is a smile of satisfaction and happiness on the other side.

It brings Ana great joy to care for the gardens and the farm at New Life Portugal. Raised in the Alentejo region of Portugal, she graduated with a degree in Agronomy from the Universidade de Évora in 2015.
Her passion for nature and all living things led her to specialise in Organic Agriculture at the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra in 2020.
She is currently studying Veterinary Nursing at Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu having also professional experience in agriculture, customer service, healthcare, and veterinary care.

Ana’s goal is to contribute to the sustainability of New Life Portugal and make a difference in the conservation of ecosystems.
She forms a strong connection to the environment through exploring, listening and learning all the interactions around. In this way she hopes to build and share her knowledge of the rich ecosystem that surrounds us.
Ana loves animals, music, dance, hiking, photography, bricolage, handicrafts, and gardening.
Always ready to help, it will be a pleasure for her to guide you in various nature-based activities at New Life Portugal.

Sebastien works as Farmer at New Life Portugal. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and has worked for more than twenty years in the fields of real estate and economics. He also has extensive experience in the hotel industries in Belgium and St Barth, and in caretaking and building maintenance in Malta.

A certified teacher of yoga, as well as a hypnotherapist, Reiki master/teacher, and ABET (energy) practitioner, Sebastien volunteered for more than three years at New Life Thailand. At the foundation, he gained experience in many different departments and teams, from therapy to agriculture to administration.

Sebastien is originally a native of Antwerp, but has lived and worked in many different countries, including Belgium, Thailand, Luxembourg, St Barth, and Malta. He speaks fluent French, Dutch, and English. He loves to help people and his passions are trekking, running, and various other sports. In 2020, he walked the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon. He is always happy to work together with our guests on the farm as well as to lead outdoor activities in the region.

Hugo is a 35 years old man, born in Rio Torto, municipality of Gouveia. Since he was a Little boy, he has always a open mind to acquire knowledge in several different areas, as he says: “I always liked to know a Little bit about everything.” and today he is a maintenance technician at New life Portugal. He values safety and proper functioning of the New life community. He is a helpful person da and friendly, and always ready to help others.