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Arif Ali Shah
Principal Consultant
The Biomes Connections Institute was established with the vision of Arif Ali Shah, an educator and writer, to foster global connection among the world's diverse biomes. Arif Ali Shah, also the creator of "Quaternity - Mind Sport of the 21st Century," guides the Institute in its strategic decisions as its principal consultant.
Board of Directors
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Jeanitto Gentilini
Executive Director
Landscape architect specializing in
Botanical illustration at the Royal Botanic Gardens - Kew and the University of Brasília. He directed the Brasília Botanical Garden for 12 years, working prominently in environmental management, urban planning and initiatives such as Rio+20 and the Biodiversity Forum of the Americas.

Humberto Macedo
Administrative and Financial Director
An architect, curator and manager, Humberto is a reference in the organization of cultural events. He has organized dozens of exhibitions, fairs, shows and festivals, with thousands of exhibitors and a significant audience, working with excellence in the public and private sectors on projects of great impact and visibility.

Elser Vieira Rocha
Promotions Director
Lawyer, PhD in Criminal Law from the University of Girona, with additional training in Brazil and Spain in Human Rights, Business and Conciliation. She worked as a public defender, prosecutor and judge in Brasilia, as well as a professor of Civil Procedural Law.
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Doris Friedemann
Coordinator of the thematic Forums

Administrative management and public and institutional relations. She managed the opening of the Praxis Gallery in New York and the Praxis Gallery in Mexico City, where she worked for over a decade, representing it at international fairs. She ran her own restaurant in Mexico City for eight years. She currently organises events as brand ambassador for Quaternity, Mind Sport of the 21st Century, in several countries.
Siomara González Gómez Bachelor’s in Architecture and Urbanism (1983) with specialization in Urban Infrastructure Management (1998); Master’s in Architecture and Urbanism (2005). Extensive experience in participatory planning and project design at local, regional, and national levels, covering master plans, protected area creation (APA), solid waste management, social housing, Agenda 21 implementation, watershed management, and climate change initiatives. Currently engaged in monitoring socio-economic and physical environmental licensing programs at the federal level. Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/7338308640561684
Flavio Alarsa
Physicist, specialized in Astronomy
Physics and Astronomy Professor
Gabriela Ignarra Pedreira Meneghetti
Agricultural Engineer with a Master's degree in Forest Resources from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at the University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP). She works in the licensing of projects, diagnosing properties regarding their environmental qualities and applicable legislation, designing and implementing environmental counterparts.
Fatima Cassarin
Educator, Master in Water Resources Management and Regulation, UERJ. Since 1997, she has been developing and coordinating projects in the areas of water management and basic sanitation with a focus on planning, social mobilization and environmental education. She has been the director of Curso D'Água - Agência de Educação, Cultura e Comunicação since 2015. In the area of education and culture, she creates content, websites, informative teaching materials, books, audiovisuals and gives classes and lectures. Between 1997 and 2014, she planned and executed environmental education projects and campaigns for the management of watersheds in public schools distributed in more than 30 municipalities (SP, MG and RJ). She has extensive experience in the state public service, between 2007 and 2014 she held the position of manager at the State Environmental Institute - INEA/SEAS-RJ and in the municipal public service in the area of sanitation between 2019-2023. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Brazilian Water Governance Observatory - OGA Brasil, a voluntary work representing organized civil society. He has participated in several national events and four World Water Forums, as well as the UN Water Conference 2023 in NY-USA. Publication: book “Water: the blue gold uses and abuses of water resources”, Editora Garamont, RJ, 2011. Other publications: The Perspective of a caterpillar in Nova Friburgo - Educational Video and the Virtual Primer on Environmental Education for Sanitation in Nova Friburgo PLAMSAB-NF / COPPE - UFRJ in 2015 ( https://plamsabnf.wixsite.com/plamsabnf ). In 2024, it created the 2025 Calendar and the Virtual Environmental Education Primer for Sanitation – Maricá Drainage Axis – Lazarus/POLI- RJ/SOMAR ( https://www.maricaprogramadrenagem.com.br/ ).
Federico Lopez Juambelz
Biologist
Rodrigo Sales
Lawyer specializing in the environment, climate change and environmental markets. Education: Law School of the University of São Paulo (1988), Master in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School (1995), summa cum laude, in the United States (research in Environmental Auditing); PhD from the Law School of the University of New South Wales (2018), in Sydney, Australia (research on Climate Change and Carbon Emissions Trading). Founding partner of Sales e Kesselring Advogados.
Henao America
Industrial Engineer and Therapist
Engineering and Neurolinguistic Programming allowed me to understand the use of theory and practice in the service of systems, where the human being is a fundamental element in communication processes at different levels. I work implementing, advising and auditing comprehensive environmental and environmental management systems based on the ISO and EFQM models in the steel sector, currently working as a therapist and as a gardening apprentice cleaning up roses.
Siomara Gonzalez Gomez
Urban Architect
Environmental Analyst at the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Resources Protection as an environmental analyst
Deby Lerner
Electronics engineer
Educational consultant
Passionate about knowledge, education and discovery, I have dedicated my life to exploring the world from multiple dimensions. I was born in the City of Mexico and since I was very young I have felt driven by curiosity and the deep desire to understand: science, mathematics and nature have been my allies on this path. I studied Electronic Engineering at the Technion, in Israel, and later found my true vocation in pedagogy, training me as a Montessori guide for children and teenagers.
My mission is clear: to contribute to the transformation of human beings through education, supporting each individual to learn, to love their world and find meaning in their learning. He worked as a taller guide and also designed, implemented and directed an innovative secondary school for teenagers, based on real work, enterprise, research, collaboration and the use of the environment as a living teacher. In this space, young people learn by creating, making decisions, developing products and understanding human history as a network of exchanges and communication that forms the present.
Since eight years ago, I have dedicated myself to educational consultancy. Design schools, pedagogical programs and student-centered learning environments. I train teachers to use Project-Based Learning (ABP) and teach mathematical thinking as a tool for reasoning, creativity and everyday life.
I deeply believe in joint action and the power of synergy. Dialogue, cooperation, silence and listening are fundamental pillars of my professional practice: they open up spaces for understanding, respect and collective construction. I trust that it is in conscious interaction with others from which knowledge takes on life and meaning.
Lover of nature, I find a constant source of inspiration in it. Whether I'm on the mountain, on the beach or among forest paths, the free air reminds me that learning is a living, moving, deeply human process.
View CV: CURRICULUM DEBY LERNER ESP.pdf
Roberto Luis Asconiga
Bachelor of Philosophy
Specialties in:
- Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics.
- Anthropology and Philosophical Sociology.
- Specialist in conflict prevention and resolution and sustainable social management.
Wes Jamroz
Physical
Joe N. Ackerman
PhD in Water Engineering
PhD, currently works in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba and is director of the Sustainability in Action Facility, a research/teaching space.
Laura Morgenthaler Garcia
PhD in Linguistics
University professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Bochum, Germany.
Carmina Caceres Paredes
Permaculture and Regenerative Agriculture / Passionate Gardener
Trained in permaculture, regenerative agriculture and ecological gardening, currently expanding my knowledge about naturalistic and ecosystemic landscaping. My work is born from a deep passion for regenerating the earth through conscious and respectful practices with nature. I coordinate and manage gardens and a school garden, where I apply regenerative principles to educate and connect people with nature.
Elisete Ternes Pereira
Retired professor and researcher
Retired professor and researcher in the area of Electromagnetic Compatibility within electrical engineering. In the present context, he aims to develop studies in Bioelectromagnetism.
Darya Pereira Waters
Attorney
Graduated in Law, master in Political Science and International Relations and current PhD student in Environment, Comparative Law and Transitions.
Research on interspecific interweaving and community forest management.
Antonio Goncalves Pires Neto
Specialist in geomorphological, geological and Integrated Studies of the Physical Environment, he prepared Environmental Studies (EIAs and Inventories), Territorial Planning (Master Plans and Management Plans for Conservation Units) in all Biomes of Brazil and participated in the project: Diversity, Dynamics and Conservation in Forests of the State of São Paulo: 40 Hectares of Permanent Plots.
Jesus Dario Hernández Peláez
Mexican, Degree in Psychology, specialization in administration, MBA and Master in Agile Projects.
My professional performance focuses on consumer banking with a focus on managing technological risks.
I specialize in leading high-performance teams through respectful management, promoting win-win associations through clear and measurable objectives, aligned with strategy, through the application of precise coaching and feedback techniques.
I foster a diverse environment that allows each team member to overcome obstacles using their individual strengths. I believe that a true leader must guide, involve and empower his team to achieve communal achievements in a sustainable manner.
www.linkedin.com/in/jesushdzbanca
Jose Antonio Lozano
Philosophy teacher at secondary school.
He dedicates himself to poetry and literature.
Encourages the practice of theater and storytelling in an educational context.
He is a member of Synesis: Association of Spanish philosophers in the sapiential approach.
Catalina Figini
Graduate and professor of Literature, art educator, storyteller, Spanish teacher and project coordinator. She was part of the Fundación Girasol team, was part of the “Caravana de Cuentos” group of the Company of Common Sense, and collaborated with the Gesundheit! Institute in the organization of the “Somos Carpio” festival. She has a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology and has collaborated and developed various social intervention projects. See CV
Elisete Ternes Pereira
Professor and researcher in Electromagnetic Compatibility in Electrical Engineering
Alejandra Toronchik
Journalist and playwright. She has worked in the national media since 1980. She gives seminars on writing, creativity and communication. She created the Communications Career for Local Development. She collaborated in the elaboration of the Management Plan for the Ushuaia Botanical Garden. She is a professor at the universities of Avellaneda, Palermo and Belgrano. She published “Dancing the tango with the Dinzels”.
Deby Lerner
Electronics engineer
Educational consultant
Passionate about knowledge, education and discovery, I have dedicated my life to exploring the world from multiple dimensions. I was born in the City of Mexico and since I was very young I have felt driven by curiosity and the deep desire to understand: science, mathematics and nature have been my allies on this path. I studied Electronic Engineering at the Technion, in Israel, and later found my true vocation in pedagogy, training me as a Montessori guide for children and teenagers.
My mission is clear: to contribute to the transformation of human beings through education, supporting each individual to learn, to love their world and find meaning in their learning. He worked as a taller guide and also designed, implemented and directed an innovative secondary school for teenagers, based on real work, enterprise, research, collaboration and the use of the environment as a living teacher. In this space, young people learn by creating, making decisions, developing products and understanding human history as a network of exchanges and communication that forms the present.
Since eight years ago, I have dedicated myself to educational consultancy. Design schools, pedagogical programs and student-centered learning environments. I train teachers to use Project-Based Learning (ABP) and teach mathematical thinking as a tool for reasoning, creativity and everyday life.
I deeply believe in joint action and the power of synergy. Dialogue, cooperation, silence and listening are fundamental pillars of my professional practice: they open up spaces for understanding, respect and collective construction. I trust that it is in conscious interaction with others from which knowledge takes on life and meaning.
Lover of nature, I find a constant source of inspiration in it. Whether I'm on the mountain, on the beach or among forest paths, the free air reminds me that learning is a living, moving, deeply human process.
View CV: CURRICULUM DEBY LERNER ESP.pdf
Daniella D`Andrea
Storyteller, actress and dancer. Teacher with a Master's degree in Education. Atypical mother. Coordinates the Cultural Center Constelário de Histórias, winner of the Asas award from SECEC-RJ. Works with integrated arts and stories in community actions. Has worked with social movements, health networks and international storytelling projects. Gives presentations and workshops at national and international events.
Mariana Fernandez
Storyteller and art educator with 18 years of experience in teacher training at the Municipal Institute of Artistic Education of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Manager of cultural programs and Project Director in the private sector -Williams Foundation- and public sector -National Secretariat for the Prevention of Addictions of Argentina-. Founder of @abremundos.cuentos, a collective of oral storytellers with a large reach in schools and public libraries. Author of several publications on tales of oral traditions and playful strategies.
Maria Virginillo
Training in Waldorf Pedagogy
Educating art
The Art of Movement and Language
The cultivation of the word in its poetic and sonorous sense
El niño y los cuentos: essential food for the child's soul
Capacity and Training: The cuento enseñanza, using the Abremundos methodology
Ruben De Marco
Systems Analyst
Granada Therapist
Federico Lopez Juambeltz
Biologist
Currently works in the education field.
Helena Maria Aguero
Psychocorporal counselor - Phytotherapist
Veronica Laborde
Obstetrician, Design and Gardening
Ana Maria Valdez Mendoza
Holistic Medicine
Holistic Medicine (Functional Medicine, Natural Medicine and Trace Elements), Chinese Medicine.
Currently: Independent artist (Organic art and functional art with quartz and stones).
Mariana Lopez-Seco Morgan
Speech therapist
Harry Leo Wysocki Junior
Pharmacist, master in Pharmacy and Medicines (Pharmacognosy, area of activity - inputs) from the University of São Paulo, farmer, agroforestry and orchid grower.
Participate in NEA - Education and Agroecology Center, working in the Soil Biodiversity and Agroecology Laboratory.
Works with plants in vulnerable communities, quilombolas and indigenous territories.
Adelina Beatriz Gallotti
Narrator
Researcher of medicinal and botanical customs of the Original Pueblos.
Katia Maria Guerra
Teacher of Tai Chi Chuan and Body Arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine for children and adults.
Gabriela Ballesteros Córdoba, Argentina
Landscape architect
I have been working freelance in architecture since 1999 and gardens since 2020, also with a great interest in the conservation of historical architectural heritage. Mother of two children, Sofia and Joaquim.
Yago Ferreyra Córdoba, Argentina
Architect
He worked for 10 years in New York, 10 years in Buenos Aires and 5 years in Córdoba. Currently developing a closed neighborhood that includes a crystalline lagoon with Crystal Lagoons technology. Knowledge on the use of rainwater for areas at risk of desertification. Interested in process efficiency.
Roman Alberto Trauczynski
Florianopolis, Brazil
Forestry engineer, specialist in geoprocessing and remote sensing, master's degree in environmental criminal expertise (Ecology area). Work experience in all Brazilian biomes, especially the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon. I work as a federal criminal expert.
Matthias Franze
Arcos de la Frontera (Cadiz), Spain
Freelance licensed tour guide specializing in fine arts, architecture, Spanish history and visits to gardens and botanical parks.
Ximena Bustamante
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Architect
She works as an architect in residential projects and renovations, furniture design and environment in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), Búzios and Angra dos Reis (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and currently, in Foix (France). I have experience in other areas such as directing film casting, production projects and sales of Argentine crafts and restoration. I'm starting to know and take care of a garden.
Gabriel Pire
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Agricultural Engineer, hired by the Agreement between the General Directorate of Green Spaces and Arbolado of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires and the National University of La Plata, serving as Inspector since years ago. Advisor in urban and peri-urban arboriculture.
Juan Acín Galán
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Secondary school teacher of Latin and ancient Greek. Titled as mountain guide and natural interpreter. Basic knowledge of construction, especially when working with lime and its different applications with natural pigments (plaster, tadelakt, limestone, jabelgas...). Aficionado of the tailor shop with a small taller.
Alice Balleste
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Architect and urban planner. I work as a freelancer in project development, with a great interest in the conservation and requalification of historical and cultural heritage. I investigate the possibilities of the threshold between new and old, between architecture and nature, understanding it as an amalgam of temporalities and ambiances to be sublimated.
Herbert Nieratschker
Burghausen, Bavaria
Doctor of internal medicine, doctor of psychosomatics and psychotherapy. Managing a natural meadow for the regeneration of the soil and the preservation of biodiversity.
Susana Sichel
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Architect, graduated at the University of Buenos Aires. I work most of my professional life, alternating free lance work for large studios, mainly in corporate, public and private building projects, with independent independent work mainly in the residential area. Naturally curious, she incursions and practices different disciplines: theater, cinema, dance, Tai Chi and art. In the area of nature, my experience is based on having lived 12 years in the Sierras de Cordoba (and one on a farm) and another 14 years fighting body to body with pests in my current home, in Buenos Aires, trying day by day to interpret the tastes of plants.
Kashfi Halford Brazil, Rio de Janeiro Filmmaker and Photographer
A British national based in Brazil with over 20 years of experience working in film, documentary and photography. I currently shoot, produce and direct short documentaries on the environment and nature and am working with a UK company specialising in tackling environmental challenges by creating high quality, fast turnaround editorial content on complex issues including international policy, environmental and ocean issues, and climate finance and development at the UN General Assembly, Global Ocean Conferences and COPs.
Márcia Faria Brasil Director, Screenwriter and Producer
See more
Márcia Faria has a solid career in film and television. Her work is marked by a sensitive and intimate approach, exploring identity and belonging. Her short film Estação competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes. She directed the miniseries Os Quatro da Candelária (Netflix), which topped the Top 10 Brazil, and the feature film A Procura de Martina , which won awards in Mar del Plata and at the Cinemateca Uruguaia.
Raúl Aragón Switzerland, Basel Film and TV Producer, Director of Photography and Photographer
See more Raúl Aragón, born in 1972 in Argentina and living in Switzerland. He graduated as a Director of Photography from NYU and has been a photographer since his adolescence. He has over 25 years of experience in the audiovisual industry, as Director of Photography for dozens of fiction series and commercials for major brands, as well as Executive Producer of three fiction series and two feature films, the most recent being "La Novia de Desierto", selected at the CANNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. He currently works in the field of Fine Art and advertising photography.
Gustavo Pacheco Brazil, Paraty Videographer, Photographer and Skipper My profession is Skipper, a person hired to transport sailboats. I currently live in Paraty, a city near Rio de Janeiro. With some experience in videography and professional photography, I make short films, often related to the sea.
Eloisa Torres Valencia, Spain Multidisciplinary artist and digital geometry developer
Española, resident in Valencia (España). Trained in photographic techniques, I have a degree in Fine Arts and I co-founded the Sadhana therapeutic activity center in Valencia, where I developed Chi-kung practice.
Impacted by the mosaics of the Alhambra of Granada, I study the movement of geometric shapes. My artistic place is poetic, a condition that has led me to the artistic appreciation of natural sounds and enriched them with my visual poems. I work creating videos. I develop images with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop programs; I look for and grab everyday sounds. I compose it all with iMovie.
Luis Franze Spain Filmmaker I am a filmmaker and audiovisual producer from Spain. I have a degree in Cinema and began my career specializing in video editing. I am currently delving deeper into production, with several projects underway.
Tadeo Luna Buenos Aires, Argentina Musician, DJ, Cultural Producer
Demián Petrich Brasil Musician, Soundtrack Composer and Music Producer
Eneas Luna Diver and Photographer
Javier Ortiz Aramburu Buenos Aires, Argentina Curator, Photographer and Collector of 20th century American masks
As a photographer, I worked as a freelancer for travel magazines during my early years, while maintaining my product photography studio in Buenos Aires. My travels led me to collect and study ethnographic pieces, especially masks from the American continent. These collections brought me closer to museums and galleries in Latin America, the United States and Europe. I am currently finishing the book IWOKA , which describes the relationship of the people of the Gran Chaco Americano with the nature in which they lived and their invisible worlds. I am the father of Lisa and Vera, who have greatly influenced my professional life.
José Name Sao Paulo, Brazil Doctor and Photographer
I worked as a homeopathic doctor for 20 years. In recent years, I have dedicated myself to researching nutrition and, more recently, to studying phytotherapy. As a photographer, I work as a street photographer, looking for unusual scenes, especially looks. I photograph details of nature and landscapes. In recent years, I have been working with infrared photography. I am currently doing a postdoctoral degree at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, in the Department of Communication and Semiotics, with the theme: "The extracerebral circulation of the imagination and the effect of the use of computers and their screens on the brain and human behavior."
Angela Castellanos
Colombia
Social communicator and journalist, with a master's degree from the University of Paris II, France.
Twenty years of experience as head of the Communications component of environmental projects, both international and national. Screenwriter and video director; Creator of editorial projects and photography projects about nature. Editor of international press agencies and international correspondent. Writer of novels and author of travel chronicles.
Adrian Marcos Perez
Visual artist born in Buenos Aires, has a solid background in film and advertising publishing. With more than 20 years of experience, he has collaborated with national and international brands and currently leads a post-production team focused on aesthetic and narrative quality.
Alessandra Monteiro de Freitas
Goldsmith
Inno Sorsy
Storyteller, Director, Singer, Educator
Julia Grillo
Storyteller and Art Educator
Luciano Ginocchio
Gallery Owner, Cultural Program Producer, Musician
Irene Singer
Visual Artist
Mónica Dower
Visual Artist and Faculty at the National School of Painting, Sculpture and Engraving “La Esmeralda,” Mexico City
Alejandra Toronchik
Writer, Journalist, Playwright, Lecturer
Alfredo Ginocchio
Cultural Promoter
Fabiana Basso
Former Professional Tango Dancer, Ontological Coach, Intercultural Mediator
Cristiano Calcagnile
Musician, Drummer & Percussionist, Conservatory Teacher, Music Producer
Sufian Cantilo Benegas
Musician
Anael Cantilo
Music Producer
Cristiana Lacerda
Actress, Director, Storyteller, Puppeteer, Set Designer
Ana Cartaxo
Visual Artist, Illustrator
Fernando Alvarez-Ude
Nephrologist, Blues & Rock Singer
Gabriela Pasquel
Teacher, Cook
Carolina Menapace
Visual Artist, Compiler
Eucir de Souza
Actor, Director
Zofia Kamila Krzeminska
Translator, Lecturer, Poet, Photographer
Lígia Unanue
Geometric Space Weaver
Marcos G. de Rozas
Psychotherapist, Sound Engineer & Music Producer, Story Writer
Lilian Pipkin
Storyteller
Gabriela Laham
Somatic Practitioner, Neuro-Muscular Massage Therapist
Laura Marini
Craniosacral Therapist & Lecturer, Former Contemporary Dancer & Choreographer
Marisa Godoy
Performer, Choreographer, Educator & Researcher; PhD in Dance
Gabriela Vergelin
Psychocorporeal Therapist, Trauma Reprocessing Specialist
Alicia La Valle
Counselor
Luchy López
Performing Arts Specialist, Imaginal Trance Facilitator, Therapeutic Companion
Ana María Jiménez
Psychotherapist
Bárbara Pañeda
Health Anthropologist, Health Promotion & Education Specialist, Musician, Event Manager
Victoria Moréteau
Performing Artist, Ontological Coach, “Chaos Pilot”
Giselle Guilhon
Anthropologist, Writer, Editor, Former Dancer, Yoga Practitioner & Lecturer; Coordinator of the CIRANDA Anthropological Dance Research Group; Psychoanalyst in Training
Fátima Velázquez
Translator & Interpreter, Professional Proofreader, Linguist; Master’s in Neuropsychology, Lecturer, Former Language School Owner & Manager
Marina Hirsch
Restaurant Owner (Paraty) & Chef
Tadeo Luna
Musician, DJ, Cultural Producer
Vlamir Abbud
Bassist, Writer & Producer
Eugenio Zanetti
Painter, Playwright, Film/Theatre/Opera Director
Marcela Grad
Writer, Translator
Laura Di Pietro
Editor
Kay Arcuragi
Singer & Children’s Songwriter (retired)
Omar Massa
Bandoneonist & Composer
Raúl Aragón
Audiovisual Producer, Director of Photography, Photographer
Diana Cauvin
Psychologist, Bodywork Techniques Instructor, Dancer
Ana Crespo
Visual Artist, Researcher, Essayist, Lecturer in Fine Arts
Gabriel Figini
Transpersonal & Bioenergetic Therapist, Qi Gong & Tai Chi Instructor
Felipe Martinoia
Taekwondo Master, Yoga Teacher, Amateur Musician & Composer
Inés del Mazo
Cultural Producer & Editor; Workshop Coordinator & Public Project Manager
Marcelo Tinetti
Meditative Dance & Free-form Tai Chi Instructor
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