Raised on a farm in central Brazil by Brazilian-American parents, I spent my childhood moving between Brazil, the U.S., Niger, and Burundi. My strong ties to Brazil later led me back to live there for six years as an adult, where the country’s natural beauty permanently shaped my artistic vision.

Before turning fully to visual art, I pursued a long career in education. I studied English and Feminist and Gender Studies at Haverford College, earned master’s degrees in Applied Linguistics and Early Childhood Education, and taught in both public and private schools in the Boston area and internationally. 

Today, I live in Wheaton, Maryland, with my husband and son. I have returned to teaching part-time, and I currently teach Emerging Multilingual Learners in Montgomery County, Maryland. My artistic journey began as a self-taught artist, followed by formal classes in Cambridge, MA, and continuous study alongside local mentors.

Acknowledgements and Thanks

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the following local artists and art supporters:
Mita Lazarte, Sandra Perez-Ramos, Roxana Rojas Lujon, Paige aka “Peijisan”, and Dan Thompson. Many thanks for believing in me and helping me grow!

I also want to acknowledge and thank my biggest fan and supporter, my husband, Nelson Mercado, for believing in me, encouraging me, and working behind the scenes in all my artistic endeavors, since day one.