Way of Council is part of my life path and social education contexts are my field of work. I’m a portuguese social entrepreneur connected worldwide and a recognised facilitator in Way of Council, since 2021. In 2017 I completed training in Way of Council with Rob Dreaming, who was my mentor, and in 2025 I took the first steps to enter the Trainers Path, mentored by Galit Hanien.
Being involved in group facilitation and circle has been a part of my life, since my youth, at the Candeia Association, as president and co-founder of Florescer – Global Education Association, Rede Educação Viva and in other personal projects at Brilhar.
I actively collaborate with the European Council Network and the Portuguese network, connected to various experts internationally.
In 2017 and 2018 I trained in ‘Council in Schools’ with Joe Provisor of Circleways, ‘Council in Organisations’ with Gallit Hayen and Geisa Heiten, and ‘The Art of Witnessing’ with Gigi Coyle and Rob Dreaming. In 2018, I was co-responsible for organising the annual ECN Gathering in Portugal.
I am the coordinator and consultant-trainer for the ‘Learning in Circle‘ Project, which takes place at public schools. I have also been the trainer responsible for the accredited teacher training course ‘Learning in Circle’, since 2018.
Maria Teresa Mendes, aka Maitê
from Portugal with love and peace, com amor e paz.