Catarina Alves

Junior Programme Manager

Catarina has a master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Leiden University. Her main topics of interest are early childhood development, the socioemotional well-being of children and young people, children’s rights, and communication for development. As a junior programme manager at ICDI, Catarina has the opportunity to delve into her interests within a variety of different projects, while developing her research skills and helping children in challenging environments.

AS A CHILD

Catarina grew up in a big family in Portugal’s countryside. She liked to perform for her family, be it by singing, acting, or reciting. She was always fond of books and had the habit of having a book on her lap even during meal times. At the end of her first school day, she decided she wanted to be a teacher. She spent most of her childhood with her nose scratched because she was always trying to cuddle all the cats.