Introduction

I hold a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance from the University of Padova, Italy, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Belgrade, Serbia. Since my early university days, my focus has been on how psychological tools can be used in practice to reach as many individuals and groups as effectively as possible, keeping in mind the obstacles that may prevent certain people from seeking help.

Professional Experience

Throughout my career, I’ve held diverse roles reaching people in different contexts and understanding how to provide clients with the necessary support and knowledge to use their strengths and resilience to overcome mental health, social, professional and interpersonal struggles. My portfolio ranges from working, volunteering and interning in feminist NGO organizations to positions in governmental organizations such as the Center for Foster Care and Adoption in Belgrade, working with minors and foster families, or the Belgrade District Prison, exploring the role of a psychologist within the country’s penal system.

In my role with the Victimology Society of Serbia, I provided psychosocial support in the generalized victims support service, with a focus on women victims of gender-based and domestic violence, mobbing victims and trauma survivors. Moreover, I supported capacity development, adult learning programmes and research projects related to the Network of Women Against Violence in Serbia and the Balkans. I’ve also facilitated self-help and support groups for the prevention of gender-based violence for young girls and women.

One of my most recent roles includes supporting the implementation of the Human Resources and Employee support and satisfaction system upgrades in emergency contexts at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Emergencies and Resilience Office (OER). In this role I supported mainstreaming mental health, employee satisfaction, gender, and accountability to affected populations, and advocated for the improvement of the position of junior candidates in humanitarian operations.

Furthermore, I’ve collaborated with Mediators Beyond Borders International to promote Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding (TIPDA programme) in Ukraine, and I am a member of Mediators Beyond Borders – Europe, Regional Group, actively participating in 2023/2024 initiatives. In this role, I supported the adaptation and facilitation of the TIPDA programme shortly after the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war, when the organization delivered the programme to mediators and dialogue facilitators either still working in Ukraine or supporting the diaspora abroad.

Related to mediation, I also hold a position as a court-connected mediator with Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon, USA for small claims cases. The model of facilitative mediation they have adopted in this county is the same approach I take in my own mediation practice.

Through my interdisciplinary work I advocate for improving the position of victims of any crime, women victims of domestic and intimate partner violence, victims of human trafficking, victims of workplace harassment, and all those affected by other human rights violations. I am committed to raising awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, convicted persons, persons fleeing war and persecution, and victims of systemic injustice.

I am passionate about doing humanitarian work through emergency programmes in conflict contexts and making psychosocial support accessible to everyone through individual counselling and coaching.

Formal Education and Certifications

I graduated from the Human Rights and Multi-level Governance international Master’s programme in English, on a full scholarship from Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy. My Master’s Dissertation was titled: “Role of the International Media in Instigating Humanitarian Relief and Global Public Support to War-Affected Countries: The Ukrainian Model” (2023). I received my Bachelor’s diploma in Psychology from Singidunum University, Faculty of Media and Communications, in 2019, Belgrade, Serbia.

Additionally, I hold certificates and licenses in mediation, life coaching, self-help and support group facilitation, working with victims of trafficking and youth, and other qualifications:

• Professional Life Coach Certification, Transformation Academy, 2024
• Court Systems Mediation Training, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon, 2024
• FAO Certificates: WSAT, BSAFE, Achieving Gender Equality in FAO’s Work, Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) — United Nations, 2023
• Licensed Mediator registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Serbia since 2021
• Basic Training for Mediators, ADR Partners, Serbia, 2021
• Facilitator and Co-facilitator for Support and Self-Help Groups for Women and Girls according to the “Power of Change” Model
• Training for Forming and Leading Support and Self-Help Groups according to the “Power of Change” Model — NGO Phenomena, Serbia, sponsored by the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, 2020
• Training of Social Service Providers to Work with Victims of Gender-Based Violence — Victimology Society of Serbia, Belgrade, 2019
• Training for the SOS Hotline for Victims of Human Trafficking — NGO Astra, Belgrade, 2018

Professional Affiliations