About Me
I was born in Palermo in 1969, and my journey has taken me across diverse fields and experiences, shaping who I am today. Currently, I am a Senior Research Fellow and tenured academic at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE). In addition to my research and teaching, I chair the Erasmus Committee, where I lead international mobility programs connecting our university with over 50 global partners. My academic path includes a PhD in Clinical Psychology, a post-doctoral degree in Human Rights, and a degree in Labor and Organizational Psychology.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I lead courses on Group Dynamics, Psychodynamics of Family Relations, Gender Studies, and Clinical Psychology. As Program Chair of the Industrial PhD in Reggio Childhood Studies, I engage closely with doctoral candidates, fostering their academic and professional growth. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a visiting professor at NYU Law School, invited by Professor Jerome Bruner—a collaboration that remains a cherished highlight of my career.
My involvement in international research programs, such as Atlantis-Glofied (early childhood) and Grundtvig-Seniorks (lifelong learning), has deepened my commitment to interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration. At the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP), I chair the Governance and Bylaws Committee and initiated the FOYT program, supporting young professionals in their growth. Earlier, I served on the IAGP Board of Directors and chaired the Organizational Consultancy Section, which allowed me to expand my expertise in group dynamics and leadership development on a global scale.
I’ve also designed and facilitated international group relations conferences, such as Ryla (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) and FLAM (Femininity, Leadership, Authority, Masculinity), which explore critical aspects of leadership and identity. My work as an advisor for NGOs like CISS Morocco and partnerships with institutions such as the University of Zadar and the Rakhawy Research Center have further enriched my perspective on how group processes impact education, leadership, and social resilience.
In a more corporate setting, I provide psychoanalytical coaching for CEOs, top managers, and high-level public servants, helping leaders across industries and continents navigate their professional and personal challenges. My earlier career as a brand manager at Procter & Gamble was instrumental in developing the management, marketing, and communication skills that continue to serve me today.
My research focuses on group analysis applied to educational settings, with a particular interest in youth resilience, the psychodynamics of large groups, creativity in team processes, and death education. It is deeply fulfilling to contribute to the academic community as the co-editor-in-chief of Forum, IAGP’s scientific journal, where I aim to amplify innovative research and ideas in our field.
Every step of my journey—whether in academia, international research, NGO collaboration, or leadership coaching—has been guided by a commitment to understanding and fostering the power of group dynamics. It is this belief in the transformative potential of relationships and collaboration that continues to inspire me in my work.