Mariana Dantas

Mariana Dantas is a psychologist in both Portugal and Brazil and a PhD candidate in Education, specializing in Diversity and Inclusive Education at the University of Aveiro, where she serves as a tutor-coordinator of the Individual Multidisciplinary Study Program (PIEM). She is a member of the Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF) and conducts research focused on the voices of students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, examining processes of participation, belonging, and learning in Higher Education within the context of PIEM. She holds a degree in Psychology from Universidade Salvador (Bahia, Brazil), a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from Buffalo State University (New York, USA), and a certification as an International School Counselor from the Counselor Training Center (Florida, USA). Her professional practice integrates psychology, inclusive education, and multidisciplinarity, with a focus on student autonomy, intercultural adaptation, and systemic support for families, educators, institutional leaders, and educational institutions. Her work is grounded in a student-centered approach, person-centered planning, and the development of welcoming educational communities.