Mariana Benchimol is a mother, pedagogue, oceanographer and geography master. Since 2002, she has been developing work and research with innovative schools, Brazilian traditional communities, culture and nature. For seven years, she founded and directed an NGO for education and a community elementary school focusing on participation, diversity and local culture. She is an education consultant for different schools and a researcher on education, children and nature for UNIRIO University. She has been working on a solo research project on nature and arts called Ateliê da Floresta (Forest Art Studio), participates in popular culture groups and is a member of Movimento Quintais Brincantes (Playful Yards Movement) with 130 education initiatives around Brazil focusing on playful activities and nature.