Master of Social Work (Final Year)

Carol Perdigão (she/her) is a Brazilian disability support worker and Master of Social Work student living and working on unceded Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Carol grew up in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and spent time abroad in New York and Lisbon, before making her home in Naarm (Melbourne) in 2020.

Carol brings multidisciplinary experience from years working in film and photography, digital communications, and community food systems - from food policy research to facilitating cooking and gardening workshops, as well as therapeutic horticulture from her previous placement at Kevin Heinze Grow. A belief in the power of storytelling and community connection has always underpinned her work, and remains central to her journey into social work.

Carol draws on lived experience of neurodivergence and mental health challenges, including the struggle of finding neuro-affirming and culturally responsive therapeutic support in Australia. This directly informs her interest in working with late-identified neurodivergent adults, and members of the LGBTQI+ and migrant communities.

Carol is currently completing her final social work placement at Pola Practice, and hopes to continue supporting diverse individuals on their self-discovery and healing journeys. Her therapeutic practice is rooted in intersectionality, strengths-based and trauma-informed principles, drawing on eco-social perspectives that frame individual challenges within their broader socio-political and environmental contexts.

Outside of work, Carol enjoys spending time in nature, cooking with friends, and learning everything about her latest hyperfixation (currently raising a Guide Dog puppy). She is also a co-founder and board member of Just Food Collective.

Education:

Master of Social Work, RMIT University, Current

Bachelor of Food Studies, William Angliss Institute, 2024

Bachelor Of Film And Audiovisual Communications, Universidade Federal Fluminense (Rio De Janeiro), 2011