Full name:
Fernanda de Barros Nogueira Santarelli, but I usually introduce myself as Fernanda Santarelli instead of using my ginormous surname!
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I moved to the UK in 2017 and lived in London until just a couple of months ago.
Education:
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Linguistics, but Early Years has always been my passion.
Your previous role and place of work:
I worked at a nursery in Bromley (South East London) from 2017 until I moved to Ely with my family. Before that, I was a teacher in a bilingual school in Rio de Janeiro for 10 years.
What are you most looking forward to about working at King’s Ely?
I am looking forward to working with a team of highly qualified practitioners and teachers, from whom I will have the opportunity to learn.
Hobbies/interests outside of school:
Being the mum of a toddler, I don’t have too much free time! But when I do, I like reading and watching TV shows.
Any pets?
I have a 7-year-old cat called Lucy. She came from Brazil with us.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always knew I was going to work in education. Since I was about 6 years old I was always role playing that I was the teacher and my dolls were my pupils.
What is your favourite meal/food?
I love Italian food, so any pasta makes me happy. However, if I had to choose one food, it would definitely be pizza.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I think it would be being super-fast, so that I could do so much more in one day!
Who is your hero?
I do not have one hero. I think everyday heroes surround us. People who choose to be kind. People who choose love.
What was the last book you read?
‘Edge of Eternity’ by Ken Follett. It’s the final book of his ‘Century Trilogy’ series, which is fantastic.
What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?
‘Total eclipse of the heart’ by Bonnie Tyler or ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen, but I am a terrible singer!
What is your favourite film?
I love films, so it is hard to choose just one. I think ‘Schindler’s List’ has a special place in my heart.
Do you have any phobias or fears?
Snakes! Until recently, I could not even see a snake drawn in a book without having palpitations.
Name three things you would want with you if stranded on a desert island for a week:
Sweet and salted popcorn, my Kindle, Netflix.