About me

Barbara
Master’s degree in Psychology
NGO sexual and reproductive health and rights (Rutgers, the Netherlands)
Coordinator volunteers undocumented refugees
Certified trainer
Teacher of Psychology (Radboud University, the Netherlands)
Qualitative Researcher (focus group interviews + data analysis)
Book (in Dutch): Zwijgen is Zonde
(Sexuality education for groups of (young) people with various cultural and religious backgrounds)
Worked in more than 15 countries
3 languages fluently, some more in reading
International Relations Manager
International Project Manager

More elaborated:

Masters Degree in Psychology
I hold a Master’s Degree in Psychology and have extensive experience* — both professionally and personally — helping people explore their identity, relationships, sexuality and life’s transitions with an open mind, clarity and confidence.

Work experience
My expertise is built on years of experience working at an NGO (Rutgers) focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in an international context, as well as working with (undocumented) refugees and serving as a lecturer of Psychology at Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. I conducted extensive research interviews with people from diverse backgrounds, I have managed the international relations of various organisations, I am a certified trainer and (international) project manager.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Themes I have worked on at Rutgers include (in a random order): arranged marriages, LGBTQ+ rights, unplanned pregnancy, abortion, sexuality education, sexual abuse, cultural and religious perspectives on sexuality, female genital mutulation, and access to reproductive health services.
Working here, a lifelong interest awakened – in everything that has to do with love, relationships, intimicy and sexuality. I feel inspired by Esther Perel, Sue Johnson (amongst many others) and follow their work closely.

Book
While working at Rutgers (NGO, SRHR), my much appreciated colleagues Yuri Ohlrichs and Ineke van der Vlugt and I wrote the (Dutch) book ‘Zwijgen is Zonde’, about sexuality education for groups of (young) people with various cultural and religious backgrounds.
(The book is sold out, but available in Dutch libraries.)

Undocumented refugees
During my time working with a foundation supporting undocumented refugees, I came to understand the profound impact of migration, the fragility of (human) rights, and how relentless uncertainty can wear people down. As coordinator of the volunteer team, I was involved in multiple working groups—ranging from client support, housing, and legal aid to donor relations, medical care, and public outreach.
This experience taught me deeply: the harsh and often invisible realities faced by undocumented refugees, and the immense value of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, coming together to fill the gaps that others overlooked. I’m truly grateful for all I’ve learned from both the volunteers and the people we supported—whose stories and strength have stayed with me.

Teacher of Psychology
As a lecturer at Radboud University, I was responsible for teaching and developing content for a diverse range of psychology courses, including:
Clinical Psychology
Health Psychology
Culture and Behavior
Social and Cultural Psychology
Culture and Self
Intergroup Relations from a Multicultural Perspective
General Introduction to Behavioral Change

In addition to core psychological concepts, I developed course material on topics such as culture shock and acculturation (integration) strategies—areas that hold personal significance for me. As an immigrant and someone who has shared life with partners from various cultural backgrounds, these themes continue to shape my perspective and fuel my ongoing interest in cross-cultural dynamics within psychology.

International Project Manager
I currently work as a freelance International Project Manager for the Dutch NGO Katapult, where I coordinate Greenveu, a European project focused on increasing student enrollment in vocational education within the Green sector.
Greenveu brings together partners from Denmark, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Spain, and the Netherlands, working collectively to shape a greener future.

This work is truly meaningful to me—sustainability, urban greening, reducing our footprint, nature-based solutions, and fostering a circular economy are critical challenges that require international collaboration. To achieve these goals, we need more well-educated professionals across different countries, and this project is dedicated to making that happen.

I am an immigrant myself (Dutch living in Spain since summer 2021)
I have worked in over 15 countries (Europe, Africa, Asia)
I have been in relationships that had various forms – and separated
I am in a long distance relationship
I have two wonderful children

LumiNova Sessions

LumiNova Sessions offers open and compassionate interpersonal dialogues for those navigating love, relationships, intimicay, sexuality, and major life transitions such as migration.

Based in the north of Spain, Sessions are provided in English, Spanish and Dutch — both in-person and online — so you can connect in the language and format that feels most comfortable for you, and without any waiting list.

My approach is grounded, open-minded, and deeply supportive,
offering a safe and open space where you can reflect, grow, and move forward with intention.

Want to learn more about my professional background?
Feel free to have a look at my LinkedIn page.