A landscape view of a green field with a small stream running through it, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Portrait of a woman with long, curly brown hair, smiling, wearing a black top, standing outdoors with green foliage in the background.

Valentina Torres

Program Director

Born and raised in the city of Santarém, Valentina was active in sports and took full advantage of the natural beauty that Portugal offers the adventurous.

Ever since earning her Degree in Occupational Therapy from the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, School of Health in 2015, Valentina has been pursuing her calling to work with young people in the field of health and well-being.

“I’m passionate about empowering young people because they are the future. My mission is to enable the creation of meaning in people’s lives. I truly believe in nature as a source of healing, and adventure as a tool for self-discovery and self development. I’ve experienced it. It’s part of who I am. I heal myself through nature and I discover and know myself better through adventure. Nothing could make me happier than helping others do the same.”

At Echo Springs Portugal, Valentina serves students as a mentor, where she helps guide and facilitate the path for them to discover the power of nature and the outdoors. Valentina proclaims that being part of the unique, empowering, and innovative work done at Echo Springs makes her soul shine!

After graduating with her Occupational Therapy degree, Valentina worked in the Institution of Social Solidarity, APPACDM of Santarem for three years. Then, she decided to undertake international volunteer work in Warsaw, Poland, where for 10 months, she worked in a kindergarten specialized in accompanying children with specific health and education needs. Once she returned to Portugal, Valentina worked in private clinics until joining the team at Echo Springs Portugal.

Valentina has also earned a postgraduate degree in 2018, and additional certifications in Clinical Pilates, personal development, yoga, meditation and coaching among others.

Valentina loves to sing, anywhere and in any way. As a child, she did “shows” for the family and her talent was encouraged. In 2023 she decided to formally pursue this skill with vocal technique classes, allowing her to truly explore her singing potential.