My Story

As a Permaculture designer and practitioner, my journey has been anything but ordinary. It all began in Belgrade, Serbia, where I pursued my studies at university amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the conflict that dissolved Yugoslavia. This challenging environment taught me resilience and adaptability, and inspired me to seek new beginnings. I moved to Amsterdam, where I discovered the world of Permaculture and continued my personal growth through studies in psychology, spirituality, and arts.

My enthusiasm for Permaculture led me to various projects around the world, including founding a demonstration farm and education center in southern Serbia. Here, I develop practical, sustainable solutions and continue to share the transformative potential of Permaculture with the local community.

In addition to my work in Permaculture, I have been practicing the healing power of Western Herbalism as a Family Herbalist and creating my own herbal remedies and products. My studies in Art Therapy at Scuola Arteterapie Lecco, in Italy, further enriched my ability to support emotional and psychological well-being through creative expression.

Understanding cultural differences has always been crucial in my work. As a certified Intercultural Mediator and Interpreter,

I work with the Swiss non-profit agency SOS Ticino (Swiss Workers' Rescue), founded in 1984 in Ticino to promote social, political, and economic justice. Within SOS Ticino, the Derman Agency operates specifically in the fields of migration, intercultural relations, and integration.

Throughout my life, I've been shaped by the valuable lessons learned as a mother of three daughters. Patience, love, and selflessness are my favorite virtues and I always strive to integrate them into my work.