Palma Distaso

I am a psychologist, counsellor and special needs teacher in primary schools, with over twenty years’ experience in the fields of social inclusion, personal care and training. My career combines classroom work — focusing on inclusive teaching and strategies for listening and education — with professional training in the educational, healthcare and third sector fields. In primary schools, as a support teacher, I deal on a daily basis with inclusive teaching and with guiding educational processes so that every child can realise their potential. In secondary schools, my work extends to older pupils and future professionals in the field of care techniques and socio-cultural activities, as well as delivering courses for teachers and educators. My experience in the healthcare and clinical sectors is channelled through my teaching at the School of Counselling and Training and through training programmes for hospital staff. In the third sector and voluntary sector, I collaborate with Volunteer Service Centres (CSV) by offering training and counselling programmes for third-sector workers. I oversee specific training for volunteers in the Universal Civil Service scheme. I have been volunteering since 1998 to the present day with the Vincentian Volunteer Association – Special Service for Minors. Here, I provide support to young people at risk of social deviance, run experiential workshops, provide counselling and facilitate self-help groups, as well as overseeing the overall coordination of projects. Finally, since 2014, I have served as the liaison officer for the Court of Foggia at the GVV Trinitapoli: I monitor the work placements of individuals enrolled in the Community Service Programme (LPU) and coordinate reintegration and rehabilitation projects for adults and young people subject to probation orders (MAP). My aim, in every area in which I work, is to build bridges: between the law and humanity, between hardship and strength, between the individual and the community.