Mihaela Malai

Program Assistant and Psychotherapist in Training

Mihaela is a program assistant and psychologist at IFIS, where she contributes both to the internal coordination of activities and to the direct support offered to beneficiaries. She holds a degree in psychology and a master’s in Work and Organizational Psychology from the Republic of Moldova. Currently, she is continuing her professional development in Romania as a psychotherapist in integrative training.

Her journey with IFIS began spontaneously, when she applied for a program assistant position she came across by chance. What seemed like a simple decision turned out to be one of her most valuable learning experiences, offering her the opportunity to be guided through her first counseling sessions and to work side by side with dedicated professionals.

Beyond her administrative role—which involves managing logistics and all the behind-the-scenes details that make projects run smoothly—Mihaela is actively involved in providing psychological support to survivors of domestic violence and women in detention. Her practice is guided by her psychotherapeutic training and her deep desire to accompany people through moments of crisis and transformation.

She firmly believes that “those who do not dream are lost”, and her dream of working with people is what drives her to put her heart into every project. She is inspired by the inner strength people have to heal and grow when they are supported and truly seen.

Outside of her professional work, Mihaela finds balance in seemingly opposite but deeply therapeutic activities: boxing—an outlet for releasing energy in a healthy way—and her love for flowers and cats, which bring beauty, calm, and playfulness into her life.