Santa was born in Southern Italy where she studied philosophy and history. She moved to London in 2008 to continue her studies thanks to a EU funded scholarship and in 2012 completed her MSc in environment and sustainable development at UCL. She worked for various community organisations trying to make urban planning more sustainable and inclusive, such as Just Space and the Ubele Initiative.
2020 marked a watershed in her life as she decided to follow her passion for nature and horticulture. She trained as a professional gardener and started working as horticultural therapist for a mental health provider. In June 2024, she joined St John’s Waterloo as Senior Community gardener. She has also worked as a forest school practitioner and is a big advocate of the benefits of outdoor activities for young and old. At St John’s she is keen to continue building on the rich biodiversity for which St John’s churchyard garden is renowned. She leads a team of committed and passionate volunteers who help with the maintenance and development of the garden.
Santa has been living in Walworth near Elephant and Castle since 2012. She is a keen cyclist and always tries to cycle whenever she can.