Born in the province of Salerno, Manzillo was among the first physiotherapists in Italy, graduating in the 1980s from the School of Physiotherapy of Battipaglia with top marks and honors. She later obtained a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences from D'Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara and a master’s degree from Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan.
Manzillo has worked extensively in the field of physiotherapy and neurorehabilitation. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the title of Knight of the Italian Republic by President Sergio Mattarella.[1] She has also contributed to academic research, with publications focusing on the intersection of inclusivity and life sciences, including collaborations with the Universidade Federal do Norte do Tocantins in Brazil and La Sapienza University of Rome.[2][3][4]
She is an official nominator for the Wolf Prize. In 2023, she nominated the street artist Jorit for the Wolf Prize in Architecture, emphasizing the role of street art in revitalizing urban areas and providing visibility to marginalized communities.[5] Following the 2022 provincial elections in Salerno, she wrote an op-ed raising concerns about the low representation of women in politics.[6]
Manzillo has highlighted the underrepresentation of women in political offices in Italy, addressing the issue in an op-ed following the 2022 provincial elections in the province of Salerno where only 2 representatives out of 16 were women.[6]
Manzillo was married to Luigi Peccia, the former mayor of Olevano sul Tusciano, who died in 2024.[7] A strong advocate for European unity, she has praised Italy and other EU countries for their success in the Paralympic Games, recognizing para-athletes as a source of inspiration for a more inclusive society.[8]
