
We chatted to Joanna to find out more about her…
Q. Tell us about your career so far
A. I was born and raised in Poland. In 2004, I moved to the UK and worked as a carer, waitress, managed a coffee shop and eventually graduated as a social worker. I worked in the Children and Young People Disability team and the Child Protection team at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead but when my daughter was diagnosed with a life limiting condition called Rett Syndrome I decided to be a full-time mum.
During my time at home, I volunteered as a Regional Communication Support Worker for the Rett UK charity helping children and parents understand the condition and to find meaningful ways to interact and communicate with people affected by it. I quickly became passionate about my role and the great work the charity does, and so, become a Trustee.
Q. What are you most looking forward to, working at FF?
A. My main goal is to help local families in need and work in a friendly environment where I can utilise my knowledge and skills as a social worker.
Q. What skills and experience will you bring to the role to help support FF volunteers and local families?
A. Empathy, understanding life can ‘bring you a lot of lemons’, and how to cope with that.
Equality and being non-judgmental in everything I do.
Quick fire round:
A day shopping or country walk?
I absolutely love country walks and during lockdown I would walk 5-10 km every day, pushing my daughter’s wheelchair in front of me.
Night out with the girls or family dinner at home?
I love going out with my girlfriends but again there is nothing like a home-made meal shared with your loved ones.
The gym, a run or swim?
I tend to run twice a week or walk daily depending on the weather. I swim once a week.
Settle down with a book or browse online?
When tired, I would browse online pretending I’ve a lot of money and putting items in the shopping basket, never to proceed with the payment. When I’m really bored, I would fetch an interesting book to keep me company.
Welcome Joanna!