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:
Q: A day shopping or country walk?
A: 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.
Q: Night out with the girls or family dinner at home?
A: I love going out with my girlfriends but again there is nothing like a home-made meal shared with your loved ones.
Q: The gym, a run or swim?
A: I tend to run twice a week or walk daily depending on the weather. I swim once a week.
Q: Settle down with a book or browse online?
A: 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.
