What is your role?

I am the Lead Vision Rehabilitation Worker at SeeAbility. I line manage the vision rehabilitation workers and assistant to enrich the lives of the people we support who live with sight loss. I believe that each person should be supported to maximise choice and control within their own life and achieve this by teaching skills to increase independence, and confidence. I also provide specialist and bespoke training to increase knowledge and awareness to further support people in all aspects of everyday living while remaining safe.

What is your work history?

I have worked within health and social care for 18 years, 15 of which have been with SeeAbility! I have held varying roles over a range of settings, developing my skills along my journey. In 2009 SeeAbility offered me the opportunity to begin my training within vision rehabilitation and then supported my university studies to become a qualified vision rehabilitation worker, which I have been doing ever since.

What inspires you?

People! I love witnessing the reactions of people I’ve supported when they have their own “YAY” moment. Those moments, when someone has just achieved something they’ve been working hard for or they simply really enjoyed, are what make my role so amazing.

What's your favourite thing to do outside work?

Spending time with loved ones and going on adventures with my dog Tobi.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

It may not be advice I’ve been given, rather more of a great life motto – “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain” – there is always positives to be found!

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I’m Spanish and, breaking stereotypes, my favourite food is not paella! I do however love to eat seafood. I am a PADI certified Advanced Open Water Diver so I enjoy swimming with the fish as much as I enjoy eating them.