We’re delighted to introduce 4 new members of our staff team at Learning Disability Wales: Rhian McDonnell (Accessible Communications Officer), Iwan Good (Membership Events and Engagement Co-ordinator), and Nicola Alsept (Finance Administrator).

We asked Michael, Rhian, Iwan and Nicola to tell us about themselves, and their roles at Learning Disability Wales. You can read Michael’s profile here, Rhian’s profile here, and Iwan’s profile here.

A woman with glasses, red jacket and jeans, is sitting on a coastal wall with 2 dogs, with the sea and cliffs behind herNicola

I joined Learning Disability Wales in August this year, having previously worked for 3 years at a homelessness charity supporting vulnerable adults. This is therefore my second role working in the third sector. It’s extremely rewarding working for an organisation that is dedicated to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and seeing the positive difference a charity like Learning Disability Wales can make to people’s lives.

I have only worked here for a short time but I can already see how everyone here is so dedicated to achieving our mission of making Wales the best country in the world for people with a learning disability to live, learn and work.

My role is to support our Finance Manager, Zhanar Tabeyeva, with the day to day financial administration, making sure the Learning Disability Wales’ finances are well controlled and spent in line with the objectives of the organisation. For some strange reason, I love numbers and am more than happy sat in front of a monitor trying to unscramble spreadsheets.

I am married with 2 dogs. We spend a lot of time in Northumberland (where it’s not too hot!), walking the dogs on the beautiful quiet beaches. I love being outdoors and have spent many hours volunteering with the National Trust, helping to conserve the natural habitats and wildlife in Northumberland.

I also enjoy going to see live music, mainly less well known bands in small venues and small festivals.