Maria Lindell
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I have over 17yrs experience in Social Inclusion and Youth Development having worked with the Waterford Area Partnership since 2001 as Education & Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator for Waterford City and County. Originally from Waterford City I have lived in New Ross Co Wexford for the last 19 years. I have had a varied career starting off in a local factory in Waterford called Kromberg and Schubert where I worked for 7 years before going to Romania for a summer to volunteer in an orphanage. From there I moved to London to join the London Ambulance Service and worked as a Paramedic for 7 years before returning to the Ambulance Service in the then South Eastern Health Board - HSE and then in 2001 moving to the Waterford Area Partnership.
Is the job as Youth Officer what you expected?
Yes it is – in my previous role I had both met and worked with Joe Gough and Martin Fitzgerald so I was familiar with what the job entailed.
What is a typical work day like for you?
I am based in HQ Ardcavan which is a lovely office environment to work in and I have a nice mixture of office based or desk work alongside getting out and about in Wexford County meeting with and getting to know the staff led projects and voluntary groups in the area. I also attend a variety of different events for Youth Officers including DCYA events and these are very enjoyable as it is good to get the opportunity to meet with my colleagues from other ETB’s.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I am very passionate about working to meet the needs of our young people. Young people face many challenges in our world today - challenges which may impact negatively on both their personal and social development and impact on them achieving their full potential in Education. I believe we all meet people in life who have a positive impact on us and indeed help up to become the people we are today, I know I have so in my work I want to support the people in Wexford that are doing that for our young people on a daily basis.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Family – Theatre – Eating out – Volunteering