The AMW staff team
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Oz Pearson
Executive DirectorI’m the Executive Director of Advocacy Matters (Wales), responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the organisation. I’ve worked within the learning disability community for over 30 years, and my journey with AMW began in 2007 as an Independent Advocate. In 2011, I became the Operations Manager and completed the ‘Managing for Excellence in Advocacy’ qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management. Advocacy is more than a profession for me—it’s a deep-rooted passion. I believe strongly in the power of independent advocacy to challenge inequality, amplify unheard voices, and support people to take control of their lives. I’m proud to lead an organisation that shares these values, and I remain committed to ensuring that Advocacy Matters stays at the forefront of Independent Advocacy provision in Wales.
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Monica Zozaya
Administration & Finance OfficerI joined Advocacy Matters Wales in June 2024 after having worked around 9 years in Accounting and Finance in different sectors. I also have extensive experience dealing with clients, working to meet their needs in the best way for everyone. I am an outgoing person and I really enjoy interacting with people, especially if they are talkative and friendly. I am really proud to be part of the Advocacy Matters Wales team. I hope to contribute by offering kind, personalised and professional treatment to everyone who needs it, acting as a cog that supports the entire team and facing challenges with a positive attitude to resolve any matter in the best possible way.
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Joanne Sullivan
Independent AdvocateI joined Advocacy Matters Wales in 2011 and initially worked with the service user group, ensuring they were able to contribute and participate in all aspects of the organisations work. I started my role as Independent Professional Advocate in August 2017, and now work on a one-to-one basis with our clients, helping them to deal with, often difficult issues, whilst ensuring they have a voice, and their opinions are heard and taking into consideration.
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Angela Charles
Independent AdvocateI joined the team at Advocacy Matters (Wales) in November 2014. Before that, I worked for over 14 years in a Law Centre, where I had a frontline role providing information, advice, and support to people who often had no other means of asserting their rights. I believe it's incredibly important that everyone has the opportunity for their voice to be heard and for their views to be taken into account. I gain a great deal of satisfaction when a positive outcome is achieved through the support I provide.
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Andrew Evans
Independent AdvocateI’ve worked with people with a range of additional learning needs, autism spectrum conditions, and disabilities for 13 years—12 of those spent supporting individuals in education to reach their social and academic potential. I joined Advocacy Matters Wales as an advocate in 2021. I’m passionate about helping people fight for their rights and empowering them to feel confident in making their voices heard.
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Laura Mackay
Independent AdvocateI have experience supporting people facing complex and often sensitive challenges, and I’m passionate about making sure individuals are heard and actively involved in the decisions that affect their lives. I joined Advocacy Matters Wales in 2025. I believe advocacy plays a vital role in amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard and in helping people understand and assert their rights. Having seen how difficult and frustrating it can be to access the right support, I’m committed to helping people navigate support systems with dignity and confidence. I’m proud to be part of a team that promotes equality, independence, and respect, and I look forward to contributing to the positive and meaningful impact Advocacy Matters Wales achieves every day.
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Janina Kuczys
Taking Part WorkerI’ve volunteered and worked with a wide range of charities for over 48 years. The groups I’ve supported include those focused on wildlife conservation, mental health, disability, play, arts and crafts, and friendship and community connection. At Advocacy Matters Wales, I work closely with the service user group, helping them to contribute to and take part in all aspects of the organisation.