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Valerie Semeria

Chair

Valerie started volunteering with FAABI in 2017 while completing her Master’s degree. She quickly discovered that her academic understanding of neurological conditions could merge with her pragmatic abilities, and so she took on the challenge of developing new projects for FAABI. She enjoys meeting new members and listening to individual’s stories, extending a helping hand wherever possible. Outside her role at FAABI and Attend, Valerie is an active member of her local community, including her local care home.

When asked about her future vision for FAABI, she replied, “I will always strive to create a world where every person is treated equal, with kindness and respect, and it starts with building a community at FAABI where everyone is heard and feels welcome”.

Vivienne Berg

Trustee
Vivienne first volunteered with FAABI in May 2021 before taking on her Trusteeship.

Mark Cheese

Trustee
With a degree in engineering and later on law, I joined fAABI as a trustee over two years ago.  I currently work as a software test engineer – doing what I’ve loved doing since a young age – breaking things!  Essentially, my role is to try to break software and work towards getting functional software products out of the door that meet the legal requirements. My passions include law and helping people – I have had the opportunity to channel my passion with the law and the English legal system to design and run three Law For Life courses – with plans to run more this year.  I have also worked as a volunteer for the Personal Support Unit helping litigants-in-person who were unrepresented in the civil courts and who were often overwhelmed with the whole legal process and how things worked. I was brought to fAABI through a friend of mine who was connected to the organisation – I was deeply impressed with the organisation’s mission and the people who work here. My interests range includes foremost learning languages (currently conversationally fluent in Polish and beginner at Italian), technology, teaching, travelling, socialising and films.

Jeniffer Chandler

Trustee
As a brain injury survivor, I attended fAABI’s first sessions of ARNI (Action Rehabilitation from Neurological Injury) and have been coming to every event since. fAABI has truly brought a lot into my life, making me feel good and called. The world can be too fast-paced sometimes, and for those with brain injuries, it’s easy to feel left out. fAABI understands this, and it’s wonderful to be a part of something without feeling judged. I have been with fAABI for a long time, and I’m confident the organisation is able to help others in similar positions as me. Becoming a trustee gave me the opportunity to help support the organisation. As a service user, I am able to provide fAABI with a valuable and unique perspective.

Polina Pshonkovskaya

Trustee
Polina first conducted her internship in fAABi’s sister charity Attend ABI during her placement year in 2018/19 and was deeply moved by the resilience and spirit of the individuals she met. Choosing to extend her journey beyond her placement, she began volunteering for fAABI in 2019, having forged strong bonds with clients and recognizing the significant impact she could make in supporting the activities provided by the charity. She discerned a desire amongst many ABI clients to explore beyond their regular environments and, thus, facilitated several off-site trips, introducing them to both renowned and hidden gems within London. In recognition of her dedication and the novel initiatives she brought to FAABI, Polina was invited to step into a role as a Trustee in January 2020. Outside of her devoted work with FAABI, she is embedded in the biotech sector in the US, working tirelessly to spread awareness about mental health and acquired brain injury, always advocating for inclusivity, support, and understanding in every aspect of her professional and volunteer work.