MY STORY
Meet Joanne montgomery
I bring more than 30 years of professional experience working with individuals, children, families, teams, and organisations across the NHS and statutory, community, and voluntary sectors in Northern Ireland.
Originally trained as a Social Worker, I have spent my career working within complex systems where communication, collaboration, leadership, and relationship-building were essential to achieving positive outcomes and reducing risk. Throughout my career, I have worked as part of multidisciplinary teams, statutory agencies, and community organisations, navigating challenging situations, facilitating constructive conversations, and supporting sustainable change.
My extensive experience has equipped me with a unique skill set that combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of people and relationships. I specialise in facilitation, mediation, solution-focused communication, conflict resolution, reflective practice, group dynamics, emotional intelligence, and strengths-based approaches to personal and organisational development.
Alongside my social work background, I am a qualified counsellor, facilitator, and BACP-registered practitioner, bringing valuable insight into human behaviour, resilience, wellbeing, and effective communication. I have significant experience designing and delivering workshops, facilitating groups, supporting leadership development, and creating safe spaces where people can engage in honest conversations, build stronger relationships, and develop practical solutions.
Today, through What's Your Story, I work with organisations, leaders, teams, and individuals to improve communication, strengthen workplace culture, enhance wellbeing, and support people to thrive both personally and professionally. My approach is practical, engaging, and grounded in real-world lived experiences, helping people move from challenge to opportunity through meaningful conversations and lasting change.
-
I tailor workshops, talks and reflective practice to help your organisation explore how our stories shape the way we think, feel, communicate and respond.
By developing self-awareness, taking greater ownership of our wellbeing and using a softer, more compassionate language around mental health, we can create healthier conversations, stronger relationships and a more supportive workplace culture.
The benefits extend to both individuals and the organisation — supporting people to recognise their needs, seek help earlier, manage challenges more effectively and feel better equipped to engage, focus and contribute at work.
Each session is shaped around your organisation’s needs, with the aim of supporting individual wellbeing, more effective working relationships and a healthier, more sustainable workplace.
-
My educational background includes BSc Social Psychology and Sociology, BSc Social Work and Diploma Counselling and Psychotherapy. Training with many agencies around trauma.
Whether you are looking for workshops, talks, leadership reflective practice, 1:1 therapy or support for your organisation, I'd be happy to hear from you.
