Joanne Quittner
London,Islington
Summary
Compassionate Trauma and Addiction-Informed Life Coach, Samaritans Prison Listener Scheme Volunteer, Trainer and Mentor with experience supporting individuals affected by trauma, addiction, emotional distress, offending behaviour and social exclusion.
Skilled in building trusting relationships, utilising DISC behavioural profiling to enhance communication, increase self-awareness and support meaningful behavioural change.
Through work within HMP Pentonville, training and supporting prisoners undertaking the Samaritans Listener role, gaining insight into prison culture, rehabilitation, recovery and the barriers individuals face in sustaining engagement with support services following release.
Passionate about reducing reoffending and improving outcomes for people leaving custody. With extensive experience building trusting relationships, maintaining professional boundaries, supporting behaviour change, facilitating learning and creating psychologically safe environments where individuals can recognise their strengths, increase resilience and move towards positive and sustainable futures.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
Life coach
Founder - Ways Forward Coaching
London
2020.01 - Current
- Provide one-to-one coaching supporting individuals experiencing the impact of trauma, addiction and significant life transitions.
- Support clients to identify goals, develop practical action plans and sustain positive behavioural change.
- Encourage accountability, resilience and self-efficacy through strengths-based interventions.
- Maintain confidential records in line with GDPR requirements and professional ethical standards.
- Signpost individuals to appropriate services and community resources where required.
- Work autonomously, managing caseloads and prioritising competing demands effectively.
- Utilise DISC behavioural profiling to support clients in developing greater self-awareness, improving communication, understanding behavioural patterns and identifying strategies for sustainable personal growth and recovery.
- Adapt coaching approaches to meet differing communication styles, learning preferences and individual needs.
Samaritans Prison Listener Scheme Volunteer
Samaritans
London
2019.09 - Current
- Recruit, train and support prisoners undertaking the Samaritans Listener role.
- Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing emotional distress, trauma, loss and isolation.
- Deliver mentoring, support and guidance within a secure custodial environment.
- Work collaboratively with prison staff and Samaritans colleagues to maintain effective service delivery.
- Promote emotional wellbeing and peer support among prisoners.
- Maintain professional boundaries whilst working in highly sensitive situations.
- Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and initiative within a dynamic prison setting.
Samaritans Listening Volunteer
Samaritans
London
2019.05 - Current
- Provide confidential emotional support to individuals experiencing crisis, distress and hopelessness.
- Utilise active listening skills to empower individuals to explore their feelings and identify coping strategies.
- Uphold strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards.
- Work within established policies, procedures and ethical frameworks.
- Demonstrate emotional resilience when supporting individuals facing significant challenges.
Trainer and Mentor
Samaritans
London
2020.01 - Current
- Deliver learning opportunities that encourage personal growth and confidence.
- Support individuals to recognise strengths, develop skills and increase self-belief.
- Adapt communication styles to meet diverse needs and learning preferences.
- Foster inclusive, psychologically safe environments.
Founder and Business Owner - Cats Whiskers
Cats Whiskers
London
2003.11 - 2017.06
- Successfully manage all aspects of an independent service-based business, including scheduling, client relationships, administration, record keeping and service delivery.
- Demonstrate strong organisational skills, self-motivation and the ability to balance competing priorities effectively to meet client expectations
- Build trusting relationships with clients through professionalism, reliability and clear communication.
- Maintain accurate records and manage bookings using digital systems.
- Work independently, demonstrating initiative, accountability and excellent time management.
- Adapt to changing circumstances and respond proactively to client needs.
Education
Diploma - Personal Performance Life Coaching
The Coaching Academy
London 01/2020 - 04/2025
DISC Accreditation - Personality Profiling
The Coaching Academy
London 06/2019 - 06/2019
DISC Licensed Trainer - Personality Profiling
The Coaching Academy
London 03/2020 - 03/2020
Trauma Awareness and Coaching - Life Coaching
The Coaching Academy
London 06/2025 - 06/2025
Neuroscience and Coaching - Life Coaching
The Coaching Academy
London 08/2025 - 08/2025
Skills
- Knowledge of prison culture and custodial environment
- Harm Reduction awareness
- SMART action planning
- Relationship building
- Active Listening
- Team working
- Keeping professional boundaries
- IT Skills include Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams and Prison DPS
Affiliations
- A keen city runner and marathoner
- An avid gym member enjoying spinning, swimming, yoga and the social aspect
- I love to travelled learn about other cultures and perspectives.
- I enjoy the arts, particularly dance, theatre and galleries.
Vetting
Fully vetted for both HMP Pentonville and HMP Thameside
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Life coach
Founder - Ways Forward Coaching
2020.01 - Current
Trainer and Mentor
Samaritans
2020.01 - Current
Samaritans Prison Listener Scheme Volunteer
Samaritans
2019.09 - Current
Samaritans Listening Volunteer
Samaritans
2019.05 - Current
Founder and Business Owner - Cats Whiskers
Cats Whiskers
2003.11 - 2017.06
Diploma - Personal Performance Life Coaching
The Coaching Academy
01/2020 - 04/2025
DISC Accreditation - Personality Profiling
The Coaching Academy
06/2019 - 06/2019
DISC Licensed Trainer - Personality Profiling
The Coaching Academy
03/2020 - 03/2020
Trauma Awareness and Coaching - Life Coaching
The Coaching Academy
06/2025 - 06/2025
Neuroscience and Coaching - Life Coaching
The Coaching Academy
08/2025 - 08/2025