We are happy to introduce you all to our new member of staff, Ana Maria!
Ana Maria has just started working for Orchard OCD as Fundraising and Communications Officer. She will liaise with partners, donors, and collaborators, and help disseminate Orchard’s work, so that more people can access ground-breaking research.
In this week’s blog, we learn more about Ana Maria and the work she will be doing for Orchard OCD.
Hello, Ana Maria! How are you feeling about starting work at Orchard OCD?
Hi, everyone! I am beyond excited to start working at Orchard OCD! I have known Orchard for many years, and their work is unparalleled. Orchard comprises everything that I love and care most about, which is people’s wellbeing, patient co-production, and research. It has all the features and support offered by charities whilst pushing the boundaries of OCD research in a rigorous scientific way. I cannot wait to be a part of the team!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
As you can probably tell by the long name, I am Brazilian and have moved to the UK in 2017 to pursue a PhD in Psychology at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Professor Trevor Robbins, a world renowned OCD researcher. It was during my PhD that I truly understood what it meant to live with OCD, as, despite having a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Psychology, no academic work taught me as much as interacting with people with OCD.
My research focused on understanding the factors that contribute to the difficulties in stopping obsessions and compulsions through neuroimaging (electroencephalography) and on evaluating a new intervention for OCD, which led me to work with Professor Naomi Fineberg, my current postdoctoral supervisor at the University of Hertfordshire.
What are you working on to start things off at Orchard?
I have started with full energy and, thanks to Margherita’s help, am having the best training!
I am working on disseminating Orchard’s work through social media and webinars, which will bring the latest in OCD research!
We are hoping to increase fundraising targets to be able to conduct cutting-edge studies, so I am focusing on research grants and collaborations. Please contact me if you have any suggestions!
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I do love a good book under the blankets and watching period pieces, although I have a particular soft spot for West End musicals too!
I love practising sports and have trained karate since I was 5 years old. Nowadays I have been testing myself on cricket (British influence) and tennis, but my regular exercise is running and gym.
I have two cats and enjoy spending time playing with them.
Welcome, Ana Maria!
Got any fundraising, communication, or research ideas? Please email Ana Maria at anamaria@orchardocd.org to start a conversation.