Elaine Pawley qualified as a social worker in 1995. Previously she worked as a registered nurse supporting adults with learning disabilities to leave long-term hospital placements. Following her social work training, she continued to work with adults with learning disabilities in statutory services in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. She became a palliative care social worker in 2005 and is now the lead social worker for St Michael's Hospice in Hereford where she manages a team of social workers providing support to patients and carers. She feels privileged to work in palliative care and is passionate about person-centered approaches and multi-disciplinary working. She is also a practice educator and a laughter yoga leader, providing individual and group sessions to patients, carers and colleagues.