Our team

As a team, we are dedicated to supporting our members and their families, in this section you will find all of our staff and their contact information. 

Barry Sheridan - CEO

Barry is our Chief Executive Officer and is a skilled business development and programme manager with diverse experience in local development − including social inclusion programmes supporting young people, unemployed, and those most disadvantaged, to fulfill their potential.   He has 10 years’ experience of successfully developing innovative business development strategy solutions across the public and private sectors, with an excellent track record in increasing funding and attracting sponsorship from corporates and through national / EU funding applications.   A highly flexible, adaptable, and effective at managing multiple projects, dedicated teams, and stakeholders -  Barry is currently completing MSc in Local Development and Innovation on part-time basis.   You can contact him via email at Barry@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

Barry Sheridan

CEO

Barry is our Chief Executive Officer and is a skilled business development and programme manager with diverse experience in local development − including social inclusion programmes supporting young people, unemployed, and those most disadvantaged, to fulfill their potential.
 
He has 10 years’ experience of successfully developing innovative business development strategy solutions across the public and private sectors, with an excellent track record in increasing funding and attracting sponsorship from corporates and through national / EU funding applications.
 
A highly flexible, adaptable, and effective at managing multiple projects, dedicated teams, and stakeholders -  Barry is currently completing MSc in Local Development and Innovation on part-time basis.
 
You can contact him via email at Barry@downsyndrome.ie

Member Support Team

Nicola Hart - National Research and Support Specialist

Nicola Hart is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who has worked for more than 20 years with people who have Down syndrome and their families. She has been working for Down Syndrome Ireland since 2010, first in a local branch, then in the national office. Nicola became Team Leader for the Member Support Team in 2017. In early 2022, her role changed to reflect the increasing need for support for research and good practice across the lifespan. She is now employed as National Research and Support Specialist. Nicola remains a CORU registered speech and language therapist, and continues to offer general advice, training and support on speech and language issues alongside her other responsibilities. Nicola is committed to promoting evidence-led practice, and works … Read More

Nicola Hart

National Research and Support Specialist

Nicola Hart is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who has worked for more than 20 years with people who have Down syndrome and their families. She has been working for Down Syndrome Ireland since 2010, first in a local branch, then in the national office.

Nicola became Team Leader for the Member Support Team in 2017. In early 2022, her role changed to reflect the increasing need for support for research and good practice across the lifespan. She is now employed as National Research and Support Specialist. Nicola remains a CORU registered speech and language therapist, and continues to offer general advice, training and support on speech and language issues alongside her other responsibilities.

Nicola is committed to promoting evidence-led practice, and works with members and researchers to encourage new research, prioritising research questions which will have the maximum impact on the life of children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. The willingness of members to participate in research, answering questions about their lives and experiences is something she never takes for granted. She has recently co-authored a peer-reviewed paper titled ‘Speech and language therapy services for people with Down syndrome; the disparity between research and practice.’

Nicola has a strong interest in developmental language disorder in Down syndrome, and the link between spoken and written language development, as well as how adults with Down syndrome use written language in everyday life. She works together with colleagues in the Member Support Team to support families, educators and therapists so that they can better understand the challenges and the strengths of students with Down syndrome and can work to maximise learning opportunities across the lifespan. She also currently co-ordinates the DSI Special Interest Group for Speech and Language Therapists working with people who have Down syndrome.

Nicola is a member of the Lámh Research and Development committee and worked on the concept and content of the award-winning Lámh Time app. She has recently joined the board of directors of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT).

Nicola also previously co-authored a Cochrane review on Parent-mediated interventions for promoting communication and language development in young children with Down syndrome: Parent-mediated interventions for promoting communication and language development in young children with Down syndrome and an Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) position paper on Speech and Language Therapy provision for Children with Intellectual Disabilities.

Nicola can be contacted on 087 1444 382 or by email: nicola@downsyndrome.ie

Fiona McGrane - Research Nurse

Fiona McGrane (CNM11, RNID, RCN) was appointed as research nurse in Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2010. She is based at Trinity College Dublin, Department of Paediatrics National Children’s Hospital Tallaght. This post is supported by Down Syndrome Ireland.   Fiona is a qualified paediatric nurse and also an intellectual disability nurse. She holds a diploma in social care awarded by Stockport University. Fiona has a broad experience in acute paediatric nursing and also with children and adults with an intellectual disability. Her role is to provide support and education and to conduct research in the area of Down syndrome.    Fiona is available from Monday to Friday to provide advice, up-to-date information and education in relation to any medical queries that you may have … Read More

Fiona McGrane

Research Nurse

Fiona McGrane (CNM11, RNID, RCN) was appointed as research nurse in Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2010. She is based at Trinity College Dublin, Department of Paediatrics National Children’s Hospital Tallaght. This post is supported by Down Syndrome Ireland.
 
Fiona is a qualified paediatric nurse and also an intellectual disability nurse. She holds a diploma in social care awarded by Stockport University. Fiona has a broad experience in acute paediatric nursing and also with children and adults with an intellectual disability. Her role is to provide support and education and to conduct research in the area of Down syndrome. 
 
Fiona is available from Monday to Friday to provide advice, up-to-date information and education in relation to any medical queries that you may have about children and adolescents with Down syndrome. If you would like to speak with Fiona, you can reach her on 01 8963785 or 087 8334916 and by email fiona@downsyndrome.ie.

Dr. Fidelma Brady - Head of Education

Fidelma Brady is our Head of Education and is available to support you and your child in their journey through school from primary, post primary and special school.
She will also provide advice and information at each stage of educational transition and when difficulties arise.
Fidelma will also be available to provide support, information, advice and training for schools and teachers to assist them in the provision of appropriate education for children and young people with Down syndrome.
The development and delivery of conferences, workshops and training at regional and national level for parents and education professionals will also be a key focus for Fidelma.
A key component of our Member Support Team, she will continue to research, collect and disseminate … Read More

Dr. Fidelma Brady

Head of Education

Fidelma Brady is our Head of Education and is available to support you and your child in their journey through school from primary, post primary and special school.
She will also provide advice and information at each stage of educational transition and when difficulties arise.
Fidelma will also be available to provide support, information, advice and training for schools and teachers to assist them in the provision of appropriate education for children and young people with Down syndrome.
The development and delivery of conferences, workshops and training at regional and national level for parents and education professionals will also be a key focus for Fidelma.
A key component of our Member Support Team, she will continue to research, collect and disseminate current information on the learning needs of students with Down syndrome, to include international methods of best practice and intervention strategies.
A primary teacher by profession and within that field, Fidelma has always had a great interest in special education – with a particular focus on Down syndrome.
Over the years, she has been fortunate to have taught in many schools, large & small, urban & rural. This has given her a wide experience of the many issues facing children and their parents within the education system, particularly those children with special educational needs.
Having undertaken many professional development courses over the years, she holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD); a Master’s Degree in Education (M.A.) and an Honours Diploma in Special Education, as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree (B.ED.).
Fidelma can be contacted through our national office on (01) 5632450 and by email at fidelma@downsyndrome.ie.

Aoife Gaffney - Head of Employment and Projects

Aoife Gaffney is our Head of Employment, she previously worked with the Waterford & South Kilkenny Branch of DSI in 2016/17 and has worked in our National Office since July 2017.  Aoife has over 10 years experience working with children & adolescents with Autism, Down syndrome & other disabilities.  Aoife works on our Ability Programme, securing partnerships with employers and providing training and support to ensure meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome.  She also works hands on with adults with Down syndrome, delivering intensive pre-employment training, prior to them beginning work, and providing ongoing support while at work.  Aoife manages our Beauty in all its Forms Programme, which is a joint initiative with Alfaparf Milano and provides training to adults with Down syndrome, … Read More

Aoife Gaffney

Head of Employment and Projects

Aoife Gaffney is our Head of Employment, she previously worked with the Waterford & South Kilkenny Branch of DSI in 2016/17 and has worked in our National Office since July 2017.  Aoife has over 10 years experience working with children & adolescents with Autism, Down syndrome & other disabilities. 

Aoife works on our Ability Programme, securing partnerships with employers and providing training and support to ensure meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome.  She also works hands on with adults with Down syndrome, delivering intensive pre-employment training, prior to them beginning work, and providing ongoing support while at work.  Aoife manages our Beauty in all its Forms Programme, which is a joint initiative with Alfaparf Milano and provides training to adults with Down syndrome, that graduate as Hairdressing Assistants, with a view to securing employment.  

Aoife can be contacted through our national office on (01) 5632450 or by mobile at 089-7036 209 and by email at aoife@downsyndrome.ie.

Sinéad Flynn - Adult Education Officer

Sinéad is our Adult Education Officer. She supports adult members, their families, branches, teachers and staff in the field of adult education. Her role includes the development of adult education courses for people with Down Syndrome. As a way for adult members to enjoy literacy outside the classroom and be part of the community, she works with members and libraries setting up and supporting nationwide book clubs. Sinéad also facilitates the National Advisory Council, enabling adults with Down syndrome to be the voice of people with Down syndrome and to have a say in Down Syndrome Ireland.   Sinéad brings over 25 years' experience working across education in diverse settings to the role. She has worked in primary, post-primary and further education, including Special Education and mainstream, … Read More

Sinéad Flynn

Adult Education Officer

Sinéad is our Adult Education Officer. She supports adult members, their families, branches, teachers and staff in the field of adult education. Her role includes the development of adult education courses for people with Down Syndrome. As a way for adult members to enjoy literacy outside the classroom and be part of the community, she works with members and libraries setting up and supporting nationwide book clubs. Sinéad also facilitates the National Advisory Council, enabling adults with Down syndrome to be the voice of people with Down syndrome and to have a say in Down Syndrome Ireland.  

Sinéad brings over 25 years' experience working across education in diverse settings to the role. She has worked in primary, post-primary and further education, including Special Education and mainstream, and published successful teaching and learning material. Since joining Down Syndrome Ireland, Sinéad has written the Down Syndrome Ireland online music course. 

Sinéad is a strong believer in lifelong learning. Since her Social Science Degree, she has completed a wide range of courses, including a Masters in Applied Linguistics and a Post-Grad Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education. She is passionate about education and empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential. You can reach Sinéad at Sinead@downsyndrome.ie or 086 1035335.

John Condon - Head of Adult Education

John Condon is part of the Adult Education team at Down Syndrome Ireland. John has a back ground in special educational and school leadership.   John will be supported in his role by Sinead Flynn, Adult Education Officer. Please feel free to contact John directly on (086) 1286025 or email johncondon@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

John Condon

Head of Adult Education

John Condon is part of the Adult Education team at Down Syndrome Ireland. John has a back ground in special educational and school leadership.  

John will be supported in his role by Sinead Flynn, Adult Education Officer. Please feel free to contact John directly on (086) 1286025 or email johncondon@downsyndrome.ie

Joanne Dawson - Employment Officer

Following a Bachelor's Honours Degree in Business and Marketing, Joanne qualified as a Life and Career Coach along with other qualifications which include Training and Community Development. With a passion and strong desire to support people to fulfill their goals, she has worked with many organisations over the years which includes working with people with disabilities supporting them towards their employment and education goals. Joanne’s role as employment officer is assisting in the expansion of the employment programme nationally. This involves securing partnerships with employers to establish meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome. She works alongside adults with Down syndrome by providing pre-employment training and ongoing support when in employment. She also provides Down syndrome awareness training to employers. Joanne can be contacted … Read More

Joanne Dawson

Employment Officer

Following a Bachelor's Honours Degree in Business and Marketing, Joanne qualified as a Life and Career Coach along with other qualifications which include Training and Community Development. With a passion and strong desire to support people to fulfill their goals, she has worked with many organisations over the years which includes working with people with disabilities supporting them towards their employment and education goals. Joanne’s role as employment officer is assisting in the expansion of the employment programme nationally. This involves securing partnerships with employers to establish meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome. She works alongside adults with Down syndrome by providing pre-employment training and ongoing support when in employment. She also provides Down syndrome awareness training to employers. Joanne can be contacted at 0861073979 or by email at joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie.

Annette O’Neill - Member Support Officer

Our Member Support Officer is Annette O’Neill. Annette provides support services to our members as well as with our branches around the country. Annette is also involved in organising and delivering our information events, conferences and our annual AGM. Other duties include the management of the membership database. Annette also handles Numicon inquires and liaises with our Numicon Trainers to deliver Numicon training which takes place regularly in branches, schools and education centres around the country. Numicon has proved to be an extremely effective tool in teaching Maths to people with Down syndrome. Annette can be contacted at by email at annette@downsyndrome.ie or by phone on (01) 5632450 or mobile 083 4031 817 … Read More

Annette O’Neill

Member Support Officer

Our Member Support Officer is Annette O’Neill.

Annette provides support services to our members as well as with our branches around the country. Annette is also involved in organising and delivering our information events, conferences and our annual AGM. Other duties include the management of the membership database.

Annette also handles Numicon inquires and liaises with our Numicon Trainers to deliver Numicon training which takes place regularly in branches, schools and education centres around the country. Numicon has proved to be an extremely effective tool in teaching Maths to people with Down syndrome.

Annette can be contacted at by email at annette@downsyndrome.ie or by phone on (01) 5632450 or mobile 083 4031 817

Deirdre McGlynn - Early Years Specialist

Deirdre McGlynn is on the Early Years Specialist team. Deirdre has worked with children who have Down syndrome and their families for over a decade in a specialised preschool, mainstream preschools and in their family home. Working as a children’s nurse, Deirdre could see the potential in each child for growth and development and how they would blossom when the right supports were put in place. She believes passionately that the interventions in Early Years can have an impact that lasts a lifetime, the family is central to all learning and Play is the cornerstone to all of the child’s development.  Deirdre can be contacted at deirdremcglynn@downsyndrome.ie or (086) 084 4844. … Read More

Deirdre McGlynn

Early Years Specialist

Deirdre McGlynn is on the Early Years Specialist team. Deirdre has worked with children who have Down syndrome and their families for over a decade in a specialised preschool, mainstream preschools and in their family home.

Working as a children’s nurse, Deirdre could see the potential in each child for growth and development and how they would blossom when the right supports were put in place. She believes passionately that the interventions in Early Years can have an impact that lasts a lifetime, the family is central to all learning and Play is the cornerstone to all of the child’s development. 

Deirdre can be contacted at deirdremcglynn@downsyndrome.ie or (086) 084 4844.

Regional Resource Officers

Our Regional Resource Officers help people with Down syndrome and their family’s access support locally.

Regional Resource Officers provide vital support and a point of contact for new parents as well as families who need help and support at local level at every life stage.

Mike Egan - Regional Resource Officer - Louth Meath Branch

Mike Egan started working with the Louth Meath branch of DSI as a part-time Regional Resource Officer in November 2016, having had over 10 years front-line and management experience in adult learning disability services.
His role in the Louth Meath branch is to act as an information and support officer for the members and committee, helping to ensure they are aware of their full entitlements and rights to get all the services and opportunities that they need. Where such services are not readily available, Mike works with the branch and DSI National Team to campaign for additional and improved services for members of all ages.
He has a particular interest in the possibility of individualised funding/personal budgets for people with Down syndrome to … Read More

Mike Egan

Regional Resource Officer - Louth Meath Branch

Mike Egan started working with the Louth Meath branch of DSI as a part-time Regional Resource Officer in November 2016, having had over 10 years front-line and management experience in adult learning disability services.
His role in the Louth Meath branch is to act as an information and support officer for the members and committee, helping to ensure they are aware of their full entitlements and rights to get all the services and opportunities that they need. Where such services are not readily available, Mike works with the branch and DSI National Team to campaign for additional and improved services for members of all ages.
He has a particular interest in the possibility of individualised funding/personal budgets for people with Down syndrome to enable them to reach their full potential and be active, included members of the community.
Mike has an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies, an MSc in Education and Training Management and, more recently, has trained as a mindfulness teacher for stress reduction and other benefits.
Mike can be contacted at mike@downsyndrome.ie or 085 8618866.

Deirdre Nugent - Regional Resource Officer - Galway Branch

Deirdre Nugent is Regional Resource Officer for DSI, Galway Branch and works part-time in this role since November 2020. Deirdre has been involved with the Galway branch since the birth of her son Adam in 2006 who has a Dual diagnosis of DS and ASD. Deirdre has seen the branch get bigger and better over that time with over 300 members, spanning across the whole life span. With 2 DSG centres now up and running in Co. Galway, it has opened up countless opportunities for the running of various groups to support not just members but their families and carers also. Deirdre offers support and information about services and links families in with the National Member support team when needed, has helped DS Galway establish … Read More

Deirdre Nugent

Regional Resource Officer - Galway Branch

Deirdre Nugent is Regional Resource Officer for DSI, Galway Branch and works part-time in this role since November 2020. Deirdre has been involved with the Galway branch since the birth of her son Adam in 2006 who has a Dual diagnosis of DS and ASD.

Deirdre has seen the branch get bigger and better over that time with over 300 members, spanning across the whole life span. With 2 DSG centres now up and running in Co. Galway, it has opened up countless opportunities for the running of various groups to support not just members but their families and carers also.

Deirdre offers support and information about services and links families in with the National Member support team when needed, has helped DS Galway establish friendships with agencies such as TUS and CE Scheme, services such as GRETB and Brothers of Charity and with the communities of Claregalway and Moycullen where both Centres are based.

Deirdre hopes to continue on this link with the community so that it will continue to benefit our members into the future and maybe result in possible employment, work experience, etc for our members. Deirdre continues to keep members informed of what is happening in the world of Disability, to source funding to ensure that the many supports that have been set up will continue to run and be expanded on, while sourcing new and exciting opportunities to ensure that every member of every age is part of DSG.

Deirdre can be contacted at DeirdreNugent@downsyndrome.ie or 086 871 9000.

Central Support Team

Down Syndrome Ireland’s Central Support Team supports members, branches and the professional community connected by Down syndrome.

Ross O’Neill - Junior Administrator

Ross O’Neill is our Junior Administrator. Ross has been working at DSI for 12 years and plays a central role at the National Office. His jobs include distributing in-coming post and ensuring that the post book is signed daily, issuing requests for 'student packs', photocopying and ensuring photocopier paper trays are filled, assisting with mailouts, greeting and looking after visitors to National Office and ensuring Visitor Book sign-ins.  Ross also takes responsibility for setting up for meetings and conferences and clearing up after same. He takes in all deliveries and puts away as required. Ross weighs, franks, sorts and bags all out-going post and laminates posters and signs, as well as binding documents and publications. Ross also assists at fundraising events and assists all members … Read More

Ross O’Neill

Junior Administrator

Ross O’Neill is our Junior Administrator.

Ross has been working at DSI for 12 years and plays a central role at the National Office. His jobs include distributing in-coming post and ensuring that the post book is signed daily, issuing requests for 'student packs', photocopying and ensuring photocopier paper trays are filled, assisting with mailouts, greeting and looking after visitors to National Office and ensuring Visitor Book sign-ins.  Ross also takes responsibility for setting up for meetings and conferences and clearing up after same. He takes in all deliveries and puts away as required. Ross weighs, franks, sorts and bags all out-going post and laminates posters and signs, as well as binding documents and publications. Ross also assists at fundraising events and assists all members of staff with their work.

 

 

Payroll and Human Resources

Willie Lewins - Payroll and Human Resources Manager

Our Payroll and Human Resources Manager is Willie Lewins. Willie takes care of all salaries, wages and HR enquiries at national and branch level. Willie can be contacted at willie@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 5632450. … Read More

Willie Lewins

Payroll and Human Resources Manager

Our Payroll and Human Resources Manager is Willie Lewins. Willie takes care of all salaries, wages and HR enquiries at national and branch level.

Willie can be contacted at willie@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 5632450.

Justin Keys - Chief Financial Officer

Justin joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Chief Financial Officer and is an experienced accountant who has worked in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years. Justin previously worked with Merchants Quay Ireland, Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland and Fighting Blindness. Justin has strong experience in financial management reporting and forecasting, financial controls, financial systems implementation and liaising with multi-level stakeholders to o deepen engagement, enhance productivity and drive transformation. Justin can be contacted at justin@downsyndrome.ie. … Read More

Justin Keys

Chief Financial Officer

Justin joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Chief Financial Officer and is an experienced accountant who has worked in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years. Justin previously worked with Merchants Quay Ireland, Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland and Fighting Blindness. Justin has strong experience in financial management reporting and forecasting, financial controls, financial systems implementation and liaising with multi-level stakeholders to o deepen engagement, enhance productivity and drive transformation. Justin can be contacted at justin@downsyndrome.ie.

Sandra Ryan - Bookkeeper

Sandra is our part-time Bookkeeper/Administrator in Finance providing support to both the National office and our branches. She brings years of experience from her previous roles as an accountant in the private sector. She also works as a substitute special needs assistant in her local schools. She has an amazing nephew, Henry with Down syndrome who inspired her to change her career to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities. You can reach Sandra at sandraryan@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

Sandra Ryan

Bookkeeper

Sandra is our part-time Bookkeeper/Administrator in Finance providing support to both the National office and our branches. She brings years of experience from her previous roles as an accountant in the private sector. She also works as a substitute special needs assistant in her local schools. She has an amazing nephew, Henry with Down syndrome who inspired her to change her career to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

You can reach Sandra at sandraryan@downsyndrome.ie

Communications and Lobbying Team

Our Communications and Lobbying Team manages communications with the media, our members, professionals, the general public and the various teams within our organisation both locally and nationally. The team also compiles the Down Syndrome Ireland magazine, e-newsletters and manages the content of our website and social media channels. The team also highlight national issues which impact on people who have Down syndrome and their families in order to influence Government policies.

Aoife Feeley - Communications Manager

Aoife Feeley joined the team as Communications Manager in December 2022. She can be contacted at aoifefeeley@downsyndrome.ie or (086) 102 6538. … Read More

Aoife Feeley

Communications Manager

Aoife Feeley joined the team as Communications Manager in December 2022. She can be contacted at aoifefeeley@downsyndrome.ie or (086) 102 6538.

Anna Cullen - Digital Communications Officer

Anna Cullen is DSI's Digital Communications Officer. Based in the National Office, Anna is responsible for creating content for DSI, managing social media and internal and external communications. Please feel free to contact Anna directly at annacullen@downsyndrome.ie or (086) 414 4487. … Read More

Anna Cullen

Digital Communications Officer

Anna Cullen is DSI's Digital Communications Officer. Based in the National Office, Anna is responsible for creating content for DSI, managing social media and internal and external communications. Please feel free to contact Anna directly at annacullen@downsyndrome.ie or (086) 414 4487.

Fundraising Team

Down Syndrome Ireland has a very small, but very active fundraising team. 86% of the money needed to run services has to be raised through fundraising. Meet our team:

Mark O’Doherty - Head of Fundraising and Retail

Mark joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Head of Fundraising and Retail in 2016. Having spent twenty years’ working in the private sector with companies specialising in branding, advertising and marketing communications, he decided to apply his experience and skill set to the non profit sector. In 2010, he applied for and won a much coveted place on the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Programme. Since then, he has worked in Fundraising and Communication roles with a number of charities and completed a Masters in Management: Community & Voluntary Services. Mark believes in leading by example and has participated in four Camino walks and two parachute jumps to date for charity. Mark can be contacted at mark@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 563 2463. … Read More

Mark O’Doherty

Head of Fundraising and Retail

Mark joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Head of Fundraising and Retail in 2016. Having spent twenty years’ working in the private sector with companies specialising in branding, advertising and marketing communications, he decided to apply his experience and skill set to the non profit sector. In 2010, he applied for and won a much coveted place on the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Programme. Since then, he has worked in Fundraising and Communication roles with a number of charities and completed a Masters in Management: Community & Voluntary Services. Mark believes in leading by example and has participated in four Camino walks and two parachute jumps to date for charity.

Mark can be contacted at mark@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 563 2463.

Phaedra Vlahos - Corporate and Philanthropy Manager

Phaedra is the newest member of our fundraising team, joining us in July 2021. Her previous role was within Corporate Fundraising in the Dublin Simon Community, working on major campaigns and events across their fundraising department. With a background in Fine Art and a passion for philanthropy, she brings a creative outlook into the world of fundraising and is a welcome addition to the team. You can reach her at Phaedra@downsyndrome.ie or call on 086 102 5847. … Read More

Phaedra Vlahos

Corporate and Philanthropy Manager

Phaedra is the newest member of our fundraising team, joining us in July 2021. Her previous role was within Corporate Fundraising in the Dublin Simon Community, working on major campaigns and events across their fundraising department. With a background in Fine Art and a passion for philanthropy, she brings a creative outlook into the world of fundraising and is a welcome addition to the team. You can reach her at Phaedra@downsyndrome.ie or call on 086 102 5847.

Bernice Condon - Fundraising Manager

Bernice joined us in March 2021, having worked previously in Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin,  looking after their Challenge Fundraisers alongside the community team. With a background in business and fundraising, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. In 2019,  she went back to study and completed the Diploma in Fundraising Management to gain further insights and develop her experience in the industry. You can reach Bernice at Bernice@downsyndrome.ie or on 0864145412. … Read More

Bernice Condon

Fundraising Manager

Bernice joined us in March 2021, having worked previously in Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin,  looking after their Challenge Fundraisers alongside the community team. With a background in business and fundraising, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. In 2019,  she went back to study and completed the Diploma in Fundraising Management to gain further insights and develop her experience in the industry. You can reach Bernice at Bernice@downsyndrome.ie or on 0864145412.

Retail Team

Down Syndrome Ireland has a growing number of Charity Shops which are an integral part of our annual fundraising activity as they provide much needed sustainable income on a regular basis.

Barbara McCarthy - Charity Shop Manager (GPO Arcade)

Barbara joined Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2017.  She brings over 20 years experience working in retail in the charity sector and to our shop in the GPO where she is Manager.  Barbara enjoys working with her dedicated team of volunteers as they work together to develop a strong customer base, all the while promoting the values of Down Syndrome Ireland. She can be contacted at barbara@downsyndrome.ie or086 0274178. … Read More

Barbara McCarthy

Charity Shop Manager (GPO Arcade)

Barbara joined Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2017. 

She brings over 20 years experience working in retail in the charity sector and to our shop in the GPO where she is Manager. 

Barbara enjoys working with her dedicated team of volunteers as they work together to develop a strong customer base, all the while promoting the values of Down Syndrome Ireland. She can be contacted at barbara@downsyndrome.ie or086 0274178.

Gerry Moore - Charity Shop Manager (Finglas)

Gerry joined Down Syndrome Ireland in March 2015 as a Charity Shop Sales Assistant, after many years in the Retail and Hospitality sectors. Applying skills learned in both areas helped him attain the Shop Manager’s position, first as part-time, but now as a full-time Manager in our Finglas shop.  Ensuring customers are happy and returning is what keeps Gerry going, whilst hopefully increasing sales and building awareness about Down syndrome with the general public. He can be contacted at gerry@downsyndrome.ie  or on 086 411 2603. … Read More

Gerry Moore

Charity Shop Manager (Finglas)

Gerry joined Down Syndrome Ireland in March 2015 as a Charity Shop Sales Assistant, after many years in the Retail and Hospitality sectors. Applying skills learned in both areas helped him attain the Shop Manager’s position, first as part-time, but now as a full-time Manager in our Finglas shop.  Ensuring customers are happy and returning is what keeps Gerry going, whilst hopefully increasing sales and building awareness about Down syndrome with the general public.

He can be contacted at gerry@downsyndrome.ie  or on 086 411 2603.

Celine King - Charity Shop Manager (Templeogue)

Celine is the shop manager in our Templeogue shop. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland at the end of 2019 after spending a decade working in retail in the UK, for a large charity. Celine's main goals are to ensure that customers are happy and enjoy their shopping experience with us, and to build a good rapport with them. Our cause is very close to Celine's heart as she has a brother with Down syndrome. Through her shop management work, Celine sees the benefit and real difference that can be made to the lives of so many people with Down syndrome and their families. She can be contacted at Celine@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 604 6180. … Read More

Celine King

Charity Shop Manager (Templeogue)

Celine is the shop manager in our Templeogue shop. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland at the end of 2019 after spending a decade working in retail in the UK, for a large charity. Celine's main goals are to ensure that customers are happy and enjoy their shopping experience with us, and to build a good rapport with them. Our cause is very close to Celine's heart as she has a brother with Down syndrome. Through her shop management work, Celine sees the benefit and real difference that can be made to the lives of so many people with Down syndrome and their families.

She can be contacted at Celine@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 604 6180.

Amanda Molloy - Charity Shop Manager (Clondalkin)

Amanda has worked in retail and sales/merchandising all her working life. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland’s Clondalkin charity shop as a volunteer in 2021, having previously completed a Community Employment programme in the charity field, where she gained lots of valuable experience. Amanda became full-time Shop Manager in our Clondalkin shop in March 2022. She has built up a great working relationship with the shop volunteers, and looking after our wonderful customers is always her top priority. She can be contacted at AmandaM@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 067 5621. … Read More

Amanda Molloy

Charity Shop Manager (Clondalkin)

Amanda has worked in retail and sales/merchandising all her working life. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland’s Clondalkin charity shop as a volunteer in 2021, having previously completed a Community Employment programme in the charity field, where she gained lots of valuable experience. Amanda became full-time Shop Manager in our Clondalkin shop in March 2022. She has built up a great working relationship with the shop volunteers, and looking after our wonderful customers is always her top priority. She can be contacted at AmandaM@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 067 5621.

Operations

George Oliver - Projects Manager

George previously worked in the life and pensions industry where he held a number of roles including Head of Operation and Customer Services.
He is currently working on a number of key projects for DSI including the Champ (DSI member database) system, compliance and insurance review. … Read More

George Oliver

Projects Manager

George previously worked in the life and pensions industry where he held a number of roles including Head of Operation and Customer Services.
He is currently working on a number of key projects for DSI including the Champ (DSI member database) system, compliance and insurance review.

Claire Wright - Senior Compliance Officer

Claire Wright was appointed as Senior Compliance Officer of Down Syndrome Ireland in November 2021 working in our national office. She enables DSI to  define clear operational frameworks to ensure high levels of governance. She will also provide support and guidelines to follow, so the organisation works in a safe and productive environment. 

Claire has over 20 years’ experience as a solicitor and a partner in a number of law firms. She completed a professional coaching qualification in 2021 and is  an active member of Toastmasters International – a public speaking and leadership organisation. You can contact her via email at clairewright@downsyndrome.ie. … Read More

Claire Wright

Senior Compliance Officer

Claire Wright was appointed as Senior Compliance Officer of Down Syndrome Ireland in November 2021 working in our national office. She enables DSI to  define clear operational frameworks to ensure high levels of governance. She will also provide support and guidelines to follow, so the organisation works in a safe and productive environment. 

Claire has over 20 years’ experience as a solicitor and a partner in a number of law firms. She completed a professional coaching qualification in 2021 and is  an active member of Toastmasters International – a public speaking and leadership organisation. You can contact her via email at clairewright@downsyndrome.ie.

Down Syndrome Ireland receives valuable support to fund two team positions through the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community & Voluntary Sector (SSNO).

 

This project was approved by Government with support from the Dormant Accounts Fund.