Founder

Helen’s work over the years has allowed her to build up a wealth of experience in working with children and adults. She has explored and examined many examples of good practice in relation to services for children and young people experiencing loss and grief.

In 2006, she had direct contact with children’s bereavement services in Australia, and especially with the National Centre for Childhood Grief (also known as The Friend’s Place) which is based in Sydney.

Helen worked for thirteen years as a social worker with TUSLA in the area Child Protection and Child Psychiatry. In 1991, she obtained an advanced diploma in child protection from Trinity College.

CEO

Mairead has recently joined the CGC as CEO. She is a qualified Social Worker having obtained a Masters in Social Work in 2009 and prior to this she obtained a Masters in Therapeutic Child Care in 2006. Mairead has over 25 years experience of working with children and families and has practised as a social worker in the areas of child protection, fostering and disability services.

Mairead has worked with children and families who have experienced loss and will bring her vast experience to her role as CEO. She believes in the right of children to be listened to and has throughout her career advocated for children.

Email: info@childrensgriefcentre.ie

Senior Support Worker

A former General and Paediatric Nurse Theresa holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

In 2022, she completed a MSc in Adolescent Psychotherapy from the University of Northampton in partnership with Dublin Counselling and Therapy Centre.

Theresa is fully accredited with the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, (IACP)

With over thirty years’ experience working with children and young people, Theresa’s focus is on the relationship with the child/young person, and she offers a gentle and developmentally appropriate approach to help them talk about their experiences and feelings.

She is a strong believer in empowering the voice of the child whilst working within the context of the family. Theresa is passionate about promoting the rights of children and young people.

Finance Officer

Darrell joined the Childrens Grief Centre in April ’22.  A Limerick native Darrell holds a Business Studies Degree from the University of Limerick

Darrell is a CIMA qualified accountant with over 30 years of experience.

Fundraising & Events Coordinator

Carol joined the Children’s Grief Centre in 2018 as a volunteer helping out in the fundraising department. Carol is now working as our Fundraising and Events Coordinator.

As part of her role Carol manages the Fundraising department and is involved with  communication and developing relationships with our sponsors and Corporate partnerships. Carol also works closely with our Financial Officer to report and monitor financial progress.

Since joining the team Carol has been overwhelmed and truly grateful for the generosity, warmth, and kindness of the people within our community and nationwide that help us to support Children and young people who have experienced loss.

Administrator – Part Time

Helen joined the Children’s Grief Centre team in 2018, as part time administrator. Her role involves general office administration, administration support and maintaining accounts. She has initial contact with the families and professionals who approach the charity, and also assists with the organising of key events.

Helen believes that the service the Children’s Grief Centre provides is a vital and necessary one. She wants every parent to know that when their child is suffering we are here to support.

Email: reception@childrensgriefcentre.ie
Tel: 087 985 1733

Ambassador to the Children’s Grief Centre

Olive Foley is the wife of the late Irish and Munster rugby player legend, Anthony Foley.

Olive’s experience has shown her the importance and value of family and community. She believes they are truly worth celebrating – because it is they who are there for you when you need it most. Through her difficulties she has seen family at its best: her own family, the sporting family, the family of community and friends.

Olive is a former banker but is now working closely with The Children’s Grief Centre Limerick in her role as Ambassador.

Support Worker

Katrina joined our team in April 2022 with 30 years’ experience in a diverse range of child care settings.

Katrina is a qualified play specialist and Montessori teacher with extensive training in therapeutic play and infant mental health.

Passionate about her work and achieving positive outcomes Katrina likes to bring a child led approach to her sessions .

“It is useful to draw on my qualifications and experience, but mostly I like to keep it simple …Listen and connect “

Volunteer Support Worker

Beryl began her career as a paediatric nurse in Belfast and then Dublin.

She then moved into the area of early childhood education in Dublin.

On moving to Limerick, she worked for 20 years as an early childhood education practitioner presenting play activities for the pre-school child. She was very active in the Irish Pre-school Playgroups Association, now Early Childhood Ireland.

Her area of interest moved again into healthcare, and employment followed as a hospital play specialist in the Children’s Ark Unit, University Hospital Limerick. In this role, she facilitated therapeutic play facilities to support babies, children and young people in coping with their hospital experience.

During this time, she met amazing children/young people (and their families), who were faced with short/long term admissions in the hospital.

On retirement, Beryl welcomed the opportunity to join Helen’s team as a support worker. She is delighted to be a part of the Children’s Grief Centre, with its hopes and vision into the future.

Beryl is a long time member and presently a board member of the charitable organization, Children in Hospital Ireland, Sandyford, Dublin.

Our Centre offers the skill, caring compassion and dedication of our full team of Support Workers and Volunteers.