Our staff in Ireland & Northern Ireland

Sarah joined Samaritans Ireland as its Executive Director in 2023. A dynamic leader, driven by values of equity, diversity and inclusion, Sarah has over 20 years’ experience managing change, developing, and leading business development strategies in both commercial and non-profit environments. Before working with Samaritans, Sarah was CEO of CBM Ireland and Chairperson of Dóchas. Sarah is passionate about volunteering, and has volunteered with the Special Olympics for over 20 years.

Georgina joined us as Head of Income Generation in 2023, helping to grow Samaritans' impact in Ireland. Georgina spent the previous three years working with Mental Health Ireland as Head of Fundraising & Corporate Engagement, and has a background in marketing and business development. Georgina has a Postgraduate Diploma in Management & Marketing and is currently undertaking a Masters in Strategic Management. She's passionate about relationship-building and strategic partnerships.

Anne has worked with Samaritans Ireland for over 10 years. She leads our work with our mental health sector, corporate, voluntary, and community partners. Her work involves raising awareness of Samaritans' services, delivering training, and engaging with organisations at national advisory level. Before working for Samaritans Ireland, Anne studied Economics & Management Studies and worked in the financial sector. Anne has volunteered with the Dublin Branch of Samaritans for 20 years.

Gina joined Samaritans in 2008. She currently leads our work in Garda Vetting in the Republic of Ireland. As well as having over 30 years combined charity and commercial experience, Gina is the longest-serving member of the Samaritans Ireland team. She has a vast experience of the organisation and enjoys any opportunity to assist branch volunteers.

Sarah joined Samaritans in 2017 as Communication and Policy Manager, leading public awareness and media campaigns and supporting Samaritans branches. She started her career in journalism, working over 15 years in regional and national newspapers before moving into PR.

With over 15 years of experience in the voluntary and community sector, Julie joined Samaritans in 2014. She is responsible for communicatons and campaigns across Northern Ireland, building strategic partnerships and delivering media guidelines and awareness training. Julie is a Non-Executive Director with the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust, and Council Member of the Patient and Client Council.

Ellen joined Samaritans in 2021. She is Policy & Development Manager working in Northern Ireland. She has over 25 years experience of working in the charity sector, navigating complex policy landscapes and fostering collaboration for meaningful policy change. Ellen is also a Commissioner at The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Ciaran manages the technical estate and regulatory compliance for Samaritans' telephone system in Ireland. Before joining Samaritans in 2014, Ciaran was Manager of Dublin Community Television and has extensive experience in technical, community development, and management roles. Currently studying a Masters in Digital Policy in UCD, Ciaran has legal, software development, and statistical postgraduate qualifications.

Zita joined Samaritans in 2023 with over 15 years of professional experience in journalism, communications, and marketing. Zita has previously worked with the Irish Cancer Society and Volunteer Ireland, and volunteered with An Taisce, Yes Equality, and others. Zita leads Samaritans' digital engagement work in Ireland, managing social media, digital marketing, web development, graphic design, video production, etc.

Jackie has been Samaritans Ireland's Senior Administrator since 2019. Jackie has been an administrative executive in Ireland's charity and public sectors for many years, having previously worked with Mental Health Ireland, Depaul, and the HSE. Jackie is a Listening Volunteer with the Dublin branch of Samaritans.

James joined Samaritans Ireland in 2020, having worked in IT Support for several years. He provides IT support to Samaritans branches across Ireland. James holds a Postgraduate Certificate in IT from NUI Maynooth. He is passionate about volunteering, particularly in support of Dublin's homeless services. James's dog Dora is often by his side when he visits Samaritans branches!

Michelle joined Samaritans in 2022 and leads on our work with the Irish Prison Service in the continued development of the Listener Scheme. With qualifications in Psychology and Community/Criminal Justice, Michelle trained as a Probation Officer in the UK, working with people on community sentences. She also has experience managing and developing services for survivors of domestic abuse.

With over 30 years of experience in the charity sector in Ireland and the UK, Aisling joined Samaritans in 2022. Aisling is a Safeguarding Officer with particular responsibility for safeguarding in Ireland. She has previously volunteered as a Samaritans Listening Volunteer.

Rachel joined Samaritans Ireland in 2023 after gaining experience in several Irish and International charities. Rachel works within the income generation team, managing fundraising campaigns and events, and engaging with corporate partners, trusts and foundations, community groups, and individuals to support the organisation's objectives. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Civil Law Degree and a Masters in PR and Communications.

Jenni joined Samaritans in 2022, having previously worked as an SEN Classroom Assistant in Belfast. Jenni holds a Masters Degree in Social Policy and a desire to change perceptions around mental health and encourage suicide awareness. Jenni leads our digital engagement in Northern Ireland, as well as assisting in the development of campaigns, and supporting our work with key influencers.