Our Team

Brendan is CEO of the Social Finance Foundation. He was formerly a Senior Executive with Bank of Ireland and is a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland. He has been involved with the Special Olympics as a parent, volunteer, sponsor and Chairman; his daughter has skied for Ireland in four SO World Winter Games. He is a graduate in Commerce from UCD and Management Studies at Stanford University. His grandson Alex has DS and avails of services in SCA. He is also a Director on the Board of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Sean Reynolds is a Senior Banking Consultant, who brings with him over thirty years’ experience working within the Financial Services sector. In addition to this, Sean has extensive leadership experience as well as an excellent track record in developing high-performance work teams. He is a graduate from the University of Limerick.

Kathy Hoctor joined the board of St. Catherine's after a thirty-four-year long career within the Irish Prison Service, where she worked at all levels from Officer all the way up to Governor of Operations. Kathy holds a degree in organisational Change and Transformation from UCD. She began working with St Catherine’s after retiring from public service.

Peggy Byrne is a Registered Nurse (RN) as well as an Occupational Health Nurse. Peggy came to join the St. Catherine's Board of Directors following a nursing career. Peggy offers invaluable experience from the front lines of healthcare work. She is committed to supporting the needs of children and adults with Intellectual and other disabilities in the community.

Evelyn is strongly committed to public service delivery. She has worked across diverse sectors at both policy and operational level, including the mental health and disability sector. A number of her recommendations for facilitating access to mental health services were implemented after her review of various community services in Wicklow for the HSE. Evelyn serves on the Speech & Language Therapists Registration Board.

Annette Kinne serves as a parent representative on St. Catherine's Board of Directors. Her son Alexander (now seventeen) first came to St. Catherine’s at seven months old via Early Services. Annette brings a wealth of business experience as a management & communications consultant to Blue Chip companies as well as the Not-for-Profit sector in Ireland.

Padraig Rushe is a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors Ireland & UK, and serves on the boards of several private companies. A career banker of over forty years, he brings a wealth of banking, finance and risk management experience. He was a member of the Government’s IFSC Clearing House Group and is a Director and former Chair of The IFSC Inner City Trust. Padraig also serves as Chair of the Board of St Catherine's Special School Board of Management on behalf of the patron.

Barbara Smyth is a qualified FCCA accountant with 30 years experience across a wide range of business types and sizes and currently serves on a number of private boards. She brings financial rigour and discipline while applying a practical hands-on approach to all situations and tasks. In 2001 she joined one of Ireland’s premier tourist attractions initially as Financial Accountant, before becoming Financial Controller and later Finance Director, positions she held for over a decade and where she is currently a non-executive director. Barbara currently works supporting two small business owners with their day to day accounting requirements and business goals and is committed to her directorial duties.

St Catherine’s Association is under the strong leadership and guidance of Michael Ward, CEO. Michael joined St Catherine’s in 2011 as a Behaviour Support Worker on our frontline team, holding a MSc in Psychology (ABA), P. Grad Dip from Trinity College Dublin and BA in Psychology from NUI Maynooth. He also holds a MSc in Management from UCD Michael Smurfit School of Business. Michael has experience across many facets of the organisation having served as Children’s Services Manager of a designated residential centre before joining the Senior Management Team in 2015 as Quality Compliance & Training Manager where he is credited with driving significant improvements in quality and compliance across the organisation. He stepped into the role of CEO in April 2017 and has been instrumental in the development and expansion of services to include Adult Residential and Day Services and alternative Short Break service options.

Maeve came to work at St Catherine’s in 2015 bringing a wealth of experience in the field of health, education and legal sectors. Maeve has a busy role supporting the CEO and Board of Directors in day-to-day activities. She also holds the post of Deputy Designated Person / Designated Officer supporting staff with any safeguarding concerns. Maeve studied with Irish Management Institute and South East Technical University (SETU).

David joined St Catherine’s Association in 2015 as a Quality & Compliance Officer before being promoted to the role of Quality Compliance & Training Manager in 2017. Here, David has played a critical role in St Catherine’s Association compliance rating of 98.5% with regulatory requirements of the Health Act 2007, Regulations 2013. David took on the role of Head of Operations in Q1 2021 where he now holds responsibility for all key areas of operation including Residential & Respite Services, Alternative Short Breaks, Adult Day Services, retained Clinical Services and Family Liaison. David holds a BA in Psychology and an MSc in Business Management.

Lorcan Claffey is a Chartered Certified Accountant with 30-years experience in practice, industry and the voluntary sector. He trained and qualified with Newmarket Partnership, a boutique audit and financial management-oriented practice and became a Partner there in 1997. He was responsible for training and mentoring more than 100 trainee accountants from trainees to qualified professionals with an emphasis on accounting and management skills. As a Partner he was a registered auditor, business advisor, management consultant and expert witness. He became CFO of a US based property development and management group with annual revenues in excess of $50m in 2006 and managed its finances until 2022. He has a proven ability to make effective decisions under pressure and manage conflicting deadlines. He is adaptable to different businesses and environments through experience as an auditor, a consultant and as CFO in many different industries. Lorcan is a board member of Recovery through Art, Drama and Education CLG and of Paralympics Ireland CLG and serves as Finance Officer to both organisations. In his spare time he runs, cycles and is completing a part-time BA in History.

Siobhán Power, Human Resources Manager joined St Catherine’s Association in 2020 as part of the Senior Management Team. Siobhán has over 17 years’ experience in the Intellectual Disability Sector and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management and a BA in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Siobhán leads a strong HR team to support frontline managers in all areas of HR from recruitment to all people related issues. Siobhán oversees the overall management of the HR function and has extensive experience in coaching frontline managers, developing HR systems, improving processes and driving key HR initiatives for the improvement of all services. Siobhán has a keen interest in the wellbeing of our employees and improving the lives of the people we support.

David joined St Catherine’s Association in 2015 as a Quality & Compliance Officer before being promoted to the role of Quality Compliance & Training Manager in 2017. Here, David has played a critical role in St Catherine’s Association compliance rating of 98.5% with regulatory requirements of the Health Act 2007, Regulations 2013. David took on the role of Head of Operations in Q1 2021 where he now holds responsibility for all key areas of operation including Residential & Respite Services, Alternative Short Breaks, Adult Day Services, retained Clinical Services and Family Liaison. David holds a BA in Psychology and an MSc in Business Management.

Ann joined St. Catherine’s Association in 2011 working as a Clerical Officer. She then joined the SCA Transport Department in 2015 as a Clerical Officer. In 2017 Ann moved to Wicklow Primary Healthcare Centre to work as a Clerical Officer with the SCA Early Services Team. In 2020 Ann returned to the EDC Building to work in the QCT department before taking on the role as Personal Assistant to the newly appointed Head of Operations in 2021. Supporting the Head of Operations in his role includes managing very busy calendars, scheduling and attending meetings, note taking, assisting with reports and documentation that may be required and liaising with his direct reports. Prior to joining St. Catherine’s Association Ann worked for several years within QCT/ Documentation of a large Pharmaceutical Company.

Aisling was welcomed to St. Catherine`s Association in 2021 as the Family Liaison Coordinator. In this role, Aisling provides a range of different supports to families attending the Association, to advocate for individuals to avail of disability supports and services in conjunction with their family support network. Providing support to prepare, complete and submit application forms for resources (including respite and Potter Club) as well as for other local resources is always welcomed by families. With over 10 years working with children and adults in disability services, her knowledge and experience and most importantly offering a friendly ear when needed most supports parents / guardians through challenging times. Aisling offers support across all areas of service including residential care, respite, Potter Club and Adult Day Service. Aisling holds a B.A (Hons) in Applied Social Studies and comes from a background of 10 years in disability services where she supported both children and adults in her role as Social Care Worker.

Karyn has worked in disability services for over 20 years supporting children and adults with Intellectual and physical disability. Karyn started her journey in St Catherine's as an ABA Tutor with St Catherine's Special School and further trained as a Montessori teacher. In 2016 Karyn took up the post of Behaviour Support Specialist which is fast paced and never predictable! It is Karyn's role to ensure all individuals on her caseload get the support and access to behaviour support that may take the form of behavioural recommendations, proactive and reactive strategies, ongoing reviews, advice and guidance to staff. The role is constantly evolving as St Catherine's grows. Karyn has a personal interest in Inclusion for all and Trauma Informed Care, and sits on a number of internal Committees. Karyn holds a degree and masters in Psychology and Psychoanalysis. She also provides training in Safety Interventions as a CPI certified trainer.

Róisín began working in SCA in 2008 and has had a variety of different roles over the years. Initially a support worker for Early Services, Róisín has also been involved in St Catherine’s Special School, respite and residential settings. She worked as a Training and Development Officer before returning to her role in the clinical department in 2021, but still continues to provide several training courses for the organisation. Róisín is part of a clinical team that provide positive behaviour support to the individual's that attend St. Catherine's respite, residential, and Day Services as well as Potter Club. Róisín works directly with those availing of service to develop Behaviour Support Plans. She is also a member of several of internal committees and assists with relevant policy and training development. Róisín holds a BA in Psychology (Behavioural Science), American College Dublin MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis, Queen’s University Belfast. She is also an in-house instructor providing training in Manual Handling and People Moving and CPI. She also hold certification in Training Needs and Mental Health First Aid.

Linda joined St Catherine’s Association in 2022 as part of our Quality, Compliance & Training Dept. As QCT Administrator, Linda provides administrative support to the QCT Manager & QCT Team which encompasses health & safety, training and compliance to meet regulatory requirements such as HIQA Regulation and health & safety legislation. Linda has a strong administration background and diverse skill set having worked in various business sectors. Linda has qualifications in Accountancy, Payroll and E.C.D.L, coupled with many years experience she is a valuable member of the team.

Adrienne joined St Catherine’s Association in 2012 as a Social Care Worker; working in a number of SCA's respite and residential centres supporting individuals to meet their personal goals. Adrienne was a welcomed addition to the Quality, Compliance and Training Department as Quality & Compliance Officer (QCO) in 2017. Adrienne's primary role as QCO in St. Catherine's Association is to conduct provider audits in all SCA Respite and Residential Designated centres as required by HIQA Regulations. This aims to ensure our high standards are maintained in all centres. In compiling Annual Review Reports, Adrienne enjoys engaging with residents and their family / representatives to get their feedback on their lived experience of SCA services. This helps to drive person-centred care across the organisation. Adrienne completed her studies with Carlow Institute of Technology; graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies (Social Care).

Olive joined St Catherine’s Association in 2007 as a Clinical Nurse Manager 2, supporting Children to attend their educational placement in St Catherine’s Special School. Since that time her role has extended to the oversight of the health and wellbeing of all children and adults availing of services with St. Catherine’s Association respite, residential and day services as well as St. Catherine’s Special School. In her role as Clinical Nurse Manager 3, Olive provides clinical supervision to all of the nursing team in St Catherine’s and provide in-house training to the social care work staff in Medication Management, Epilepsy, Intimate Care, Infection Control, Anaphylaxis, Enteral Feeding and other Health and wellbeing related areas. The development and review of health-related policies, and auditing also form part of Olive’s role. Olive holds postgraduate qualification in; Infection Control RCSI, Risk Management & the Law UCD and Respiratory Management WIT, Caring of a child with a life limiting condition, OLCHC.

Colm joined St Catherine’s Association in 2006 as a staff nurse and progressed to his current role of Clinical Nurse Manager 2 in 2023. Colm’s role is to assist in the clinical and professional leadership and development of the nursing team and the day to day management of the nursing staff in the school. His role includes maintaining effective communication links with other members of the clinical team. He’s always available to provide clinical advice and support across services and to pupils and parents in St Catherine’s Special School and liaises with internal and external clinicians as appropriate to coordinate care. Auditing and the development and implementing of healthcare related policies and procedures form part of Colm’s role. Colm holds many qualifications to include, Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing (TCD), Diploma in Adult Nursing (London) as well as certification in Caring for a Child with life limiting conditions and Clinical Auditing. He provides internal training in Epilepsy, Anaphylaxis, Enteral Feeding and Infection Control. Colm’s training in Peer Vaccination was very welcome during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tara joined St Catherine’s Association in 2021 as Training and Development Officer. In this role Tara is responsible for coordinating all of the staff training needs across the organisation. This includes designing, developing and sourcing effective and efficient training programmes to meet organisational objectives and facilitating staff development programmes which maximise the potential of all staff. The role also includes analysing training needs and identifying skills gaps by liaising with line managers and staff, and responding efficiently to the training needs identified. Tara is responsible for the development and oversight of a yearly training schedule and maintaining a comprehensive training matrix for all staff within the organisation. Tara holds a BA in Politics and Public Administration, MA in Developmental Psychology, MSc in Psychology (Research) and QQI L6 Train the Trainer. Tara has worked in a variety of administrative and academic roles having previous run a Higher Diploma course in Montessori Education.

Siobhán Power, Human Resources Manager joined St Catherine’s Association in 2020 as part of the Senior Management Team. Siobhán has over 17 years’ experience in the Intellectual Disability Sector and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management and a BA in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Siobhán leads a strong HR team to support frontline managers in all areas of HR from recruitment to all people related issues. Siobhán oversees the overall management of the HR function and has extensive experience in coaching frontline managers, developing HR systems, improving processes and driving key HR initiatives for the improvement of all services. Siobhán has a keen interest in the wellbeing of our employees and improving the lives of the people we support.

Debbie joined St Catherine’s Association in 2019 as HR Generalist. She has worked in the area of HR for many years, both within the Retail Sector and Intellectual Disability Sector. Debbie works primarily in the area of Recruitment and Selection whilst also supporting the team with daily HR activities. She holds a BA in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. Debbie has a keen interest in supporting our employees and managers and attracting new employees to the team. In carrying out her role she is always focused on St. Catherine’s ultimate goal of improving the lives of the people we support.

Laurissa joined St. Catherine’s Association in September 2022 as a HR Generalist. She worked in both the Retail and Wholesale sectors from 2001 working in many Managerial roles and from 2009, she worked as a HR Manager. She returned to education in 2021 and completed her Level 7 in People Management with the National College of Ireland. This is her first role working in the Intellectual Disability Sector and she uses her skills and knowledge from her previous roles in her role as a HR Generalist. She assists the HR Manager with daily HR activities and supports employees with any queries they may have. She works closely with Debbie, supporting with recruitment and selection. Laurissa is a friendly individual with high energy and works well with people across St. Catherine’s Association.

Catherine has been part of St Catherine’s since 2003 where she enjoyed working with a great staff team and wonderful children in Brambles and Haughton Lodge. As part of the school team she worked as an SNA and bus escort back in 2016. Catherine took up her current post as Receptionist in 2019. For anyone who’s had the opportunity to cross the doors in the EDC building you will have received the warmest welcome from Catherine who is very happy in her role. She says “I think I have the best job in the association, I get to meet wonderful people every day and this is what makes it so rewarding, they say if you find a job you really love its not like work at all and this is the case. I have gained so much experience in my role I learn something new every day and long may it continue into the future”.

Lorcan Claffey is a Chartered Certified Accountant with 30-years experience in practice, industry and the voluntary sector. He trained and qualified with Newmarket Partnership, a boutique audit and financial management-oriented practice and became a Partner there in 1997. He was responsible for training and mentoring more than 100 trainee accountants from trainees to qualified professionals with an emphasis on accounting and management skills. As a Partner he was a registered auditor, business advisor, management consultant and expert witness. He became CFO of a US based property development and management group with annual revenues in excess of $50m in 2006 and managed its finances until 2022. He has a proven ability to make effective decisions under pressure and manage conflicting deadlines. He is adaptable to different businesses and environments through experience as an auditor, a consultant and as CFO in many different industries. Lorcan is a board member of Recovery through Art, Drama and Education CLG and of Paralympics Ireland CLG and serves as Finance Officer to both organisations. In his spare time he runs, cycles and is completing a part-time BA in History.

Catriona joined St Catherine’s Association in 2008 as a Clerical Officer working mainly on payroll and her current role is Accounts/Payroll Administrator which commenced in 2015. As payroll administrator, Catriona processes the monthly payroll for circa 190 employees. She manages all payroll enquiries from both staff, management and other financial organisations. She is also responsible for the Accounts Payable and Receivable and works closely with the Financial Controller. Catriona also assists the HR Department with the on / off-boarding of staff, drafts reports and any other ad hoc documents as required. Catriona holds the IATI Qualification, Certificate in Payroll, Certificate in Business Studies from Carlow IT and is a member of the Institute of Accounting Technicians in Ireland.

Aisling is the RSM at Birdhill and Woodbeg residential locations. Aisling joined St. Catherine's as a deputy manager in December 2020. She has a BA (Hons) in Psychology and is currently studying child and adolescent psychotherapy with a specialism in play therapy with the Children's Therapy Centre. Prior to working St. Catherine's, she has worked in children's residential services in various roles such as social care worker, team leader and acting manager.

Amy Hayward joined St Catherine’s Association in June 2024 as a Residential Services Manager. Amy is the Person in Charge at Meadowview, Granitefield and Haughton Lodge. Amy has an Undergraduate Degree in Applied Psychology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies, as well as holding a qualification in People Management. Amy has over 13 years of experience in the social care sector having worked in many areas of disability services including adult and children’s residential, respite and day services. Amy has also worked among child protection and children in care teams. In addition to her role as manager, Amy has completed training in areas that include Designated Liaison Person, suicide intervention/prevention training and sexual violence awareness. Amy is very excited to have joined the team in St Catherine’s and is looking forward to her future with the organisation.

Following a student placement in 2009, Bryan joined St Catherine’s Association full time in 2010 as an ABA Tutor supporting children in St Catherine's Special School. He is currently the Deputy Children's Services Manager for two residential centres. Bryan initially worked in St Catherines Special School and then moved into residential support services. Bryan has worked across various locations throughout the organisation providing person-centred care to both children and adults in service. Bryan took up the post of DCSM in 2018 with the opening of the first adult residential location. Within the role of DCSM Bryan has stepped up to the role of CSM on several occasions and has been DCSM in various locations. Bryan has a background in Psychology and Behavioural Needs. Bryan has worked full time while achieving a degree, followed by his Master's in Business Management along with a variety of other courses along the way. Bryan's person-centred approach to support young adults with complex needs stems from his 13 years in disability services.

Paul joined St Catherine’s in 2017 working frontline supporting children in residential services. He became Deputy RSM in 2021 in one residential centre and became RSM at Fairwinds and Glenview Heights recently. Now Paul forms part of the local management team in two residential centres supporting young adults. Paul has supported some very complex children and adults in our service to help them achieve their full potential. His person centred approach promotes independence and encourages individuals to meet their personal goals. Paul holds a BA in Psychology.

Ann-Marie has been part of St Catherine’s administrative team since 2005. She has held a variety of roles including administrative support to a Multi-Disciplinary Team which included Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Behaviour Support, Speech & Language Therapists & Psychiatry prior to reconfiguration through Progressing Disabilities (PDS). Ann-Marie liaised with many families on behalf of the clinical team over the years. Ann-Marie currently provides the administrative support to Residential Services across all six residential centres. Ann-Marie completed her Business Studies in Ballsbridge College of Business Studies and has worked with various companies as an administrator. Ann-Marie enjoys her work as part of a great Admin Team here in St. Catherine’s.

Deirdre joined St Catherine’s Association in 1998 as a Social Care Worker and commenced working as a Children’s Services Manager in Brambles respite centre in 2016. Being part of the lives of so many children and their families over the years has been an absolute pleasure. Working in both a frontline and management capacity has been both an opportunity and a privilege. As Children’s Services Manager, this role provides an opportunity to manage a wonderful team of dedicated people. Together the Brambles Team strive to make each child’s world a little bigger, but it is their journey that teaches us more than we could ever teach them. Deirdre’s journey with St Catherine’s Association began over 24 years ago as a college student on work placement in pre-school. This was Deirdre’s first experience of working with children and within a week she knew that she had found her passion. Deirdre holds a BA (Hons) in Social Care and recognising that there is always more to learn and more to give, led her to complete an MA in Social Care Leadership and Management in 2019.

Catherine joined St. Catherine’s in 1993 as a Social Care Worker. She worked in various locations throughout the organisation in both respite and residential settings. In 2002 she progressed into management and has managed a number of respite houses since then. Catherine is currently a Children’s Service Manager in Haughton House. Catherine’s qualifications to date include a Diploma in Social Care (1997), Certificate in Frontline Management (2011) and an MA in Social Care Leadership and Management (2019) She is currently the Chairperson of the Respite Planning Committee and Personal Planning Committee in SCA and she is also the representative for SCA on the Central Respite Referrals Committee. Catherine is married with one child and lives in Co. Wicklow.

Caitriona began her journey with St. Catherine’s Association in April 2001, working in various locations across services. Catriona took up her current post of Deputy Children’s Services Manager in Haughton House in 2016. There she supports children and their families to enjoy traditional overnight respite stays that are packed with fun activities. Caitriona enjoys working directly with the children who have been an inspiration to her over the years and is supported by a great team of co-workers with a passion for caring for such wonderful children. Caitriona has over twenty years experience in the disability sector and holds a degree in Social Studies from Open Training College.

Caroline joined St Catherine’s in 2001 and worked in both respite and residential centres as a social care worker. Caroline commenced the role of Deputy Children Service Manager in 2017. Through Caroline’s role as DCSM she has the honour of working with the most incredible children, parents and colleagues. Having the opportunity to join so many children on their journey to adulthood has been privilege. Even after 20 years every name evokes a memory. The Brambles Team supported their residents to participate in a fundraising triathlon with Sporting Proud. Seeing the children cross the finish line was such a proud moment. The excitement and fun was simply magical. The most valuable lessons learnt whilst working in St Catherine’s is that nothing is impossible, when you have the right people by your side. Caroline holds a BA in Professional Social Care Practice in 2009 and later achieved a BA (Hons) in Professional Social Care Practice in 2016. Caroline’s first experience working in St Catherine’s was in 1998 when she completed her Transition year work experience. After completing her Level 5 certificate in Applied Social Studies and Community Care in 2001, she knew there was only place she wanted to return to begin her career.

Michaela took up her post as Respite Services Manager in 2023 but previously held the post of Deputy Respite Services Manager. She has worked across both respite and residential settings supporting individuals with specific and complex needs. Michaela promotes and encourages inclusion, participation and engagement with families and the community. She holds a BA (Hons) in Social Care Practice and an MSC in Business and Management.

Ciara joined St Catherine’s Association in 2020 as a Social Care Worker and is currently in the position of Deputy Respite Service Manager in Ballylusk Cottage & Apartment. Ciara is also one of the CPI Safety Interventions Instructors. She believe that as a Social Care Worker it is vital to learn new techniques, tools, and best practices that can improve how tasks are performed and services are delivered. Ciara assists the Respite Service Manager with the overall management and delivery of quality person-centered care to the individuals supported. As a DRSM, she brings to the role a compassionate, empathic, and resourceful approach. Ciara has over 12 years’ experience in Social Care Sector, in areas ranging from homelessness and addiction, working with young people and community groups, to working with the elderly and the disability sector.

Anne Marie joined St Catherine’s in late 2000, meeting and greeting everyone entering the EDC Building as well as managing a busy office and phone lines. Anne Marie supported the on-site clinical team with the development of confidential reports and correspondence which included nursing, physiotherapy, SLT, Occupational Therapy, Out Reach Services, Maintenance, Transport, Training Co-Ordinator. She also provided support to other departments while also supporting the School Principal, Teachers and class supports. Anne Marie was responsible for booking replacement Teachers and SNA’s in classes at short notice from a relief panel across the school setting. Managing the text system to keep staff and parents informed was also part of Anne Marie’s role. Fundraising posters and sponsorship cards were created by Anne Marie while she also processed letters of authority to facilitate fundraisers. Anne Marie now provides dedicated support to St Catherine’s respite services since 2016. Working closely with CSMs / DCSMs and staff teams to ensure all relevant documentation is available and provides local IT supports. Artwork, including social stories and memory books are created by Anne Marie. Anne Marie has been a member of the Bereavement Committee since 2015 and co-chairperson 2020 – 2023.

April joined St Catherine’s Special School as an SNA in 2011, Whilst in that role, she studied at night and obtained a degree in Applied Social Studies with Carlow IT. She joined us as a social care worker in 2014 in the Ballylusk respite centre. April left SCA in 2017 to gain wider experience and returned in 2019, joining the Adult Day Service team. She is now Deputy Adult Services Manager at Hill View and the EDC and thrives on working with all individuals in service. April is passionate about the value of social care work and it's importance to the individuals that she works with and living up to her core values in her daily work life.

Rebecca began her career in 2014 on a work placement as part of an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis working in one of the ABA classrooms in St. Catherine's Special School, having previously completed a degree in psychology. She became a social care worker role in 2015 and worked in Ballylusk respite house where she was on the management team as deputy PIC. She then joined the behaviour support department as a behaviour support specialist. Following a carerr break, she returned to St. Catherine's in January 2020 and joined the Adult Day Services team. Her current position is Acting Day Service Manager and Rebecca feels lucky that during her career within St. Catherine's that she has been encouraged and supported to achieve goals by securing more challenging and varied roles. Rebecca places a strong emphasis on compassionate care and empowering others, two values that she feels are heavily embedded in the field of social care.

Lynda joined St. Catherine’s in September 2002 as a Relief Social Care Worker, and has been the Potter Club Leader since January 2019. Lynda formed part of the original Potter Club pilot scheme - Potter Club is an alternative short break to traditional overnight respite. It is a community based club promoting independence and community engagement in local activities. In this role, Lynda organizes all of the Potter Club sessions to meet the needs of each individual and their group. Potter Club participants enjoy planned outings to a variety of venues with their peers and full staff support. Lynda continually explores new activities for children and young person’s attending to help them achieve their goals. Lynda meets with parents of potential participants to determine their suitability for each group and personalize their activities. Lynda holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) in Applied Social Studies and has worked in the disability sector since 2002. Lynda has worked in the Education sector for over 20 years as a Special Needs Assistant in St. Catherine’s School from 2002 until 2017. Lynda has also worked part time as an SNA in an ASD unit in a mainstream National School. In 2022 Lynda completed the Level 6 Diploma in Inclusive School Support with UCD.