Meet The YAP Ireland Team

YAP Ireland’s team provide young people and families with unique intensive support 24 hour on-call service, so advice and support is never far away.

CEO Of YAP Ireland – Siobhán qualified from Trinity College Dublin as a Social Worker in 1988. She has previously worked as a Senior Manager and Social Worker in London, Dublin and Belfast. During her career Siobhán has worked with children and families in the community and voluntary and statutory sector. Siobhán was appointed as CEO of YAP Ireland in 2008 and in 2009 oversaw the setting up of YAP Ireland as a registered charity managed by a Board of Directors.

Laura Walsh joined YAP in May 2023, having worked at a Senior Level in Local Government in the UK for many years, specialising in promoting inter-agency leadership and integrating services across health, social care and the third sector to transform outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and their families. Laura has a pet dog called Berts, who enjoys short walks and biscuits!

Sandra joined YAP in 2008 and is the Director of Operations. Before joining YAP she worked for 10 years with Swiftcall and later KDDI Telecommunications where she held various management positions including Operation Manager. Sandra has over 20 years management experience and heads up a brilliant Support Services Team. Together they have responsibility for Human Resources, Recruitment & Selection, Web Development, Research, Data Management, Communications & Events. In her spare time Sandra enjoys cycling, swimming, hill walking and music. Sandra is located in YAP Head Office.

Andrew joined YAP in 2023.  He has a wealth of experience in accounting and managerial positions in various sectors (including telecommunications, oilfield services, education travel and transport) as well as in accounting practice.  He also has voluntary experience where he worked with young people for a number of years.  Andrew is responsible for Finance, IT and Health and Safety.  In his free time he enjoys exercising, gardening and DIY.

Lois joined YAP in July 2020 as a part-time accountant. She was born in Canada, but has now lived in Ireland for over 30 years. Before joining YAP Lois worked in various financial positions in Irish Life.  She has 4 children which keep her very busy and helps mentor the U15 Naas camogie team. In her spare time Lois enjoys swimming, running and hiking.

Lorena joined YAP in 2018 as an Accountant. She was born in Romania and has lived in Ireland for the last 14 years. Lorena have been working as an accountant for more that 20 years, both in Romania and in Ireland. She loves reading, travelling and spending time with family and friends. 

Shanean joined YAP in 2023 as an Advocate before commencing her role as Payroll and Finance Administrator in July 2023. 

Jennifer has been with the Support Services Team since February 2014 as a locum Administrator, before coming to YAP full-time in December 2014. Jennifer is based in the Dublin office and specialises in a variety of roles including HR, Research, On-call management, Communications and Fundraising and Event management. Prior to joining YAP Jennifer previously worked in the financial sector for a number of years. In her spare time Jennifer likes nothing more than socialising with family and friends, travelling, keeping fit and having fun !

Leon works as the Human Resource Administrator and is a member of the Support Services team based in the Dublin office. Prior to joining YAP he has volunteered with a variety of different organisations within the community and voluntary sector. In his spare time Leon enjoys cycling, running, following most sports and music.

Eric joined the YAP team in March 2020 as Data Resources Administrator, Eric then joined the YAP Human Resources department in June 2021. Before joining YAP, he worked as an administrator in several call centres. In his spare time he enjoys watching TV/movies as well as spending time with his friends & family. Eric is based in the Dublin office.

Brendan joined the YAP Team in March 2022 as a Human Resources Administrator. Brendan holds a BSc (Hons)in Sport and Exercise Management from UCD and more recently graduated from Malmö University with a MSC in Sport and Society. Prior to working in YAP, he worked as an underage sports coach and summer camp operator with a number of schools and clubs in the Dublin area.  Brendan enjoys travel, live music, sport, sea swimming and spending time with friends and family

Emily has finished a BA in Human Resources Management at National College Ireland. YAP is her post grad job after 4 years in administration in an Insurance Brokerage. Obsessed with her cat Bainne, reading and vintage clothing.

Marianne leads the fantastic Data & Communications Team. She joined YAP in May 2018 and holds a B.A. (Hons) and Ph.D. in Applied Psychology. She has over 10 years’ research experience working in both academia, as well as the community and voluntary sector. In her spare time, Marianne likes how the world looks from a yoga mat and collecting travel books for her travel hit-list. She is based in YAP Head Office.
 

Barbara is based in the Limerick office and specialises in Website and CRM administration/development. She has many years’ experience in the community, voluntary and private sectors and has been with YAP since 2008. In her spare time Barbara enjoys reading, walking, traveling to exotic locations and watching films, especially superhero movies.

Graham joined the YAP Team in 2022 as Communications & Marketing Officer, having worked for charities in the UK and Ireland in similar communications roles. These charities were focused in areas such as mental health, inclusive involvement, community outreach and racial equality. Graham has an interest in art, illustration and cinema .

Danielle joined Yap in 2022 as an Advocate before commencing her role as Data Resources Administrator in January 2023.

Adam joined Yap in July 2023.

Adam joined Yap in July 2023.

Joan is the Service Manager for the Dublin/North East region. Previously a Team Leader in Dublin North, she initially worked as an advocate for two years prior to coming to work full-time with YAP. Joan has worked in schools for over 10 years, mainly in the area of Relationships and Sexuality and has also worked in private practice, counseling families and young people. Joan states the she has loved her role with YAP from day one and ‘likes being a part of the great changes young people and families make in their lives, alongside enjoyment in sharing their sense of achievement and happiness.’ In Joan’s spare time she likes to hang out with her daughters and son, going out to eat, going to the cinema or sitting around looking at funny video clips. She also likes walking, keeping fit and talking constantly!

Carly is a team leader in the Dublin North area and joined YAP in May 2019 having previously been a YAP advocate. Carly holds a BA Honours Degree in Psychology and has been working with young people and families in various settings for ten years. Carly enjoys spending time with her friends and family, eating out, going to the gym & binging on Netflix!

Trish joined the YAP team in February 2023 as an advocate. In August 2023, Trish commenced her role as Team Leader within Dublin North Team. Trish holds a BA in Social Care (Disability). Trish enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling to new places, going to the theatre, and letting her sausage dog, Enzo, take her for a walk.

Martha Sarah joined YAP as Team Leader in April 2018, having previously worked with YAP as an Advocate for two years. She is responsible for service delivery in the Dublin North East region and for the direct line management of Advocates. She studied in Maynooth University, BA Geography & Maths and an MA in Community and Youth Work. Martha Sarah also managed a childcare service for four years. She spending time with family and friends especially while travelling. She enjoys going to gigs and festivals and spends far too much time on YouTube and Netflix!

Carolyne has been a Team Leader for Dublin North since March 2022. Carolyne started her YAP journey as an Advocate back in March 2020.  Prior to working with YAP, Carolyne studied Social Care (disability) and worked within the disability services for 21 years. Carolyne’s hobbies and interested include paddle boarding, yoga and spending time with family and friends.

 

 

Cathrena joined YAP as a Team Leader in February 2016 and since 2019 has worked as the Service Manager for Dublin Mid Leister and the South Region of Ireland.  Cathrena hails from co Meath and is a GAA fan, football and hurling…she’s waiting for Sam to come home! In her spare time she enjoys socialising with friends and family and travelling whenever she gets the chance.

Trish is currently acting up as Service Manager for the Dublin Mid Leinster region. Trish joined the YAP team in May 2018. During her time as Team Leader Trish was responsible for service delivery in the Dublin North region and for the direct line management of Advocates. She studied in Dublin Business School qualifying with an Honours Degree in Social Science, and more recently a Level 9 Certificate in Leadership and Management from National College Ireland. She previously worked as an advocate in Yap, followed by a stint with Crosscare doing various roles – Community Food Bank Coordinator, Youth Development Officer and Youth Justice Worker. Trish enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on holidays. Partial to an oul box set on Netlix too!

Danielle joined YAP in June 2022 as the Independent Mental Health Advocate for Cork and Kerry. Danielle recently returned from Vancouver, Canada, after 4 years where she managed various programs in the Homeless Sector. She has worked for 7 years in the area of mental health and substance use in the context of housing and homelessness. Danielle holds an Honours degree in Social Care. In her spare time Danielle enjoys travel, making pottery and exploring the outdoors.

Wieslawa is an Independent Advocate for Separated Children Seeking Interantional Protection. Wieslawa joined Yap in September 2020, working for 2 years as an Advocate for Dublin North. Wieslawa has extensive experience of working with young people in an international environment, working for 10 years as a teacher. Wieslawa holds an MA in Education and Methodology as well as a Professional Diploma in Counselling Psychology. Wieslawa enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching good movies and is a big fun of Irish Dancing and music.

Amy joined YAP in February 2022 as a Data Resources Administrator. Before commencing her role as Independent Mental Health Advocate in June 2023. Amy holds a BA Honours degree in Social Science and a BA in Social Studies. Before joining YAP, Amy worked in an administrator role. In her spare time, Amy likes to read, watch Netflix and spend time with family and friends.

Nicola joined YAP in July 2023 as an Independent Mental health Advocate.

Nicola joined YAP in July 2023 as an Independent Mental health Advocate.

Carolyn Marx is currently acting up as Team Leader, responsible for service delivery and case management in the Dublin Mid Leinster Region since April 2022. Carolyn commenced her employment with YAP as an Advocate in October 2019. She studied an Honours BA in ELC at Carlow IT and holds a qualification in Leadership in Inclusion. Carolyn has experience in supporting young people and their families. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, cooking and sea swimming.

Kiera worked with YAP as an Advocate in 2019/2020 before commencing her role as Team Leader in July 2023

Aisling is originally and proudly from Cork where she received an Honours BA in Social Care. Aisling’s background includes working with children and young adults with ASD and complex needs, using approaches such ABA, LAMH PECs etc. She recently returned from London where she was managing a young person assessment centre (16+ semi independent residential home for young people in need of a support and accommodation, before moving on to more long term accommodation). Aisling said “I loved my time in London, meeting and supporting so many wonderful young people”. Aisling joined YAP in May 2017, she is delighted to be in Dublin and part of the YAP team. In her spare time she enjoys going to gigs, keeping fit, travelling and also loves a good box set too!

Aine is a Team Leader in the Dublin North area and joined YAP in November 2016. Aine is responsible for service delivery in Dublin North area and for the direct line management of Advocates. Before YAP Aine spend 9 years in Liverpool working with families delivering parenting courses with the Liverpool City Council.

Katie has been working with YAP since 2009, working first as an Advocate for two years before coming to work full-time in the Dublin region. Katie is currently working as a Team Leader for Dublin North and the North East based in the Meath office. Katie has extensive experience of working with young people, people with disabilities and the elderly. Katie has recently taken lead responsibility for managing the disability service provision programme for the Dublin North/North East regions.

Karen has been with YAP since 2006 working firstly as an Advocate before joining YAP full-time. Karen is a Team Leader and she is responsible for service delivery in the Cavan/Monaghan area and for the direct line management of Advocates. Karen is based in the Cavan Office.

Síle has a Masters in Psychology and before joining YAP in August 2022, she worked in management in social care, school completion projects and drug and alcohol education and prevention. Síle loves the outdoors, yoga, being in the water and biodiversity.

Sinéad joined YAP in August 2020 as a Youth Advocate before commencing her acting up role in July 2021. Sinéad is proudly from Cork and a graduate of University College Cork, she holds a B.A. Degree, Higher Diploma in Psychology, Diploma in Child Psychology, Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology and PhD in Applied Forensic Psychology, Sinéad specialised in the risk assessment of high-risk offenders. Before joining YAP Sinéad worked in prison-based settings, on Garda Youth Diversion Programmes and in a variety of community-based settings supporting young people and their families. Sinéad has always been dedicated to supporting young people to stay safe when navigating the online world. Interests include listening to crime podcasts and watching a good horror movie on Netflix.

Donna joined YAP in March 2015 as a Team Leader. Donna is the Service Manager for the South region and manages the service delivery in the South region.

Lorraine joined YAP in January 2021 as a Team Leader for the South Region, before moving to the Dublin North team in February 2022. Originally from Co Clare, Lorraine graduated from WIT with a Diploma in Applied Social Studies in Social Care and lived for many years in Waterford, working in mainstream residential services. Currently living in Tipperary with her family she recently worked in residential for Adults with Disabilities. In her spare time Lorraine likes to read, watch tv and spend time with family & friends.

Agnes joined YAP in 2021 as an Advocate before commencing her role as a Acting Team Leader in July 2023.

Jean first came to Youth Advocate Programmes in 2012 as an advocate, leaving to pursue a career in therapeutic residential services for children, then returning in 2016 as Locum Team Leader for Cork. Jean has now taken on the post as Locum Team Leader based in Limerick with responsibility for direct service delivery in the Limerick, Tipperary and Clare region. Jean is a graduate of University College Cork with a Degree in Early Childhood Studies and a Masters in Public Health. Jean has extensive experience in both the Youth and Community Sector and the residential field, both on the front line and in management roles. In her spare time Jean enjoys walking and keeping fit and a good Netflix binge watch!

Peggy is a Team Leader for the Wexford/Waterford area and joined YAP in May 2022 having previously been an advocate.
Peggy holds a BA First Class HONS degree in Social Care and has extensive knowledge and background in the Caring Sector
having worked in this area for the past 14 years.  Peggy has previously worked with family carers, children and adults with disabilities and the elderly.
Peggy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and travelling as much as possible!

HELP US CHANGE LIVES

The training and experience gained by Advocates through employment with YAP Ireland has long-term beneficial outcomes for you and your communities.