Maria brings over a decade of leadership experience, having worked for human rights with membership organisations, national and international NGOs, and the UN.
Maria believes that now more than ever, Ireland’s mental health services need to truly meet people’s needs. With a newly formed Government, 2025 is a pivotal moment to champion mental health community services in Ireland.
Throughout her career, Maria has focused on mobilising diverse groups, including donors and programme participants. Maria has a deep commitment to fostering a culture of solidarity and advancing children and women’s rights in particular. Her experience in working in the Mental Health, International Development, Humanitarian, and Education sectors enables her to speak about human rights, diversity, and inclusion authentically and convincingly.
Previously, Maria was the Director of Funding and Programme Quality at Foundation Wings of Hope, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Maria also served as the Director of Funding and Partnerships at Early Childhood Ireland. Prior to that, Maria worked with Trócaire and the International Organisation for Migration in HQ and field roles. These experiences informed Maria’s understanding of rights-based, evidence-based programming and advocacy, as well as NGO governance, strategy, and financial oversight.
Maria brings formal training in NGO Governance, Negotiations, Change Management, Project Management, and Innovation for Impact. She holds two Masters degrees including a first class International Masters in Economy, State, and Society (Politics and Security Track) from University College London, and is currently completing another Masters of Science (Human Rights and Social Policy) at Maynooth University.
Contact Maria Cleary: ceo@communitytherapy.ie
Sarah Jane is Community Therapy Ireland CEO since 2021. She began her career as a public health researcher at UL Graduate Entry Medical School. Subsequent roles include manager of MyMind Limerick, Communications Officer at the University of Limerick, and Communications and Campaigns coordinator with ActionAid Ireland. For several years, Sarah Jane worked with PAUL Partnership CLG, Limerick City's local development company, delivering several large-scale community-based programmes including Limerick's first UNHCR Refugee Resettlement programme.
Sarah Jane is the former National Chairperson and Mental Health Spokesperson for the Social Democrats, for whom she stood in the General Election in 2016 for Limerick City. She is a former Governor of the University of Limerick, where she received her degree in Politics and Public Administration and Masters in EU Politics and Law. Sarah Jane previously served as a Director of Limerick Mental Health Association and Garryowen CDP, Limerick city.
Sarah Jane is trained in Advanced Media Skills, GDPR, Reflective Practice facilitation, ASIST, Understanding Self-harm and she holds certificates from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and the HSE for working with survivors of trauma and sexual violence in social care settings. She recently completed a Certificate Company Secretarial Law and Practice from the Law Society of Ireland.
Suzanne joined the Community Therapy Ireland team in July 2024. She has 15 years of senior business management experience within both the private and charity sectors in Ireland. She is a business management graduate, with additional qualifications in project management, training, and coaching.
In her role as COO at FoodCloud she project managed an EU funded program (FEAD) on behalf of the DEASP, providing food assistance to charities all across Ireland.
In her role as CSR Director at the Beauparc Group she managed a food waste to renewable energy project, as part of the Groups environmental sustainability strategy. Reducing its carbon footprint and driving innovation as leaders in the waste management industry.
Suzanne is passionate to work for organisations that are focused on delivering a positive impact in the world. She cares about social injustice, and supporting others to reach their potential.
Contact Suzanne Browne: support@communitytherapy.ie
Bríd began her career working in the Financial Services sector for 15 years, and in that time accumulated a wealth of experience including operational development, organisational and people management, change management, strategic planning, human resources, finance and corporate governance.
Following her passion in mental health and equality she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with the Tivoli Institute in 2012. She has worked as a counsellor, psychotherapist and trainer with a number of companies, charities and schools over the last 13 years. She is accredited by and follows the code and ethics of The Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP).
She completed her masters in Adolescent Psychotherapy in 2022 which underpins her particular interest in supporting the development of young people and their families.
Bríd has previously held the role of Service Manager of the Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre KASA from 2022 until January 2025.
Bríd is also a trainer and a part-time lecturer in mental health.
Contact Bríd Meighan: clinical.lead@communitytherapy.ie
Elizabeth has over 20 years experience of working within the community and has participated on many community development projects. She has worked as a psychotherapist in private practice and community counselling since 2005.
In 2014, Elizabeth became Clinical Lead & Centre Manager of Dundalk Counselling Centre ‘Oakdene’; servicing mainly the Northeast region of Ireland, including counties; Monaghan, Cavan, Meath, Louth, Armagh and Down. It has been actively providing community counselling for 40 years.
She works as a clinical assessor and senior adolescent psychotherapist at the centre. She is an experienced group facilitator with young people. Elizabeth also offers psychotherapy to adult clients.
She is an accredited Psychotherapist, Adolescent Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor with the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) & a member of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP). Elizabeth has been an active member of the Community Therapy Ireland since 2014. Liz joined the Board of Community Therapy Ireland in April 2021.
Una has over 20 years’ experience of working in the statutory, community and charity sectors. She worked initially as a social care worker in high support care before training as a systemic psychotherapist. Una worked for a number of years on the Barnardos Childrens Bereavement team and continues to be committed to the provision of bereavement supports.
In 2019, Una became Therapeutic Coordinator at the Curragh Family Resource Centre. The service provides therapeutic supports across County Kildare for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Una both coordinates the therapy services and practices as a systemic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at the Centre.
She is an accredited Systemic Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor with the Family Therapy Association of Ireland (FTAI) and a member of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP). Una joined the Board of Community Therapy Ireland in October 2023.
Des Bailey has 20 years’ experience working in the in the Community Voluntary Sector. He graduated from All Hallows College DCU Dublin in 2005 with a BA in Theology and Philosophy and has subsequently achieved a post graduated qualification in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care also with DCU. He attained further qualifications including; Addiction Counselling Studies, Evidence Based Practice in Prevention Education, Human Rights Education and Managing People etc.
Des began his career working in the Homeless Services in Dublin before returning to Kerry where he took up the role of Community Based Drugs Workers for KDYS Killarney. Since then, Des has gone on to manage various projects that support marginalised and disadvantaged youths across the county of Kerry and has also managed European projects focused on Human Rights Education and Youth development.
Des joined Kerry Adolescent Counselling Service in 2022 to lead the team as Service Manager. Since taking up the role, he has further expanded and grown the service focusing on the efficient utilisation of service provision and strong governance. Des joined the board of Community Therapy Ireland in August 2024 and looks forward to contributing to the next chapter in Community Therapy Irelands growth and development.
