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
