JIGSAW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
My name is Amy & I am the Youth & Community Engagement Worker (YCW) for Jigsaw Donegal. I am originally from a small village in Co. Tyrone, but I hope someday to move to Donegal - preferably by the seaside.
Carrying out clerical duties such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, and preparing documents, including office correspondence.
I had no plans for moving to Ireland as I had an offer to study elsewhere. But at the last minute, life had other ideas. Here I am five years later and considering Irish citizenship. Sometimes things work out for the best, in a way we least expect.
Ann Pierce Senior Clinican I joined the Jigsaw Meath hub in July 2022 and am delighted to be a part of this friendly team. I have been working in the area of mental health for over 30 years and I love it- it is such an exciting area to be a part of and I love to meet young people. Study and work I trained as a mental health nurse, specialised in child and adolescent mental health nursing with DCU and completed a post graduate in child art psychotherapy with UCD. I have completed further training in groupwork, parenting, family therapy, CBT, DBT and FBT. I have worked with adults in a variety of settings but the majority of my experience has been with young people and their families. I grew up in Wexford, live in Dublin and work in Meath. I like to travel and one of my favourite places is the French Alps - in the summer (I tried skiing and failed miserably!) I love to catch up with family and friends, am obsessed with my dog Bert but most of all I love having time to chill and do nothing!
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
Aoife Guilfoyle Youth and Community Engagement Worker I support the Youth Advisory Panel as well as trying to ensure all young people have the supports they need to fully participate with Jigsaw Galway. I also engage young people and those working with young people in supporting and promoting youth mental health. Study and work I'm a Clare woman who took off to Cork to study Social Care before going on a bit of a journey that ended up in Galway! I worked for two years in Barretstown Gang Camp in Kildare before joining their pilot camp in Connecticut, USA - first as a theatre director and then as their entertainment director. I spent a year living, working and travelling through Australia, New Zealand & Bali before coming back to the Banner and working in Clare Youth Service for the bones of a decade. Finally, in 2018, I made the big move from Ennis to Galway to join Jigsaw and I haven't looked back since! Interests & Hobbies: Travelling (as far and as often as my budget will allow!), going to gigs, reading, cooking & baking and hanging out with family and friends. Advice to my younger self! Work hard, travel far & don't worry so much - you'll be grand! "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
I am from Clare but I've spent most of my professional life in Limerick working with young people.
Job Titles:
- Youth & Community Engagement Worker
What attracted me to Jigsaw was the combination of working with Young People and Mental Health, two areas I am passionate about! The opportunities are many- gaining insight from our Youth Advocates, delivering workshops to community organisations and schools- all the while reducing stigma for young people to live a balanced life.
I began my social care career with St. Vincent DePaul in school (many moons ago) and never looked back, always wanting to help people in some form. I began with an Applied Social Care Degree then went on to a BA in Applied Addiction Studies. I have worked in Disability, Psychiatry, a Secure Care unit, assessed Prisoners pre-release, volunteered full time in Homeless Addiction Services and worked a number of outreach roles to engage and support young people most "At-Risk" and support their families.
Over the years I have noticed that there is huge merit in early intervention and a preventative approach, something which older prisoners talked about frequently- they wished that someone was there for them earlier on in their life when things got difficult. I am solution focused and a firm believer in a problem shared is a problem halved, learning that outside the comfort zone is where the magic really happens. I am still learning, each and every day.
I began my studies in DCU, studying Athletic Therapy and Training. Although it was not a career I wanted to pursue it helped me realise how much I enjoyed supporting people in overcoming the obstacles that life presents.
Job Titles:
- Chairman - Education Subcommittee
Brian is a former Deputy Director of the Central Statistics Office, a former Director of Economic Affairs at IBEC and former Chairman of FAS, the State employment agency. In his role at IBEC he played a key role in representing Irish business with policy makers in Ireland and internationally.
He was a central figure in the negotiation of successive National Partnership agreements between the Government and the Social Partners. Brian is a director of a number of private companies and was a founding board member of the Community Foundation for Ireland and of Business in the Community. He was a member of the National Economic & Social Council.
Triona is the Office Administrator in Jigsaw Kerry. She enjoys being involved in the promotion of positive youth mental health and providing administrative support to the team.
She has an honours degree in BSc Public Health and Health Promotion. She has also worked as a Special needs Assistant.
Job Titles:
- HR Director
- Member of the Senior Management Team
Celine joined Jigsaw in September 2016 as HR Manager and was successfully appointed to the Director of HR role in August 2020. Celine came to Jigsaw with a number of years' experience in various industries predominantly service sectors like retail, food & beverage in Dublin Airport and before Jigsaw, a couple of years working in HR in RTÉ. Having worked in managerial roles across these industries, Celine came to Jigsaw with a significant amount of experience in organisational development and change, leadership and management development, employee relations and employee engagement and culture.
Celine holds a Bcs (Hons) in Human Resources from Dublin Institute of Technology and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD).
I'm Chris, one of the Clinicians at Jigsaw Dublin 15 and the only social worker on the team. Mental health and emotional well-being are hugely important to me. I love supporting young people to overcome challenges and meet their potential. I also love reading, playing and listening to music. Or doing whatever quirky hobby I've latched onto at the time, like longboarding or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I'm a Mental Health Nurse. Supporting young people's mental health has always been a great passion of mine. Jigsaw is an amazing place to do just that. I love swimming, music, singing and puns too.
I was born in Limerick and I'm a proud Limerick man. I am passionate about working with young people and feel privileged to walk parts of their journeys with them.
Ciarán Murray Clinican Work and study I am an accredited Psychotherapist with the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) and Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP). I completed my Master of Arts in Psychotherapy in 2014 and Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2012. Years ago, I completed a degree in Business Management and from 2000 to 2005 lived (on/off) in Chicago. I returned to Ireland and worked as a Healthcare Business Analyst in SPSS. Through this work, where I visited major hospitals for projects/research, I realized I wanted to work directly with people to help them improve their lives. I changed career paths! From 2007 to 2021 I worked with Saint James's Hospital in Occupational Therapy and Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA). In January 2021 I established Aimsir Psychotherapy and worked in private practice. In 2023, I joined Dublin Business School (DBS) School of Arts faculty as a Process Group Facilitator. I am completing a two-year Diploma in Supervision with the Dublin Gestalt Centre. About two years ago, I started Irish language classes. It is a challenge! I have also become a beekeeper, which I enjoy.
Clare leads the team of Clinical Support Workers in Jigsaw Dublin 15. This means she works with Dave and the team to plan the service for the young people in the area. Clare provides guidance and support to the Jigsaw Clinicians to help them provide the best service to the young people. She also works directly with young people to help them develop skills to manage the difficulties of everyday life! Clare is a qualified Occupational Therapist.
Conor Healy Jigsaw Clinician I'm from Birmingham and moved over to Dublin in 2021. In my free time I enjoy playing Irish traditional music and following sports. Study and work I completed a Master's degree in Social Work at Middlesex University, through the Think Ahead programme. As a social worker, I have previously worked in Worcestershire with adults with mental health difficulties living in the community. Before training as a social worker I worked in a variety of different settings, including in a residential homeless community in London and in a pastoral/ mental health support role at a college for students aged 16-18 in Birmingham.
Job Titles:
- Service Manager
- Service Manager of Jigsaw Donegal
My name is Damien Coyle, Service Manager of Jigsaw Donegal. I'm a native of Donegal, growing up in the Inishowen area of the county.
I graduated from the University of Ulster, Magee with a BSc Hons in Community Youth Work and later went on to study an advanced Diploma in Project Management from Dublin Business School.
One of the things that I like about Jigsaw is the joint leadership model, I have had similar experience of this in previous roles and enjoy working within this model. It allows the Service Manager to concentrate on the operational and community engagement pieces whilst the Clinical Manager takes clinical lead.
I'm a qualified Social Worker, with experience in working in Child Protection and Children in Care social work teams. My favourite part of this work was engaging with the young people and it gave me the opportunity to see some of the issues impacting on mental health and the importance of early intervention services and having people young people can speak with to prevent crisis.
Strap yourself in... I am not as young as the other team members! I am from Dunboyne and grew up in the town (when it was a small town) until I was 18. I headed off to the USA after secondary school as I hadn't a clue what I wanted to do after my Leaving Cert. Join the family business? Go to college? Get an apprenticeship? I really didn't know. So I went off to my uncle in Michigan, USA, and worked in construction. That was helpful experience as I realised quickly that if it was nothing physical, then it was not for me! I was always very involved in the local community and particularly with the Athletic Club, Dunboyne AC. That voluntary work initiated interest and developed my skills in youth work, being involved in club meetings, organising events etc.
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Professor
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Senior Management Team
At Jigsaw, Joseph leads the Senior Management Team and works closely with our Board and youth advocates to evolve and implement the strategic plan for Jigsaw, Together 2022-2025, seeking to achieve better mental health outcomes for young people.
Dr Joseph Duffy has been the CEO of Jigsaw - The National Centre for Youth Mental Health since 2016. He has over 25 years' experience as qualified Clinical Psychologist and has worked in the area of mental health managing and delivering services across all age groups and within institutional and community settings. He began his career as a Clinical Psychologist with the Department of Justice/Irish Prison Service where he worked with long term serious offenders for almost 10 years. He held senior positions with the Psychological Society of Ireland and the Granada Institute. He joined Jigsaw in 2011 as Director of Clinical Services and held the post of Chief Operating Officer from 2012 to 2016.
Joseph holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology from the University of Ulster (UU), a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), a Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics (TCD) and an MBA in Health Services Management from the Smurfit Graduate Business School, University College Dublin (UCD). He is a Fellow of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
Joseph is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Psychology, UCD. He is a Board member of the Mental Health Commission and Mental Health Reform, a member of the Executive of the International Association for Youth Mental Health (IAYMH). He sits on the National Implementation Monitoring Committee (NIMC) for Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everybody the Irish Government's policy framework for the continued development and enhancement of mental health services in Ireland from 2020 to 2030. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Irish Probation Journal.
Job Titles:
- Senior Clinical Psychologist
Ruth is a Senior Clinical Psychologist / Clinical Lead, and a researcher in the area of digital technology and mental health. She is an experienced clinician having worked across primary care, CAMHS and disability services, and a senior lecturer in clinical psychology.
Ruth obtained her Masters and Doctorate degrees at Trinity College Dublin, and her undergraduate degree at Maynooth University. She also holds a Masters in Healthcare Management and Leadership from the Irish Management Institute / UCC. Ruth is a previous chair and current member of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Clinical Psychology. She is Principal Investigator on the SafePlan research trial. Ruth is currently a Fulbright HRB HealthImpact scholar and was previously a Fulbright Scholar 2016 / 2017 based at the Suicide Prevention Research Lab, Stanford University.
Karen O'Connor Jigsaw Clinician I began my journey into mental health work training in alternative healthcare and learned Reiki and Reflexology, before going on to train as an Integrative Psychotherapist in 2004. Study and Work I've since gained an Honours Degree in Holistic Psychotherapy with ICPPD and a Diploma in Expressive Arts which brings an aspect of creativity to the work I do. I volunteered with the Rape Crisis Centre for several years, gaining experience in the SATU unit and also volunteered in a Community Counselling Centre in Galway for several years gaining experience in one to one counselling with adults. Before joining Jigsaw as a Clinician in 2021 I was several years working in Social Care as a support worker in Homeless Services, supporting men, women and young people in residential settings and outreach services. Interests and hobbies I love living on an Island and being close to the sound, smell and feel of water and spend a lot of time in the outdoors with my 2 dogs tramping around woodlands and parks. I enjoy open water swimming which became a hobby for me during Covid times and dip regularly all year round. When not out and about I love to relax and am often found with a good book or curled up watching something on TV or listening to music. My favourite countries to visit are ones where food is a real celebration and full of flavour. I would love to visit Malaysia one day, the country of birth and travel more in general. Advice to younger self Be yourself, everyone else is taken Laugh more, worry less Don't be afraid to follow your dreams, they will lead you to the best places
As a Tipperary woman I was delighted to take on the role of service manager with Jigsaw Tipperary in June 2023. My professional journey initially took me to far flung regions of Southeast Asia, where I worked for almost 20 years in the International Development sector. On my return to Tipp I joined the local Meet & Train and I'm now one of those slightly crazy people that can be found running the rural roads of Tipp in all weathers.
I have an undergraduate and master's degree in anthropology, sociology, and International Development. I am passionate about social inclusion, social justice, and youth engagement and participation. The main areas of my work overseas were in rural development, sustainable livelihoods, and local governance. On my return to Ireland, I managed a large community resource centre working with families and communities in disadvantaged areas and supporting young people with a disability access education and employment.
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
My role in Jigsaw Meath has many different strands. As a Youth and Community Engagement Worker, no two days are the same and I love that. I support the fabulous young volunteers on our Youth Advisory Panel to work with us. I work with adults in the community to enable them to better support and promote youth mental health. I also work with school staff through our One Good School programme. I run our Instagram page too. Give us a follow there to keep up to date with what we're getting up to in the community.
I have a background in early years education, child development, child protection and community and youth development.
It was UCD Students Union where my working life started as the Welfare Officer and Vice President of the Union where I had so many opportunities to run events, campaigns and help develop university policy to help out my fellow students.
A weird and wonderful journey that led to Jigsaw started with a degree in Physiology in UCD while labs were never my true love I adored my time in college becomingly heavily involved in Cumann Gaelach UCD as well as with UCD Students Union.
Study and work
I have a diploma in Project Management and a BBS with Marketing and German.
Fiona Malone Senior Jigsaw Clinician I've always been interested in working with young people, starting off working with younger children as a Montessori teacher and then as a special needs tutor before studying to be a psychotherapist. I have been working as a psychotherapist for over 10 years and completed my masters in child and adolescent psychotherapy in 2020. Before moving to Jigsaw I worked for Rape Crisis North East. In my spare time I enjoy walking and cycling but my real loves are movies and books!
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
My role as a service administrator involves supporting the team in the day to day running of the hub as well as being the first point of contact for young people and parents.
In 2009, Grace first volunteered at Barretstown (therapeutic recreation camp) in Co Kildare, she has returned on a number of occasions as a volunteer and as an employe. Grace is passionate about supporting young people to effect the change they desire within their lives both through her work in Jigsaw and her voluntary work with other groups.
Jacinta Stewart served as Chief Executive Officer of CDVEC/CDETB from 2005-2016. Having graduated from UCD with a BA and Higher Diploma in Education, Jacinta began her career as a teacher in Dundalk Regional College (now Dundalk Institute of Technology).
She joined CDVEC as an Adult Education Organiser in 1985. In January 1993, she was appointed to the post of Education Officer in CDVEC with special responsibility for Adult Education and for a number of the Committee's schools/centres. In 1997 she was awarded a Masters' Degree in Education and Management from Trinity College Dublin. In 2005 she was appointed CEO of CDVEC (now City of Dublin Education and Training Board - CDETB). Jacinta has served on a wide variety of boards and committees, including the Residential Institution Redress Unit, the Grangegorman Development Agency, the Grangegorman Audit Committee, the Education and Finance Board, the Teaching Council, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the Children's Acts Advisory Board, the CDETB Benevolent Fund and the CDETB Sports and Cultural Council. Jacinta had a great interest in life-long learning. She played a prominent role in the development of national policies with DES and was a long-time member of CEEOA.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Member of the Senior Management Team
- Social Worker
Jason joined Jigsaw in early 2018, working as a Regional Clinical Manager in Munster prior to becoming the Clinical Director in 2023.
Jason is a social worker and worked across different sectors of health and social care in Greater Manchester for over 15 years prior to moving to Ireland. His social work career began in child protection and working with young people leaving the care system prior to a move into Children and Young People's Mental Health.
From 2004, Jason worked in North Manchester for Pennine Care NHS Trust in various therapeutic and managerial roles supporting both individual teams in Oldham, Richdale and Bury as well as broader strategic CAMH service development roles across Greater Manchester. He supported the implementation of the Children and Young People's Access to Psychological Therapy Programme across the Pennine Care footprint prior to his departure in 2018.
Jean Richardson Jigsaw Clinician I am a Jigsaw Clinician living in Dublin. Supporting young people with their mental health has always been a passion of mine. I am an enthusiastic kayaker and rugby fan. I also love walking, connecting with nature, and spending time with my family. Study and Work I am a psychotherapist with a master's degree in child and adolescent psychotherapy from IICP. I previously worked in disability services as a social care practitioner and manager. I particularly enjoyed supporting people with disabilities to be activists and supporting many projects in promoting disability awareness and change. I qualified as a psychotherapist in 2018 and I am registered with IACP.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Manager for Jigsaw Galway / Roscommon
I have a Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work. My Master's program focused on children and families with a family therapy approach. I am registered as a social worker in Ireland and Canada.
John is an energetic leader with a proven track record in driving business strategy, leading edge Risk Management Consulting &Training and Business Turnaround.
As an out-of-the-box thinker, John has a proven ability to devise wide-ranging solutions for resolving complex organisational issues. An Accountant by profession, John has been running and advising organisations in the Public and Private Sector, both as an advisor and a non-Executive Director since 2003. Prior to that John spent 23 years in various Executive positions with the Ulster Bank / Natwest Group.
Julie Hanrahan Jigsaw Clinician Study and work I undertook my studies in Dublin and enjoyed completing a degree in Social Care, a Masters in Social Work and a Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Psychology. I graduated as a Social Worker in 2012 and have not looked back! I
I worked with PayPal for 12 years in a variety of roles but primarily working as a trainer; training new recruits to the company. In later years, I worked as team leader to a team of trainers and was also involved with project administration/ma.
Katie Grimes Jigsaw Clinician I was born in Dublin, but raised in Cavan. My favourite book is To Kill a Mockingbird and favourite film is The Greatest Showman. I trained as a Mental Health Nurse in DCU. While training, I also worked part-time as a healthcare assistant in a nursing home, providing care to individuals with Dementia. I have worked as a mental health nurse since October 2017, working primarily in adult mental health services. I worked in an acute adult mental health day hospital for 3 years. During my time there, I developed a keen interest in psychosocial interventions.
I was born and raised in Tipperary and am delighted to be back home to support the mental health of young people in my home county. I believe that young people are absolute legends and feel privileged to be working with them in this way.
Study and work: Prior to setting up Jigsaw Tipperary, I worked in Jigsaw Limerick for 4 years as Senior Clinician.
Before that I worked privately as a counselling psychologist in Tipperary for 6 years, with a focus on providing one to one therapy for adolescents and young people. I have a degree in applied psychology and a masters in Counselling Psychology, both from UCC.
My name is Kelly and I'm from Limerick. When I first left school I studied psychology and philosophy. Back then, you could usually find me somewhere on campus debating about all kinds of interesting topics.
I initially worked as Administrator for the National Office before starting with the D.15 team. I really enjoy my role as it can be quite varied, sometimes challenging, though always rewarding. One of my favourite aspects is getting to meet the young people. I can help them feel at ease when they call in to the service or make contact by telephone. When not at work, you will likely find me on my yoga mat, or hiking up a mountain. These are two of my favourite passions.
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
I completed a Bachelor degree in Psychology and Children Studies and a Masters in Health Promotion both from NUIG.
I come from sunny Cavan originally but have made my way North to work in Jigsaw Donegal having stopped off in Jigsaw Meath and Galway over the years.
I'm an occupational therapist having studied in Ulster University. I also hold an MSc in Occupational therapy from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and last year completed a PG diploma in Clinical Supervision in Trinity College.
After college I moved into Administration with an engineering company before stepping into my current role with Jigsaw Dublin City. I also do a lot of volunteer work for various charities - mostly fundraising.
Study and Work: I am born and bred in Cork, the real capital! I love GAA and enjoy a great day out in Croke Park! I also have particular interest in sport and mental health. I attended University of Limerick and qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015. I then moved to Dublin where I worked in the central mental hospital in Dublin in forensic care.
I have been working with Jigsaw Laois Offaly since October 2017 and really love working with young people to support them to understand and improve their mental health. As Clinical Manager I also work closely with other Clinicians on the team to support them in their work. The service manager and I work closely together to explore ways that we can continue to promote and support youth mental health in the community.
Job Titles:
- Independent Consultant
- Senior Manager
Liz Chaloner is an experienced senior manager and independent consultant in the not-for-profit and public sectors and has held many senior positions, including the Centre for Effective Services (Senior Manager), Samaritans Ireland (Interim Executive Director), Dyslexia Association of Ireland (Interim CEO) and Barnardos (Assistant Director).
She was a specialist consultant to the review of Aras Attracta in Swinford, Co. Mayo, a member of the Ombudsman for Children's Panel of Investigators and Programme Manager in Combat Poverty Agency. She was a non-executive director with the Irish Refugee Council, the Family Support Agency and the National Advocacy Service. Liz originally qualified and worked as a social worker and social work educator in both Ireland and the UK and holds a B.Soc Studies and CQSW from Trinity College, Dublin, a MA in Women's Studies from the University of Wolverhamption (UK) and M.Sc in Social Research Skills from University of Ulster.
Job Titles:
- Service Administaror / I Am from Limerick City. Study and Work
I'm one of the first faces people see, the first point of contact for anyone arriving to North Fingal hub. North Inner City Dublin born and bred, I have been living in North County Dublin over 25 years. I love old films, especially Doris Day's "Calamity Jane". A book that has made its mark on my life is, "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. The golden nugget from the book is: 'We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.'
I have a BA Hons in Personal & Professional Development - Child & Family Studies from DCU. I also hold a post graduate certificate in Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Enterprise, from UCD. My administration experience includes an animation studio that produced ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', a private IVF Clinic and Citizens Information. And last, but not least, Jigsaw, where my heart is now.
Job Titles:
- Support and Information Officer
I am the Support and Information Officer. I've been working in Jigsaw since we opened the doors of Jigsaw Galway in 2008….part of the furniture by now!
Job Titles:
- Chairman - Finance Subcommittee
- Chief Executive of Oyster Capital Partners and Was Appointed to the Board
Martin Scully is Chief Executive of Oyster Capital Partners and was appointed to the Board of Jigsaw in October 2018. Martin is a director of Titan HQ, Amarenco Solar Holdings Limited and Movell European Transport Limited.
He was previously Chairman of Advanced Environmental Solutions (Ireland) Limited, Complete Telecoms and Dolmen Securities (since renamed Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland) prior to the sale of those businesses. Previously, Martin was a partner for 12 years in a major financial services firm RSM Farrell Grant Sparks (now part of Grant Thornton).
My role as service administrator involves being the first point of contact for young people, parents and concerned others. I also support the wider Jigsaw Cork team and management with the day to day running of the hub.
Study and work: I graduated with a BSc Government degree from University College Cork in 2014 and I am currently undertaking a Masters in Health and Society, also in UCC
Study and work: I originally studied Law and received a Degree in Legal and Business Studies in WIT. I went on to complete Law exams which allowed me entry to Blackhall Law Society. However, around this time I started undertaking volunteer work and I found it very fulfilling. I subsequently went a different route and went on to complete a Higher Diploma in Social Policy and a Masters in Social Work in UCC. I worked in Legal Aid and volunteered with the Simon Community and in an Asylum Seekers Drop-in Centre. I worked part-time in both Brothers of Charity and Children in Care at the same time. I then worked in CAMHS Limerick for over two years. I really enjoyed it and I had the privilege of working with young people and their families.
I was really excited to work with Jigsaw. The organisation has a reputation for quality service delivery with a strong evidence base. I like the approach Jigsaw takes to supporting young people's mental health. There is such emphasis on community-based responses and keeping the youth voice at the centre of all decision making.
I am originally from Greystones in Wicklow but I have lived in Letterkenny more than half my life so I count myself as a Donegalian.
I studied Humanities and Cultural Studies in Dublin Business School and then did my Arts degree in English, Sociology and Political Science in the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Management Team
- Director of Communications and Fundraising
Ballinasloe-born Mike joined Jigsaw in October 2016 from overseas children's NGO Plan International Ireland.
With an extensive background in marketing, communications and fundraising, Mike's role involves the strategic positioning of Jigsaw as a central character in the Irish story of young people's mental health, a character with deep experience, a reasoned voice, a nationwide presence and an intelligent, yet passionate, approach. A character that supports the mental health and welfare of young people and that can articulate this support to all stakeholders in a way that inspires support, loyalty and action.
I joined the Jigsaw Meath Team in 2024. In my role as Clinician, I work with young people providing therapeutic support through brief intervention.
Molly Dawson Clinican I began working as a Clinician at Jigsaw Meath in December 2023. My journey to Jigsaw was a long and winding road, beginning in my hometown of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. There, I completed an undergraduate degree in psychology while playing varsity basketball and volunteering for several non-profit organizations, all of which focused on mental health promotion and supporting vulnerable populations. Work and study After completing my undergraduate degree in 2017, I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone and moved to Limerick to pursue a postgraduate degree in psychology, despite never having been to Ireland. I quickly fell in love with the country and applied for a two-year work visa following my postgraduate degree. During this time, I worked for a housing and homelessness charity supporting families experiencing homelessness. I returned to Canada in 2021 to complete a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto, supplementing my previous knowledge of psychology. I completed student placements in medical social work and child protection, both of which were challenging at times but deeply rewarding. After graduation in 2023, I returned to Ireland to begin my career as a Social Worker. I am absolutely delighted to be working with Jigsaw Meath and look forward to supporting young people to successfully navigate a range of mental health difficulties.
Pat was a founding member of Jigsaw Dublin 15, having been selected by our Youth Advisory Panel due to his passion for youth mental health and enthusiasm for belly rubs.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Operations
- Member of the Senior Management Team
Peter McDevitt joined Jigsaw in November 2022 from international development NGO, Self Help Africa where he served as Chief Financial Officer for fourteen years.
Prior to that he worked in a variety of financial and general management roles, including CFO, with humanitarian organisation GOAL with whom he travelled to a number of countries in Africa, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Sierra Leone, as well as taking on assignments in Honduras, India, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and qualified as an Associate of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
Peter has served in a number of governance roles in a voluntary capacity, including as Chair of Show Racism the Red Card, Treasurer of Carmichael, and as a member of the Audit and Finance Committee of Clúid. More recently he spent five years as Director and Treasurer of Dóchas, the Irish network for international development and humanitarian organisations. He has also worked in senior financial management roles with ESB International and in the financial services sector with FTI Treasury.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Support Worker at Jigsaw Kerry
Raedin is a Clinical Support Worker at Jigsaw Kerry. Raedin was delighted to return home to her native Kerry and take up a post working with young people and promoting positive mental health in the community.
Raedin qualified as an Occupational Therapist from Sheffield Hallam University in 2013. She worked in Adult Mental Health in the United Kingdom after qualifying.
I joined Jigsaw in 2022. I'm a Meath native and delighted to be based here in Navan after prior experience studying/working/travelling in Belfast, Dublin and Australia.
I joined the team in Jigsaw North Fingal as Service Manager in September 2021. For the last 15 years, I have worked in communities with young people and their families. This involved support around issues such as homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, juvenile crime, educational support and youth mental health. I am passionate about youth participation and want the voice of all young people to be heard and recognised.
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
I am originally from Dublin but moved to the beautiful midlands in 2021. At the beginning of my career I worked in mainstream residential care with young people. From there I spent a few years travelling and when I returned to Ireland I worked in the homeless sector and a resource centre supporting families. Before joining Jigsaw I was a youth worker supporting young people in their local community throughout Laois and Offaly.
Job Titles:
- Youth and Community Engagement Worker
I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of working with families and young people in a variety of settings such as the Probation Service, Disability and in Special Care. I also trained as a Strengthening Families Facilitator. In my most recent posts, I worked in St. Clare's Unit, on the Assessment and Therapy Team's, in the area of trauma, and in a CAMHS Inpatient Unit. Last year I joined the Jigsaw Meath Team, I am passionate about the area of Youth Mental Health and I am really enjoying my role as a clinician!
Sarah Cuddy Jigsaw Clinician After qualifying as a social worker, I worked with children who lived in care for a period of time. I then moved to London for a few years, where I worked in a couple of different hospital settings. I had the opportunity to work with people from lots of different backgrounds and various walks of life and support them through difficult periods in their life, which I really enjoyed. Since returning home to Ireland and prior to starting my role with Jigsaw, I worked in a hospital in Dublin, my role mostly involved working with people and their families affected by chronic long-term illness. Study and work I completed my Postgraduate Degree in Social Work in University of Ulster, Derry. Prior to this, I did a Degree in Sociology and Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication- both in University of Ulster, Belfast
Job Titles:
- Director of Services
- Member of the Senior Management Team
Sarah worked in a number of management roles in Pobal, a not for profit organisation that manages funding programmes on behalf of government departments in the areas of early years, social inclusion, equality and reconciliation.
Sarah has a Degree in Psychology & Sociology from Trinity College Dublin and MSc Sociology & Social Research Methods from the London School of Economics & Political Science. After her studies she worked for a time with a small charity in London before returning to Ireland to work on a project in the Irish Prisons Service aimed at developing pathways for prisoners to find employment on release from prison.
Job Titles:
- Clinician - Occupational Therapist
In 2018 I qualified from the University of Salford (UK) with a BSc in Occupational Therapy.
Job Titles:
- Youth & Community Engagement Worker
My name is Shola Adekunle and I am a Youth & Community Engagement Worker with Jigsaw Dublin 15. I was born in Nigeria and migrated to Ireland in the 90s. I am an Irish citizen.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chairperson and Chair - HR & Governance Subcommittee
Simonetta Ryan is a former Assistan t Secretary General with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (now retired). She previously worked in the Departments of Health and the Department of Finance.
She has broad experience of public administration - in social policy, legislation and policy implementation and worked with a wide range of stake holders during her career in the public service.
I joined the Jigsaw Meath team as a Service Administrator in December 2020. The health care setting was completely new to me, but I have a great interest in mental health. My years of experience in busy office environments part-prepared me for the post too. I love playing camogie and enjoying the outdoors.
I have a BBS Hons in Tourism and Hospitality Management. When I finished my degree, I lived and worked in Abu Dhabi for a year. I then returned home and worked in the hospitality sector for over 4 years.
This led me to the relocation industry. During Covid, I decided to take a new path when I had the opportunity to work for Jigsaw. I am very excited to see what my future has in store.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Management Team
- Director of Mental Health Promotion
- Team As Education and Training Manager
Siobhán joined the Jigsaw Team as Education and Training Manager in January 2016 and was appointed Director of Education and Community in 2019.
However, she has worked with Jigsaw as a Consultant Trainer since 2011. She established her own Independent Consultancy and Training Company ‘Health Promotion, Training and Support Services' in 2003 and over the past 13 years, she has worked with a broad range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations supporting them to implement health, organisational development and training initiatives.
Siobhán has also completed a number of youth mental health-specific research projects including ‘A Voice Being Heard' A research report on Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing in North Dublin. Prior to that, she worked with the National Youth Council of Ireland as the National Youth Health Programme Coordinator for 10 years, where there was a significant focus on youth mental health. Siobhán has a specific expertise in the design, development and delivery of education and training programmes based on adult learning principles and experiential learning.
Stephen Byrne Jigsaw Clinician In my former life, I was a Non Commissioned Officer within the Irish Defence Forces. Later, I followed a passion of mine and gained a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Study and work Before joining Jigsaw, I did voluntary work with the Samaritans and Let's Get Talking Galway. I have always enjoyed working with young people and that was my motivation for joining Jigsaw. I am currently in my final year of a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Interests and Hobbies I love hillwalking, kayaking with friends, trying out and learning new things. Advice to my younger self Trust your own gut, follow your own path and it will all turn out great.
Job Titles:
- Chairman - Public Affairs Advisory Subgroup
Tammy Donaghy is a youth mental health advocate. Tammy comes from a youth work background, has completed an undergraduate degree in youth and community studies and is currently pursuing a Masters in comparative criminology and criminal justice. She has experience of working with, or advocating for, young people at many levels and is currently a youth employability support worker in Finglas youth resource centre.
. Tammy has sat on the Boards of Community Creations (spunout.ie and text 50808), City of Dublin Youth Service, and Jigsaw. She has also sat on the Children's Reference Group and represented this body at the advisory group for the development of overarching national standards for the care and support of children using health and social care services. She regularly presents to organisations on youth mental health.
Job Titles:
- Youth & Community Engagement Worker
My name is Una and I am from Derry. I grew up in a community where local people were interested in supporting young people on the ground and we worked with no premises. We developed ideas and ways to help support young people, quite often with little resources but with great people who believed in the value of helping young people.
I qualified as a Community Youth Worker and I worked in different organisations supporting young people throughout Northern Ireland. Later on, I returned to university and qualified as a social worker. I have a wide range of experience working with children, young people and parents.
What attracted me to working in Jigsaw was the transdisciplinary model. This was something I had seen while working in Australia, but not in Ireland at this point. It signalled to me this is a progressive organisation. Another thing was the Monday - Friday roster, with no nights or weekends (woo!!). The primary care level in which Jigsaw operates was another draw. Young people are also involved in all of the decisions at some level. Study and work After qualifying as a mental health nurse, I worked in adult mental health services (AMHS) for a few years. This was across a range of settings, from acute ward to community. I then moved to Australia, working in drug and alcohol rehabilitation services and child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). I really enjoyed working within CAMHS settings, with the young people there. On returning to Ireland, I came across the advertisement for Jigsaw. I have worked in Jigsaw for over two years now, and have progressed to the Senior Clinician role.
Job Titles:
- Senior Clinical Support Worker
I worked as a clinical support worker for 8 years in Jigsaw Galway before becoming a senior in January 2017 and then moving to Jigsaw Roscommon in October 2017. Prior to working in Jigsaw, I worked with Family Support Services for 3 years. I have also worked with young people in care, people with acquired brain injuries, homelessness and learning disabilities. I was born in Warrington in England but I grew up in Galway from the age of four.
I have an MA in Social Work and BA in Applied Social Studies and Social Care.