Our Team

Lisa comes into the organisation with a wealth of experience as a CEO and leader in the not-for profit sector. She has developed services and worked extensively with people who have experienced substantial challenges in their lives including the experience of homelessness, addiction, offending and mental health challenges. As an experienced leader, Lisa has developed a range of person-centred services designed to support people in dealing with their various challenges. Lisa has also worked to bring people together in various networks to address sectoral issues and to ensure that people are getting access to the services they need. Lisa believes in building connections, in holding hope, while people define their identity as they seek meaning and empowerment in their own lives. 

“I have a passion for the area of mental health and I come from a non-HSE background so will be applying a different lens to the work of the organisation. I have a strengths-based approach to my work and look forward to playing my part in the story of Mental Health Ireland” 

Before joining Mental Health Ireland in 2021, Jo worked for over 20 years in Community Development, Youth Work and Mental Health Promotion. She has a BA in Sociology from UCD, PGDip’s in Community and Youth Work and Mental Health Promotion, a Diploma in Business and Personal Coaching and an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching. Jo is a big believer in voluntary work and has many years of experience volunteering with her local Mental Health Association, Parish, sports clubs and currently a Community Childcare facility. Jo is proud to have brought her passion for mental health promotion in the community to an organisation that holds the same values. Jo is an avid walker and lover of nature.

Conor joined Mental Health Ireland in May 2024 after over 20 years working in the non-for-profit sector, supporting individuals in homelessness, addiction and older person services. He holds a BA Hons in Sociology and Economics from NUI Maynooth, as well as a HDip in Community and Adult Education. Conor is a keen sports enthusiast, especially following soccer and GAA sports. He is married to Julianne and they have two children. He is passionate about working in social care to provide the best possible services to the people he supports and effect positive change for vulnerable people in society.

Maria joined Mental Health Ireland in 2022 and brought a diverse experience from both the private and charity sectors to her role as Operations Governance and Compliance Manager. She is a passionate wellbeing advocate who believes in the power of connection, empathy, and volunteerism. She holds a BA hon in Social Science and is a qualified Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Outside of work, Maria lovely her time with her children, family and friends and thoroughly enjoys woodland walks and discovering new trails while soaking in nature’s beauty. She also finds joy in traveling, reading a good book, and diving into creative arts—whether it’s painting, crafting, or simply enjoying the process of creation.

With a commitment to lifelong learning and growth, Maria is excited to continue making a positive impact in Mental Health Ireland.

Maria Meagher joined Mental Health Ireland in August 2023 as Finance Manager. Prior to this Maria worked in the private sector in senior roles across Financial Control and Planning & Analysis in the FMCG sector. She has a Bcomm from UCD and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Claire Flynn is the Mental Health Promotion Coordinator with Mental Health Ireland. Her role is to lead on Mental Health Ireland’s National campaigns and to support the organisation in its work to promote mental health for individuals, communities and workplaces. She has worked for the organisation for four years and was previously the Development Officer for Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary and prior to that was a manager of Limerick Mental Health Association. Claire has a B.A. in Psychology and Media from Mary Immaculate College and PG Cert. in Mental Health Promotion from NUIG. She lives in Limerick and volunteers in her community as the volunteer Chairperson of Garryowen Community Develop Project and a volunteer board member of GOSHH.

Carmen joined Mental Health Ireland in 2019 after more than a decade working as a journalist before moving into Communications and PR roles in the not-for-profit sector. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature & Sociology from Trinity College as well as PGDips in Digital Marketing, Mental Health Promotion and Health Project Management. Carmen is a qualified swim teacher, keen sea dipper and big believer in the restorative power of nature. She is passionate about finding innovative and creative ways to reach communities to improve mental health in Ireland.

Sarah joined MHI in April 2024 as the National Woodlands for Health & Nature Projects Lead. She holds a B.A. (Hons) from University College Cork and an M.Sc. from Trinity College Dublin both in applied psychology. After a number of years working as a researcher for the Trinity Institute of Neuroscience and The Health Research Board, Sarah went on to complete courses in Forest Bathing/ Therapy, Wild Therapy, Ecopsychology and then founded Nature Therapy Ireland in 2020. You’ll find Sarah in the forest, by the sea or up the mountains as part of her jobs and in her free time.

My Name is Ana Ballance and I am Mental Health Ireland’s dedicated Human Resource Executive with over 15 years of experience in fostering a positive workplace culture and driving organizational success. I have BA (Hons) in Business and Psychology. I have a strong background in Employee Relations, employee engagement, and disciplinary and performance management, and I am passionate about aligning HR strategies with the business culture and operational needs of our organisation. I excel in creating inclusive environment that empower employees to thrive and contribute to Mental Health Ireland mission, vision and values.

Cristine joined Mental Health Ireland in October 2024 as the Interim Training and Education Administrator and is now our Education & Training Officer. With a decade of experience in education, community outreach, and advocacy, she is passionate about fostering inclusive and supportive education environments. Her background spans roles in music education, administration, and healthcare advocacy, including work with Trans Healthcare Action. Cristine holds a BA in Music Technology and Philosophy from Maynooth. In her spare time, she enjoys music, puzzles, and all things nerdy.

Louise joined Mental Health Ireland in 2023, bringing over a decade of corporate experience before transitioning into a fundraising role. In her role she builds meaningful relationships with fundraisers to support mental health campaigns and programs, driven by a passion for promoting well-being. Louise is in her final year of a BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, having returned to education in 2021. As part of her psychotherapy training, Louise is passionate about supporting people with their mental health. She also holds a BA in Business Studies in Accountancy. Louise enjoys time in nature, sea dipping, and she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2017.

Marie has a BA in English and History and MA in Journalism from Ulster University alongside diplomas in Digital Marketing and Public Sector Marketing. She is an award-winning journalist who has worked in newspapers, websites and the nonprofit sector for the past two decades. She served as an advisor, then editor of the award-winning website SpunOut.ie for over 13 years. Marie’s passion lies in mental health, and she believes in the need for a more holistic mental health service. She loves to play football and is a girls football coach in Donegal where she lives.

Alessia joined Mental Health Ireland in 2023 as the Mental Health Promotion Officer. Her academic background is in Nursing and Global Health, and she holds a Professional Academy Diploma in Project Management. Her previous work experiences include the non-profit sector, clinical settings and research. Alessia is passionate about music, adventures in nature, sport, art and creating and maintaining safe communities.

Lisa joined Mental Health Ireland in September 1998 as Receptionist. She current role in the organistion is Administrative Officer & Garda Vetting Designated Liaison Person which involves dealing with front of house and support around HR Recruitment among other administrave support duties. Lisa is mum to 15-year-old twin boys and when she’s am not running the roads with their sporting hobbies, she enjoy walking and meeting up with friends.

Gina Delaney is a Development Officer with Mental Health Ireland and also brings a qualification in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching to her work in mental health promotion and community development. Gina has experience of working and volunteering with various groups and organisations such Samaritans, Family Carers Ireland, with Mental Health Forums and as a Family Peer Supporter. Gina is passionate about life long learning, wellness tools, a whole family, whole community approach to mental health and the on-going development of recovery focused services. Gina is based in the South East and covers the counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.

As a Training and Development officer with Mental Health Ireland, Teresa supports mental health associations adhere to Charity Regulator compliance. She advises guides and supports associations to write their business plans, develop their strategy and practice good governance. Teresa is an experienced facilitator, certified coach and professionally qualified trainer who regularly delivers programmes and workshops including Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK and Five Ways to Wellbeing. Teresa has volunteered as a writing mentor with numerous community groups and has had her own poetry published in several literary journals. She is a familiar voice on the radio and scripts daily positive mental health messages that are broadcast regularly. She also features in newspapers with articles on mental health and well-being. Teresa has a special interest in supporting people to connect with their own authentic selves, and supporting their well-being by nurturing their creative potential. Teresa has more than 25 years of experience in recovery from mental health challenges.

Bill Vaughan is Development Officer for County Donegal. He has been working in this role for 14 years. Bill is originally from Co Down but has been in Letterkenny for 32 years. He sees Donegal as the hidden gem of Ireland and the people have a great sense of community. When he is not working, Bill likes walking and travelling and spending time with the family.

Noeleen joined Mental Health Ireland in 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience of working in suicide prevention, mental health and recovery. She is a qualified and accredited Psychotherapist, WRAP Advanced Level Facilitator and Health and Wellbeing Coach. Noeleen is a dynamic, results-driven leader with a deep commitment to driving transformative change and fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals.

Sarah holds a BA in Commerce and French and spent several years working as a chartered accountant while actively engaging in personal and corporate volunteering initiatives. Sarah’s passion for wellbeing led her to complete the MA in Health Promotion in Galway, specialising in mental health. She is a keen runner and swimmer and is dedicated to enhancing and protecting the mental health of individuals and communities.

Emer joined Mental Health Ireland in January 2025. She holds an Honours Degree in Applied Social Studies in Social care. Emer has nearly 20 years’ experience working in the Community & Voluntary Sector in areas from Disability, Early Years and Community Development. It is in the last 10 years working in Community Development that her true passion was discovered; she is an advocate for seeing the advancement of mental health services and awareness in the community. In her personal time, Emer is a big fan of live music, visiting new places and spending quality time with family and friends.

Cillian joined Mental Health Ireland in January 2025 after working in the area of recovery education in mental health for a number of years. Having previously run his own business as a personal trainer and a wellbeing speaker, he has always been motivated to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Cillian holds an MA in Leadership in Workplace Health and Wellbeing at TUS Mid West and enjoys continuously upskilling and learning. He enjoys connecting with people and communities around the topic of mental health and wellbeing, making every interaction invaluable.