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” 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ryan is currently Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships Coordinator at Mental Health Ireland. Prior to MHI, Ryan founded an education technology startup for substance use prevention and worked in corporate communications, charity lobbying, education and investor relations across the healthcare and renewable energy industries. Ryan has a BA in political science and Chinese from Rutgers University, a MA in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. Ryan’s passion for mental health stems from his long-term recovery since 2001. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, he worked for over 16 years as a volunteer in the recovery community in China. When not out fundraising, Ryan loves surfing in Sligo and playing the Irish Bodhran at local Trad sessions.