Karen joined AWARE in November 2018 after serving 10 years as the CEO of a counselling charity. Karen’s role focuses on working closely with the Board to ensure the effective governance and strategic planning of the organisation as well as playing a key role in promoting the services of the organisation and lobbying on matters relevant to our users. Karen has a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters in Social Policy, and whilst having spent most of her career in the community and voluntary sector, she also worked within local government and in a non-departmental public body. Outside work, Karen enjoys running and spending time with her family.

email: karen@aware-ni.org

Patricia joined AWARE NI in January 2004. Patricia is responsible for the smooth running of the organisation including management of Finance and Human Resources. In her spare time Patricia enjoys walking and Zumba.

Email: patricia@aware-ni.org

Leigh joined AWARE NI in February 2024 with nearly 20 years of experience working in the voluntary sector in roles of event management, fundraising and marketing with a number of local organisations. She spent 13 years in Community Fundraising for a local cancer charity. Leigh’s role as Head of Fundraising is to create and deliver the annual fundraising strategy, leading the fundraising team to generate income through corporate relationships, community fundraising, general donations and events. Outside work, Leigh enjoys walking and spending time with her friends and family.

email: leigh@aware-ni.org

Courtney joined AWARE NI in March 2023, bringing a strong academic background in international relations and conflict transformation (BA, MA) and a proven track record in social media communications and digital activism. She is passionate about promoting human rights, empowering women, and championing sustainability and mental health. With expertise in creating engaging digital content, she is passionate about crafting creative and innovative campaigns that drive engagement and inspire action. Outside of work, she’s a Lucy & Yak dungarees fan, adores her two pugs Bo and Pugsy, and enjoys listening to K-Pop.

Email: courtney@aware-ni.org

Kate joined AWARE NI in January 2020. She has a degree and a master's in Journalism and Media and has recently attained professional qualifications in Digital Marketing. Kate moved home to Belfast after living in Australia for two years and before that, she travelled around Asia for 6 months. Kate is passionate about human rights, current affairs, mental health and making NI a better place to live. In her spare time, she enjoys socialising with friends and family, going to music festivals, yoga & walking her dogs.

Email: kate@aware-ni.org

Leah joined the AWARE NI team in 2019, bringing with her extensive experience from her career as an artist, having worked in both London and Los Angeles. Prior to her role at AWARE NI, Leah spent six years collaborating closely with renowned artist will.i.am. During this time, she supported high-profile events such as the Grammys and BBC’s The Voice, as well as working with national and regional media outlets across the UK.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the music industry, Leah has long been committed to supporting initiatives that promote mental well-being. After returning to Northern Ireland, she was inspired by the important work being done by AWARE NI and was eager to contribute to the organisation’s mission.

In her spare time, Leah enjoys singing and songwriting, and values spending quality time with her family.

Nicky came to AWARE NI from the health service, having worked within HSC for 15 years in finance and administration. She is currently in her final year of training to become an integrative counsellor. Nicky is particularly interested in outdoor therapies and the part they play in mental well-being. In her spare time, she enjoys running (when she can!), walking with her two spaniels, attending folk festivals and knitting tea cosies.

Email: nicky@aware-ni.org

Pamela joined AWARE NI in June 2021, having previously worked for 20 years in administration/finance within the voluntary/mental health sector.

Pamela is passionate about supporting young people in her local community and is a volunteer in a local organisation working with children in the area.

Email: pamela@aware-ni.org

Hannah joined AWARE NI in May 2021, bringing two years of experience from a local children’s charity. In her role, she plays a vital part in supporting the Communications and Fundraising teams, focusing on event recruitment, promotion, and marketing strategies while crafting compelling content and press releases to share the success stories of our fundraising partnerships. Hannah’s passion for mental health is deeply personal, stemming from her experience caring for someone with depression. When she’s not working, you can find her staying active, enjoying time with friends, or exploring new travel destinations.

Email: hannah@aware-ni.org

Margaret is one of our Community Fundraiser and works with fundraising teams particularly in the North West of the province. Margaret works closely alongside the Omagh AWARE NI Committee who have organised some extremely successful fundraising events to date.

Email: margaret@aware-ni.org

My journey with AWARE NI started in 2016 as a volunteer fundraiser, followed by becoming a volunteer Support Group Facilitator in January 2024.

Having experienced PTSD following a car accident 20+ years ago, I am very passionate about mental health. I have been so impressed by the work AWARE NI does and share its vision for ‘A future where people can talk about their mental health openly, access services appropriate to their needs and have the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health.’

Having spent over 30 years in the insurance industry, I joined AWARE NI in a professional capacity in September 2024 as a Corporate Relationship Officer, responsible for generating income through corporate relationships.

Email: mary@aware-ni.org

Olivia joined the AWARE NI Team in October 2022 as an Administrator for the Education and Training team. She is passionate about encouraging people to talk about their mental health.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys travelling, spending time with her friends and listening to music.

Email: olivia@aware-ni.org

Colleen joined the AWARE NI team in May of 2023 as an Administrator for the Education and Training team, bringing experience from previous administration roles.

In her spare time, Colleen enjoys photography, spending time with her family, and socialising with friends.

Email: colleen@aware-ni.org

Stephanie joined the AWARE NI team in March 2020 as the Administrator for our Education and Training team. She has 11 years’ experience in administration and has been a volunteer for a number of youth organisations over the past 10 years. She is also a Trainee Counsellor and has a passion for helping people feel heard and supported, especially those who are struggling with mental health issues.

Email: stephanie@aware-ni.org

Emma joined AWARE NI in 2022, having previously worked at two other local charities as a project worker and regional coordinator. She is passionate about promoting good mental health, resilience and wellbeing, especially with children. Emma was previously a teacher and spent ten years teaching in England and in the Middle East, and provided pastoral care and wellbeing as a year head. She previously taught English as a Foreign Language, in Prague, Berlin and Bolivia, and enjoyed being able to travel and experience new cultures.

Outside work Emma enjoys being outdoors, walking, camping and road trips. She is a keen cook (with mixed results) and enjoys reading, watching films, going to gigs and spending time with friends.

Email: emma@aware-ni.org

Nigel Fyffe joined AWARE NI in June 2019 as an Education and Training Officer. He has previously worked as a trainer/educator in Mental Health, Substance misuse, Community Relations and the Youth Work sector. Outside of work he enjoys sport and the outdoors, and is a keen taxi driver for his two teenagers.

nigel@aware-ni.org

Claire joined AWARE NI in May 2021 as an Education and Training Officer. Claire is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Trainer with a wealth of experience working with charities for 18 years, delivering services and supporting people across NI. She has developed impressive professional networks throughout the Third Sector and HSC Trusts as a result of extensive collaborative work in her previous roles in Cruse Bereavement Care, Alzheimer’s Society and Carers NI. Claire has a strong interest in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, as well as supporting parents’ mental health and educating people so that they feel empowered to look after their health.

In her spare time, Claire enjoys days out with her family and friends, baking with her kids, spending time outdoors, and going to comedy shows.

Email: claire@aware-ni.org

Sharon is an Education and Training Officer with AWARE NI. She has previously worked as a Lecturer in Further Education and in various Learning Support roles for over 20 years. She has achieved a Master's qualification in Education and is a trained Life Coach. Sharon has a passion for developing resilience and good mental health strategies in all sectors of society.

Email: sharon@aware-ni.org

With over 25 years of project management experience, Catherine has worked across a range of sectors, including statutory and non-statutory organisations, specialising in peacebuilding, mental health, youth and heritage projects. Her background is in psychology with organisational sciences, giving her a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and systems within organisations.

Her professional interest focuses on early intervention and prevention strategies, with a keen passion for youth mental health. Catherine plays a key role in representing AWARE NI at influential steering groups, such as various Protect Life Implementation Groups, contributing to the strategic development and implementation of suicide prevention policies across Northern Ireland. In addition to her local and regional work, Catherine has contributed to international projects in the US and South Africa, further broadening her expertise and impact.

Originally from a rural farming background in Donegal, Catherine is also known for her love of a spreadsheet, bringing an analytical and organised approach to her work. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she is an advocate for personal wellbeing, enjoying yoga, walking, and spending time with family and friends in Donegal.

Email: catherine@aware-ni.org

Jemma joined AWARE NI in March 2022 as an Education and Training Officer.

Jemma has worked for a number of charities over the years including RNIB, Mencap, Action Mental Health, alongside volunteering for Woman’s Aid and Samaritans. She has a Masters in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication and is a solution-focused Hypnotherapist.

Jemma is passionate about travelling, her pets, and keeping fit with aerial yoga, aerial hoop, and polercise.

Email: jemma@aware-ni.org 

Sabrina joined the AWARE NI Team in August 2024 as an Administrator for our Support Services and Education and Training teams. She has over 10 years of experience in administration.

Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Email: sabrina@aware-ni.org

Tabi joined AWARE NI in October 2024 after three years as a volunteer support group facilitator. She works alongside Cherry, coordinating support groups, recruiting and supervising volunteers and answering support calls. She recently attained a Masters in Applied Psychology (Mental Health & Psychological Therapies) from Ulster University.

Tabi is deeply passionate about equity and inclusion, particularly LGBTQ and neurodivergent issues. She has two spoiled cats. She loves to knit, read SFF, and play tabletop games with her friends in her spare time.

Email: tabitha@aware-ni.org

Cherry is the Support Services Officer in the Belfast Office at AWARE NI. She coordinates support groups and manages the recruitment and supervision of volunteers in her area. She also organises outreach events and manages AWARE NI's support calls and support mail. Cherry used to volunteer for AWARE NI as a support group facilitator for three years before joining the staff team in October 2014. Her background is in adult and community education.

Email: cherry@aware-ni.org

Caroline is a passionate advocate for improving mental and emotional wellbeing and believes that combating stigma and discrimination is vital in bringing about change. She currently manages the Support Services Team, together with a large team of volunteers, in delivering support services across NI. Before joining the staff team in 2015, Caroline was involved with AWARE NI for over 12 years as a Group Facilitator, Board Member and Company Secretary.

Caroline is also a qualified counsellor/integrative therapist and she is a member of BACP. As well as her connection with the voluntary and community sector, Caroline’s experience of public and private sectors include a wide and varied career with HMRC and links with family business. Outside work Caroline enjoys traveling and loves to spend time with family and friends.

Email: caroline@aware-ni.org

Linda began working for AWARE NI in 2017. She is responsible for helping the Education and Training team organise their training programmes, as well as helping out with the daily Finance and HR duties of the organisation.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and keeping fit.

Email: linda@aware-ni.org

Carole has been working for AWARE NI since October 2010. She carries out administrative duties for the Education and Training department. Carole helps to organise the training programmes, from advertising the courses, taking in the applications to evaluating the forms that the participants fill in. Carole also looks after the day to day duties of the office as well as being PA to the CEO.

Email: carole@aware-ni.org

Linda began working for AWARE NI in 2017. She is responsible for helping the Education and Training team organise their training programmes, as well as helping out with the daily Finance and HR duties of the organisation.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and keeping fit.

Email: linda@aware-ni.org

Carole has been working for AWARE NI since October 2010. She carries out administrative duties for the Education and Training department. Carole helps to organise the training programmes, from advertising the courses, taking in the applications to evaluating the forms that the participants fill in. Carole also looks after the day to day duties of the office as well as being PA to the CEO.

Email: carole@aware-ni.org

Sabrina joined the AWARE NI Team in August 2024 as an Administrator for our Support Services and Education and Training teams. She has over 10 years of experience in administration.

Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Email: sabrina@aware-ni.org

Tabi joined AWARE NI in October 2024 after three years as a volunteer support group facilitator. She works alongside Cherry, coordinating support groups, recruiting and supervising volunteers and answering support calls. She recently attained a Masters in Applied Psychology (Mental Health & Psychological Therapies) from Ulster University.

Tabi is deeply passionate about equity and inclusion, particularly LGBTQ and neurodivergent issues. She has two spoiled cats. She loves to knit, read SFF, and play tabletop games with her friends in her spare time.

Email: tabitha@aware-ni.org

Cherry is the Support Services Officer in the Belfast Office at AWARE NI. She coordinates support groups and manages the recruitment and supervision of volunteers in her area. She also organises outreach events and manages AWARE NI's support calls and support mail. Cherry used to volunteer for AWARE NI as a support group facilitator for three years before joining the staff team in October 2014. Her background is in adult and community education.

Email: cherry@aware-ni.org

Caroline is a passionate advocate for improving mental and emotional wellbeing and believes that combating stigma and discrimination is vital in bringing about change. She currently manages the Support Services Team, together with a large team of volunteers, in delivering support services across NI. Before joining the staff team in 2015, Caroline was involved with AWARE NI for over 12 years as a Group Facilitator, Board Member and Company Secretary.

Caroline is also a qualified counsellor/integrative therapist and she is a member of BACP. As well as her connection with the voluntary and community sector, Caroline’s experience of public and private sectors include a wide and varied career with HMRC and links with family business. Outside work Caroline enjoys traveling and loves to spend time with family and friends.

Email: caroline@aware-ni.org

Olivia joined the AWARE NI Team in October 2022 as an Administrator for the Education and Training team. She is passionate about encouraging people to talk about their mental health.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys travelling, spending time with her friends and listening to music.

Email: olivia@aware-ni.org

Colleen joined the AWARE NI team in May of 2023 as an Administrator for the Education and Training team, bringing experience from previous administration roles.

In her spare time, Colleen enjoys photography, spending time with her family, and socialising with friends.

Email: colleen@aware-ni.org

Stephanie joined the AWARE NI team in March 2020 as the Administrator for our Education and Training team. She has 11 years’ experience in administration and has been a volunteer for a number of youth organisations over the past 10 years. She is also a Trainee Counsellor and has a passion for helping people feel heard and supported, especially those who are struggling with mental health issues.

Email: stephanie@aware-ni.org

Emma joined AWARE NI in 2022, having previously worked at two other local charities as a project worker and regional coordinator. She is passionate about promoting good mental health, resilience and wellbeing, especially with children. Emma was previously a teacher and spent ten years teaching in England and in the Middle East, and provided pastoral care and wellbeing as a year head. She previously taught English as a Foreign Language, in Prague, Berlin and Bolivia, and enjoyed being able to travel and experience new cultures.

Outside work Emma enjoys being outdoors, walking, camping and road trips. She is a keen cook (with mixed results) and enjoys reading, watching films, going to gigs and spending time with friends.

Email: emma@aware-ni.org

Nigel Fyffe joined AWARE NI in June 2019 as an Education and Training Officer. He has previously worked as a trainer/educator in Mental Health, Substance misuse, Community Relations and the Youth Work sector. Outside of work he enjoys sport and the outdoors, and is a keen taxi driver for his two teenagers.

nigel@aware-ni.org

Claire joined AWARE NI in May 2021 as an Education and Training Officer. Claire is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Trainer with a wealth of experience working with charities for 18 years, delivering services and supporting people across NI. She has developed impressive professional networks throughout the Third Sector and HSC Trusts as a result of extensive collaborative work in her previous roles in Cruse Bereavement Care, Alzheimer’s Society and Carers NI. Claire has a strong interest in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, as well as supporting parents’ mental health and educating people so that they feel empowered to look after their health.

In her spare time, Claire enjoys days out with her family and friends, baking with her kids, spending time outdoors, and going to comedy shows.

Email: claire@aware-ni.org

Sharon is an Education and Training Officer with AWARE NI. She has previously worked as a Lecturer in Further Education and in various Learning Support roles for over 20 years. She has achieved a Master's qualification in Education and is a trained Life Coach. Sharon has a passion for developing resilience and good mental health strategies in all sectors of society.

Email: sharon@aware-ni.org

With over 25 years of project management experience, Catherine has worked across a range of sectors, including statutory and non-statutory organisations, specialising in peacebuilding, mental health, youth and heritage projects. Her background is in psychology with organisational sciences, giving her a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and systems within organisations.

Her professional interest focuses on early intervention and prevention strategies, with a keen passion for youth mental health. Catherine plays a key role in representing AWARE NI at influential steering groups, such as various Protect Life Implementation Groups, contributing to the strategic development and implementation of suicide prevention policies across Northern Ireland. In addition to her local and regional work, Catherine has contributed to international projects in the US and South Africa, further broadening her expertise and impact.

Originally from a rural farming background in Donegal, Catherine is also known for her love of a spreadsheet, bringing an analytical and organised approach to her work. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she is an advocate for personal wellbeing, enjoying yoga, walking, and spending time with family and friends in Donegal.

Email: catherine@aware-ni.org

Jemma joined AWARE NI in March 2022 as an Education and Training Officer.

Jemma has worked for a number of charities over the years including RNIB, Mencap, Action Mental Health, alongside volunteering for Woman’s Aid and Samaritans. She has a Masters in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication and is a solution-focused Hypnotherapist.

Jemma is passionate about travelling, her pets, and keeping fit with aerial yoga, aerial hoop, and polercise.

Email: jemma@aware-ni.org 

Nicky came to AWARE NI from the health service, having worked within HSC for 15 years in finance and administration. She is currently in her final year of training to become an integrative counsellor. Nicky is particularly interested in outdoor therapies and the part they play in mental well-being. In her spare time, she enjoys running (when she can!), walking with her two spaniels, attending folk festivals and knitting tea cosies.

Email: nicky@aware-ni.org

Pamela joined AWARE NI in June 2021, having previously worked for 20 years in administration/finance within the voluntary/mental health sector.

Pamela is passionate about supporting young people in her local community and is a volunteer in a local organisation working with children in the area.

Email: pamela@aware-ni.org

Hannah joined AWARE NI in May 2021, bringing two years of experience from a local children’s charity. In her role, she plays a vital part in supporting the Communications and Fundraising teams, focusing on event recruitment, promotion, and marketing strategies while crafting compelling content and press releases to share the success stories of our fundraising partnerships. Hannah’s passion for mental health is deeply personal, stemming from her experience caring for someone with depression. When she’s not working, you can find her staying active, enjoying time with friends, or exploring new travel destinations.

Email: hannah@aware-ni.org

Margaret is one of our Community Fundraiser and works with fundraising teams particularly in the North West of the province. Margaret works closely alongside the Omagh AWARE NI Committee who have organised some extremely successful fundraising events to date.

Email: margaret@aware-ni.org

My journey with AWARE NI started in 2016 as a volunteer fundraiser, followed by becoming a volunteer Support Group Facilitator in January 2024.

Having experienced PTSD following a car accident 20+ years ago, I am very passionate about mental health. I have been so impressed by the work AWARE NI does and share its vision for ‘A future where people can talk about their mental health openly, access services appropriate to their needs and have the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health.’

Having spent over 30 years in the insurance industry, I joined AWARE NI in a professional capacity in September 2024 as a Corporate Relationship Officer, responsible for generating income through corporate relationships.

Email: mary@aware-ni.org

Courtney joined AWARE NI in March 2023, bringing a strong academic background in international relations and conflict transformation (BA, MA) and a proven track record in social media communications and digital activism. She is passionate about promoting human rights, empowering women, and championing sustainability and mental health. With expertise in creating engaging digital content, she is passionate about crafting creative and innovative campaigns that drive engagement and inspire action. Outside of work, she’s a Lucy & Yak dungarees fan, adores her two pugs Bo and Pugsy, and enjoys listening to K-Pop.

Email: courtney@aware-ni.org

Kate joined AWARE NI in January 2020. She has a degree and a master's in Journalism and Media and has recently attained professional qualifications in Digital Marketing. Kate moved home to Belfast after living in Australia for two years and before that, she travelled around Asia for 6 months. Kate is passionate about human rights, current affairs, mental health and making NI a better place to live. In her spare time, she enjoys socialising with friends and family, going to music festivals, yoga & walking her dogs.

Email: kate@aware-ni.org

Patricia joined AWARE NI in January 2004. Patricia is responsible for the smooth running of the organisation including management of Finance and Human Resources. In her spare time Patricia enjoys walking and Zumba.

Email: patricia@aware-ni.org

Leigh joined AWARE NI in February 2024 with nearly 20 years of experience working in the voluntary sector in roles of event management, fundraising and marketing with a number of local organisations. She spent 13 years in Community Fundraising for a local cancer charity. Leigh’s role as Head of Fundraising is to create and deliver the annual fundraising strategy, leading the fundraising team to generate income through corporate relationships, community fundraising, general donations and events. Outside work, Leigh enjoys walking and spending time with her friends and family.

email: leigh@aware-ni.org

Karen joined AWARE in November 2018 after serving 10 years as the CEO of a counselling charity. Karen’s role focuses on working closely with the Board to ensure the effective governance and strategic planning of the organisation as well as playing a key role in promoting the services of the organisation and lobbying on matters relevant to our users. Karen has a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters in Social Policy, and whilst having spent most of her career in the community and voluntary sector, she also worked within local government and in a non-departmental public body. Outside work, Karen enjoys running and spending time with her family.

email: karen@aware-ni.org

Leah joined the AWARE NI team in 2019, bringing with her extensive experience from her career as an artist, having worked in both London and Los Angeles. Prior to her role at AWARE NI, Leah spent six years collaborating closely with renowned artist will.i.am. During this time, she supported high-profile events such as the Grammys and BBC’s The Voice, as well as working with national and regional media outlets across the UK.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the music industry, Leah has long been committed to supporting initiatives that promote mental well-being. After returning to Northern Ireland, she was inspired by the important work being done by AWARE NI and was eager to contribute to the organisation’s mission.

In her spare time, Leah enjoys singing and songwriting, and values spending quality time with her family.