Who am I ?

I am a Psychology Major Graduate, with a Postgraduate in Science, and a M.Sc. in Counselling & Psychotherapy. I have also earned multiple professional certifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Life and Whole Health Coaching, and Veteran Care. Coming from a family with a strong Intergenerational tradition of service in the Irish Defence Forces, I have proudly served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Medical Corps. I currently serve as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel. In this role, I provide leadership and strategic oversight in support of the CEO, focusing on strengthening ONE’s mission and advancing its core objectives: supporting the needs of Irish veterans. This includes providing accommodation for homeless and vulnerable veterans through ONE’s network of Veteran Homes, as well as offering guidance, resources, and mental health support. I work collaboratively with stakeholders, advocacy networks, and veteran organisations to ensure that "no Irish veteran is left behind", promoting dignity, respect, and wellbeing for all who have served. My professional specialisation will always focus and remain centered on veteran mental health and the broader landscape of military mental health, with a strong commitment to addressing the unique psychological and social challenges faced by those who have served. I am dedicated to advancing evidence-based, trauma-informed care that recognises the intersection of mental health, housing instability and the lasting impact of military service. Through advocacy, clinical practice, and continued learning, I strive to promote stability, recovery, and holistic well being for veterans and their families.

I have appeared before the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security for the debate on Key Issues Affecting Defence Forces Veterans, presenting insights and evidence to inform parliamentary discussions on veteran support, policy, and services. I have also been featured in newspapers, radio, and other publications for my work supporting Irish Defence Forces veterans. Outlets such as The Southern Star, Irish Independent, Tipperary Live and Radio Kerry have covered my appointment as the first female Veteran Support Officer for Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), as well as my work providing guidance, mental health support, and housing assistance to veterans. My leadership in establishing an ONE Veteran Support Centre has also been highlighted, showcasing the importance of peer support, counselling, and community engagement for veterans and their families. In addition I have also spoken on national radio and news which includes an in depth interview on The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk, where I discussed the challenges veterans face and the importance of veteran support services. Coverage connected to my work has appeared in broadcasts on RTÉ & Radio 1, highlighting veteran support efforts and services available to those who served. These platforms have helped raise awareness of the lived realities facing Irish veterans and the support networks being developed to meet those needs. Through this media recognition, my work is acknowledged for its focus on dignity, respect, and the holistic support of all who have served, while raising awareness of the challenges faced by the veteran community.

Beyond my professional leadership, I am an author and poet. My writing is deeply rooted in lived experience and explores themes of mental health, military life, and personal reflection. These inspirations are embodied in my first published collection, Letters from the Soul, Vol. 1, a heartfelt collection that focused on giving a voice to untold stories and my professional journey. My follow up work, Letters from the Soul, Vol. 2: Lost in the Shadows , A Collection of Military Poetry, serves as a poignant tribute to the memories and experiences of those who have served. In addition to my poetry, I have contributed to research and publications on military mental health, and authored mental health support booklets addressing wellbeing across the lifespan. Whether through leadership, advocacy, research, or literature, my mission remains the same: to foster connection, compassion, and courage, helping veteran communities heal, grow, and find strength in their own stories.