Meet the Team

Karen Kiernan | CEO

One Family’s CEO Karen Kiernan has been leading the organisation since 2001. As CEO, Karen is One Family’s spokesperson and represents issues affecting one-parent families and those experiencing unplanned pregnancies in national media, to Government Committees, in written policy submissions and in a wide range of advocacy meetings, conferences and other fora.

For media interview: Karen Kiernan, CEO on 01 662 9212 / 086 850 9191

Bernadette Donlon | Finance Manager

Our Finance Manager Bernadette Donlon leads the financial, governance and reporting requirements of One Family.

Joanne Chee | Office Manager

Joanne Chee leads the IT, HR and Operational requirements of One Family. Joanne has 10 years office administration and coordinating experience and a qualification in psychotherapy.

Niamh Reynolds | Receptionist

Louise O’Neill | Receptionist

Geraldine Kelly | Director of Parenting and Professional Development Services

Geraldine Kelly leads One Family’s Parenting and Professional Development Services. Geraldine has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Care & Education. Prior to this, she qualified in Preschool Care and Applied Social Studies. She also has a Master’s degree in Child, Family and Community Studies. She is a qualified Parent Mentor, having a level 6 award in Parent Mentoring and in Effective Communications, and is a practicing mediator specialising in parenting and family transitions.

Aisling Kelly | Practice Manager

Lorraine Ryan | Parenting Team Administrator

Lisa Nolan | Family Support Worker

Mary Pierce | Family Support Worker & Parent Mentor

Andrea Napier | Early Years Family Support Worker & Parent Mentor

Louise Menton |Early Years Family Support Worker

Sarah Devilly | Counsellor

Jenny Corrigan | Counsellor

Pauline Dobbs | Counsellor

Barbara Doyle| Counsellor

Lisa Maguire | Counselling Support Worker

Mary Burns | Creative Therapist

Roisín Sarsfield | Creative Therapist

Valerie Maher | Helpline Manager

Valerie has worked in One Family since 2013 and leads the Helpline & Information Service which incorporates the askonefamily helpline, email support, website information hub and social media information provision.

Ciara Ní Bhroin | Helpline Worker

Siobhan Nugent | Helpline Worker

Valerie Maher | Adult Education & Information Manager

Valerie Maher currently holds the role of Adult Education & Information Manager with One Family and has worked with us since 2013. Valerie obtained her BA (Hons) in Psychology from Maynooth University and also holds a first class honours Master’s degree in Social Science, Human Rights and Social Policy; specialising in labour market activation policies and their impact on lone parents. She is a registered member of the Irish Teaching Council in the area of further education and holds a Level 6 QQI Train the Trainer qualification.

Niamh Wynne | New Futures Project Co-ordinator

Antoinette Guiney | New Futures Key Worker

Emma Reynolds | New Futures Key Worker

Cindy Hughes | New Futures Programme Tutor

Noel Sweeney | Communications & Events Manager

Noel Sweeney leads One Family’s communication service with 17 years experience managing communications and public relations functions in large corporations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Noel has a Master’s degree in Public Relations, Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy. Noel is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland.

For media enquiries: 01 662 9212/ 085 724 1294

Kylie Kinsella | Social Media Content Creator

Niamh Kelly | Policy Manager

Niamh Kelly has worked in One Family since 2021 and leads our policy work, with a particular focus on child poverty. Niamh represents issues affecting one-parent families at a wide range of fora including at Oireachtas Committees, with politicians and Government departments, in the media and as a member of alliances and working groups. Niamh manages research projects to inform One Family’s policy work and writes submissions and position papers on a wide range of topics affecting the families we represent. Niamh has an Master’s degree in Equality Studies from UCD.