National Advocacy Service Team

My name is Catherine, and I joined the EPIC team in December 2023 as an Advocate. I provide independent advocacy to care-experienced children and young people across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, and the Midlands.

I enjoy empowering children and young people, where they are at any given time, to communicate their feelings, thought, and needs to the adults, professionals, and services that care for them. I am enthusiastic about educating children and young adults about their rights and ensuring that their voices are heard and taken into consideration before decisions that relate to them are made.

Before joining EPIC, I worked in children’s residential centres for eight years, both mainstream and for separated children seeking international protection. Prior to this, I worked in homeless residential centres, as a project worker and a manager. I also have teaching experience.

My qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies from Trinity College Dublin, a MSc Management from UCD, a BA Hons in English, and Higher Diploma in Education.