Operations Team

My name is Valerie Duffy, and I joined the EPIC team in October 2024 as Advocacy and General Administrator.  

My role involves admin for EPIC’s advocacy and operations teams. I’m the person at the end of the phone and emails, linking in with all areas of our work and helping systems work smoothly. I work closely with the COO and the Advocacy Managers, along with the rest of EPIC team.

Before joining EPIC, I have had a varied career path that has led to this role. Most recently, I have been a foster carer and worked on the Irish Foster Carers Association helpline. I’ve always been drawn to caregiving and charitable roles that make a difference. My previous roles included Office Manager with Suicide or Survive and Sponsorship Co-ordinator with World Vision Ireland. When my children were younger, I owned and managed a Montessori playschool.

I am a qualified Energy Resilience Workshop Trainer and a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) facilitator, with a BA in Early Childhood Studies and a Diploma in Montessori Teaching. Additionally, I work as a freelance facilitator and trainer, delivering professional, honest, and practical resilience and wellness training based on my real-life experiences as a mum, foster carer, and educator. I am currently studying for a 200-hour Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training qualification and have recently taken on the role of Youth Advocate for YAP Ireland, which I do in my spare time.