Sandra Feeney-Charles – Executive Director 

A proud Galway native, Sandra graduated from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology 1996 as Valedictorian with an honors degree in Hotel and Catering Management. She has worked in hospitality management in Ireland, France, Switzerland, and the US. Following five years on the management team with the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group in New York, Sandra traveled throughout South-East Asia where her exposure to the developing world kindled her compassionate nature. For the next 10 years she worked with the international humanitarian organization, Concern Worldwide supporting 40 of the poorest countries in the world. Sandra has been the Executive Director of the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center since 2019. Following a highly successful Capital Campaign and major building redevelopment, she has overseen the transition to the newly developed Aisling Center. Leading a highly dedicated team of committed staff and volunteers, she is keen to build on well developed Social Services and Senior programs, and to grow Youth and Culture Programs at the Aisling Center that will benefit the local community, and beyond for many years.

Paola Kennedy – Operations Manager

Paola hails from Co. Westmeath the primary coordinator of operations at the Aisling Center. She is the main contact for building room rentals, ensures that programs are registered and that they run smoothly within the building. Paola is also the contact person and supervisor for third party vendors and contractors engaged in maintaining the safety of all operations. She is our chief Office Administrator and assists in many varied projects within AICC.

Paola is a lover of all creatures great and small. But, more than that, Paola functions as a sometimes connoisseur of sarcasm and wit but she is always the voice of reason at the AICC. If Paola doesn’t have the answer, she knows who to ask and where to find it!

Stephanie Messing – Culture and Events Officer

Aneesa Addarich – Community Outreach Coordinator

Ann-Marie O’Reilly – Psychotherapist, Social Worker, LMSW

A proud County Meath native, Ann-Marie graduated from Fordham University Graduate School of Service with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from Hunter College, with study in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a certificate in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She worked in human resources in Europe and the US before switching to social work and mental health counseling.

In her work, she creates a safe and nurturing space where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. Her goal is to support them in their healing journey, help them uncover their strengths and develop coping strategies. She wants her clients to feel understood, validated, and ultimately capable of leading fulfilling lives. She specializes in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss, as well as those seeking personal growth. Clients often seek tools to manage stress, improve self-esteem, handle loss and build healthier relationships. Her approach is client-centered, focusing on clients’ unique stories and goals. With a compassionate and holistic approach, she integrates a blend of evidence-based therapies and mindfulness techniques to facilitate healing. As an immigrant, she understands the difficulties of integrating to new cultures.