Our Staff

Meet our staff!

At our organization, our staff is the backbone of our community. Our dedicated and passionate staff members work tirelessly to ensure that our programs and services run smoothly and effectively. From our friendly front desk team to our experienced instructors and counselors, our staff is committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone we serve. With their expertise and genuine care, our staff plays a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. At every step of the way, our staff is here to support you and help make your experience at our organization a truly memorable one.

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 – Officer Manager

Paola hails from Co. Westmeath, Ireland and works as the Office Manager at Aisling center. Paola is the main contact for any questions regarding the Aisling Center building or room rentals. Paola is also a confirmed killer of desktop plants, sarcasm connoisseur and enjoys talks to oneself! Paola is also an extreme lover of all creatures great and small and her favorite saying “You’re just jealous because the voices are talking to me.”

Stephanie Messing – Culture and Events Officer

Stephanie is an accomplished Event Manager with a diverse background in marketing, production, and event planning. A graduate of SUNY Purchase College, Stephanie earned a dual major in Marketing and Playwriting/Screenwriting. Her early career began at a production company where she focused on business-to-business marketing and crafted scripts for advertisements.

Stephanie’s path eventually led her to the event planning industry. She has expanded her career working at various venues and planning a wide range of events including weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, special events, and corporate gatherings. Stephanie specializes in full-scope event management, handling all aspect from conception through execution. In addition to her event management experience, Stephanie is a published writer, with articles featured in various Hudson Valley news outlets. Stephanie is eager to contribute her skills and experience to the Aisling Center, helping to create impactful and memorable events!

Aneesa Addarich – Social and Community Care Coordinator

Aneesa is a first-generation college graduate with an honors degree in Human Development and a minor in Immigration Studies from Binghamton University. She has broad experience in leadership and service, including as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). During a ten-month national service program, she led a team of six members on impactful projects, including constructing affordable homes with Habitat for Humanity in Montana, restoring hiking trails and working on an organic farm in Oregon, and furnishing apartments for newly arrived Afghan refugee families in California. Aneesa’s role encompassed logistics coordination, team supervision, and fostering community partnerships, resulting in measurable, lasting impacts.

After AmeriCorps NCCC, she worked as an Impact Manager with City Year New York, collaborating with school administrators to drive student success at a middle school in the South Bronx. Most recently, she worked in Maine as a Hut Crew Member at Maine Huts and Trails. In this role, she acted as a live-in caretaker of a backcountry ecolodge managing lodge operations, green energy systems, and trail maintenance. When Aneesa is not at the Aisling Center, you can probably find her in the woods, reading nonfiction, or cooking.

Lauren McCormack – Social Worker

From Kilkenny, Ireland. Lauren studied for five years at University College Cork where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Science and Masters in Social Work. Lauren is a New York State Licensed Social Worker (LMSW) and continues to hold her Social Worker licensing with CORU, Health and Social Care Professionals Council Ireland and is a member of the Irish Association of Social Workers and National Association of Social Workers. Lauren is experienced in working with individuals with mental health diagnosis, experiencing homelessness, addiction issues, individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, ethnic minority groups and disadvantaged populations. Lauren has a keen interest in child protection and welfare guided by her previous role as a Child Protection and Welfare Social Worker with TUSLA Child and Family Agency in Kilkenny, Ireland. Lauren is experienced in responding directly to reports of child abuse and/or neglect and partnering with families and community resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Siobhan Henry, Chairperson

Nuala Purcell, Vice Chairperson

Sinead Faughnan, Treasurer

Tara McElligott, Secretary

Mike Boyle

Eibhlin Donlon-Farry

JP Delaney

Kathy Galvin

Sean James

John Lyons

Eilish Maguire

Denis Mulcahy

William Regan