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 – 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 – Social and Community Care 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.

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