Meet the Team

Aideen has been the Accounts and Finance Administrator with Le Cheile since 2019.  She has worked in many varied administrative roles from the Tourist business, Education to banking. She is ATI Technician and IPASS certified.  She has a passion for the outdoors, hillwalking and nature and believes it’s the best tonic for your mental wellbing.

Heather, a blow in from Scotland, has been part of Le Cheile Mentoring since 2006. Starting in the Careers Service, Heather is strongly influenced by valuing social justice and equality of opportunity. This ethos fits perfectly with the volunteer led model of Le Cheile volunteers supporting young people and families overcome barriers to opportunity and positive futured for our mentees.

Simon joined Le Cheile in March 2023 as Restorative Justice Project Officer and has worked in the non-profit sector for 10 years. He enjoys working in Restorative Justice as it has great potential to assist young people involved in the criminal justice system.

Cormac joined the Le Chéile staff team in January 2019, having previously worked with the organisation as a volunteer mentor.  Cormac believes passionately in the empowerment of individuals and communities and has over a decade’s experience working and volunteering in the community and development sector. He is also a firm believer in the ethos of volunteerism and acting in solidarity with others.

Molly joined Le Chéile in 2024 as Communications and Policy Officer. She holds a Master Degree in International Relations. Molly enjoys working in this sector as she believes in the importance of that right support being available at the right time can change someones life forever. Molly wishes to continue to be involved with Le Chéile who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people and those involved.

Ailbe has over 14 years of experience supporting young people and their families within the Youth Justice System.  His qualifications include a Social Science Degree in Youth & Community Work, a Masters in Voluntary & Community Sector Management and Certificates in Addiction Studies and Community Development. Ailbe’s previous experience of serving in the Irish Defence Forces both at home and abroad with the UN, has helped him in developing the ability to quickly prioritise the needs identified by young people/parents being worked with to ensure that their engagement in the mentoring process is as beneficial as possible for them. Ailbe believes that this approach to his work ties in seamlessly with Le Chéile’s vision statement, which is ‘to offer every young person at risk, the right supports at the right time, to make the most of their lives’.

Lyndsey joined Le Chéile Mentoring in 2010 and is the Northeast Coordinator. She has a background working within various social care, family support and charity sectors for over 17 years. Lyndsey has huge passion for supporting young people and families within the Youth Justice Sector.

Allison joined Le cheile in 2018. She has worked in the not for profit sector for over 10 years. Before joining Le cheile, Allison worked primarily in Mental Health and Homeless Services

Maartje, originally from The Netherlands but living in Dublin for over 20 years, joint Le Cheile in May 2024. Before joining Le Cheile Maartje worked in the youth and community sector for 20 years, specialising in mentoring services for young people in the North inner city. She witnessed firsthand what a positive difference, a caring, committed volunteer can make for a mentee and that this can have a lasting lifelong impact on the young person in particular but also on a volunteer by reflecting on your own beliefs, goals, and aspirations.

Lorna Walsh has been the Le Chéile Mentoring Coordinator for the Limerick and Clare regions since 2021. Previously, she served as Le Chéile’s Restorative Justice Project Officer for four years. Lorna holds a Master’s degree in Youth Work and Community Development, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Restorative Practice, Mediation, Human Rights, and Equality. She has also earned additional qualifications in Motivational Interviewing (MIT Ireland) and Effective People Management. Lorna has extensive experience working with marginalised young people, specialising in behavioural, emotional, social, and learning difficulties in both the UK and Ireland. She has also worked in the public and community sectors, including roles at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in Dublin and with Solihull Youth Service in the UK. Lorna believes in the power of mentoring, the possibility of being the person you needed at that age or stage in life.