STAFF
Our team of dedicated professionals and industry experts work tirelessly to effect change and shape policies which impact the welfare of our children and young people in Northern Ireland.
PAULINE LEESON, CBE
Chief Executive
As Chief Executive of CiNI, Pauline is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the organisation. She chairs the Children with a Disability Alliance and the Child Poverty Alliance. Pauline also is a member of the Safeguarding Board (NI) and The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership.
In her spare time she loves walking the dog and bee keeping.
ROGER GOWDY
Office & Finance Manager
Roger manages the finances of the organisation and oversees the office staff.
When he’s not doing that, Roger enjoys relaxing with his wife and kids, making films and being geeky about coffee, Apple products, and music.
CIARAN TRAYNOR
Learning & Development Officer
Ciaran designs and delivers learning and development activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and resilience of participants. He aims for training to be memorable, fun and to have a positive impact on service delivery.
He is a Social Worker and retired clown who has over 20 years of experience as a consultant, trainer and coach.
SUSAN WALLACE
Learning & Development Officer
Susan creates and facilitates training, which is child centred, informative and evidence based. She has a particular interest in social and emotional wellbeing, resilience and co-regulation.
Susan has a background in both Education and Social Work. She is mum to 2 young children, and enjoys spending time outside with them.
LAUREL LITTLEWOOD
Digital Marketing & Engagement Coordinator
Laurel manages CiNI’s and Parentline NI’s digital innovation projects and strategy. She creates content and maintains our social media presence in order to develop relationships and connect with our members, children, young people and parents.
Laurel is passionate about mental health and wellness. She has two kids and two dogs who keep her very busy!
ERNEST PURVIS
Policy Officer
Ernest manages CiNI’s policy work. He develops plans and strategies to influence government and the general public on issues affecting children, young people and their families.
He has previously worked in politics, at Assembly level, and holds a PhD from the University of Liverpool for his research on the drug trade in Northern Ireland.
Ernest loves travelling, films, and football. His young son keeps him on his toes most weekends!
Hayley Brydges
Office and Training Co-ordinator
Hayley is responsible for coordinating the CiNI office at Montgomery Road, Belfast and the training CiNI provides across NI.
Before CiNI she was a youth worker for 8 years and is a Mental Health First Aider.
In her free time Hayley like gaming, cooking food from across the world and spending time by the sea.
DARREN CURTIS
Locality Development Officer
Darren is the Locality Development Officer for the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) and is based in Armagh. Darren is responsible for 6 Locality Planning Groups (LPGs) in the Southern Outcomes Area: Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dungannon, Newry & Mourne and South Armagh. These are partnerships of key services and organisation aiming to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Darren has been a Youth and Community Worker since 1996 and is a qualified Mental Health Nurse
In his spare time he enjoys cooking, sport and finding new music to listen to.
JOANNE PATTERSON
Locality Programme Support Officer & Office Coordinator
Joanne works in the Southern Area Locality Planning Office providing programme support for 6 Locality Planning Groups.
Joanne is also our office coordinator, working to ensure the smoothest possible running of all things CiNI. Involved in administration, finance, membership and project support every day in the office presents a new challenge and a busy schedule, which is just how she likes it!
When away from her desk, Joanne rarely stays sitting for too long and enjoys being outdoors with her family and coaching youth football.
JUNE ONYEKWELU
Head of Service, Parentline NI
As Head of Service for Parentline NI, June is responsible for the overall management of Northern Ireland’s confidential, regional helpline service ably assisted by a service manager and a team of skilled helpline and community-based staff. As an ex-nurse turned social worker, June has over 30 years of experience in family work across the life cycle such as paediatric nursing, disability, Children Looked After and Dementia care.
June is a keen crafter, creating her bespoke babywear collection ‘Buttonmoon’.
OLIVIA GARRETT
Service Manager, Parentline NI
As Service Manager (job share), Olivia co-ordinates the day-to-day management of Parentline NI, the free regional helpline for parents and carers. Olivia works with the Head of Service and team of Parenting Support officers to ensure the delivery of the helpline and parent support meets the needs of parents across Northern Ireland.
Olivia is a qualified social worker and experienced service manager, specifically in family support and foster care. Olivia has over 25 years working with children and families in the voluntary and statutory sectors. She is a published author on support for family placement and has a special interest in attachment, therapeutic parenting and trauma informed practice.
TRICIA MONROE
Service Manager, Parentline NI
As Service Manager for Parentline NI, Tricia co-ordinates the day-to-day management of Parentline NI, the free regional helpline for parents and carers. Tricia works with the Head of Service and team of Parenting Support officers to ensure the delivery of the helpline and parent support meets the needs of parents across Northern Ireland.
Tricia is a qualified social worker of 10 years, with experience working with Children Looked After in residential and foster care.
GEMMA ROBINSON
Service Co-Ordinator, Parentline NI
Gemma is responsible for providing administrative and information support to the Parentline Team. She has 15 years experience in the area of parenting support.
In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
