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.
NATALIE WHELEHAN
Chief Executive
As Chief Executive of CiNI, Natalie is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the organisation. She is a committed children’s rights advocate and has many years’ experience of working in the children and young people’s sector in Northern Ireland.
Natalie is a member of the Safeguarding Board (NI) and The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership. In her spare time she enjoys listening to music and walking her dog, Foxy.
ROGER GOWDY
Head of Operations
Roger manages the finances and operations of the organisation and oversees the office staff.
When he’s not doing that, Roger enjoys relaxing with his wife and kids, making videos and podcasts, and being geeky about coffee, tech, and music.
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.
ERNEST PURVIS
Head of Policy
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 two young children keep him on his toes most weekends!
NOELEEN LYNN
Communications and Business Development Coordinator
Noeleen coordinates the organisation’s communications and business development, helping to raise the organisation’s profile and engage with partners to support income generation.
With over 14 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, she has a strong background in communications, income generation, fundraising, and corporate engagement.
She is passionate about supporting charities to grow and thrive.
CAROL MORROW
Office and Training Coordinator
Carol coordinates the day-to-day running of CiNI’s office and works with colleagues, trainers and partner organisations to deliver the organisation’s training programme. Before joining CiNI, she spent over 15 years supporting senior leaders and boards across a range of sectors. She has a strong background in office management, governance, HR administration, compliance and project coordination.
Outside work, Carol enjoys attending music concerts and watching Liverpool Football Club.
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.
