Meet the Team

Gerard joined the team of Brain Injury Matters in January 2025 to lead the charity in supporting children, adults and families affected by brain injury across Northern Ireland.

Gerard has experience of leading a UK wide non-clinical support service across 19 paediatric major trauma centres and specialist hospitals supporting children and young adults with brain injuries. Gerard also has experience in leading a national legal support service partnership with 16 specialist major trauma and clinical negligence law firms.

As well as sitting on the National Children’s Major Trauma Rehabilitation Network, Gerard was a member of the four Neurological Alliances of the UK, and sat on the Local Organising Committee for the International Paediatric Brain Injury Society as well as the Patient & Public Voices Reference Group supporting the development of the UK Wide ABI Strategy, amongst other groups and networks.

Gerard has a keen interest in the physical and psychological well-being of people with neurological conditions and has a strong belief in the importance of early intervention alongside the continuation of care for those with long-term support needs.

Fiona joined the Brain Injury Matters team in April 2008 coming from a successful career in the private sector. Fiona is an integral part of the team responible for managing the day to day operation of the business with a key factor on finance.

Mary-Elaine graduated from Queen's University Belfast with a first class honours degree in Psychology in 2010. She continued on to study Applied Psychology (ClinicalSpecialism). Most recently, she is about to complete stage 2 of her systemic practice/family therapy training and her research PhD examining sleep in Cerebral Palsy. Mary-Elaine has worked in a range of clinical settings across the life span, supporting both adults in primary care and children and young people with ASD.

She joined Brain Injury Matters as a volunteer with the Children and Youth Service in October 2021. Now as Research and Policy officer, Mary-Elaine hopes to shape policies and guidance in order to support Brain Injury Matters staff to deliver high quality, person centred care for those living with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

Sarah joined Brain Injury Matters in September 2025 as a Children and Youth Practitioner supporting the social, emotional and psychological wellbeing of children, adolescents and families affected by childhood acquired brain injury (ABI) across the Belfast, Southern and Western Trusts. She graduated from Ulster University with a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology (BSc) and a Master’s in Applied Psychology, and is also an accredited Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. Her dissertation project focused on ABI, a topic that continues to shape her practice.

Sarah’s professional experience includes working within court-mandated family contact services, supporting pupils with additional needs as an LSC and SEN classroom assistant, and delivering structured one-to-one interventions for adults with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. She is passionate about using her skills to make a meaningful difference and is excited to help others strengthen independence, confidence and self-esteem.

Laurissa joined Brain Injury Matters in September 2025 as a Children and Youth Practitioner. In her role, she provides one-to-one support to children and their families, helping them set achievable goals, access relevant resources, and navigate the challenges associated with acquired brain injury.

Laurissa holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology from the University of the West of Scotland and went on to complete a Master of Science in Clinical Health Psychology at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Laurissa brings almost nine years of experience working with children and families in a dynamic, wellbeing-focused environment, having previously worked in a children’s activity and development programme.

She is excited to support the children and families engaging with our services across the Belfast, Northern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust areas. Laurissa is passionate about empowering young people to thrive following a brain injury and is committed to helping families build resilience, confidence, and a strong support network.

Ciara began working with Brain Injury Matters as a contracted Arts Facilitator in November 2019. Ciara has a BA (Hons) Fine Art, (Sheffield Hallam University), P.G.C.E in Visual Arts with subsidiary in Craft, Design Technology, (Leeds University) and an MA (Dist) Art in Public, (University of Ulster).

Over the last 20 years, Ciara has worked as an artist, artist-in residence, arts facilitator, lead artist, arts coordinator and arts manager initiating, developing and managing a wide range of arts projects with people of ages, abilities and disabilities throughout England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, Berlin, Australia, Iceland and in her home, Northern Ireland.

Christine joined Brain Injury Matters in 2023 as a contracted Sports Coordinator for our flagship Pedal Power cycling programme.
Since Christine qualified as a physiotherapist in 1980, she has undertaken clinical work in Northern Ireland and United States of America and has also considerable experience as a clinical supervisor.

Claire has worked in public policy for over 20 years and is Head of Policy with the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) in Northern Ireland. She is a University College Dublin alumna with an MBA from Ulster University. Claire joined the Board in 2019, taking the Chair in 2021.

Vicki is a director of PR at ASG & Partners. A law graduate and PR professional for almost 20 years, she is an accredited CIPR member, visiting university lecturer and PRide winner. She joined the Board in 2017.

Deborah joined the board in 2022. She is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, working as Financial Controller with Dale Farm Cooperative Limited. Deborah has responsibility for consolidation of the group accounts, taxation, payroll and has a particular interest in strategy development.

As the Founder and Director of HIREIQ Group, Shaun provides specialist talent solutions in the Accountancy & Finance sectors across the Island of Ireland, Greater London and New York. Shaun has successfully shaped a consultancy firm that covers both Accountancy and Finance with a focus on innovation, integrity, and quality. Through analysis, research, and strategy, Shaun has helped many businesses grow and flourish by attracting, sourcing, and retaining top talent in their fields.

As someone who underwent major brain surgery following a diagnosis of a brain abscess, Shaun was told he would be in wheelchair for the rest of his life. Defying all odds, Shaun engaged in intensive rehabilitation and walked out of the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit in Musgrave Park Hospital. Shaun is keen to support other families affected by brain injury and raise awareness of the support needs of families affected by brain injury.

Graeme joined the board in 2017 and is a director in Barclay's bank with responsibility for a portfolio of corporate business clients. He manages financing and investment requirements for some of Northern Ireland's largest companies and has significant experience in corporate governance and risk management. Graeme also chairs the charity's Corporate fundraising committee.

Clodagh joined the Board in 2022. She graduated from University of Ulster with a degree in Physiotherapy and worked for 12 years within the Health Service specialising in ergonomics, occupational health and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. For the last 12 years she has held senior manager posts both in Trusts and the Health and Social Care Board within Cancer Services and Stroke Services. She is currently a senior manager within the Belfast Trust and has responsibility for the Trust domiciliary care service.

Stuart joined the Board in 2023 and has over 6 years experience in the Technology industry. Stuart manages clients across the world utilising his HR background and IT systems analyst experience to ensure customers HR and Financial systems are secure and appropriate IT system controls are in place.

Orlaith is an Independent Social Worker and Director of McGibbon Consultancy and Safeguarding Services. She is the Chair of the Northern Ireland Association of Social Workers and a governor with St Ronan’s College Lurgan. She joined the Board in 2023.