Our Expert Advisors
We are indebted to the following people who give generously of their time and expertise to guide and advise HopeSpace
Mary Bluett
Retired Consultant Psychiatrist
Mary is an advisor to the Board of HopeSpace CLG and supports the volunteers. She has specialist training in child and adolescent psychiatry and over forty years of experience working in the field
Helen Culhane
CEO, Limerick Children's Grief Centre
Helen worked for thirteen years as a social worker with TUSLA in the area of Child Protection and Child Psychiatry. In 1991, she obtained an advanced diploma in child protection from Trinity College. She worked as a Senior Social Worker in Milford Care Centre where she set up and facilitated a group work support programme for bereaved children. Helen is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. Helen founded the Limerick Children’s Grief Centre in 2009.
Professor Pat Dolan
UNESCO Chair, Children, Youth and Civic Engagement Director, Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway
Pat has completed a multitude of research and academic publications on children, youth, and family issues, having over 100 peer reviewed academic publications. He has extensive practice and policy experience, both nationally and internationally.
Sinéad Freeley
Chair of the Irish branch of the Association for Child Adolescent Mental Health
Sinéad is a Child and Adolescent Clinical Social Worker and currently works as a Principal Social Worker in CAMHS. She has 20 years of clinical experience and specialises in trauma recovery therapy in child and adolescent mental health and grief and loss work.
Maura Keating
National Coordinator, Irish Childhood Bereavement Network (ICBN)
The ICBN is a hub for those working with bereaved children, young people and their families. The network seeks to advance services, education, training and advocacy for bereaved children in Ireland, and those who support them. Maura has 40 years of experience working in the development of specialist children’s services at a practice and policy level.
Computex
Educational IT Specialist
Computex is an Educational IT specialist company providing expert and cost-effective IT support for schools and colleges across Ireland. Computex believes in the power of technology to transform lives and make the world a better place. The staff understand that children facing grief need special care and support, and generously dedicate their time and expertise to providing IT support to HopeSpace.