Who We Are
CAIM EMPOWERS is a Social Change and Inclusion Consultancy.
We work primarily with marginalised young people who are often in minority groups, for example Disabled and Neurodivergent youth, young carers and young people in the criminal justice system and/or experiencing socio-economic poverty and deprivation. Young people who face complex and far-reaching challenges in their lives.
Whilst much of our work is directly with young people, it is not limited to this and the programs, projects and training that we offer, takes a holistic wrap around approach to the various actors in a child’s life, following Uri Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory of child development. Following the idea that it takes a village to raise a child - we believe it takes a whole society, and we aim to support that society in helping young people achieve their potential and to feel safe and valued.
Our highly skilled facilitators come with a wide range of qualifications and experience working with young people in a variety of roles, from education, health, youth work, social care and many more personal life experiences. Meet the team below and take a look at our Programs Page to find out more of what we offer - although the possibilities are limitless - just like the potential of young people.
Faye Hayden
Faye is the Director of Services at CAIM Empowers, she is the lead on the identiciation of target groups and works with them design, delivery and evaluate programs, projescts and training.
Faye led an CCM award winning Quality and Compliance team in the finacial sector where training design and delivery was part of her daily role, she brought this skillset to the community and volunteer sector when she changed career direction in 2014. Faye has led various social justice and youth programs since and led the Roscommon Young Carers Project to the National Lottery Good Causes Best Youth Project award in 2023.
Faye is a mum to 3 neurodivergent children (autism, ADHD, PDA, situational mutism, dyslexia, OCD) and was diagnosed with ADHD herself at age 47. Faye has 30 years youthwork experience in volunteer and paid roles. She has a degree in Law, an MA in Social Justice and Public Policy and is a trained SNA. She guest lectures at UCC in Advocacy and Autism Studies, and is chairwoman of ‘Not ok in schooI Ireland (NOISI) and member of Families Unite for Services and Support (FUSS).
Faye’s favourite foods are chocolate and hummus, and she is a dedicated Dermot and Dave fan, patiently waiting for the day they reunite.
Mick Hayden
Mick is the Director of Administraion and has worked in the finance industry for over 27 years. He is a highly experienced and motivated Programme Manager, successful at directing change management initiatives requiring fast-paced execution. Over 13 years in project management roles specialising in complex technical migration implementations across multiple systems & partners.
Mick has previous financial background ensures strong vendor management and financial skillset resulting in on time and on budget delivery.
Mick has volunteered with the Arch Club, and various youth clubs and as a coach for youth sports teams. Sport is his passion, most especially rugby but if it is on a sports channel, he’ll watch.
Joanne Lawrie
Joanne Lawrie, a Leitrim resident since 2001, is a dedicated mother of two children with dyslexia. Her career in supporting children and families began in the 1980s, culminating in her qualification as a Social Worker in the U.K. during the 1990s. Joanne's extensive professional background includes roles in residential care, women's refuges, family support, child protection, and Child and Adolescent mental health, specializing in trauma and abuse issues. A qualified counsellor, adolescent psychotherapist, and play therapist, she previously owned and operated Oaktree Counselling and Psychotherapy service. Currently, Joanne devotes her time to caring for her elderly mother.
Bernadette Baker
Bernadette, a mother to three boys, including two adults, is the primary caregiver for her youngest, who has ADHD, ASD, PDA, and possibly dyslexia. The middle child also has dyslexia and undiagnosed ADHD, while Bernadette herself deals with ADHD and dyslexia.
With 16 years of experience, Bernadette is a fully qualified youth worker and child advocate, holding expertise in sexual health and drug addiction training. Outside of her professional life, she finds relaxation in crafting, particularly in making miniature houses and knitting.
Lourdes Sanchez
Lourdes Sanchez is a Spanish citizen who has been over 25 years living in Ireland. Her professional expertise is in Human Resources and Business Management. She has a strong interest in social justice, specially gender equality, and most recently in disability rights: Her thesis was on work life balance and gender equality for which she received a special mention and was first in class. Having a 17 year old autistic child has driven further interests in psychology, advocacy and politics. When time allows, her favourite hobbies are reading and traveling, but most of all, spending quality time with her husband, her three children, and her mam. Her autistic child has enriched her life to the point that she considers herself a better person because of him, Conor has made her life highly meaningful, filled with purpose and satisfaction. Conor has also empowered Lourdes in unimaginable ways, turning her into the strong woman she currently is.
Rachel Martin
Rachel, an autistic (and ADHD) mother of three Neurodivergent kids aged 12, 10, and 6, holds a BSc in Nursing from DCU earned in 2009. After nursing at Beaumont Hospital until 2019, she took a career break to care for her children, eventually founding FUSS Ireland in 2022. As a Resources Consultant for the group, Rachel utilizes her nursing background and advocacy work to fight for properly resourced services and educational settings. Beyond her commitments, she indulges in her love for painting, creatively applying it to anything, even cakes!
Shona Golden
Shona, a seasoned secondary school teacher with a degree in Art and Design, is a devoted advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion. With over 20 years of experience, she actively participates in advocacy groups for dyspraxia, visual impairment, and SEN. Shona's passion extends to teaching art across diverse age groups, running her own art school, and pursuing a diploma in Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is overcoming a fear of water, cherishing family time at the beach, and enjoying her love for animals and the outdoors.
Sheila Flynn
Sheila, a mother to two neurodivergent teenagers with Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia, brings over 30 years of experience in Early Years, Children, Youth, and Families. With qualifications in Early Education, Community and Family Support, Adult Education, and Diversity and Inclusion, Sheila has spent the past 24 years managing a Community Childcare Centre and working closely with the Traveller Community. She has expertise in delivering QQI Childcare Education courses and has recently taken on a role working with families in the community. In her leisure time, Sheila indulges her passion for crafting, amassing materials for meticulously planned future projects.
Noelle Younkin
Noelle Younkin is a mom to two incredible young adults facing various challenges. Formerly a pediatric nurse, she shifted to a full-time caregiver role, specializing in her children's unique needs. As a foster and adoptive mom, Noelle advocates for children in care and those with adverse childhood experiences. Actively engaged in support groups for Autism, special needs, and caregiving, she currently chairs an all-island group for FASD. Noelle's happy place is in her garden, appreciating the resilience of plants under her care.