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!

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.