Board of Directors

Adele has over 20 years’ experience working in the public sector in a variety of service development roles. She started her career as an Environmental Health Officer then gained experience over many years developing services for older people in Belfast City Council, and regionally in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Her skills include leadership, strategy, governance and partnership working - all things she brings to Dementia NI. On joining the Board Adele said, “My work with older people initially attracted me to Dementia NI. However, I am very quickly learning about the complexities of dementia and the wide range of people living with dementia."

John was a commercial fisherman for almost 40 years and travelled throughout the world for work and pleasure. In 2008, John was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and found support through the Alzheimer’s Society's Antrim Friendship group. John became the driving force behind establishing an independent group of people with dementia, which went on to become Dementia NI. John still has an active role within Dementia NI and has been actively involved with consultation and assisting other people with dementia to have their voices heard.

Davie was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at the age of 54. Originally a chef, his life changed dramatically with his diagnosis. Being involved with Dementia NI has really helped him grow in confidence and given him a voice. Having met many incredible people on his journey, he has clearly seen that there is a full life after diagnosis. Davie is very proud to sit on the Board of Dementia NI and shape the future of the charity as well as help to support people when they receive a dementia diagnosis.

A Registered Mental Health Nurse, Siobhan retired in October 2019 after 38 years nursing service mainly in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. After 20 years working in dementia services, Siobhan retired from her post as Head of Memory Services in the Trust, where she was responsible for outpatient, inpatient and community services for people living with dementia. Siobhan worked alongside colleagues in the statutory, voluntary and private sector across Northern Ireland to develop policy and inform strategy to promote better access to assessment, diagnosis and treatment for people living with dementia and their families.

Denise is a chartered marketer with almost 30 years of business experience in marketing, business development and PR. Denise has successfully worked within a number of different industries and sectors including executive education, security printing/graphics and telecommunications/ICT. Denise is a postgraduate of Strathclyde University, Glasgow with an MSc in Marketing and in 2002 she also undertook an Executive Leadership programme at JFK School of Government, Harvard University. In 2010, Denise was appointed to help establish the William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s University and launch its extensive executive education portfolio for clients from all sectors over the last ten years.

Leanne is a chartered accountant with experience in the charity, banking, financial services and retail sectors. She is currently the Finance Manager for Oxfam Ireland and has been in this post for 6 years which has provided the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of charity accounting. Leanne is from Fermanagh, however with a keen passion for travel she has explored much of Australia, South East Asia and Central America. At the moment her adventures are much closer to home with two small children dictating the pace. Leanne said, “I am honoured to be given the role of treasurer for Dementia NI and to have the opportunity to support this fantastic local charity. I am looking forward to giving something back to our community by raising awareness of dementia and helping improve the lives of those living with dementia. I hope I can use my skills to help Dementia NI realise its exciting new strategy over the next three years.”

Aisling has worked in marketing roles for more than 20 years across organisations including Heinz, Famous Grouse, C&C Group, Queen's University, and in her current role with Dale Farm. Aisling works predominantly at a strategic level, on long-term plans, brand strategy, and business development, but through her career has gained experience across all aspects of marketing; from communications to digital marketing and everything in between. Aisling is from Magherafelt and is married to Robbie, with a young family, 3 children aged 7, 6 & 2. On joining the Board, Aisling said, “I have personal experience with dementia as I lost my father to dementia 9 years ago when he was 57 about 3 years after his diagnosis. On his side of the family, there is a high occurrence of dementia. As such, I am very keen to be involved with Dementia NI and play my part in demystifying dementia and helping society and people with dementia to live a more positive life with the diagnosis than my experience with my dad”.

Siobhan is the sole carer for her father who is living with vascular dementia. This has given her an insight into the realities of life for those living with dementia and the need to have their voices heard and appreciated. She is on the Carer Steering Group of charity TIDE (Together In Dementia Everyday) and has helped co-produce a handbook of support available for carers of those living with dementia in Northern Ireland. When asked why she wanted to join the Board of Dementia NI, Siobhan said, 'I am grabbing this opportunity to help raise the profile of those living with dementia and what that life is like every day, the good and the bad. We need to change how people think about dementia and more importantly how those living with dementia are treated. I joined Dementia NI to help give something back and help bring about those changes. I'm doing this for my Dad, for me, and for all those out there who battle on every day. I hope that I can use my professional expertise in digital fundraising, community building and corporate sponsorship and engagement to grow Dementia NI to be a shining light for the way forward."

Naomi cared for both of her grandparents throughout their journeys with dementia, living with her grandfather throughout his final years. She understands the importance of independent living and of retaining control and autonomy for as long as possible after a dementia diagnosis. Naomi heard about the work of Dementia NI while caring full-time for her grandfather and says she was inspired by our message of empowerment and living well with dementia. As a legacy to her grandparents she feels privileged to have been appointed to the Board and hopes that her qualifications and experience as a solicitor specialising in Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney, as well as the skills she has developed as a Company Director, will be able to enhance the work already being done to empower the members of our charity.

Nicola is a human rights and social justice activist with 18 years of professional experience in academia, civil society and non-governmental organisations. She is Project Co-ordinator (Northern Ireland) for Act Now, an independent, people-powered campaigning community who take coordinated action for progressive change across Ireland, as well as an occasional lecturer and consultant. Previously, Nicola worked at the UN High Commission for Refugees in Dublin and as a Postgraduate Researcher at the Centre for Capital Punishment Studies at the University of Westminster, London. Nicola was a founding staff member of Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is a Fellow with The Social Change Initiative’s Leadership for Social Justice and Peace in Northern Ireland programme and a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity at the London School of Economics. Nicola holds both an LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Dundee and an LLM in International Human Rights Law from the University of Nottingham.

Jason is a corporate communications professional who has provided strategic communication advice to leaders across the private, public and third sectors. With a background in political communications and public affairs, Jason has spent his career driving innovative campaigns to achieve strategic outcomes for a wide variety of organisations. He was attracted to the role on the Board of Dementia NI after personal experience with dementia within his own family. He is currently a communications and engagement manager in the civil service.

Elaine is an experienced senior leader, having worked in numerous roles in the voluntary and health sectors. She currently leads business development with Barnardo's, developing commissioned services and strategic partnerships. Her professional interests include strategy development, policy implementation and co-production and co-design. Elaine hopes to support Dementia NI to empower people living with dementia to advocate for better services and to enjoy a great quality of life.