Our Team

Clare has more than fifteen years of experience gained in UK-wide organisations including Epilepsy Action, as well Northern Irish organisations such as Participation and Practice of Rights (PPR). An experienced leader, her most recent role as Director of Local Services for Epilepsy Action saw her develop and deliver the work of Epilepsy Action’s local services across the United Kingdom. Supporting a team of staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, over 200 volunteers and over 100 groups to deliver the best possible outcomes in services. Clare is passionate about the development of organisations and people. Her leadership skills and her expertise in supporting people to participate in decisions that affect their lives will shape the future of Dementia NI. Clare’s message is clear “I want to ensure that people with dementia not only have a voice, but that it is listened to, and shapes service delivery to improve the lives of people living with dementia in Northern Ireland. I am excited about leading such a unique organisation and building on the fantastic work that has been done so far.”

Stephanie has 25 years’ experience working in the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, coming originally from a legal background. With a long history in supporting groups to campaign for change, Stephanie is motivated by ensuring that the most vulnerable people have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead campaigns for change. She worked for many years with a Mental Health Rights Group who successfully campaigned for changes including new appointment systems at Emergency Departments, and ensuring families bereaved families were offered support in an appropriate and timely way. Stephanie has also personal experience of caring for a loved one with dementia. ‘’I found my first experiences of meeting members of Dementia NI inspirational – they were so focused on what needs to happen to improve the dementia journey , they have a real urgency to get things done but are also warm, kind and have great senses of humour.’’ In her spare time Stephanie loves walking her dog, travelling and reading or watching crime thrillers.

Ashleigh has over 15 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, both in a voluntary and paid capacity. Originally from a Business and Marketing background, Ashleigh has travelled extensively and lived and worked throughout the world. Having returned to Northern Ireland, Ashleigh’s personal interest in dementia led her to further study a Masters degree through University of Stirling, graduating with a MSc in Dementia Studies. Ashleigh’s passion is assisting people with dementia to develop new innovative approaches which support people with dementia to live well with their symptoms within society. She encourages individuals to feel that they still have a purpose in life, that their life still has worth following their diagnosis and that they can still play a valuable and meaningful part in society. Ashleigh has a keen interest in the arts and can often be found working in her garden, travelling the world, or walking her Shetland Sheepdog in the great outdoors.

With over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector working for large national organisations like Barnardo’s, NSPCC and the Alzheimer’s Society, Karen wanted to use her skills and knowledge to work with a local charity. Having recently completed a secondment on donor engagement in her previous role, she is passionate about supporters to ensure they enjoy a meaningful and rewarding experience when they choose to support Dementia NI. Having had personal experience of dementia in her own family, Karen recognises the value of our life changing empowerment programmes, putting people living with dementia at the heart of everything we do. The continued kindness and generosity of our supporters enable us to empower people living with dementia across Northern Ireland. Karen commented “Every donation we receive makes a difference in building a more tolerant and understanding society. Your donation makes a difference today and helps people living with dementia shape tomorrow."

Jane joined Dementia NI to pursue her passion for comms that connect with and help people. She brings experience as a Communications Manager (maternity) with mental health charity MindWise. Prior to working with charities, Jane became well-versed in digital, print and TV. She was a Content and Marketing Specialist with digital agency Made to Engage where she developed marketing materials for clients including Houses Of Parliament. She also worked as Content Manager at MyNI, an NI Executive project that aimed to make government comms more accessible. Prior to this, Jane's love of human interest stories led to her role as Development Researcher on the Belfast team for BBC flagship show The One Show. She had over 20 VTs commissioned for the show, mainly history stories, on everything from forgotten aviation heroes to unsung female WW2 spies. Jane started as a print journalist in London and was staff Features Writer at top women's magazine Prima for two years. A keen music fan, Jane has had countless reviews published in the music press including Uncut and Hot Press. One of her reviews features in a Routledge Guide called Original Writing which is used in schools to teach A'Level students to write confidently and effectively. Jane has a First-Class MA (Hons) in English Literature from Edinburgh University.