About Us

Our Management Team & Staff

Our operating model consists of a small management and staff complement, with over 400 trained Volunteers delivering our support services and c. 50 Training Partners contracted on a sessional basis to deliver our suite of education programmes. 

Our small but effective staff team of 17 (11 full-time and 6 part-time) hold the relevant professional competencies and skills required to ensure the organisation and its services operate effectively, professionally and in line with clinical best practice. 

The CEO’s salary was €97,850 in 2022, to include pension contributions. The breakdown of management and staff salaries is provided in our Financial Statements each year.

Stephen Butterly
Chief Executive Officer | stephen.butterly@aware.ie
Stephen held senior roles in a variety of industries in Ireland before joining Aware in late 2019 as Head of Fundraising and Business Development. He was Head of Sales with Sky TV for several years and also held the role of Head of Operations with Hickey’s Pharmacy group. Stephen has worked closely with the Services and Clinical teams in Aware over the past five years to enhance the range of supports offered by the organisation. He is focused on developing Aware’s central role in the provision of a range of free and easily accessible services to people impacted by depression and bipolar disorder. He holds a BA in Economics from Trinity College.
Dr Susan Brannick
Senior Management Team | Clinical Director | susan.brannick@aware.ie
Susan is a Clinical Psychologist with several years’ experience of service development and innovation as well as offering psychological consultation and training to health and community organisations. She is passionate about tackling stigma in mental health and understanding how the socio-political context that people live within may impact on psychological difficulties including depression and bipolar disorder. She is dedicated to the provision of effective, equitable and accessible services to people living with mental health difficulties. Susan holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey and a MSc in Neuroscience from Kings College London. Susan is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at UCD.
Frank Dillon
Head of Fundraising & Communications | frank.dillon@aware.ie
Frank Dillon has experience across the private and NGO sector in senior Communications and Fundraising roles. After a long career in radio selling sponsorships and promotions, he joined Irish Men’s Sheds before later going on to work in ALONE as Head of Communications and Fundraising. He has managed award winning communication campaigns as well as securing essential funds to grow the impact of the organisations he has worked at. Frank is passionate about making change for good and using his skills to achieve more than profit for the stakeholders in Aware. Married to Dee and father of twin girls who help hone his attention to detail. 
Drew Flood
Business Development Manager | drew.flood@aware.ie
Drew joined Aware following an accomplished 30-year career in the Hotel and Leisure industry. He trained with the Doyle Collection and was a key member of the opening management team at the K Club, where he spent 17 years, including serving as Director of Operations for the prestigious 2006 Ryder Cup Matches. He later joined the Cliff Collection as General Manager of the Cliff Townhouse on St. Stephen’s Green, Drew holds a Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University and serves on the Scholarship Committee for Dublin Port, contributing to the development of future talent. He is passionate about creating opportunities to support and sustain Aware’s free mental health services through impactful fundraising and meaningful Corporate and Community partnerships.
Siobhan O'Mara
Digital Marketing Manager | siobhan.omara@aware.ie
Siobhan joined Aware in 2023 after several years working in Marketing and Communications roles in the not-for-profit sector for Amnesty International Ireland and The Irish Cancer Society. She holds a BA Hons in Contemporary Culture and Society from DCU, a diploma in TV and Film Production and Photography, and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional with The Digital Marketing Institute. Siobhan is also a qualified Yoga teacher and has been teaching Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness for over 10 years.
Méadhbh Boyle
Practice Services Manager | meadhbh.boyle@aware.ie
Méadhbh has a diverse background in leadership and management, previously working as a Manager and Pharmacy Technician in community pharmacies in Dublin. She later transitioned to the corporate sector, holding roles in Spain and the Netherlands, including Head of Customer Support at WeTransfer. Passionate about people development and operational excellence, Méadhbh brings a thoughtful approach to fostering collaboration, empathy and resilience. A proud mental health first aider with professional diplomas in Project and Change Management from UCD, she is dedicated to empowering people and creating positive, people-focused environments. She is thrilled to join an organisation such as Aware.
Miriam Ryan
Corporate & Foundation Fundraising Manager | miriam.ryan@aware.ie
Miriam joined Aware in 2023 after more than 15 years working in Communications and TV in Ireland and the UK, much of which has been in the health space. She’s produced TV series for BBC, C5, C4, E4 and E!, including Channel 5’s flagship series GPs: Behind Closed Doors. Other career highlights include managing PR for the launch of Ireland’s first children’s hospice, LauraLynn House; PR and marketing for the no. 1 Irish best-selling book What Every Woman Needs to Know About Her Gut and leading fundraising and advocacy campaigns for clients. Miriam has a BA in Communication Studies and an MA in Public Affairs and Political Communication.
Lauren Smith
Support Line Manager | lauren.smith@aware.ie
Lauren proudly joined the Aware team in 2022. She volunteered as an Aware Support and Self Care Group facilitator since 2019 and as a Life Skills Online supporter. Lauren is completing her BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy at DBS and holds a diploma in Counselling Studies. She has completed 200 hours of Yoga and Meditation teacher training in India and brings a passion for self-care, emotional wellbeing and resilience. She has worked in telecoms, customer care and radio. Lauren is passionate about emotional health and supporting volunteers in delivering support, education and information while caring for and nurturing their own wellbeing.
Elisha Kenny
Accounts Administrator | elisha.kenny@aware.ie
Elisha joined the Aware Team in 2005 as the Accounts Administrator with responsibility for the day to day accounting function, independently audited each year. Prior to Aware, Elisha worked in the corporate sector in the same capacity for 10 years. Outside Aware she enjoys spending her free time with her 8 year old son who keeps her very active.
Cherie Hyland
Fundraiser Executive | cherie.hyland@aware.ie
Cherie joined the Aware team in July 2022 as Fundraising Executive, providing planning and logistical support to the fundraising team. Prior to Aware, Cherie has over 20 years’ experience working in the corporate sector with organisation such as IWP, State Street and Ardagh Group in senior administration roles. She is delighted to have the opportunity to work in an organisation such as Aware.
Alexandra Sammer
Services Coordinator Lead | alexandra.sammer@aware.ie
Alex joined Aware in January 2025 as the Services Coordinator Lead. She oversees daily office administration and the coordination of the Educational Programmes. Before moving to Ireland in 2014, Alex worked as a Pharmacy Technician in Germany. After many years at Accenture, where she gained valuable insights into the corporate sector and honed her skills in project management and coaching, she is glad to have transitioned into the non-profit world with Aware. Following her passion for volunteering she is excited to be part of a fantastic team and contributing to making mental health support more accessible for everyone.
Geraldine Kerr
Geraldine is a Senior Social Worker with several decades of experience in the fields of Community Mental Health, Older Persons Services, Disabilities and Adult Safeguarding. Prior to her Social Work career, Geraldine worked in the voluntary sector in the areas of Physical and Sensory disability and Acquired Brain Injury where she gained a depth and breadth of experience. Geraldine is dedicated to promoting recovery and identifying tailored supports for people experiencing depression, bipolar disorder and other mood related conditions. She is passionate about supporting volunteers in their role using reflective practice. She is delighted to have returned to the voluntary sector once again. Geraldine holds a B. Social Science, UCD and a B. Social Work, Queens University.

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates

Translate »