Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Chairperson of DSIDC Board

Rose Anne has been our chairperson since January 2007. She is the Head of the Department of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College, Dublin, Director of the Falls and Blackout Unit at St. James’s Hospital and Director of the new Centre for Successful Ageing. Formerly Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the Institute for Ageing & Health, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, she is a world leader in research into cardiovascular and mobility disorders in ageing.

Dr. Suzanne Cahill, Director of Research Programme

Suzanne was Director of the DSIDC from 1999 to 2007. She is on secondment to Trinity College where she is Research Director of the DSIDC's programme of psychosocial research entitled "Living with Dementia". With a professional background in Social Policy and Social Work she has worked for many years as a social work practitioner, researcher and educator in Ireland and in Australia. Her research interests include the social context of dementia and caregiving, GPs and dementia, psycho-social interventions and dementia, gender issues in family caregiving, rehabilitation and assistive technologies.

Mr. Matthew Gibb, Senior Social Worker/Researcher

Matthew joined the Centre in June 2003. He has a professional background in Social Work practice and has a Masters degree in Social Policy and Social Work Studies from the London School of Economics. Matthew has much experience working with older people, carers and people with sensory and physical disabilities. His role is divided between conducting research for DSIDC and providing social work support for the clients of the Memory Clinic of the Mercer's Institute for Research on Ageing.

Ms. Cecilia Craig, Education Officer

Cecilia joined in September 2004. She has a background in psychiatric and general nursing. Following her degree in Nursing Studies, she registered as a Nurse Tutor. She taught at hospitals in Dublin including St. Patrick's, St. Vincent's, and St. John of God. She completed her M.Sc. in Nursing at TCD focusing on the relationship between the nurse and patient/client and the therapeutic use of self in nursing. She worked as a lecturer at UCD where she was involved in the management and teaching of a number of nursing programmes.

Ms. Lorraine Lovely, Administrator

Lorraine joined the Centre as Administrator in August 2008. She has an honours degree in Psychology from the Open University and a wide range of administrative experience gained in the health and education sector both in Ireland and the UK. She has worked in St James’s Hospital for 10 years in the CEO’s Office and most recently in the Emergency Department where she was the Deputy Business Manager.

Ms. Dearbhla O’Caheny, Assistant Education Officer

Dearbhla took up the position of Education Assistant in September 2008. She has honours degrees in Psychology and English from NUI Galway as well as a post graduate diploma in Health Promotion. She has worked with the HSE in services for individuals with physical and sensory disabilities and in Sligo General Hospital.