Anna Gunning
Chief Executive Officer

I started with the organisation in 2017 having worked in the related areas of children and youth for over 30 years. I worked with the National Youth Council of Ireland to develop, implement and manage programmes and policy relating to the provision of youth work in Ireland. I worked as a freelance consultant for many years and supported organisations in programme and strategy development relating to children and young people. I also worked with Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland and managed their programmes for young people who needed additional support.
My role in Children in Hospital Ireland is to work under the direction of the Board to implement our strategic plan and to develop services and actions which promote the welfare of all children in hospital and their families. I am privileged to lead this exciting organisation with an amazing team of volunteers and staff and our partners in the children’s health area.

Elizabeth Morrin
Volunteer Manager

I joined Children in Hospital Ireland in September 2017 having discovered a passion for working with and supporting volunteers in my previous role at Dublin based non-profit Solas Project. I am originally from New York and am so happy to call Ireland home. I have a Masters in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin, where I focused on children’s rights. Children in Hospital Ireland allows me to work closely with people and to support a charity driven by the rights of children and the real needs of families. The best part of my work however is meeting each of our unique and incredible volunteers.

Jessica Hurley
JustAsk Volunteer Coordinator

I joined the Children in Hospital Ireland team in January 2023. I have a background working in the medical sector as an administrator. I have always had a passion for working with children, having done fundraising for various children’s charities in the past. When the opportunity presented itself to work for Children in Hospital Ireland I was delighted to join the CIH team as the JustAsk Volunteer Coordinator. I very much look forward to supporting all of our wonderful volunteers in their roles.

Dorota Fiedor
Child & Family Support Volunteer Coordinator

Bess Van Sleeuwen
Family Support Service Manager

I joined the children in hospital team in December 2024. My background is in nursing, youthwork and community development and I have a Masters in Children and Youth Studies from UCD. Children and young people’s rights, participation and their welfare and wellbeing are at the core of my work. I believe that all children, young people, and their families – support networks, have the right to accessible and inclusive supports.

As part of the family support service team, I am passionate to support children and their families in their journey in and around the time of receiving hospital care by answering queries, providing one to one support and  information, advocacy and through the delivery of needs led training and webinars.

Ruby Walsh
Family Support Service Information Officer

Niamh Lawlor
Information and Communications Officer

I joined the CIH team here in March 2023. Having come from a communications agency supporting a broad range of clients with PR, content creation, events and social media, I found myself gravitating towards clients in the non-profit sector. I have a true passion for working with organisations that support people and local communities. It’s an honour to work alongside so many incredible team members, volunteers and partners of the organisation and help drive engagement to continue CIH’s work in supporting children and families.

Jackie O’Neill
Fundraising Officer

I joined the team at Children In Hospital Ireland in May 2024. I have a background in Retail Management and in Childcare and have actively been involved in Fundraising in my local community for a number of years. I am really excited to get stuck into my new role and especially look forward to supporting the individuals, businesses, schools and other community groups that help us to raise much needed funds every day.

Julia Dressler
Office Administrator

I started with the organisation in 2018 and I am delighted to be part of the team. I hold a Social worker degree and have a background in elderly care services and have experience working with lovely children with special needs and disabilities. Having worked for many years as an Administrator for different businesses, I’m keen to bring my expertise and support our team, Board members, Committees and the amazing volunteers of Children in Hospital Ireland. In my free time I spend time with my family, walk in the nature, do yoga and Pilates and sometimes I organise dance or mindfulness events for families with babies and young children.