Meet the Team

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.

Catherine Mallin
Volunteer Coordinator

I started as Volunteer Coordinator with Children in Hospital at the beginning of 2023, having discovered a passion for supporting vulnerable children through volunteering with a charity that works with children with life limiting conditions.  I am originally from Edinburgh and I have lived in Dublin since 2005, and now have my own family here, including a guide dog in training. Most of my working life in Dublin was in Television Production, where I always had a drive to tell important, often unknown stories of social issues and bring about awareness to a wider audience.  I am looking forward to bringing the diversity of my experiences into my new role and to be part of a team that really do make a difference in supporting children and their families.

Helen Jones
Project Officer

I started with Children in Hospital Ireland in July 2022 having recently return from living in Canada. In my most recent roles I worked in Ronald McDonald House and the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Canada. In my role as Project Officer with Children in Hospital Ireland I am partnering with families and professionals to develop a range of supports for families with a child receiving hospital care, including the new digital Resource Hub, a range of print information on key topics and information sessions for families . I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of this exciting project and to work with such a patient and family centred organisation.

Niamh Lawlor
Information and Communications Officer

I joined the team here in Children in Hospital in March 2023. I have 3 years experience working in a communications agency supporting a broad range of clients with PR, content creation, events and social media. During my time there, I found myself gravitating towards clients in the non-profit sector where I could support them by telling their story and use communications to support their fundraising initiatives. I have a true passion for working with organisations that support people and local communities. I’m so excited to support the team here and to be able to amplify the incredible work that’s being done to support children and families in hospital.  

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 and the amazing volunteers of Children in Hospital Ireland. In my free time I do yoga, Pilates and walk in the nature with my family and I regularly organise dance or mindfulness events for families with babies and young children.