MEET THE SUPPORTERS

John Burke founded the Elevate Foundation to develop a project that he is very passionate about – promoting wellness in young people and providing them with the tools they need to fulfil their potential. He adopts a hands on approach to the foundation, working closely with the team to ensure that Elevate is meeting its objectives. With over twenty years of experience in the business sector John has much to offer in terms of leadership and direction. His ambition is to make a genuine change to the lives of young people in Clare.

Media Personality Aoibhin Garrihy is an integral member of the Elevate team. With a background in television and business, she plays a key role in building awareness, engaging with local, national and sectoral media and generating interest in the work that we do. Self-care is an area that Aoibhin is extremely passionate about which is abundantly clear in her continued dedication and commitment to Elevate. Her media experience and expertise is invaluable to the foundation.

Clare County hurler Podge Collins has become Elevate's very first ambassador. Best known for his passion on the pitch he is now supporting an initiative close to his heart, promoting positive mental health. His energetic and relentless approach to maintaining a positive outlook on life perfectly reflects the ethos of the foundation. We are confident that together we will inspire young people to realise their full potential and embrace the many opportunities which await them in their very bright futures.

Ruairí McKiernan is an award winning social innovator, campaigner, consultant, writer and speaker. He is a Fulbright scholar and a Presidential appointee to Ireland's Council of State. Ruairí is the founder of the pioneering SpunOut.ie youth organisation, a co-founder of the Uplift campaigning organisation, and part of the founding team of the A Lust For Life wellbeing movement. Ruairí is also the host of the Love and Courage podcast, a regular contributor to national media and discusses issues such as social justice, youth and community, civic leadership and wellbeing. Elevate is very fortunate to have an innovator of his caliber and ability on our operations team. His role is strategic consultant which is invaluable to the foundation. We look forward to a continued positive working relationship with him.

Management and Operations Manager Sharon Connellan plays a key role in the governance of Elevate. She is responsible for directing fundraising efforts, managing budgets, gathering data, preparing programmes and policies, web design and clerical work to meet the foundation's needs. Her enthusiasm and dedication to Elevate is hugely evident in her work. Her background in primary school teaching has instilled in her a passion to enable young people to make positive, independent decisions when faced with difficult challenges in their lives. She is fully committed to supporting and responding to the mental health and well-being needs of our young people in Clare and plays a huge part in the Elevate foundation.

Branding Manager Susie Conroy is the architect of Elevate's image and plays a key role in every aspect of our communications and marketing. Her creativity, tech savvy and dedication gives personality to the foundation which in turn resonates with the wider community. Her efforts and strong multi-tasking skills are evident across all internal and external communication and are essential to the image Elevate portrays. She is responsible for developing concepts, graphics and layouts for event illustrations, company logos, and website material. She also determines size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and font style and size. Elevate communication needs to be effectively branded and Susie's role in achieving this is crucial for the foundation.

Joanne Kerins is a graduate from the School of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin. She conducted her PhD research on body image in early adolescence and has wide-ranging experience in the area of child and adolescent health psychology. Joanne conducted the programme research for the current academic year through youth focus groups, interviews and contact with schools and youth organisations. She has played a key role in the programming element of the foundation.

Financial controller Isobel Browne plays a crucial role in the financial affairs of Elevate. Her vast experience in finance means that she can ensure effective financial and management accounting across the foundation. She is responsible for the accuracy of the accounting and producing monthly accounts as required for senior management and the director of the foundation. Her dedication and commitment ensures that she works in harmony with Elevate's visions and values. Isobel's expertise in planning, budgeting and forecasting is of enormous benefit to Elevate and we are most grateful for her continued support.