Staff
Megan Burke
Project Co-ordinator
Megan was appointed Project Co-ordinator in January 2024 FRC. She has been involved in Community Development in Westport for over a decade and has a strong educational background in Social Care and Health Promotion.
John Doherty
Development Worker
John lives in Castlebar with his partner Marina and their daughter Mai. He has worked in the FRC in Westport since 2009. John is originally from Tyrone, and growing up with the conflict in the north, this has informed his values around building community, and combatting institutional discrimination. He has worked across a range of community relations projects in the North, and in community and youth projects in the South. John feels that addressing injustice and inequality is core to our work in the FRC, and he is committed to that work.
Linda Mc Nulty
Project Administrator
Linda moved to Westport to work in the FRC in 2012 and hasn’t looked back. She loves helping people and contributing to her community. Her background is in the arts and administration / finance, and she feels at home in the non-profit sector. She has a keen interest in social justice and is chairperson of Westport Educate Together National School. She is originally from Bundoran in Co. Donegal and returns whenever she can. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her young son and photography. She loves old music, old art, old furniture and new plants!
Cian MacNamee
Project Administrator & Interim Project Worker
Originally from Dublin but now calling Westport home, Cian draws from a background in administration, web design, and volunteering. He first got involved with Westport FRC as a volunteer with the Older People’s IT Project and has first-hand experience of the sense of place, connection, and community that is fostered by the work of the centre.
Driven by compassion, curiosity, justice and inclusion; he now works as Project Worker for the Older People's Projects, and as Project Administrator; supporting delivery of projects for older people and providing drop-in information, support and resources to the community.
Driven by compassion, curiosity, justice and inclusion; he now works as Project Worker for the Older People's Projects, and as Project Administrator; supporting delivery of projects for older people and providing drop-in information, support and resources to the community.
Stephanie MacKinnon
Community Support Worker
Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Stephanie has gratefully called Westport home since 2019. She holds a Masters in Adult Education and Community Development and has over a decade of experience in community development. Across three continents Stephanie has worked with diverse groups and individuals, supporting them to overcome challenges and take action to improve their own lives and communities. Stephanie is passionate about creating welcoming, supportive spaces where people feel empowered and connected.
Jannah Walshe
Adult & Adolescent Counsellor
Jannah is a fully trained, qualified and accredited psychotherapist. She holds a primary degree in psychology and a graduate certificate in person-centred counselling. Shortly after making the move back to Ireland, she completed a postgraduate diploma in psychotherapy in The Tivoli Institute. Jannah has a keen interest in ecopsychology which is based on the idea that people are connected to and impacted by the natural environment. Another particular interest is in the area of personal self-actualisation. This involves supporting people to find and realize their true potential, particularly that which brings them a greater sense of contentment in their lives. Jannah works in a person centred, humanistic way and loves her work with the centre. She is passionate about working in her local community and ensuring counselling and mental health support is available to everyone.
Annie Doyle
Adolescent Counsellor
Annie is a professionally qualified and fully accredited Psychotherapist (IACP). She has worked as a Psychotherapist and Head of Child Protection in the UK, Singapore, Tokyo, Japan and now Ireland.
Annie is proud to be a neuro-affirmative therapist, particularly passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals and destigmatizing Autistic and ADHD lived experience. Through a commitment to expansive training and latest research in this area, Annie supports individuals with early identification, the questioning process and after care following neurodivergent discovery. As an Adolescent Therapist at WFRC, Annie places value on providing a safe space free from judgement, for Adolescents to unpack their worries and to empower them to advocate for their needs, establish their identity and utilise tools to help navigate a turbulent time of change and transition in their life.
She is committed to ensuring that therapy is available and inclusive to all.
Joanne Gibbons
Play Therapist
Joanne is a qualified Play Therapist, licenced by Play Therapy Ireland and registered with APAC (Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy). She holds an honours degree in Early Years Childhood Education and a higher diploma in Play Therapy accredited by the National University of Ireland, Galway.
She spent many years working as an early years educator with young children, and through this work, became interested in the power of play. She trained as a play therapist to help children to work through their problems in a safe environment through play, becoming more self-aware and developing their self esteem.
