Management Team

Meet the Team

Anvers Housing is led by Chief Executive Barbara O’Connell with the support of the Executive Team of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

Barbara O’Connell

Co-founder

Barbara is best known for her vision to create specialist neuro-rehabilitation services in communities throughout Ireland for people living with brain injury. She co-founded Acquired Brain Injury Ireland in 2000 and set up Anvers Housing Association in 2004 (now Anvers Housing). Previously Barbara worked as an Occupational Therapy Manager with the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) where she pioneered a social reintegration programme for brain injury survivors to bridge the gap between post-acute services and returning home. This experience inspired her to set up a national service to support people on the brain injury pathway, which has since grown to the large national organisation it is today.

Barbara holds an MBA in Healthcare and Business from the Smurfit Business School, UCD; qualified in Non-Profit Strategic Management from Harvard Business School; Strategic Decision Making from Harvard Kennedy School; and is a qualified Business and executive coach (Smurfit Business School, UCD). She was also recognised as Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Women Mean Business and National Winner of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award for Social Enterprise.

Dr Karen Foley

Chief Executive

Having worked in the disability sector in Ireland since 2006, Karen has a vast amount of experience in case management and the management of community services, residential and respite services. Karen has a PhD from Trinity College, a Postgraduate qualification in Healthcare Management from IPA, and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer accredited by the Brain Injury Association of America.

As Head of Service Operations at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Karen is driven to ensure that the organisation provides services of the highest quality, which are in line with international evidence-based best practice. Karen engages with a number of working groups nationally which aim to advocate for equitable and quality services across Ireland for those with an acquired brain injury. Karen also recently joined Disability Federation of Ireland as a Board Member.

Mary Rose Callaghan

Director of Housing and Development

Mary Rose has many years of experience working as a Chartered Surveyor across the property industry in property development, asset management and the housing sectors. Most recently she held the role of Senior Land Manager in a high-volume housebuilder PLC, where she was responsible for large housing projects.

Her vast experience with both blue-chip organisations in Ireland and the UK, in the private and within the non-profit sector, gives her the skills to help reach the strategic vision for Acquired Brian Injury Ireland’s housing needs.

A graduate of UCD Michael Smurfit Business School with an MA in Management and Business, and Heriot Watt University with a BSc Hons in Property Estate Management, her combination of business and property background compliment her role as the Head of Housing and Development. In her free time Mary Rose is a keen golfer, paddleboarder, skier and loves the outdoors with her daughter when given the opportunity.

Helen Brogan

Property Manager

Helen joined Acquired Brain Injury Ireland / Anvers Housing as Property Manager in 2017. In her role she has responsibility for reviewing the current and future property requirements of the organisation, as well as managing its expansive property portfolio across the country.

In particular, her work focuses on project management, lease negotiations, maintenance and planning, and development of grant submissions. She also works to ensure positive, productive relationships with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the HSE, ICSH and Disability Groups, among other key stakeholders.

Helen is an active member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. Having worked in the property industry for over 20 years, she has extensive experience in property/facilities management and the provision of housing for people with a brain injury. She has a keen interest in social housing policy development in Ireland and abroad, and is committed to providing sustainable homes that are environmentally-focused and future-proofed.

Accessible housing is extremely hard to come by for individuals with a physical disability in Ireland. Existing housing stock often fails to meet the standard of accessibility required and, more often than not, it is costly to adapt these properties. Helen is eager to explore an approach to meet the needs of people with acquired brain injury, to ensure they have access to quality and sustainable homes that allow them to live independent lives in a homely environment.

Aoife Lucey

Director of Communications and Engagement

Aoife has more than a decade’s experience working in the areas of strategic and internal communications, stakeholder relations, marketing and publicity in the community and cultural sectors. Most recently she held the role of Communications and Marketing Manager at Ireland’s national music education programme, Music Generation, and previously worked with leading national and international cultural organisations including Dublin Theatre Festival, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Canadian Stage and the Abbey Theatre.

A graduate of Trinity College with a degree in Drama Studies and English Literature, Aoife has since completed a Certificate in Management Practice with the University of Ulster and a Certificate in Community Education and Equality Studies at Maynooth University. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, swimming in the sea and spending time with family.

Gráinne McGettrick

Director of Research and Policy

Gráinne is responsible for the strategic development of the research and policy agenda. She has spent her career to date working in the fields of disability, older people and dementia. She works at the exciting interface of policy, research and advocacy and has extensive experience and knowledge from a variety of advocacy and campaigning organisations in the community and voluntary sector.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Science and a Master of Arts in Social Policy. In her free time, Gráinne enjoys the great outdoors, hill-walking, travelling, a bit of gardening and spending time with family.

Marissa Tuccelli

Interim Director of Fundraising

Marissa is a seasoned fundraising professional with over 12 years of expertise in international nonprofit management and charitable consulting. As the interim Head of Fundraising at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Marissa’s donor-first approach strengthens fundraising efforts, cultivates sustainable relationships, and maximises financial returns from supporters. A graduate of Trinity Business School with a Master in Business Administration and Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies in Business and Economics, she possesses the skills to help achieve the strategic vision for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s fundraising needs.

Marissa is passionate about helping people, nonprofits, and corporations make true, meaningful impact. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Ireland’s great hikes, traveling to other counties and countries, and finding delicious restaurants with her husband.

Catherine Lacey

Interim Head of Service Operations

Catherine Lacey is the Interim Head of Service Operations at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. Previously, she held the roles of National Services Manager and Case Manager / Community Services Manager at the organisation. With 20 years of experience in brain injury, Catherine is a keen advocate for all who need access to neuro-rehabilitation services and the establishment of a defined pathway of supports to be available across Ireland. She is currently a member of the Board of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI).

Colin MacGonagle

Director of Finance

Jim joined Acquired Brain Injury Ireland as Head of Finance in May 2022. Having worked in the accountancy profession, major retail, and having held senior positions in the pharmaceutical, education and hospitality sectors, Jim brings a depth and breadth of experience to the role from a career spanning over 30 years.

Get in Touch

Our team are here to answer your questions. Call us on 01 280 4164 or send a message