Tanja is a Consultant Psychiatrist in her native country and moved to Ireland a number of years ago. She has worked with NEDRC since our establishment and continues to be a solid, proactive member of the team. Tanja’s role is across administrative, client and family contact. Tanja is very well regarded with our clients and offers a multidimensional perspective, and a hug when needed. Tanja is also our staff support champion having completed additional training as a workplace support person.

Sandra is a Clinical Psychologist, having trained in the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and worked between public and private services. Sandra has also carried out training with the Maudsley Hospital, London. She is trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) and underwent training in CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy). Sandra is experienced in working with neurodivergent people, particularly those who are Autistic and have ADHD. Sandra has a great understanding of clients and behaviours they may have had to use in order to mask, cope or protect themselves. She has experience and skills in carrying out assessments and adapting interventions to the needs of clients. Sandra has particular skills working with clients to help with emotional recognition and regulation both on an individual and group basis.

Ines is a Chartered member of the PSI (Psychology Society of Ireland) and has a BSc & MSc in Psychology and psychological interventions from the University of Lisbon, Portugal. She works fluently in both Portuguese and English and has a good working knowledge of the Spanish language also. Ines has worked with clients who have experienced trauma and traumatic events. Her approach is warm and person-centred while adapting with the most suited psychological interventions to the client. She has experience in working with people individually and in a group setting and has a down-to-earth way which helps clients feel more at ease and not judged or shamed.

Orla returned to Ireland, having spent much of her career as a therapist working within the UK- NHS and private services. Orla’s works with people experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Phobias, health anxiety, depression, individually and in group setting with those who have an eating disorder. Orla can incorporate EMDR into her skills provided to clients, having trained and achieved the relevant qualification. Orla also provides equine therapy with several specifically trained beautifully cared for horses.

Aoife has been a qualified, registered OT for a number of years, working across a variety of areas as an OT in the UK and Ireland. Aoife is involved in ADHD support through individual and group coaching, education, training and mentoring. She has a strong professional and personal interest in neurodivergencey. Aoife takes a warm, dynamic, person-centred approach in her work with clients and is focused on the clients’ strengths and building on those. Aoife loves her role as an OT and supporting clients to achieve their goals and take a more compassionate view of themselves.

Ayuko is a qualified OT for over ten years and has worked with adults, adolescents and children in Japan where she originates from. Ayuko has a particular interest in neurodevelopmental processes. She won a scholarship for her work carried out in her Masters research in: Autism friendly paediatric spaces in Hospital and the Healthcare environment. Ayuko’s goal to improve the client’s quality of life has been seen in her work by the increased activity and participation levels in areas of interest and the success of improving children’s writing and studying skills. Ayuko has a gentle approach that works so well with many of our clients, enabling them to develop skills in recognising their strengths and abilities and using them to the best of their abilities.

Karen Mertig Social Worker and Family Therapist. Coru, FTAI & Teaching Counselling registered. Holds a BSc Psychology, MA Social Worker & multiple relevant CPD certificates & diplomas.

Karen has a wealth of knowledge & experience with young people, adults & families. From working as senior social worker in both mental and general health Hospitals (children’s Hospital included), lecturing at University level to social work students and as family therapist to families experiencing conflict, distress, crisis, trauma and providing intervention. Karen has worked with clients who have various mental health difficulties including eating disorders, other complex conditions, CSA, substance abuse and guidance counselling to young people. She has trained in various mental health interventions which enable her to support clients and their families in the difficulties and issues that arise within the family unit.

Tamara Chaal holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Trinity College Dublin and is a member of INDI. Tamara has an open, friendly approach which helps clients to feel more at ease. She takes a practical approach and meets clients where they are at in order to move forward. Tamara has completed further eating disorder training specifically for Dietitians and participates in the support and training of the next generation of Dietitians both at undergraduate and Masters level. She provides individual and group Dietetic support, including practical skills both from a Dietetic point of view and a personal perspective as she has a keen interest in cooking and baking. Whether it be anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, Tamara has a good working knowledge and experience working with clients with these conditions.

Róisín has a strong background in science and healthcare work. She is approachable and warm with a good level of understanding of Nutrition and Dietetics. Having trained in St George’s Hospital London, she has awareness of the SOS approach to feeding which is used to assess and address problematic feeding behaviours e.g., “picky eaters” & ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Róisín takes a logical approach to Dietetics and meal plans which provides a lot of clarity for particular clients within our service. Róisín is also interested in how hormones effect our metabolising of food and nutrients and finding a plan that works while considering any hormonal factors.

Michael comes with a deep scientific and research background having worked at Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London and University College Dublin as Senior Research Assistant. Michael possesses great knowledge around the scientific rationale for the importance of human nutrition, functions and meal planning and has a friendly, approachable way in helping clients understand this. Michael has experience working with all types of eating disorders, especially clients with ARFID where he uses graduated exposure to foods amongst other techniques. Michael has also written Dietetic fact sheets for various organisations such as plant based and vegan groups.

Alice is a full-time Peer Support Worker in NEDRC. Alice is the only full-time Peer Support Worker in Eating Disorders in Ireland. Alice is an Expert by Experience, completed a level 8 in Peer Support Working in DCU, a previous English Literature buff in Trinity College Dublin and completed multiple Continuous Professional Development courses. Alice has been with us since her student placement in 2022, onto full-time employment with us and now helps train and supervise our other student Peer Support Workers on placement with us. Alice’s insights into mental health experiences and in particular eating disorder, not only is gratefully received by our clients and family members but also the whole team. Alice is very positive for change in eating disorders, is proactive in putting her words into action, a true advocate and leader. Alice is a breath of fresh air, for her constructive, positive attitude, quick wit, caring nature and is a testament to the fact that RECOVERY REALLY IS POSSIBLE.

Our Clinical Nurse Manager & Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) are registered with the NMBI and hold BSc & MSc in Nursing/ mental health. Our Nursing team members have additional training and qualifications for example in CBT, DBT, SSCM, MANTRA, CRT, CREST, CBT-E, CFT- ED and communications with neurodivergent people.

Our HCAs come from a background in medicine having been registered as Doctors or Nurses in their native countries. Our HCAs receive further training in mental health, specifically in eating disorders to help offer day to day support to the team and clients alike.

Our fabulous chef initially started out working in 5* hotels to ourselves in NEDRC for the last number of years. He has a strong interest in health, fitness and nutrition and works very closely with our Dietetics team. He also participates in cooking groups with our clients and Dietitians and teaches culinary skills and appreciation for food, cooking and baking. He also provides a fantastic music playlist in the kitchen.