Meet our Team
At Leitrim Volunteer Centre, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Each member of our team brings a unique mix of experience, skills, and passion for community engagement. Together, we are committed to supporting volunteers and organisations across Leitrim, ensuring that volunteering remains accessible, rewarding, and impactful.
Josephine Stroker
Manager
Josephine has more than 20 years’ experience working in the community and voluntary sector in project management and co-ordination roles. She holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Social Studies from NUI, Maynooth, a BA in Applied Social Studies from Waterford Institute of Technology, a Diploma in Social Work from Christ Church College, Canterbury and H Dip in Social Studies from the University of Kent. She is a qualified trainer having achieved a QQI qualifications in Training Delivery and Evaluation, Coaching Models of Practice and Conflict mediation and resolution.
Orla Blessing
Admin / Garda Vetting
Orla has worked in financial administration in the community sector for 25 years. She has a Diploma in Management and Leadership in the Community and Public Sector from NUIG. Orla has a passion for volunteering and volunteers in her local community on a regular basis.
Niamh Foran
Outreach & Engagement Officer
Niamh acts as a resource for both Volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) across Co. Leitrim. She helps individuals find meaningful volunteering roles, directing them to suitable volunteering opportunities in local organisations across the county. Niamh builds the capacity of not-for-profit organisations to involve volunteers in their work and follows up with both VIOs and Volunteers to ensure their needs are being met. She also supports LVC with marketing, website, newsletter and social media updates.
Kieron Smith
Community Volunteer Coordinator
Kieron Holds a BA Hons Degree in Performing Arts (Drama & Theatre) & He trained at Dublin’s Conservatory of Music & Drama. Kieron worked as an Events & Festivals Coordinator with many arts organisations throughout Ireland. These included: Galway International Arts Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival, Druid Theatre Company, Project Arts Centre, Galway Arts Centre & Cuirt International Festival of Literature. Kieron was the Founder & Artistic Director of Cavan Theatre Festival with the support of Cavan Arts Office & The Arts Council of Ireland. Kieron joined with Development Perspectives as an SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Advocate & The Global Citizenship Education programme for 2023. Kieron recently spent six months in Southeast Asia working & volunteering with INGO’s. Kieron Is part of The Volunteer Leadership Academy & The Mentorship programme with Carmichael House in Dublin. Kieron Joined Leitrim Volunteer Centre in June 2023 & currently works as the Community Volunteer Coordinator since January 2024.
Daria Mazina
Ukraine Placement Development Officer
Daria joined the Leitrim Volunteer Centre as an interpreter. She translated from English into Ukrainian and helped to integrate Ukrainians into educational, medical and social systems. Daria has broken down many barriers enabling our Ukrainian friends to get involved in volunteering. During 2023 Daria helped conduct art classes for Ukrainians and Irish people as part of an art therapy programme. Daria informs Ukrainians about employment and education opportunities and involves Ukrainians in volunteering for better integration into the local community. Daria holds a Master of Arts in Philology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She taught Ukrainian Language and Literature, she has a Certificate in Translation Studies and a Foundation Degree in Arts Art History, Painting, and Music.
Claire McGirl
Placement Development Officer
Claire holds a Diploma in Community Development Practice and has trained in Leadership and Capacity Building, Support for women in Cross Border Arts and Conflict Resolution Training and is involved in a number of initiatives in the Ballinamore and wider area including the redevelopment of the Community Hall, and the establishment of The Island Theatre. She is a founding member of Ballinamore International Protection Applicants Support Group and the Ballinamore Hens Shed Group, she is also a member of the Ballinamore Writer’s Group, the PPN Climate Action Group (Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Agricultural Linkage Group) and the Ballinamore Town Team.
Kasia Religa
Support Worker North Leitrim
Kasia acts as a resource for both Volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations across North Co. Leitrim. She helps individuals find meaningful volunteering roles and builds the capacity of not-for-profit organisations to involve volunteers in their work.