SUICIDE OR SURVIVE
SOS Board
We have come together to challenge the stigma that surrounds vulnerability and struggle – something we will all experience in our life. We come with good hearts, passion and determination. We come as individuals who believe suicide prevention is for all of us to tackle and all of us to own.
Fiona Killard-Lynch – Chairperson
Fiona is proud to serve as Chairperson of Suicide or Survive, an organisation whose mission to challenge stigma and create safe, supportive spaces for mental health aligns deeply with her personal values.
Professionally, Fiona works in the higher education and research sector, where she is currently the Chief Scientific Officer and Director of Research and Innovation at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). Her career has focused on developing inclusive research environments, shaping national policy, and leading collaborative projects that deliver real-world impact.
She brings over 20 years of experience working in universities and research institutions across Ireland, the UK, France and New Zealand. Fiona also serves on the Board of the Higher Education Authority, where she also chairs the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.
At the heart of her work, both in research and with SOS, is a belief in equity, compassion, and the power of community. She is honoured to support the Suicide or Survive team and wider community in their vital work supporting people affected by suicide and mental health challenges.
Nicki Ringwood – Director
Nicki Ringwood is an experienced mental health and crisis response professional with extensive frontline and strategic expertise. She specialises in high-risk case de-escalation, including suicide, self-harm, abuse, and child protection. Nicki holds an MSc in Healthcare Ethics and Law from the Royal College of Surgeons and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology.
Her career has involved leading complex crisis operations and working collaboratively with law enforcement, government agencies, and global internal teams. Nicki brings deep knowledge in safety strategy, misinformation response, and ethical policy implementation.
In addition to her professional background, Nicki is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, mental health equity, and animal welfare. Outside of her work, she is a devoted animal lover who firmly believes in the healing power of animals – crediting dogs as true mental health champions.
Mark Skinner – Director
Mark is Head of Learning and Development for Food Drink Ireland in Ibec; a role that involves developing learning interventions key to success of the Food and Drink industry. In addition to being a qualified Executive Coach, he also has an MBS from UCC, specialising in strategy, leadership and management. Mark is passionate about the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, not only in terms of high performance and personal development but also in relation well-being and mental health.
Sacha Jones – Director
Vanessa Burke – Director
Prior to changing her career and education path in late 2022, Vanessa worked in a non-clinical role in healthcare as an operations lead and also achieved a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health & Safety Management.
Vanessa is currently working as a Transport and Logistics Manager for an SME in Kildare and brings all her experience, knowledge and organisational skills to the role.
Vanessa brings a lived/living experience and as an Eden participant she brings this particular perspective and grounding/balance to the Board.
Reason for Involvement in Suicide or Survive:
“I am honoured to have been considered for my role on the board. I have huge admiration for the work carried out by Suicide or Survive and for the amazing programmes that the organisation offers. I have suffered with depression for most of my adult life and in early 2022, after a period of low mood and life’s pressures, I tried to take my own life, which was a huge shock to me, my family, friends and colleagues. I now realise how fortunate I was to survive my crisis.
Eighteen months after my suicide attempt and having explored various therapies and medical interventions, I was finding it difficult to cope with feelings of despair and emptiness again.
A good friend noticed that I was struggling and suggested that I apply for a place on the Suicide or Survive Eden Programme. Thankfully I was a suitable candidate for the programme, and I joined a group of like-minded people who met every Wednesday for 26weeks.
It is difficult for me to put into words how the Eden Programme has helped me. To summarise, the programme has given me a deeper understanding of “Self”.
Self-Acceptance – Self Compassion – Self Advocacy – Personal Responsibility.
Looking back, now I know my suicide attempt was an impulsive decision, born from a period of unbearable pain.
Now my life is full of moments. “Enough” moments to make my life worthwhile. Just simple joys that I look for in every day. Staying grounded and living my life.
I will be forever grateful to the facilitators of the Eden Programme for their compassion and understanding at that very difficult time in my life. I made a promise to myself after finishing Eden that I would keep Wednesdays as a “Day for me”. I enjoy creating art, walking my dog, spending time with friends and loved ones, but mostly taking time out from the busyness of life itself.
I really admire the impact that Suicide or Survive creates through its vision, mission and values and I am looking forward to contributing in any way to help break the silence around suicide.”
Benoy Ittyavirah – Director
Benoy Ittyavirah (Ben) brings more than two decades of experience in technology and digital leadership across the education, public, and private sectors. He is currently the Director of IT at The Bar of Ireland in Dublin, where he leads digital strategy, innovation, modernisation, and transformation to support members and the wider community.
Before moving to Ireland, Ben spent many years working in London and across the UK, supporting organisations through digital transformation and multi-site technology operations. His leadership was recognised nationally when he was named one of the top 100 technology leaders in the UK in the CIO100 UK 2025 Awards for his impact on digital transformation.
Ben serves on the Board of Suicide or Survive as a Director, offering strategic guidance on technology, cybersecurity, and GDPR. He believes strongly in compassion, connection, and open conversations about mental health and is committed to ensuring that SOS’s digital systems remain safe, secure, and aligned with its mission to challenge stigma and empower people on their mental health journeys. At the heart of Ben’s work is a dedication to wellbeing, community, and continuous learning – values that strongly resonate with Suicide or Survive’s purpose.
Jennifer Taaffe – Director
As Director of Development with Trinity College Dublin, Jennifer has a strong background in non-profit leadership, major gift fundraising and corporate communications. She began her career in RTÉ where she spent ten years working in the press and publicity department. She enjoys working with organisations to drive impactful support for institutional goals.
Jennifer joined the board of Suicide or Survive motivated by a belief that no one should feel alone in their darkest moments. With a deep respect for the emotional realities many people face, Jennifer supports initiatives that encourage courageous conversations, compassionate listening, connection and hope.
