SUICIDE OR SURVIVE
Suicide or Survive Team
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.
Caroline McGuigan & John Pender – Founders
“Because we truly, truly care” – Caroline McGuigan
“Passionate belief that given the right environment, people can take back control of their own lives” – John Pender
Catherine Brogan – Chief Executive Officer
Catherine Brogan joined Suicide or Survive in June 2025.
Catherine brings a wealth of experience in the charity and statutory sector to our team. She believes strongly in the power of coproduction, collaboration, building and strengthening partnerships, equality and inclusivity.
Joan Wall – Operations, Governance, and Compliance Manager
Joan Wall joined the Suicide or Survive team in May 2023. She brings 20 years management experience in the nonprofit sector, having most recently worked in a similar role in an organisation seeking to empower young women in their leadership. Joan brings strong organisational skills, governance experience and a passion for breaking stigma.
Joan sees great value in empowerment and in her previous roles has been privileged to provide safe places that embrace people without prejudice and enable them to flourish. She has experience in developing programmes for young women with emphasis on self care, wellness and training in supporting peer mental health.
Joan holds an MA in Social Justice and Public Policy and a Diploma in Human Resource Management. Outside of work she enjoys spending time at the sea, pilates, walking her dog and going to gigs.
Catherine Redmond – National Programmes Manager
Catherine joined Suicide or Survive in January 2018, she has 13 years’ experience working at a senior management level in the field of Drug Rehabilitation. Catherine brings with her a wealth of experience of working within the community sector and is passionate about working in this area.
As well as being a WRAP Facilitator, Catherine is a Qualified Restorative Practitioner and studied Adult Guidance and Counselling with the National University of Ireland Maynooth, she also holds a Certificate in First Line Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management and in Addiction Studies from NUI Maynooth.
“I attended a Wellness Workshop back in 2012 and was blown away by what I seen as a new and innovative approach to mental health services. I knew then that I wanted to be involved in Suicide or Survive in some way. I am proud to be part of an amazing team of people who are so committed to working with people and meeting them where they are at in their lives. To be a small part of someone’s life journey is a very humbling experience and something that I am very proud of.”
Paula O’Malley – Development and Partnerships Manager
Paula O’Malley joined the Suicide or Survive team in October 2025. Paula brings 20 years experience in the community, voluntary and non-profit sector. Paula holds the remit for fundraising, partnerships and development for Suicide or Survive. She brings particular expertise in non-profit development, funding diversification, interagency collaboration and partnerships.
Paula is also a qualified and experienced Adult Guidance Counsellor and Facilitator with a Masters degree in Mindfulness Based Approaches. Having completed Suicide or Survive’s Supporters Programme in 2012 she is passionate about the accessible and evidence based programmes Suicide or Survive provides.
In her spare time she loves trail running/hiking, going to the gym, yoga, mindfulness and walking her dog in nature.
Eileen Tobin – Clinical Manager
Eaton Smith – Finance and Governance Executive
Eaton joined the Suicide or Survive team in October of 2024. She received her BA in Political Science from University of Colorado Boulder and her Masters in Law from Trinity College Dublin. Eaton has a Professional Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Management from the UCD Professional Academy.
Outside of work, Eaton enjoys reading, cooking, and embroidery.
Isobel Hayes – Communications and Administrative Assistant
