SUICIDE OR SURVIVE
SOS 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
Joan Wall – Interim CEO
Joan Wall joined the SOS 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 Coordinator
Catherine joined SOS 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 SOS 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.”
Kerrie Griffin – Fundraising & Events Coordinator
Kerrie joined SOS in November 2023. She has spent the last several years working in marketing for large corporations and brings a deep knowledge of all things social media and campaigns to the team.
Kerrie is deeply passionate about fostering conversations around mental health, breaking stigmas and creating safe spaces for healing. Outside of work, Kerrie likes running, being in nature and has a love for animals.
