Our Team

CPI is run by a Governing Body, most of whom live with chronic pain. The Governing Body is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of CPI.   All are volunteers with a range of skills and expertise from financial, legal and business backgrounds.

Deirdre Ryan - Chairperson Chronic Pain Ireland
Deirdre Ryan
Chairperson. Has lived with Chronic Pain for over 10 years, is a pre-accredited Psychotherapist & Counsellor & is establishing a private practice in 2019.

With a wealth of professional experience beginning in fine art & the insurance industry Deirdre brings transparent leadership and developmental insight to her role as Chairperson of Chronic Pain Ireland.  

Martina Phelan Vice Chairperson
Martina Phelan
Treasurer & Acting Secretary

With over 15 years experience in Accounts and payroll in many varying industries, Martina has lived with chronic pain for over 30 years due to a birth defect and is no longer able to work.

Keelin Barry CPI Governing Body Member
Keelin Barry BSc (Hons) MPH, LLM
Governing Body Member. LLM Human Rights Law, Masters Public Health, Background human rights, public health, asylum seeker & refugee rights, advocacy & community development.

 She sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury - Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) resulting in physical disability & ongoing chronic pain. Committed to raising awareness of CES as early detection & treatment vital.

 

 

 

Sarah O'Keeffe CPI Governing Body Member
Sarah O'Keeffe
Governing Body Member. Studying MSc in International Disability Law having an interest in law & human rights With PgD Media Communications & PgD Community & Adult Further Education she has facilitated within adult education as an advocate for older adults

and for those with an intellectual disability, Has been engaged as a researcher with experience of local partnerships & groups having worked on a number of Boards particularly in community led projects over a number of years.

Ursula Hakman - CPI Governing Body Member
Ursula Hakman
Governing Body Member. Background in Foreign Affairs, Leadership & actively involved with number of Irish patient advocacy groups. Trained on Stanford Chronic Disease self-management programme & is a complementary therapist. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia,

Chonic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Lyme Borreliosis & Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome her health journey gives her great insight into the patient experience.

Christina Donnelly Chronic Pain Ireland
Christina Donnelly
Staff National Co-Ordinator. BA (Hons) Business Studies has extensive managerial expertise within educational sector including finance, project, office & event management.

 Working with CPI since 2008 responsiblities include GDPR, office management, support services, helpline & event management.   Current Board Member Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups & Patient Representative National Clinical Effectiveness Committee.