Our Board

As CEO of Community Cancer Caregivers, Deborah brings compassion, strength, and lived understanding to every aspect of the organisation. Since stepping into the role, she has continued the charity’s mission of providing practical and emotional support to families navigating the devastating impact of cancer treatment.

Deborah’s dedication to supporting others is deeply personal. Alongside Donna and their dear friend Suzanne (RIP), Deborah studied Chemistry in DIT Kevin Street in 2001, where lifelong friendships were formed. Following Suzanne’s passing from Breast Cancer in August 2019, Deborah and Donna were determined to honour her memory by creating meaningful support for families facing similar journeys.

What began as a small local initiative in Kildare has grown into a nationwide charity supporting families across Ireland with practical assistance including meal vouchers, childcare support, home help, and emotional care during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Deborah is passionate about ensuring that no family feels alone during cancer treatment. Her empathy, commitment, and unwavering belief in community support continue to shape the heart of Community Cancer Caregivers and the vital work it carries out every day.

Donna Phelan is deeply committed to supporting families and building stronger, more inclusive communities. As co-founder and secretary of Community Cancer Caregivers, Donna has helped create a lifeline for families navigating the devastating impact of cancer. What began as a small local initiative has grown into a unique national charity supporting families across Ireland through practical, compassionate supports including meal vouchers, home cleaning, childcare assistance, and emotional support during treatment.

Donna currently serves as a County Councillor on Kildare County Council representing the Clane–Maynooth Municipal District, where she advocates strongly for inclusion, accessibility, community supports, disability rights, and better services for families. Her role in public service allows her to champion the needs of vulnerable communities and ensure lived experience is represented in decision-making.

Donna co-founded the charity alongside her lifelong friend Deborah in memory of their dear friend Suzanne (RIP), who passed away from breast cancer in 2019. The three friends met while studying Chemistry in DIT Kevin Street in 2001 and formed an instant bond. After witnessing first-hand, the challenges Suzanne and her family faced during her illness, Donna and Deborah were determined to ensure other families would not face those struggles alone. Their vision has since evolved into an extraordinary charity that continues to change lives every day.

Donna is also Chairperson of the Maynooth Autism Friendly Town Committee, where she leads initiatives focused on accessibility, inclusion, understanding, and meaningful participation for autistic individuals and their families. Under her leadership, Maynooth became Ireland’s second Autism Friendly Town, with projects that continue to break barriers and create lasting community change.

Education and advocacy are central to Donna’s work. As a member of a primary school Board of Management and a proud mother of three daughters, she is passionate about ensuring all children have access to supportive, inclusive educational environments where they can thrive.

Whether through disability advocacy, community development, or cancer support services, Donna’s work is rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that communities can achieve incredible things when they come together to support one another.

Martina is a dedicated healthcare professional with an illustrious career in Radiation Oncology that spans over two decades. Graduating as a Radiation Therapist from the University of Ulster in 2003, she embarked on a journey of compassion and service to patients facing the challenges of cancer.

Currently, as a Director of Quality, Patient Safety, and Risk in a large Radiation Oncology Network, Martina holds a pivotal position that influences the overall quality of care provided to cancer patients. Her focus on patient safety and risk management ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in her organisation.

Martina’s commitment to her own professional development is evident through her master’s degree in healthcare management from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This additional qualification empowers her to navigate the complexities of healthcare administration, making strategic decisions that positively impact patient outcomes and organisational performance.

Throughout her career, Martina has witnessed the struggles that many patients face when juggling cancer treatment appointments with their everyday responsibilities. As a caring mother of two herself, she deeply empathises with these challenges and understands the added stress that they can bring to an already difficult time for patients and their families.

Martina’s personal experiences and professional insights have fueled her desire to make a difference in the lives of those undergoing cancer treatment. Her dedication to improving the patient experience and removing barriers to care has inspired her to explore innovative solutions that ease the burden on patients and their families.

Hazel is a dedicated wife and loving mother of three children (and a beloved cat!) who made Maynooth her home in 2017. With a strong academic background and over 15 years of experience in banking, Hazel is a formidable force in the financial industry.

Currently serving as a Product  Manager with Bank of Ireland, Hazel brings her expertise in policy and procedure implementation, product lifecycle management, corporate culture, and risk management to the forefront. Her commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail have earned her a reputation as a trusted leader in her field.

As a certified Data Protection Officer, Hazel demonstrates her commitment to safeguarding the privacy and security of sensitive information. Her level 9 certification in this field attests to her expertise in data protection, ensuring that organisations uphold the highest standards of compliance and responsibility.

With a heart of compassion and a mind of strategic acumen, Hazel embraces challenges with enthusiasm and unwavering determination. Her previous roles allow her to make significant contributions to the success and growth of Bank of Ireland, while her commitment to lifelong learning keeps her at the forefront of industry trends and developments

Fiachra’s accomplishments and commitment to his role as Chief Financial Officer of Community Cancer Caregivers are truly commendable. With over two decades of experience as a Chartered Accountant, he has undoubtedly honed his financial expertise and developed a deep understanding of financial management principles.

Fiachra’s professional journey has been diverse and enriched by his involvement with both domestic and international companies, many of which were founded or led by Irish entrepreneurs. Throughout his career, he has held several senior financial roles, contributing his astute financial acumen to the growth and success of these organisations.

As a trusted financial leader, Fiachra possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes has proven invaluable to the success of the organisations he has served.

Beyond his accomplishments in the corporate world, Fiachra is no stranger to boardrooms. He has gained extensive board experience, lending his insights and guidance to various organisations throughout his career. His strategic thinking and analytical prowess have made him a sought-after advisor in diverse industries.
However, Fiachra’s passion for making a positive impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He is a dedicated volunteer, generously investing his time and expertise in his community. As a kids coach, he imparts valuable life skills and fosters a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie among young athletes. In addition to this, he serves as the treasurer for his local soccer club Maynooth Town FC, ensuring that the organisation operates efficiently and sustains its mission of nurturing local talent.

Professionally, Mary is a Director of Client Success, with an impressive track record of over 20 years in the hospitality software industry. Her expertise and dedication have made her a valuable asset to her organisation, where she excels in ensuring client satisfaction and success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mary’s heart is deeply rooted in her local community. Her passion for making a positive impact drives her to volunteer with numerous local organisations. One of the ways Mary gives back to her community is through her role as a soccer coach with Maynooth Town FC. As a coach, she not only imparts soccer skills but also instils in her young players the values of teamwork, discipline, and determination. Her mentorship inspires the next generation of athletes to thrive on and off the field.
Mary’s role as a Director of Client Success, her passion for community involvement, and her commitment to family and furry friends all exemplify her capacity to balance professional success with meaningful connections and meaningful contributions to the world around her.