KCYS
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Berni Smyth
Chief Executive Officer
Berni Smyth took up the CEO position with KCYS in June 2022.
She has extensive experience of providing supports to children and families in the voluntary and community sector – starting out in her career as a youth worker with Galway Youth Federation in the early 1990’s. She has won numerous awards, most recently receiving an Irish Woman of the Year Award, for her contribution to public service.
Berni has over 25 years experience of working with children and families in a leadership capacity. She has a specialist interest in the rights of minority ethnic children and intensive family support evidenced through her direct work in the community, her research and as an associate lecturer with the Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway. Her published research and models of best practice have been presented internationally. She has provided consultation and facilitation services to statutory and voluntary agencies in areas such as strategic planning, conflict resolution, child protection and welfare, cultural competence and youth participation.
Prior to joining KCYS, Berni worked for 5 years with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency leading out on national and regional initiatives including the national Meitheal training programme for both the voluntary and community sector. In her most recent role, she was responsible for Service Experience and Feedback for the West region, project-managing several national programmes to promote learning from the experience of service users.
Berni has enhanced her leadership and governance skills through her voluntary contribution to a wide range of Boards and committees and as an expert advisor in the international arena. She is a Trustee of Youth Work Ireland, was the Chairperson of the Irish Refugee Council (2016 – 2021) and previously led Macnas International Street Spectacle through a highly successful change management programme.
Berni is a qualified secondary school teacher, has a Masters in Family Support and a Post Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution.
John Slattery
Finance Manager
John joined the organisation as Finance Manager is September 2022.
The role includes responsibility for oversight and supervision of the organisation’s financial activities both commercial and non-commercial in nature and ensuring annual accounts are prepared in line with SORP. This position is part of the executive team of KCYS and involves regular engagement with KCYS Board of Trustees, presentation of annual forecasts, monthly financial reports and annual audited accounts.
John has more than 30 years of financial experience across a number of different roles and industries.
John holds a BComm and H Dip and is a member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Nicola O’Sullivan
Human Resource Manager
Nicola is a highly motivated HR professional with over 25 years of experience in the community and voluntary sector. Throughout her career, she has cultivated a strong passion for creating positive work environments, prioritising staff wellbeing and empowering employees to succeed.
In her current role as HR Manager, Nicola has played a key role in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes and promoting a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Nicola is a lifelong learner who promotes continuous professional development. Her dedication to her profession is evident in her achievements, including being the recipient of the 2022 Connect Kerry Businesswoman in Law, Finance, Insurance and HR Award and a finalist in the HR Leadership & Management Awards in the HR Manager of the Year category for 2023.
Selena Ross
Centre Manager Tralee
Having previously studied at MTU and graduating in Social Studies from UCC, Selena went on to further her studies in self-development, counselling and administration.
She found that she had a keen interest in learning how to guide others through their challenges and has implemented this in her management roles throughout her career before becoming part of the senior management team in KCYS.
KCYS provides the opportunity to combine her management and social studies which creates a balance that closely aligns with her skillset and values in the youth sector.
She has taken on the additional role of KCYS Board Secretary which has further widened her interests in Charity, Law and Governance.
Selena is dedicated in her line of work to the organisation, to young people and to the wider community.
Linda Kearin
KCYS Youth Justice Project Co – Ordinator
Linda Kearin has been working in youth services for nearly three decades. She is a qualified youth worker and is the current Youth Justice Co-ordinator with the KCYS Divisional Youth Diversion Project and Youth Justice Mentoring Project in Kerry. Linda supports a team of 14 Youth Justice Practitioners to deliver a quality youth service to young people across Kerry and is a member of the KCYS Senior Leadership team. Linda has a strong interest in Justice for young people and children’s rights, she holds an LLM in Child and Family Law (UCC), an MA in Human Rights in Criminal Justice (UL) alongside a youth work career that involves management positions in mentoring, universal youth services and youth justice. Linda is passionate about supporting young people to realise their goals, access their rights and reach their full potential.
Tim Nolan
KCYS Interim Senior Manager
Tim began his career as a support worker, spending four years working in a residential setting with adolescents with disabilities. In 2013, he joined KCYS as a Family Support Worker.
At present, Tim coordinates the Cróige Project, a Tusla-funded initiative aimed at facilitating meaningful contact between children in care and their biological parents. The project also provides support to teenagers and their families in the community, specifically those referred by Tusla.
Tim holds a Diploma in Community Healthcare, an Honours Degree in Youth and Community Work, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care.
Gareth Harteveld
Youth Work Development Manager
Gareth is the Youth Work Development Manager for the organisation. He has been employed in a full-time capacity for the past 25 years with KCYS and has always had a role in the provision of quality youth work in a variety of different contexts. Gareth acted as CEO for the organisation between June 2021 to June 2022. Gareth now has organisational-wide, senior management responsibilities for a number of areas of practice, including, Comhairle na Nóg and Community based youth work. Gareth also has organisational responsibilities for volunteer development, youth participation and child protection training. He has a specific lead in the development of KCYS European based youth work programmes and has been involved at management level of 5 Erasmus+ funded programmes since 2018.
In 2022, Gareth completed the Leargas NQF Level 8 in, ‘European Youth Mobility Project Management,’ in which he gained a 1st class honours. Gareth commenced an Msc. in Adolescent Health in September 2023 with NUIGalway.
Michelle O’Neill
KCYS UBU Your Place Your Space Project Co-Ordinator
Michelle O Neill is the Co-ordinator of KCYS UBU Your Place Your Space Projects. Michelle is a dedicated youth work manager with over six years of experience in developing and leading programs that empower young people with KCYS. Michelle aims to promote positive youth development and has successfully managed projects aimed at enhancing the social, emotional and educational well being of youth in Kerry.
Ann Brosnan
Centre Manager Listowel
Ann is a driving force for positive change with over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Her passion lies in supporting those who empower young people and communities, with a proven track record in supporting volunteerism, youth clubs, and fundraising initiatives.
For over 15 years, she has led the KCYS Listowel Youth Centre, creating a welcoming and vibrant hub for young people, staff, volunteers, and the wider community. Her commitment to quality service ensures a positive, welcoming and impactful environment for all.
Ann’s leadership extends to the KCYS Community Employment scheme, which she has overseen to a high standard for many years. She champions the holistic development of staff, fostering a supportive and empowering workplace and plays a lead role in the implementation of the KCYS Training Programme for all staff.
Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication make her a valuable asset in supporting youth and community development.
