Promoting Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Senior Management Team
Our Senior Management Team is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation.
Margaret O'Neill| Chief Executive Officer
Margaret joined Kare as CEO in October 2025. She is a registered dietitian with more than 30 years’ experience in frontline, national and senior management roles in the HSE, previously as Previously Head of Disability Services for the HSE Dublin and Midlands region.
Margaret has extensive knowledge and experience in the disability sector as well as from other roles including General Manager in Mental Health and National Dietetic Lead, a strategic role in health and wellbeing which she held for seven years.
Sandra Burke | Quality, Risk and Safety Manager
Sandra has been the Manager of Quality, Risk and Safety at Kare since 2020, overseeing areas such as health and safety, data protection, auditing and complaints. With prior experience in local and residential services at Kare and leadership roles in quality and frontline services at WALK in Dublin, she brings strong understanding and experience of the sector.
Holding an Honours Degree in Applied Social Care and a Master’s in Strategic Quality Management, Sandra values continuous learning and meaningful engagement with service users, staff and families to drive improvement.
Laura Keenan | Facilities and Transport Manager
Laura has been the Facilities and Transport Manager at Kare since 2023, leading a team responsible for maintenance, capital projects, property management and transport. Before Kare, Laura spent 12 years working in New Zealand, including as Infrastructure Manager with the Ministry of Education and Manager of Property at New Plymouth District Council. Originally trained in property consultancy with a BSc in Property Economics, Laura also holds a Higher Diploma in Primary Teaching.
Passionate about making a tangible difference, Laura finds the greatest satisfaction in improving the lives of the people Kare supports, whether it’s a freshly painted room, a new home or improved transport.
Louise Mahon | Operational Services Manager
Louise has been involved with Kare for over 30 years in a variety of roles, having started as a volunteer. With a background in social care and management, Louise now manages Kare’s Operational Services and Supports, overseeing children’s preschool and respite, as well as adult day, residential, and respite services.
Louise is passionate about person-centred service delivery and committed to continuous improvement and innovation. The highlight of the role for Louise is hearing directly from individuals about their achievements, such as starting a new job, moving into a new home or celebrating a milestone.
Austin O'Sullivan | Human Resources Manager
Austin brings more than three decades of senior-level expertise in human resources, organisational development, and project management across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD), he is a results-driven and engaged leader with a strong commitment to fostering values-based cultures that support both organisational goals and employee wellbeing.
Austin joined Kare with a passion for inclusive, person-centred services and continues to contribute to the development of a positive and supportive working environment for all staff.
Darren Smullen | Finance Manager
Darren is a qualified accountant with 20 years’ experience working in finance, compliance and audit across many sectors, most notably the not-for-profit sector. Part of Kare’s finance team since 2018, Darren joined the Senior Management Team as Finance Manager in 2022.
Darren values supporting the organisation in achieving its mission and strategic objectives through strategic financial planning and effective financing solutions.
Deirdre Walsh | Clinical Supports Manager
Deirdre is a qualified Speech and Language Therapist with an MSc in Clinical Speech and Language Studies from the University of Limerick, and has worked in the disability sector for 16 years. Part of Kare's Speech and Language department for 11 years before joining the Senior Management Team in 2025, Deirdre brings experience across children’s disability services, acute care and community settings.
In the role of Clinical Services Manager, she now oversees the delivery of high-quality, person-centred clinical supports. A passionate advocate for human rights, Deirdre is committed to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to make informed choices and have meaningful control over their lives.