Meet the team
We are a small team here at Children’s Heartbeat Trust, but our passion for working with heart families across Northern Ireland is huge, and we are very proud of our work’s positive impact. Our team is passionate about supporting children and families affected by congenital heart disease across Northern Ireland. Here’s who we are.
Joanne has worked in the voluntary sector since 2006 and was appointed Chief Executive of CHT in June 2022. Joanne’s focus is to lead the organisation in its next stage of development, ensuring children with CHD and their families are at the heart of the organisation.
Joanne McCallister
Chief Executive
Cathy is our Family & Youth Services Manager, bringing over a decade of experience supporting children and families. A familiar face on Clark Clinic and at community events, Cathy leads programs that empower families and young people living with CHD. Her compassionate approach ensures every family feels heard, supported, and connected.
Cathy Dalton
Family & Youth Services Manager
Jennifer is our Community Family Support Officer and a heart mum with a background in counselling. She supports families antenatally, leads our home visit and play and prepare services as well as supporting our local group organisers, who run family events throughout Northern Ireland. She enjoys photography, trips to Donegal's beaches, and travels abroad in her spare time.
Jennifer Keys
Community Family Support Officer
Liz is our dedicated Family Support Officer, providing practical, emotional, and financial assistance to heart families across Northern Ireland. With her caring nature and unwavering commitment, Liz builds meaningful relationships and ensures families feel supported during challenging times. Her role is central to fostering resilience and connection within the CHD community.
Liz Carton
Family Support Officer
Katie is our Engagement Officer, dedicated to creating meaningful connections with young people and families. She organises events that bring heart families together, fostering a sense of community and support. With her enthusiasm and creativity, Katie ensures every event is engaging, impactful, and tailored to the needs of those we serve.
Katie Mulholland
Engagement Officer (Youth & Family)
Nakita is our Youth Support Worker and has a sibling with CHD so Children’s Heartbeat Trust has been in her life a long time! Nakita will be working with young people with CHD and their families and taking the lead on our new GLOW programme for 7-10 year olds and our siblings programme. Nakita loves to travel, read and take part in very competitive games nights with her 6 younger siblings!
Nakita Bradley
Youth Support Worker
As Fundraising Manager, Lynn oversees all aspects of the charity’s fundraising efforts, working to secure vital income and support from individuals, volunteers, and corporate partners.
With nearly a decade of experience at Children’s Heartbeat Trust, she brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to every campaign, ensuring our mission continues to grow
Lynn Cowan
Fundraising Manager
Alison looks after our office and coordinates our respite caravans. If you call the CHT offices, it’s usually Alison you end up talking to. With a passion for providing practical support to heart families, Alison plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations and coordinating vital family services.
Alison Crawford
Office Manager
Joan is our Research, Impact and Public Affairs Manager, particularly for the Congenital Heart Disease Intervention Programme (CHIP) III. Her research will focus on emerging adults and form part of an internationally recognised longitudinal study into congenital heart disease and neurodevelopment. Joan’s research aims to inform interventions to optimise neuropsychological outcomes, and hence quality of life, for individuals with CHD.
Joan Aiken
Research, Impact and Public Affairs Manager
Victoria joined Children’s Heartbeat Trust as our Fundraising Administrator in September 2022, bringing over a decade of experience in the charity sector.
As Fundraising Administrator, Victoria provides essential support across all fundraising activities, ensuring smooth coordination, accurate record-keeping, and excellent supporter care.
Victoria Jackson
Fundraising Administrator
Jenna is our Community and Events Fundraiser, dedicated to organising our own fundraising events and supporting our incredible community fundraisers.
She's here to answer your questions, provide helpful resources, and cheer you on every step of the way. Whether you're planning to take on a challenge, host a tea party, or bring your own unique fundraising idea to life, Jenna is excited to support you and hear all about it!
Jenna Robinson
Community & Events Fundraiser
Board of Directors
We have a committed Board of Directors who are responsible in law for the overall governance of the charity. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from different backgrounds, including clinical and family experience with CHD and professional expertise. All our Directors are volunteers—giving up their time and expertise for free.
As key members of the CHT Team, the Board works behind the scenes to achieve our mission, set strategic direction, and ensure we are financially sound and compliant with relevant legislation.
Prof. Nichola Rooney
Chair
Hazel Bradbury
Trustee
Dr Brian Craig
Trustee
Grainne McKenna
Trustee
Diane McDowell
Trustee
Deirdre St John
Trustee
Will Young
Trustee
Niall Parfitt
Trustee
Henry Webb
Trustee
Paula Murray
Trustee
Get involved
Make a difference in the lives of heart families! Whether you’d like to fundraise, volunteer, or become a corporate partner, there are so many ways to get involved with CHT.