Meet the Team
Dr Naomi Masheti
Programme Coordinator
Dr Naomi Masheti is a Psychologist and a three-time graduate of UCC; she graduated with a BA in Applied Psychology in 2007, an MA in Forensic Psychology in 2008, and a PhD specializing in the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Sub-Saharan African Migrant Children in 2015. She is a Psychosocial Practitioner at CMC, and a guest lecturer at the School of Psychology, University College Cork. Naomi was the recipient of UCC 2020 Athena SWAN Equality Award. Spends leisure time watching medical and crime dramas, supernatural and futuristic movies and couch time reading fictional novels.
Tel: (086) 013 7616
Raphael Olympio
Assistant programme coordinator:
Raphael Olympio is a performer as well as founding member of the Sauti Studio and ETB mentor of the CMC Youth Initiative Against racism (CMCYIAR). Having recently graduated as an Occupational Therapist in UCC, he has a wide range of skills and knowledge that allows him working to support young people through coordinating activities, capacity building, creative performances, etc.
Tel:(086) 138 2140
Sr Josephine McCarthy
Sr Josephine McCarthy has 30+ years in community development work having worked in Africa and South America among other places. She is a key shaper and developer of programs at the Cork Migrant Centre.
jo@nanonagleplace.ie
Tel: 086 8246087
Úna Kennelly
Project Support and Admin Coordinator
Úna gained experience in working in culutrally different enviornments from having lived in Argentina, Spain, Switzerland and Ireland. While currently pursuing a Master’s, part time, in public policy, she has recently joined the team to provide unending support to all the projects that are taking place by bringing people together in a safe and creative environment. She also volunteers with Brij Cork to support international protection applicants.
Tel: 083 2081678
John Smith
CEO
John Smith is a Cork native with over 25 years’ experience in private and not for profit sectors. He spent his early career working with EMC DELL in Ovens, Co. Cork. Having taken time out to study for an MA in Development Education and Community Development, he joined the Development Education Team in Trócaire, the Irish international aid agency. During his time there, John led teams responsible for delivery of the Development Education Programme, Advocacy Campaigns, Church Community Engagement, Digital and Traditional Communications and Policy and Advocacy and Volunteer Programmes. For the past 5 years, he has worked as part of Trócaire’s Executive Leadership Team, responsible for the delivery of their Strategic Framework.
John@nanonagleplace.ie