Our Board

Our Board of Directors at Dogs for Disabled is unwavering in their commitment to uphold the highest standards of ethics and transparency in our mission to provide life-changing assistance dogs to those who need them most, irrespective of their financial capabilities. Fuelled by a passion for inclusivity, our organisation ensures that the transformative effect of assistance dogs is accessible to all who meet our criteria of need, regardless of their ability to pay.

One of the hallmarks of our ethical approach is the charity's promise to maintain ownership of our special dogs, ensuring their welfare and care throughout their entire lives. This steadfast commitment reflects our deep-seated ethical belief in the enduring bond between our exceptional dogs and the individuals they serve.

  • Senator Dr Tom Clonan, Chair of the Board

    Dr Tom Clonan is one of Ireland’s leading disability rights activists. As Chair and Board Member of Dogs for the Disabled he has a valuable set of skills uniquely suited to this position. As an academic, journalist and political candidate (Seanad Eireann, Trinity College Dublin Panel – 2016, 2020, 2022)

    Tom has extensive experience of campaigning, lobbying, media relations and public affairs. As a retired army officer, he has extensive experience of financial management, HR, oversight and good governance.

  • Dr. Teresa O'Donnell, Chartered Educational Psychologist (C.Educ. Psychol., Ps.S.I.)

    Teresa is an Educational Psychologist. She has vast experience working directly with children, schools, teachers, and families as well as other educational services and statutory bodies.

    As Secretary and Board Member of Dogs for the Disabled, she is passionate about the role of assistance dogs in educational settings and is currently establishing the country’s first pilot program within the Dept. of Education using canine assisted intervention with her DFD dog Nate.

  • Jason Kelly, FRCSI, FRCS (Plast) BCh MD

    Jason Kelly is one of Cork’s leading surgeons. He has extensive experience as a clinical director in management, planning, service delivery, HR, financial management, health and safety and the management of risk. He has unique insights into the medical needs of the clients of Dogs for the Disabled and of the ethical and best interests and welfare needs of the community that we serve.

    Jason is a strategic thinker and visionary with regard to the significant medical research collaborations with which Dogs for the Disabled has become involved.

  • Marnie Cafferky

    As a long-established and successful business owner, Marnie Cafferkey is an exceptionally skilled Board Member for Dogs for the Disabled.

    She possesses all of the skill sets of a business owner and CEO, with extensive experience in HR, business planning, strategic planning, financial management, networking and environmental issues.

  • John O'Sullivan

    John O’Sullivan is Vice President of Supply Chain Systems and Analytics at Johnson Controls and has a rich professional history.

    Before joining Johnson Controls, he held several senior leadership roles at Flextronics from 2000 to 2013, including President of Global Services, SVP of WW Logistics, VP of EMEA Manufacturing Operations, and Managing Director. His expertise spans IT, supply chain, procurement, digital technologies, business intelligence, and data analytics. John graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Maths, and Applied Maths from University College Cork.

  • Our Charity Solicitor: John O'Keefe, BL

    John O’Keefe has a long-establised Cork based legal firm and has been the charities board nominated solicitor for many years.

    John always gives a calm, pragmatic and reassured guidance on any matter we need legal advice on and we are very grateful to have him on our trusted team.