CEO (she/her)

tracey.dollard@soar.ie

Hello! I’m Tracey and I joined Soar in April 2024. For me, Soar represents a unique opportunity to combine almost 20 years of senior operational experience with my volunteering experience as an ISPCC Childline facilitator.  The “essence” of Soar is found in the depth of the work that we undertake with the young people that we support. Witnessing first hand the impact that our team of skilled and deeply relatable facilitators have on the groups of teens that we support was extremely powerful, humbling and motivating. 

Acceptance and validation is something that I think a lot of young people struggle with as they navigate their teenage years in a complex world. I know that if I cast my mind back to when I was a teenager growing up in a 1980’s Ireland, I can certainly relate to the challenges faced by teenagers today. Longing to belong and be accepted by a relatively harsh society, I remember adapting my behaviours and presentation to conform to what was expected without ever really exploring who I really was. I know that if an organisation like Soar had created that space for me that I would have embraced it and thrived because of it.

That’s why . I’m really excited about the next chapter in the story of The Soar Foundation and count myself extremely fortunate to work with a bunch of talented, energised and passionate people who put young people at the heart of everything they do.

Head of Partnerships (she/her) 

rachel.dwyer@soar.ie

Hi there! I’m Rachel, and I bring over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and programme delivery within the not-for-profit sector.  

SOAR delivers a vital service to young adults at a critical time in their mental development.  To continue to both, maintain and grow our reach, we need financial support to fund this development, we do this through corporate workshops, amazing partnerships and philanthropy. We have some amazing people and businesses who have stepped up to get us this far. We need to identify and bring on board new supporters to continue to support our continued growth. I’m passionate about creating meaningful connections with people and delivering impactful results with their funds. 

When I’m not planning innovative collaborations with companies and other organisations, you’ll find me enjoying time with my family of five children, two dogs, and husband. I empathize deeply with the challenges faced by young people today.

School’s Relationship Manager (she/her)

orlagh.reilly@soar.ie

Hi there, I’m Orlagh and I am incredibly passionate about creating meaningful experiences for young people. I love listening to their stories and opinions.  

Over the past 12 years I have carried out a range of different roles at Soar but currently, I am responsible for developing and maintaining our relationships with schools and community groups. I work closely with others to ensure that our workshops are delivered to the highest standard and that the school are supported throughout the process.  

I deeply believe in our approach of meeting young people where they are at, listen with empathy, be inclusive to all and have fun along the way! One thing that has remained consistent for me over the years is how much teenagers blow me away in their capacity for inner strength, intuition and honest self expression when they are given the space to do so.  

Outside of work, you’ll probably find me running in the Wicklow mountains, drinking coffee and having chats with my friends. I also love jumping into the sea, learning about different cultures and most recently, playing and laughing with our little boy Faolán. I have recently embarked on a course that has reconnected me to my love of acting 😊 ... what is something you would like to reconnect with?  

If you want to get in touch about a workshop, please call me on 085-8565457. 

Programme Delivery Team Manager (she/her)

Hi! I'm Ciara, the Programme Delivery Team Manager at Soar and in this role I have the privilege of supporting our wonderful team of Facilitators in the incredible work they do. I bring with me over 10 years' experience in relationship management and service delivery across both not-for-profit and private sectors.

I recently joined the Soar Team and already have had the opportunity to witness the ground-breaking impact our workshops and supports have on young people at what can be a very challenging time in a young person's life. Our Facilitators travel all over Ireland, facilitating safe spaces for young people to connect with their authentic selves and each other in a fun and engaging way. I am excited to be part of a team who are so genuinely passionate about empowering teens and I look forward supporting the delivery of Soar's mission of reaching every teenager in Ireland.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, painting, going to concerts and travelling when I get the opportunity.

Facilitator and Operations Executive (they/them)

bookings@soar.ie

My name is Naoise and I look after Soar's operations and facilitate workshops. I was drawn to Soar after a good friend recommended I come along to an open evening and I immediately felt connected to the mission. I spent a lot of my youth feeling unheard and misunderstood, not knowing who to talk to. Soar creates space for young people to be authentic and have honest conversations and I love being a part of that.

In my personal life I am a songwriter and musician and enjoy making original music. I also love spending my time volunteering at my local youth centre with youth groups centred around music and holding a safe space for LGBTQIA+ young folks. I strongly value inclusion and acceptance, and understand the importance of honest self expression, which is why I'm passionate about working for Soar. I love working with such empathetic and courageous individuals to create an empowering and magical space for young people.

Senior Facilitator (she/her)

Hi, I’m Hazel and I am a facilitator. As part of the programme delivery team, I get to travel around the country running workshops! The best part of the job for me is definitely meeting so many brilliant young people every week. It is a privilege to get to create space for them to recognise how much they already know and can learn from each other. The reason I love Soar is because when I was 16, I knew I had lots of smart opinions and ideas, and I often felt that the adults in my life didn’t take me seriously. Now, I get to be the person that hears and values the thoughts young people share with us at workshops, and I always learn something from them.

Before I joined Soar, I spent time working in volunteer management, university admin, and learning & development. Plus, I studied English Literature and Sociology at university! When I’m not working, I am a board game fiend, an avid sea swimmer, and a messy cook. I also love to read, watch movies (particularly at the cinema), and lose at trivia nights!

Facilitator (he/him)

Hi, my name is Liam and I’m a facilitator with Soar. Every week, I travel to different schools around the country delivering workshops to the young people of Ireland. My favourite part of this work is listening to this next generation, who are so bright and capable, and hoping to empower them to live their lives to the fullest. If I come away from a workshop having impacted them as much as they impact me, then I consider that a good day’s work!

My ‘why’ for working at Soar is that I believe it’s absolutely vital to encourage our young people to be themselves in the face of an ever-changing and demanding world. When I was in school, I definitely would have benefitted from a Soar workshop, and since then I have side-stepped through different industries to get to where I want to be - right here!

I’m dedicated to engaging with each group and showing them the value of following their dreams. I’m so privileged to do this for a living and I have found purpose and fulfilment through my work. Outside of Soar, I love to read, write, exercise and hang out with my friends and family.

Facilitator (he/him)

Hiya, my name is Jamie and I am a facilitator with Soar, travelling around the country and working with young people every week. I’ve been involved with Soar since my first workshop in Transition Year. It was such an eye-opening day that left a big impact on me. Having a space that felt safe and comfortable to talk about the things going on in my life as well as hearing from my classmates and learning about their lives was something we all needed and really benefited from. The impact it left on me led me to stay in contact with the Soar and make my way through our Hustle programme and later, our Quest programme. I am now a facilitator, and I love that I’m now able to give the next generation of teenagers an experience like I had.

In my spare time, I love to watch movies, go charity shopping with my mates, cycle around the Phoenix Park, read a good book. Or you can find me helping backstage at a performance by Draíocht. I’ve also spent the last two summers, coming to my third this year, working at a summer camp in Missouri, USA. I’ve had the time of my life being able to work with young people on the other side of the world and be able to spread the Soar energy while I’m there!

Facilitator (she/her)

Hey! My name is Ella and I’m a facilitator with Soar. As part of my job, I travel to different schools across the country, delivering workshops to lots of incredible young people. Getting to connect with teenagers around Ireland is work I truly value and being part of this amazing team is something I’m very grateful for.

My favourite aspect of this work is creating a space where young people feel safe, seen and that their voices are valued - and then watching the magic that unfolds from there! I love hearing from this next generation, who are so insightful and wise, and I’ll feel I’ve done my job if I can help them feel more connected to themselves, their own potential and the people around them too. My shy, nervous teenage self would have absolutely benefited from a workshop like that!

Outside of Soar, you’ll find me creating music, lurking around the coffee shops of Dublin with a book in hand, hanging out with my friends and getting out into nature whenever I can.

Facilitator

Hey! My name is Hanorah and I'm one of the newest additions to the facilitation team. I still remember when Soar came to my school in transition year, which is what encouraged me to apply when I saw a facilitator role advertised! I come from a background of studying social work and I have previously had a lot of experience volunteering with different youth organisations. 

I’m really looking forward to meeting young people where they are at, and helping provide a safe space for them to connect with each other, have their voices valued and be their authentic self. I love hearing from young people as I believe they have so many amazing opinions and they deserve the space to be able to voice them!

Before working with Soar, I was travelling around the world for a few months, it was such an amazing experience, from sliding down an active volcano in Nicaragua to flying over a glacier in a Helicopter in New Zealand, it was the trip of a lifetime. In my spare time I love to hang out with family and friends, do escape rooms, play guitar, read, game, cook and try out new hobbies!

Facilitator

Hello, my name is Cathy and I’m a facilitator with Soar. What makes me so inspired to do this work is the chance to give young people the kind of tools I wish I’d had growing up, such as ways to manage emotions, build self-esteem and cultivate positive thinking.

I struggled with my mental health as a young person until I found meditation, yoga and philosophy. These practices completely shifted how I see the world and how I feel in myself. Since then, I’ve thrown myself into studying yogic traditions and mindfulness. 

I feel passionate about equipping young people with the tools for life that are often missing in traditional education. We educate teenagers to pass exams but not to thrive in life. This is why I am so delighted to do this work with SOAR and hopefully make a difference in how we educate young people! 

When I’m not in workshops, you’ll usually find me travelling, scribbling in notebooks or running around mountains. My happy place is a quiet a café with a pen and paper drinking too much coffee.

Facilitator (she/her)

Hi! My name is Shauna and I’m a facilitator with Soar. I have the privilege of travelling around to different schools meeting different young people each week! 

I’m a big chatterbox and love meeting new people and having the chats as I think it’s key to cultivating a sense of connection and shared community between people. I believe that there’s endless things we can learn from each other if we can just take the time to have a conversation and deeply listen, watch and empathise with one another.

I have a passion for creative advocacy and a background in social justice studies. My passions combine in my practice as a multidisciplinary artist working across acting, writing and performance. I love all things theatre and socially engaged arts and before joining Soar have worked in youth work in arts and cultural and global citizenship education spaces. When I’m not in Soar you’ll likely find me learning lines, reading, in nature or in the gym! 

Facilitator

Hi, I'm Bobby. I'm a facilitator at Soar. I have a deep passion for facilitating and for regenerative work that can help young people deal with the complex issues of our modern world. In my spare time, I'm a spoken word artist and visual artist whose work focuses mainly on evocative ways to talk about the Earth, the future of humanity and the planet.

With a background in environmentalism and film television, I have a deep passion for creating positive change and inspiring others.