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.

Operations Executive (she/her)

bookings@soar.ie

Reach out if you would like to book a Soar workshop for your school or community group.

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.

In my role, I have 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.

Team Trainer (she/her)

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?  

Facilitator

Hi, my name is Aaron, and I’m a facilitator with Soar. I have a background in psychology and experience working with young people in a trauma-informed social care setting. I found this work incredibly rewarding, particularly the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and create spaces where young people felt safe, supported and heard.

That experience left me feeling there was even more I could do to support young people. I was especially drawn to group facilitation and its potential to help young people connect with themselves and one another. This ultimately led me to Soar, where I’m excited to help create open and inclusive spaces in which young people can express themselves honestly, recognise their strengths and feel that their voices matter.

Outside of Soar, I’m completing a PhD by research and taking part in triathlons. I’m a big believer in the connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind, as this balance works really well for me. I also love spending time with family and friends, usually over a good cup of coffee.

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.

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

Hello! My name is Clare, and I am a facilitator on the Soar Team. As a facilitator, I have the opportunity to travel around Ireland and learn from young people about what it is like to be a teenager today, exploring topics with curiosity in a way that feels safe and comfortable.

My background is in community event facilitation, mental health nursing, and yoga teaching. A common thread throughout my working life so far has been my interest in connecting with people and supporting them in connecting with themselves. This is how I came to Soar, and I am very happy to be here!

In my free time, I love meeting up with my friends, swimming in the sea, practicing yoga, inventing new recipes, and travelling whenever I can.

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

Hi! My name is Lucie, and I'm a facilitator with Soar.

Over the past few years, I have worked a lot with young people, helping them manage concerns around relationships and sexuality and navigate more difficult topics such as bullying, harassment, or sexual violence. I’m open to any conversation. No topic is too taboo or too small to talk about. Especially when we’re young, we can wonder if we’re the only ones feeling this way or if something makes us weird. There can be so much pressure to fit in. Putting those thoughts into words can make us feel lighter, remind us we’re not alone, and help us move forward.

I am an artsy person, and I love improv theatre. Being part of a performing team is such an amazing experience because you get to know more about your scene partners and create stories on the spot that will never be shown again. Intimidating, isn't it? Well, I’ll let you imagine how nervous I was at my first show! And then... I couldn't live without it!

I also have a passion for travelling and have done a lot of solo trips over the last few years. I could tell you about the time I was driving in the desert in Kazakhstan and shared part of my journey with two military men who were hitchhiking. Or the time I was invited by the pilot to spend the flight in the cockpit over the Greenland ice cap. And sometimes... things don’t always go according to plan, and I've had my fair share of scares. But the world opens up when you are curious and dare to challenge yourself!

Facilitator

Hi, I’m Rory, and I’m delighted to have recently joined the SOAR team!

I was first introduced to self-development work during Transition Year, when I took part in a workshop similar to SOAR. It had a huge impact on my life. In secondary school, it may have looked from the outside as though I was doing really well, but behind closed doors, I was struggling. The workshop helped me realise that I wasn’t the only person in my year finding things difficult, and that realisation was incredibly empowering. It allowed me to build a much better relationship with myself and form more open and honest connections with my friends.

That experience sparked a real passion for self-development and coaching, which has shaped both my academic and professional journey ever since. I studied psychology at undergraduate level and have gained plenty of experience coaching and facilitating groups. I’m also currently completing a master’s in Sport & Performance Psychology, with the goal of helping people reach their full potential and perform at their best.

I love having meaningful conversations and building genuine connections with people, so when the opportunity to work with SOAR came up, I couldn’t let it pass. SOAR’s values closely reflect the things I try to embody in my own life—authenticity, self-exploration and human connection. Having experienced the benefits of this kind of work first-hand, I can’t wait to help create that same experience for others!

In my spare time, you’ll usually find me training for GAA, swimming in the sea or planning my next music festival!

Facilitator

Hi I’m Shauna, and I’m one of Soar’s new facilitators.

My career before Soar has taken me through some very different industries, from sales, communications to hospitality and funeral services. The common threads, however, have always been people, building connections, listening, and helping others feel comfortable and supported. After years of trying to follow a “linear” career path, I realised that what really makes me happy is working with people, helping and inspiring others, and learning from the people I meet. That’s what brought me to Soar.

I was diagnosed as autistic in my mid 20s and it has changed how I understand my current self and my younger self. Learning more about how autism can present in women and girls has given me a much greater sense of empathy for the childhood and teenage Shauna. It has also helped me become more comfortable communicating my boundaries, understanding what I need, and embracing the things that make me unique. I hope to bring that same openness and acceptance into my workshops and create spaces where young people feel comfortable being themselves.

Outside of Soar, you’ll usually find me in Sligo or Donegal, slowly and somewhat badly learning to surf. I love spending time there with friends, family, and my fiancé. I also adore horses and dogs, and I’m very into history and current affairs. I’m also a slightly obsessive Titanic re-watcher and firmly believe nothing beats a good spicebag from the Chinese while watching that cinemaic master piece. My friends would describe me as the organised, Type-A friend who always has a plan, although there’s definitely a chaotic, stressy overpacker hiding underneath!

Facilitator (he/him)

Hi, I’m Zack. I’m from Egypt, and I moved to Ireland three years ago. I work as a facilitator at Soar, and I come from an acting and theatre background. A few years ago, drama brought me into working with young people. Since then I realised facilitation can genuinely help young people grow, help them find their voice, and feel more themselves.

As society continues to change quickly, young people encounter new challenges in their daily lives. Therefore, my role as a facilitator at Soar aims to create a space where they can talk, express themselves, and feel supported.