Our People
David Durney, Director of Operations
David, in his role as Director of Fresh Start, oversees the day to day operations of the organisation. David studied Behavioural Science, Family Studies and Social Work in the United States, and has 20 years experience in working in the sector. He returned to Ireland in 2000. David lives in Newbridge with his wife, Sharon, and two children, David and Leah
Dr. Ian Gargan, Clinical Director, CPsychol (BPS) Reg Psychol (PSI) MB BSc MSc MBA
Ian attended University College Cork in 1992 and completed the Bachelor degree in Science and Psychology in 1996. He then spent a year at the University of Leicester, England, attaining a Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology. Ian moved to Perth, Australia, in 1998 and began work with the Ministry of Justice as a Forensic Psychologist. This proved invaluable with respect to formative training in assessment and treatment of a forensic client base.
Upon returning to Ireland in 1999 Ian established Gargan Psychological Services (GPS). Much work was carried out with children in residential care as well as the criminal justice system.
At this time Ian began studying medicine at Trinity College Dublin. He graduated with a medical degree in 2004. Since then Ian has worked as a non consultant hospital doctor and junior surgeon in various hospitals throughout Ireland. GPS has developed into Gargan Consulting which provides clinical, technological and financial solutions to the health sector. He is co-owner and Clinical Director of Fresh Start, which provides residential as well as other paramedical support services for children. Currently, Ian has just completed a Masters in Business Administration through the Michael Smurfit School of Business and University College Dublin.
Ian is a Representative Committe Member of the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) for the British Psychological Society (BPS) within the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
Dr. Ben Charnaud, MB, BSc, BCh, MRCPsych
Dr. Ben Charnaud is our Consultant Psychiatrist. Ben is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and is registered with the Medical Council in Ireland. Having worked extensively as both an Adult and Child Consultant Psychiatrist, with a special interest in Psychotherapy and Addictions, he brings with him over 30 years experience. He not only is available to work directly with the young people placed with us, but also when required with extended family members, given his dual qualification. Ben also offers supervision both individually and for teams within the organisation.
Ben has been entered on the Specialist Register for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychiatry in Ireland.
Dr. Martina Tobin, BA, PhD, Chartered Forensic Psychologist (BPS)
Martina received a BS Applied Psychology (1990) and a Research Doctorate in Forensic Psychology in 1996 (UCC), subsequently working as a lecturer in Forensic and Abnormal Psychology at the University of North London.
She has over ten years experience of working with a forensic client base, having joined the Prison and Probation Services in London. Her work with the Probation Services included assessment and the provision of individually tailored therapeutic programmes for adolescents with mental health and behavioural needs.
Having returned to live in Cork, Martina continues to do consultancy work for the Prison and Probation Services in London and also lectures part-time in UCC.
Martina began working for Fresh Start in September 2009, working with clients in both the Munster and Leinster regions. Martina is married to Bryan and they have three children; Simone, Ailsa and James
Fiona Kelly Meldon, BA, MA, AFPsSI, Reg. Psychol, Consulting Psychologist
Fiona attended University College Dublin, qualifying with a Masters degree in Psychology (Clinical Specialisation) in 1980. She has worked within the areas of Clinical and Educational Psychology since that date, initially with the St. John of God paediatric and learning disability services, where she was extensively involved in staff and parent training and service development and evaluation. In 1990 Fiona set up in private practice mainly working with children with a variety of different developmental, clinical and educational needs. Over the years she has developed significant interest in and expertise with individuals who have a Specific Learning Difficulty (particularly Dyslexia), Asperger's syndrome and ADD/ADHD.
Fiona has worked on a consultancy basis with a variety of agencies, acting as Course Co-Ordinator for the M.A. in Applied Psychology for four yeas, Placement Co-Ordinator for the Doctorate Programme in Clinical Psychology in U.C.D. for three years and continues to be a Supervising Psychologist with the TEST-2R research programme. She has extensive media experience.
Jarrah Cooke, B.O.T. Occupational Therapist
Jarrah achieved a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand, which he commenced in 2004. Jarrah has worked in a range of Occupational Therapy settings, including Community Mental Health, Residential Mental Health and Elderly Rehab before commencing work with Fresh Start in April 2010.
As an Occupational Therapist, Jarrah will be working with individuals across all of the Fresh Start services to increase their independent living skills, do a range of specialist assessments and have a special focus on developing goals in relation to functioning in daily life. Jarrah will also be working to support teams across Fresh Start in the planning and implementing of interventions with individuals.
Jarrah has a keen interest in travelling and on his way to Ireland, he travelled through South Asia for five months, experiencing different cultures and doing some volunteering in Nepal along the way, before settling in Ireland. Jarrah has a passion for anything outdoors and loves experiencing the Irish countryside and all the water sports Ireland has to offer.
Here's some of our other staff
Services Manager: Joanne Condon
Joanne is responsible for the management and leadership of the Munster Services. She attended University College Cork, where she completed a Bachelor Degree in Social Science. She then went on to complete a Masters in Youth & Community Work, also at UCC. Outside of her work with Fresh Start, Joanne has gained experience in a number of different areas since 1998, including Youth Work with Foroige Youth Organisation, Social Care Work in a mainstream Residential Centre in the H.S.E., as well as experience working with Homeless Youth and the Probation & Welfare Service. Joanne was originally employed by Fresh Start in 2002 as a Social Care Worker, but has worked as a Team Coordinator since 2003. Joanne has just completed a Diploma in Leadership through Dublin Institute of Technology. Joanne lives in Cork with her husband, Barry and two children, Abby & Aaron.
House Manager (Leinster) : Alison Whelan
Alison Whelan has worked for Fresh Start for 6 years. Alison has a BA in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. She began in Fresh Start as a child-care worker and now manages the Tallaght unit (Sceal Eile). Alison oversees the day to day running of the unit, and interfaces with the local social services/workers. Alison is also a trained therapeutic crisis intervention (TCI) instructor. She lives in Carlow with her husband and young daughter.
Child Care Worker (Munster): Nicola Dale
Nicola started working with Fresh Start in February 2002. She has a Diploma in Applied Social Studies and Social Care from Athlone Institute of Technology. She worked with physically disabled adults and teenagers for three and a half years before moving to Fresh Start.
Since joining she has worked with many children ranging in ages from 11 to 18. There have been good days and bad days. Nicola describes working with these kids as an eye opener. Some of them have had very troubled backgrounds and have made her realise just how lucky she was to have grown up in a secure family unit.
Nicola believes her role to "put in place a safe environment in which a child can learn and develop." She, alongside her colleagues "try to have clear and consistent boundaries so that a child can feel safe and secure."
Nicola believes that "overall working with Fresh Start for me has been a positive experience. From meeting and building up relationships with the young people and staff, I have made lifelong friends and have kept in touch with some of the young people as they have moved on. Through my seven years of working with Fresh Start I have grown more confident as a person through supervision which is provided by Fresh Start."
Family Support Services Manager (Leinster) : Conor Mc Glinchey
Conor Mc Glinchey qualified from Ballyfermot College of Further Education with a HND in Applied Social Studies- Social Care in 2004, from IT Sligo with a BA in Applied Social Studies- Social Care in 2005 and from NUI Maynooth with a BA in Applied Social Studies- Youth & Community Work in 2006. Conor has previously worked in the areas of intellectual disability and residential childcare. Conor has been with the Faces Team since 2008 and enjoys music, the outdoors and surfing in his spare time.
Services Manager: David Rose
David Rose oversees the management of Cosan Nua and Coed Glas residential childcare units. He also coordinates staff training and support services for the organisation. He originally trained as a psychiatric nurse in the UK and went on to manage a number of hospitals and services there before moving to Ireland and he has been with Fresh Start for the last 6 years. Born in Wales, he is a dedicated Welsh rugby fan. He now lives in the countryside in Laois with his family.
Denis Linehan: Senior Family Support Worker
Denis attended University College Dublin in 1996 and completed the Bachelors Degree in Social Science. After completing his studies, Denis worked with Cork Simon Community. During this time, he worked in the Emergency Shelter before transferring to the Day Centre. He then became the Youth Homeless and Drug Prevention Worker. Denis has been working with Fresh Start since 2005. Initially, he was employed as a Residential Childcare Worker, but is currently working with families in the community in his capacity as Senior Family Support Worker.
Denis lives in the countryside in County Cork with his partner, Julie. His daughter's name is Alana. Denis and his family also share their home with their cat, Sally, and their three dogs Ruby, Lexi and Alfie who keep them all on their toes! Denis' interests include sport, walking, fishing and golf. He enjoys watching Cork compete each year in the hurling and he is also a loyal Munster Rugby supporter.