MEET THE TEAM
Let's get to know the staff who support everyone we work with!
Senior Management Team
Janet
CEO
Janet has been part of the CAN family since 2005, leading the team and making sure that the people we serve is at the core of everything CAN does. Janet works alongside our Board of Directors and an array of different organisations, ensuring that CAN is being represented and that people with learning disabilities are part of the conversation. When not leading the team, Janet loves nothing more than remaining hands-on with the members and is always looking out for future opportunities.
“CAN’s a vocation for me…it’s a big part of my life. For me, CAN is a place to make a difference and it has given me so many opportunities as an individual to grow and to explore new opportunities. CAN is a place that gathers people, a place where people come together and are equal, regardless of their ability.”
Linda
Director of Services
Linda has worked for CAN since 2000, our second employee ever hired! Linda manages all projects on the services side of the organisation and over her time at has been an integral part of the growth of CAN. Linda has also been the Executive Director of the Best Buddies Northern Ireland since it’s accreditation in 2012, and remains wholly involved in the strategic development of Best Buddies within Europe.
“CAN has been a part of all of my adult life and a really important part of my life personally – it’s my baby! From the very start CAN has always been about innovation, about what the members want and we try to make it happen. We have always been very clear that we want to maintain that grassroots, frontline approach where no matter what role you’re in it’s all about our members and delivering. My staff team is amazing. I couldn’t ask for better – they are first class and they go above and beyond to try and make a difference. Everyone is so different and we really appreciate that difference.”
Services
Andrea
Services Manager
Andrea has been a valued member of CAN since 2010, gaining extensive experience across both youth and adult services. In early 2025, she stepped into a senior management role, overseeing CAN’s three Base provisions and leading the development of VOICE, CAN’s new Independent Advocacy service.
VOICE provides advocacy support to adults with learning disabilities across the Northern Health & Social Care Trust area, ensuring they are empowered to express their views, make informed decisions, and have their rights upheld. Advocacy is about speaking for those who can’t and supporting those who can.
“I feel very privileged to work in an organisation that puts the people they support at the very centre of everything they do. I genuinely look forward to going to work every day and am excited to be part of the growth of this vital new service.”
Codie
Best Buddies Manager s
Codie is the project manager for Best Buddies, a befriending and socialising service. Codie actively works at organising activities to benefit everyone taking part. The Best Buddies project aims to build one-to-one friendships between people with and without learning disabilities, while improving social interactions, self confidence, self esteem and at the same time reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation.
The long term aim of this service is to partner each member with a buddy, helping them to create bonds and friendships to break down barriers in society. Codie also helps the team out with funding opportunities and creating easy reads.
“Our service brings a sense of normality with friends and being part of a social grouping. CAN is like a big family for us all. If you have an idea or you want to express yourself you can. We all learn so much from the members and everyone enjoys Best Buddies NI”
Simon
Base Co-ordinator
Simon has recently moved across to Ballymena Base where he provides essential support within the Base. Simon empowers our Base members to develop independence and the confidence to explore beyond their comfort zones. He is instrumental in promoting inclusivity and motivating continuous self-improvement. Simon is devoted to offering varied opportunities, ensuring that every member maximises their potential..
“My daughter has learning disabilities so I have a vested interest because I want my daughter to grow up in a world that she can be part of. CAN hit well above their weight when it comes to that. I have never been happier in a job in my entire life because I can see what we’re doing in CAN has made such a difference in people’s lives.”
Tori
BASE Co-ordinator/ Hub Project Manager
Tori has been involved with CAN for 5 years now. She supports and works alongside adults with learning disabilities to create activities and experiences that promote independence, enhance life skills and encourage healthy peer relationships as part of Base. Altogether, staff and Base members alike produce the monthly calendar of activities and events to do, tailored specially to the wants and needs of the individuals. Tori also supports our younger members as part of Hub through group and one to one meetings, enabling them to choose what they want to do as well as promoting activities that can benefit them.
“Personally, my heart is all for the members, I think the world of them and it’s also so good to have really good relationships with the parents. I don’t see myself working anywhere else!”
Jamie
BLAST Project Co-ordinator
Jamie’s role as the BLAST Co-Ordinator is to provide a therapeutic programme for young people with learning disabilities, neurodiversities, autism and mental health issues (aged 8- 18); in the council areas of Causeway Coast & Glens and Mid & East Antrim. Jamie provides support for BLASTS young people through small group sessions, and with the help of qualified therapists, he also provides various one to one therapy sessions such as play therapy, nature therapy, animal therapy.
The BLAST project involves community engagement within mainstream activities, placing our members in the centre of the conversation!
“Since starting my journey with CAN and BLAST I have found myself learning, laughing and enjoying myself every day. Being able to work with so many unique young people, parents, volunteers and co-workers has been an amazing experience so far. The best part of CAN for me is our new premises ‘Lislagan Farm’. Here, our members can reconnect with nature, gain independence, relax with friends and gain knowledge on our Vegetables, flowers, rabbits, guinea pigs and hens”.
Mark
Base Coordinator (Coleraine)
Mark has been an integral part of the CAN family for a decade, contributing significantly as a valued staff member. Currently serving as the Base Coordinator at the Coleraine base, he plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity among all members and encouraging their continuous personal growth. Mark is dedicated to providing diverse opportunities for members, ensuring they reach their fullest potential.
“As the Base Coordinator at our Coleraine base, my greatest joy comes from seeing our members grow in confidence and form lasting friendships. Witnessing their transformation and knowing that I’ve played a part in it is truly fulfilling. I’m dedicated to ensuring that every member has access to opportunities for personal growth and feels included in our community.”
James
Senior Youth Worker – HEROES PLUS
Since July 2024, James has served as a Senior Youth Worker for CAN, coordinating the Heroes Plus team. In this role, he collaborates closely with young people with additional needs, empowering them to build independence, boost self-confidence, and push beyond their comfort zones. James has also played a key role in identifying the specific needs of young people in the project and has been a strong advocate for ensuring those needs are effectively addressed.
“Heroes Plus is all about the young people. We empower our participants to take full ownership of the programme, encouraging them to make decisions regarding all aspects of Heroes Plus and the activities we plan together. Everything we do within the programme is designed to support our young people on their journey towards independence, resilience, confidence, and building meaningful relationships. It’s an incredibly rewarding project that makes a significant impact on those involved, and I feel privileged to be part of the CAN team, working alongside such inspiring colleagues and young people. I truly love my job, and I’m excited by the challenges and opportunities that each new day brings in helping our young people and youth work team grow.”
Chris
Youth Worker – HEROES PLUS
Chris is a dedicated Youth Worker at CAN, currently leading efforts for the Heroes Plus Project (2024), which focuses on supporting young people with additional needs. With years of experience volunteering and assisting in various youth clubs and groups outside of CAN, Christopher has a deep passion for working with young people, helping to meet their diverse needs and interests.
Bryan
Youth Worker – HEROES PLUS
Hi there! I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of the Heroes Plus team, where we’re all about making a difference and creating positive vibes! My passion? Empowering young people with additional needs to thrive, grow, and shine.
I’m here to support amazing young people aged 14-24 on their journey of personal development, citizenship, and building strong connections. Whether it’s leading fun group sessions, organising cultural adventures, or championing inclusivity, I’m all in for helping you build confidence and discover your superpowers.
With a background in outdoor adventure facilitation, I love bringing the great outdoors into the mix—think teamwork challenges, resilience-building activities, and plenty of laughter along the way.
Megan
Assistant Youth Worker – HEROES PLUS
Megan Joined CAN in 2023 working as a volunteer at the Coleraine base. She continued her journey within CAN when she became an assistant youth worker for the Heroes Plus Project.
Passionate in youth development she creates safe spaces where young people can grow, learn, and express themselves. With a focus on mentoring, and mental health Megan is dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys arts and crafts, which she often incorporates into youth activities, fostering connection and growth.
Caleb
Youth Worker – HEROES PLUS
An integral part of the Heroes Plus team.
Building a profile is easy, making Caleb sound normal is the hard part. Sports enthusiast, he loves the outdoors and a coffee lover. Caleb can be Fluent in sarcasm and bad puns, but I promise he’s fun. He’s hobbies include dodging responsibilities and making bad decisions sound fun. Caleb is Passionate about traveling around the world.
He’s Open to trying new things and learning new skills. If you want to talk sports, or share stories, or connect over a cup of coffee count Caleb in!
Jonny
Site managerA
Meet Jonny – the Man Behind the Farm
Jonny is the heartbeat of Lislagan Farm – part shepherd, part handyman, full-time legend.
He keeps the sheep from staging a great escape, tends to the land with his stash of cool gardening tools, and keeps the whole team laughing with his wild (and possibly true) life stories. The farm’s in safe hands – and never short on banter – with Jonny around.
Social Enterprise
Shirley (This isn't actually Shirley, she just declined to have her photo taken!)
Recycling Operations Co-ordinator
Shirley has worked for CAN for 5 years, running the floor in our Recycling Centre striving to sustain and build upon our social enterprises. She supports the team working at WE CAN whilst engaging with suppliers, donors and customers and working alongside members in all processes including health & safety and risk assessments of the site. Shirley also is involved in buying & selling from merchants.
“The members learn self-worth through achieving things everyday and they get an awful lot back. We have fun but they also work hard to reach targets. There are so many parts to CAN, and I think that’s why it’s so good. We’re all very different people – we all have different strengths. Every day is different, and it wouldn’t be the same without our members!”
Tracy
Retail Skills Coach
Tracy works in our CAN CAN Bazaar shop working directly with the members, empowering them to learn and develop an array of transferable skills such as retail, social skills, health & safety and housekeeping. Working with the WE CAN project, her main goal is to help them progress on to paid or voluntary work.
“CAN is very much a tailored, person-centred organisation and the benefits the members receive are absolutely countless – the shop is all about them and they’re always first in our minds in anything we do. This job has really opened my mind, it has changed my mindset for the better and has taught me patience. Over lockdown I’ve missed them so much it’s unbelievable!”
Jordan
Project Assistant
Jordan started out volunteering at CAN and has since been taken on as a member of staff, working with us for 6 years now. Jordan assists trainees in the WE CAN programme, supporting them with baling the materials in CAN’s Recycling Unit and guiding the trainees, teaching them processes and health & safety procedures. Jordan also has a forklift driving license so he also loads the lorries with the baled materials and drives the van for collections from organisations and companies.
“WE CAN brings the members a lot of independence…it’s great seeing them progress. When they’ve learned what to do I take a step back and let them work out their own way of doing things.”
Steven
Skills Coach
I’ve been with CAN for 8 years now and since I began, I’ve been training adults to enhance their ability to achieve their employment, training and personal goals.
Trainees gain essential skills in painting, woodwork, use of power tools and more. They also develop key transferable skills such as time management, organisation and health and safety regulations in the workplace.
In addition, trainees gain customer service experience working with members of the public when customers place personal upcycling orders.
Jane
Retail Development Manager
Jane runs the shop in Ballymoney and gets to exercise her creativity through the shop window displays and the boutique -style appearance of the outlet. Jane helps to make an income for the shop which goes directly to CAN and works closely with our recycling & upcycling teams and local craft workers to provide the best quality products for our customers.
“We are very proud of our Bazaar, we’re a little bit different! The shop doesn’t stop with the trainees, the ones who don’t work with us also benefit from coming into the shop because we’re just one big family, it’s a whole camaraderie!”