First Steps Women's Centre has 18 staff members made up as follows - The Chief Executive, Finance Manager, Finance Assistant, Training & Education Co-ordinators, Childcare Staff, Transport Co-ordinator, Administrator and Housekeeper.
Chief Executive
Michael McGoldrick
Michael has been at FSWC since 2007. Prior to this he worked in Community Development for 9 years after taking a secondment from NI Civil Service.
Finance Manager
Marion Murphy
Marion has been at FSWC since 2005. Originally from Donegal, Marion has worn many hats at FSWC – Volunteering, Admin & Receptionist, Progression Officer & Finance Manager. Marion has also delivered a couple of “Flavours of the World” cooking classes at the Centre. Trying new recipes is her favourite pastime.
Finance Assistant
Theresa Boyle
Theresa has been with FSWC since 2017, first as a volunteer and later joined the staff as a Finance Assistant and Pre-ESOL tutor. As of September 2023, she is undertaking a BSc in Community Development at Ulster University.
Childcare Leader
Jacqueline Donnelly
Jackie originally comes from Leitrim and joined the team in 2012. In September 2025 Jackie was appointed the position of Childcare Leader.
Assistant Childcare Leader
Giedre Blair
Giedre comes from Lithuania joining the Childcare team in August 2015. In September 2015 Giedre was appointed Assistant Childcare Leader, helping Jackie in the smooth running of the Creche
Childcare Assistant
Svitlana Sukar
Svitlana, originally from Ukraine, has dedicated 22 years caring for others in her country as a professional nurse. Her first steps in this country was with FSWC learning English in 2022. She has since joined our Board of Directors in 2023 and most recently joined the team as a Childcare Assistant in 2025.
Childcare Assistant
Francisca Mendes
Francisca comes from Portugal and joined the Childcare team in November 2022.
Childcare Assistant
Samia Mando
Samia, originally from Syria, joined the childcare team in April 2024. Samia loves working with children.
House Keeper
Sonata Slajiene
Sonata also hails from Lithuania. She joined the team in March 2007 and keeps the premises spotlessly clean!
REAP Project Coordinator
Norah Hughes
Norah joined the team in August 2025 and is responsible for our employability programme, REAP. Reap provides 1-2-1 support, accredited courses, skills and courses to increase confidence to help participants move closer to being work ready. Norah has also been a tutor with FSWC since 2010
Administrative Assistant, REAP Project
Tara Gilkinson
Tara joined the team in August 2023 as part of the REAP project which is a programme designed to help women take their first steps into employment. Her role includes being a point of contact for women attending first steps womens centre, assisting in addressing barriers to participation and providing administrative support for the REAP project and personal development programmes at First Steps Womens Centre.
Transport Co-Ordinator
Franco Donnelly
Franco joined First Steps in May 2012 after Volunteering for 1 year. He co-ordinates a very busy transport schedule.
Training & Education Co-Ordinator
Carmel Creaney
Carmel joined the team in October 2016 and is responsible for the English courses. This involves coordinating courses, procuring tutors and supporting the tutors and course participants. Carmel is also responsible for the administration and organisation of all aspects of Centre examinations.
Training & Education Co-Ordinator
Amanda Boyd
Amanda joined FSWC in 2015 and looks after all things wellbeing! Amanda chooses the range of courses, coordinates the training, procures tutors and also supports the tutors and course participants. In addition Amanda also delivers the Tai Chi for Relaxation course.
Heritage Journeys Project Coordinator
Gillian Glass
Gillian joined FSWC in July 2025 and coordinates the Heritage Journeys Project, working with migrant women to give voice to their stories. This project provides an opportunity to provide a legacy of the rich cultures and traditions of women who have travelled to and settled in Mid-Ulster.
Programme Manager Unity in Diversity PEACEPLUS Project
Rosie McCreanor
Rosie joined First Steps Women's Centre in October 2025 as Programme Manager for Unity in Diversity, a Peace Plus funded programme promoting community cohesion across Mid Ulster. She also delivers Cultural Awareness and Integration classes in FSWC.
Admin Support
Ailis Corrigan
Ailis joined the team in June 2025 as Administrative Assistant for the Heritage Journey’s Project. She also works alongside the Life Skills Project and the Wellbeing Programme. Having graduated in 2025 with a Degree in Business Studies, from the University of Ulster she is a welcome addition to the team.
Childcare Assistant
Geeda Alkhteeb
Gedaa is originally from Syria having arrived in NI in 2019, hoping to build a new and safe life for her family. Her first steps in this country began with learning English in SWC and FSWC. Having gained a Childcare qualification Geeda spent three years working in a primary school and in September 2025 joined the creche team here in FSWC. Gedaa is very proud of how far she has come and grateful for every opportunity that has helped rebuild her future.
