Sandra Feeney-Charles – Executive Director 

A proud Galway native, Sandra graduated from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology 1996 as Valedictorian with an honors degree in Hotel and Catering Management. She has worked in hospitality management in Ireland, France, Switzerland, and the US. Following five years on the management team with the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group in New York, Sandra traveled throughout South-East Asia where her exposure to the developing world kindled her compassionate nature. For the next 10 years she worked with the international humanitarian organization, Concern Worldwide supporting 40 of the poorest countries in the world. Sandra has been the Executive Director of the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center since 2019. Following a highly successful Capital Campaign and major building redevelopment, she has overseen the transition to the newly developed Aisling Center. Leading a highly dedicated team of committed staff and volunteers, she is keen to build on well developed Social Services and Senior programs, and to grow Youth and Culture Programs at the Aisling Center that will benefit the local community, and beyond for many years.

Paola Kennedy – Officer Manager

Paola hails from Co. Westmeath, Ireland and works as the Office Manager at Aisling center. Paola is the main contact for any questions regarding the Aisling Center building or room rentals. Paola is also a confirmed killer of desktop plants, sarcasm connoisseur and enjoys talks to oneself! Paola is also an extreme lover of all creatures great and small and her favorite saying “You’re just jealous because the voices are talking to me.”

Theresa C. Reilly – Community Outreach Coordinator

Theresa was born and raised in Yonkers NY. She received a bachelor’s of social work from Concordia and is currently enrolled in a masters of school counseling at Lehman College. She worked as a supervisor at an assisted living home for residents 70 – 110. At this she gained hands on experiences creating daily schedules for patients, teaching technology and independent living skills, and conducting daily wellness checks. These skills are put to good use every day with the seniors at the Aisling Center and she creates socially robust schedules and activities for our seniors.  

Naomi Hanson – Social Media and Development Officer 

Naomi works as our Social Media and Development Officer. She has her bachelors degree in history with a focus on the Atlantic world. Naomi spent several years as a Career Counselor and run the Career Series program at the Aisling Center. In addition to holding previous nonprofit positions as Executive Director and operations Manager, she spent many years and first mate and captain for a boating company.