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Our Team
Jill Gordon
I am the Project Manager for MBMLW at Wave Trauma. I am primarily based in Nevara in Belfast, with regular time spent working from our Killough office. I joined Wave at the beginning of 2026, bringing with me extensive experience across the community and voluntary sector, including mental health, bereavement support, and working with individuals involved in the justice system. Prior to this, I worked as a Welfare Officer within the Northern Ireland Civil Service, providing both practical and emotional support to staff and managers. I have volunteered in local communities for over 20 years, with a particular focus on suicide prevention and training. Alongside this, I have worked extensively with individuals impacted by trauma, including those in custodial environments. I am a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, an approach that supports people to recognise unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen self-awareness, and create meaningful change. I am deeply passionate about supporting people through crisis and challenging circumstances, always respecting difference and embracing individuality, while promoting hope, kindness, and compassion. I look forward to developing a responsive and inclusive service for those impacted by MBMLW - one that offers a welcoming, safe space for anyone who needs our support.
Sonja Tammen
I am a Health and Wellbeing Caseworker based at the Belfast Centre. Since 2011, I have been working for WAVE Trauma Centre, first as Outreach Caseworker, and from 2013 as Project Manager for WAVE Trauma Centre in Ballymoney. In October 2022, I started with the MBMLW project at WAVE. I am an accredited counsellor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, hold a Master’s in Political Sciences and History (University of Hamburg) and a Degree in Psychological Trauma Studies (QUB). Meeting and working with people impacted by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses has been a privilege. I aim to support in a trauma-informed way to improve health and wellbeing and feel passionate about empowering individuals.
Rebecca Breadon
My name is Rebecca and I am a Caseworker under the MBMLW service. I joined WAVE in April 2021 and prior to this, have experience in working with and supporting adults and young people in the local community. I have worked with individuals in rural areas dealing with isolation, with individuals suffering with physical and psychological health concerns and with young people in education settings. Throughout my work I aim to be a supportive friendly face for those who need support. In my role as MBMLW Caseworker I will continue to work passionately to support the wellbeing of all of our clients.
Catherine McGlade
I joined WAVE in August 2024 as a Caseworker with the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundry and Workhouses project. I have a background in Psychology and supporting individuals with both learning and physical disabilities, with a particular focus on helping people find and sustain meaningful employment. I am passionate about delivering person-centred support that empowers individuals to improve their health and wellbeing, build meaningful connections, and achieve their full potential. I am excited to be part of this developing project and to contribute to the positive impact it aims to create.
Aoife McGlinchey
Hi, my name is Aoife and I’m a Caseworker based in our Derry office right in the city centre. I have a background in community work and counselling, and my priority is creating a safe, welcoming, and trusted space where people feel comfortable and supported. I understand that reaching out for support can take courage, and I’m always guided by working at each person’s own pace. It’s a privilege to meet and work with people impacted by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and Workhouses, and this experience continues to shape my work with care, compassion, and sensitivity. I’m passionate about supporting people to feel empowered, build meaningful connections, and access the supports that are right for them. I enjoy creativity and music and believe that expression plays an important role in wellbeing and community. If you feel you might benefit from support, please get in touch, or feel free to drop in for a cuppa and a chat.
Esther Evans
I’m Esther and I joined Wave Trauma Centre in September 2025 as a Caseworker within the Mother and Baby, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses team. I am based in the Ballymoney centre which provides a warm welcome, a cup of tea or coffee and a safe and caring environment for those who require support. I have studied to degree level obtaining a BSc Hons Degree in Social Psychology and Sociology and a BSc Degree in Social Work. My work has varied over the years, working in both the Statutory and Voluntary sectors, with a range of age groups and differing needs. My desire has always been to use my knowledge, skills and values to walk alongside people as they navigate individual life experiences. The pursuit of justice and empowerment of people are key concepts which drive me forward in my day-to-day work. To relax I enjoy writing, singing, visiting coffee shops, walking the dogs (a mischievous dachshund and a crazy cockapoo) and spending time with friends and family.
Sabrina Barton
I joined WAVE in September 2025 as a Health and Wellbeing Caseworker on the MBMLW Team, based in Tyrone and Fermanagh. Our goal is to support clients and their families impacted by Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland. I come from a background in Nursing and have been working privately in trauma recovery for over a decade. I am a Holistic Therapist, have a BSC(Hons) in Community and Public Health and an accreditation in Counselling Studies. I am committed to providing a safe space in which to share, grow, educate and heal deeply as individuals and as part of the collective community in Northern Ireland. My interests and experience are in using an holistic approach to healing from trauma and in using writing as a therapeutic tool to aid recovery. I believe there is a path forward in healing for every individual and joy to be found on every path. I look forward to supporting you in improving your health and wellbeing.
Jennifer McKinnon
I joined the MBLMW team at Wave in Sept 2025 as a health and wellbeing caseworker. Prior to this I worked in the women’s sector developing and delivering health and wellbeing programmes for disadvantaged women, working with a range of marginalised groups. I also spent some years working to tackle poverty and inequality in disadvantaged communities serving as a welfare rights adviser. I have an honours degree in Sociology and Social Policy from QUB and I have a keen interest in holistic health and wellness holding qualifications in a number of holistic therapies and in counselling skills. I work using a holistic, trauma informed, client led approach and I am committed to providing a safe, supported space to those I work with, with the aim of promoting healing, resilience, empowerment and optimum wellbeing.
Lauren Murray
I’m a Casework here at WAVE Trauma Centre, I joined the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdelene Laundries and Workhouses team in September 2025 and I’m based in Belfast’s Nevara Centre. I aim to provide a safe, confidential, and compassionate space where people can explore their experiences, access support and begin their journey towards healing. Previous to this role I was a Domestic Violence Support Worker, supporting women and children affected by Domestic Violence, in refuge and out in the community. During this time, I developed a strong foundation in trauma informed practice, resilience, and the importance of being heard. I am passionate about supporting people to feel heard and understood, and about empowering individuals to gain a sense of control and confidence in their lives.
Erin Whiteside
In January 2024, I joined WAVE as an HIA Advocacy Caseworker after previously serving as a Welfare Reform Adviser. In that capacity, I provided comprehensive support to those affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse, addiction, homelessness, and those seeking refuge or asylum. Before my tenure at Community Advice, I earned my BA (Hons) in International Politics and Conflict Studies from Queens University Belfast, followed by a Master of Science in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice. In August 2024, I joined the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouse project within WAVE Trauma Centre as one of their Advocacy Caseworkers. Within my current role my primary objective is to assist clients in making properly informed decisions, guiding them through the upcoming redress process and helping individuals to obtain their records. I am deeply dedicated to creating a safe and empowering environment for survivors, where their voices are heard, and they can develop resilience. In my role, I aspire to cultivate trust, establish meaningful connections, and empower survivors to make informed, positive changes in their lives.
Nicole McCabe
I joined WAVE Trauma Centre in August 2024 as an Advocacy Caseworker within the Mother & Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses (MBMLW) Project. Prior to joining WAVE, I worked as a Domestic Violence Support Worker, providing practical and emotional support to women and children living in refuge and within the community who had experienced domestic abuse. I later progressed to a Criminal Justice Worker role, where I supported women navigating the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence. In this role, I advocated for survivors’ needs throughout the criminal justice process and providing support, including accompanying individuals to court. I hold a BA (Hons) in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Liverpool, where I developed a strong passion for advocacy, social justice and driving meaningful change. In my current role at WAVE Trauma Centre, I support victims and survivors of MBMLW to make informed decisions, ensure their voices are heard and needs are met, and assist individuals in accessing their personal records. I will also be supporting survivors through the upcoming redress process. I am deeply committed to empowering victims and survivors of abuse to find their voice, feel supported and stand up for what is right, always working in a safe, compassionate and trauma-informed environment.
Rachel Ireland
As a trauma-informed administrator, I believe feeling safe, heard, and respected should be part of every interaction. When you walk through the door, you’ll be met with a caring and friendly face. Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog, spending time with my cat, reading good books, and watching movies — the simple things that help me stay grounded and connected.
Annette Creelman
I am the Welfare Rights Officer responsible for assisting people involved with our MBMLW service at WAVE Trauma Centre. I am based at our Armagh Centre. I have been working for WAVE Trauma Centre for 17 years within our welfare advice service. I am trained in Welfare Rights, have a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and have undertaken numerous trauma related courses during my time at WAVE Trauma Centre. I enjoy providing information and advice, assistance on a range of issues to help improve the circumstances or those who use our service. I look forward to working with you!