Dogs Trust Ballymena: Meet the Team

Centre Manager – Mary Carney started with Dogs Trust Ballymena as a volunteer at the age of 27, she was later employed as Assistant Manager and she has been Centre Manager for 20 years now. Mary’s role is to oversee the general running of the centre, the dogs that live here and the staff that care for them.

Assistant Manager Administration – Oonagh Phillips came from a background in horticulture before joining Dogs Trust Ballymena as Assistant Manager in 1989. Oonagh’s role is to oversee the administrative aspects of the centre including adoption procedures and general customer care.

Assistant Manager Operation – Marbeth Gilmour started with Dogs Trust Ballymena on a training scheme in 1988 then progressed to full-time Canine Carer in 1990. She became Assistant Manager of Operations in 1998. Marbeth’s role is to oversee the operational aspects of the centre including kennel management, veterinary routines and general canine care

Training and Behaviour Advisor – Maura Cushenan started with Dogs Trust Ballymena on a work placement scheme in 1992 and started as full-time Canine Carer in 1994. She progressed to Canine Carer (Level 2) in January 2002 and became Training and Behaviour Advisor in 2006. Maura’s role is to oversee the assessment and training of dogs in our care, as well as those that have been rehomed but still need a helping hand.

Receptionist – Paula Davis came from a background in administration before joining Dogs Trust Ballymena as receptionist in 2007. Paula’s role is to manage reception and customer care.

Maintenance Operatives – Mark Brown-Kerr joined the Dogs Trust team in 2002 as part-time Maintenance Operative. Mike Mitchell started with Dogs Trust Ballymena in 2006 as our second part-time Maintenance Operative. Their role is to carry out any repairs, grounds-men duties and any light construction.

Canine Carer (Level 2) – Samantha Peden started with Dogs Trust Ballymena as a volunteer. In 2002 she was employed as a Canine Carer and her roles include rehoming, home visiting and the general duties of caring for the dogs on a day to day basis.

Canine Carer (Level 1) – Julie Torrance started with Dogs Trust Ballymena as a volunteer in 1995 and progressed to full-time Canine Carer in 1996. Laura Phillips started volunteering at our centre and progressed to Canine Carer after several years. Julie Tweed joined the centre in 2003 as a Home from Home Carer, she then progressed to part-time Canine Carer in 2004 and then full-time Canine Carer in 2006. Sandra Park joined the Dogs Trust Ballymena team 2005 as part-time Canine Carer and her daughter Sarah Park started in 2007 as part-time Canine Carer. Canine Carers are responsible for the general day to day care of the dogs as well as carrying out vet visits and dealing with the general public in our small centre.