Operations Team

My name is Nicky Russell, and I joined the EPIC team in February 2026 as Regional Advocacy Service Manager.

My role involves leading and developing advocacy services to support children and young people in care. I work to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and respected, while overseeing service delivery, team management, and stakeholder engagement. I am passionate about building strong, effective teams and ensuring that services are responsive, compassionate, and centred on the needs of those we support.

Before joining EPIC, I worked as a Senior Child and Family Support Network Coordinator with Tusla. I also spent over three years as Service Manager with Jigsaw, where I led the delivery of youth mental health services, managed multidisciplinary teams, and supported youth participation and community engagement initiatives. Earlier in my career, I worked with Focus Ireland in a range of roles supporting children, young people, and families with complex needs. These experiences have shaped my strong commitment to advocacy, trauma-informed practice, and integrated support approaches.

My qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Science from University College Dublin, a Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Dublin Business School, and a Masters in Youth Work and Community Work from Maynooth University. I have also completed a Professional Certificate in Leadership with UCD and a Certificate in Addiction Studies from Maynooth University.