Operations Team

My name is Nicky Russell, and I joined the EPIC Empowering People In Care’s 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 across the region. 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.