Volunteer Directors of CLAY
CLAY is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who are responsible for the governance, oversight, and major decision-making within CLAY, representing both the interests of shareholders and stakeholders.
Dana Certan (Chairperson) | Siobhra Disdale (Director) | Amir Afsar (Director) |
Deirdre O'Gorman (Director) | Ashley Owens (Director) | Una Carson (Director) | Veronica Rock (Director)
If you would like to volunteer to assist the Board or perhaps become a Member or Director please
CLAY's young people asked our Board some questions - you can see their answers here
Dana Certan
Chairperson
Dana joined CLAY's Board at the beginning of 2026 and was recently elected as Chairperson.
Deirdre O'Gorman
Director
Deirdre joined CLAY's Board in December 2022 and served as Chairperson from 2024 to late 2026. Deirdre has extensive experience in all areas of Human Resource Management, from human capital management to strategic planning. Working in the technology sector, across multi-nationals and start up companies, she has served as a senior business partner to C Suite teams. Deirdre has a Masters in HRM from The National College of Ireland (NCI). In her spare time, Deirdre is a keen runner, gym enthusiast and proud mum of a grown up son.
Siobhra Disdale
Director
Siobhra Disdale has been a member of CLAY's Board for over 15 years and is one of the Business Reps on the Board. She lives locally and works in HR for a large multinational.
Amir Afsar
Director
Amir joined CLAY's Board in 2023 and is a Business Rep on the Board. Amir is a highly successful entrepreneur and franchise owner in the restaurant industry, with a proven track record of building and leading large, profitable multi-unit operations.
Ashley Owens
Director
Ashley joined CLAY's Board in 2025. Ashley is a former young person of CLAY, a member of the local community and we are delighted to have her on our Board.
Una Carson
Director
Una joined as a member of CLAY's Board in 2025 and became a Director in 2026. Una works with Dublin South City Partnership on the lifelong learning team, coordinating youth services for people up to age 24.
Veronica Rock
Director
Veronica joined as a member of CLAY's Board in 2025 and became a Director in 2026. Veronica works as a Special Needs Assistant in Libermann Spiritan School Templeogue, is a mum of 2 CLAY members and, as a member of the local community, is a great addition to the Board.
Q1
What music do you like, what's your favourite song?
Q2
What hobbies do you have?
Q3
What makes you want to do what you do for CLAY?
Q4
What's your McDonalds order?
Q5
Which do you prefer, Lyons or Barrys tea?
Deirdre
Q1. I like lots of different types of music. My current Spotify list has Beyonce, Coldplay, Queen, Ed Sheeran, Abba, Eagles, George Michael and Bruce Springsteen. My all-time favourite song is Dancing Queen by Abba. (I must dance when it comes on! 😊)
Q2. Running, Gym, Cooking. Hanging out with my friends.
Q3. I’ve been on the Board for the past few years and have learned so much about what CLAY does and the impact it makes on young people. Everyone is so energetic, enthusiastic, and friendly. I like being part of that and hoping I can contribute in some way through my Board work.
Q4. Fish Fillet, chips and Diet Coke.
Q5. Lyons……ALWAYS!
Siobhra
Q1. All types of music from country to pop to metal to D&B.
Q2. I like being active so I workout every day.
Q3. I want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their potential and goals, and places like CLAY support that.
Q4. Unfortunately I can't eat McDonalds - not gluten free yet!
Q5. Lyons for normal tea and Barrys for decaf :)
Amir
Q1. Soul, Pop. My favourite singer is Teddy Swims and I love all his songs
Q2. The limited time I have, I spend reading and travelling.
Q3. The role CLAY plays in positively changing and affecting the lives and future of the youth within the local community and dedication of its team inspired me to join the organisation.
Q4. Filet O Fish, regular fries and Coke Zero.
Q5. Barrys.