Meet The Team
The people behind Thriving Autistic.
An Autistic and multiply neurodivergent-led team dedicated to advancing the human rights of Autistic and neurodivergent people.
Directors
Tara O’Donnell-Killen
she/her
Founder & Clinical Director
Tara is an Autistic psychologist, CEO, and social impact founder with experience supporting Autistic and neurodivergent adults and more than twenty years of experience founding, running, and stewarding organisations.
She collaborates on national and international research projects, contributes to university teaching, and has supported the development of national professional guidelines. Tara has led Thriving Autistic through two successful funding rounds with Rethink Ireland and continues to oversee delivery of funded programmes.
Her lived experience, together with her skills in governance, financial management, risk oversight, and strategic planning, supports strong decision making, inclusive leadership, and long-term sustainability for the organisation.
Jessica K Doyle
she/her
Director
Jessica is an Autistic assistant psychologist with experience in research, programme development, and community engagement within the disability sector. She previously served on the board of Galway Autism Partnership, bringing direct insight into governance and the lived experiences of autistic people and families.
Jessica collaborates with the Muriosa Foundation and several national disability organisations on research and sector development projects and contributes to the creation of open access resources for autistic adults. She is also a co author of the Adult Autism Assessment Handbook for clinicians. As a Director of Thriving Autistic, Jessica supports inclusive decision making, ethical oversight, and the development of high quality, neuroaffirming services.
Our Team
Helen Edgar
(she/they)
Community and Communications Lead
Helen is Autistic, ADHD, a qualified SEND teacher and is currently undertaking a BACP & CPCAB-accredited counselling course.
Helen is passionate about disability and human rights. She is a published author and works internationally as an advocate for Autistic people through her own platform Autistic Realms.
She leads our social media platforms, supports our training and resource development and facilitates both our family workshops and the Discovery Programme.
Helen ensures all our resources are as accessible as possible and develops meaningful connections across our community spaces.
Joanie Moral
(she/her)
Admin Lead
Joanie is Autistic and serves as the Administrative Lead and Executive Assistant to our CEO, Tara O’Donnell-Killen.
She oversees the day-to-day administration of Thriving Autistic, manages practitioner referrals, responds to community email enquiries, coordinates programmes and events, and supports the development of our websites, resources, and internal systems.
Joanie helps ensure our community receives timely, compassionate, and neuroaffirming support while keeping the organisation running smoothly behind the scene
Kristiina
(they/she)
Operations Lead
Kristiina is Autistic and ADHD, and serves as the Operations Lead. They ensure services like the Discovery Programme run smoothly while overseeing daily operations and supporting organisational growth. Their background spans in operations and programme management for startups and large tech organisations, where they have led operational transformation, sales support, and change management.
Kristiina is deeply committed to supporting neurodivergent people and improving the lives of Autistic individuals. This role allows them to contribute to an organisation closely aligned with their values and lived experience.
Thriving Autistic is a neurodivergent-led organisation.
Our team gives their time because they believe in a world where neurodivergent people can thrive.