Who We Are
Improving lives through communication, creativity, and connection.
Engaging Dementia is Ireland's leading specialist organisation dedicated to improving communication, engagement, and connection for people living with dementia. Through our expert training, innovative resources, our international conference and community initiatives, we empower care partners with the knowledge and tools to enhance quality of life for people affected by dementia.
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Our Story
From a pioneering idea to a national movement
Founded in 1990 by Sr. Mary Threadgold RSC, a Speech and Language Therapist, Engaging Dementia began as Sonas aPc, the organisation behind the Sonas Programme — a groundbreaking therapeutic activity designed to foster communication and engagement for people living with mid to late-stage dementia.
As the organisation’s work expanded, it was renamed Engaging Dementia in 2018, reflecting its broader mission to promote communication, connection, and creativity in dementia care.
Today, we continue Sr. Mary’s legacy through training, consultancy, and community programmes that empower carers and enhance the lives of people living with dementia.
Our Purpose
Vision and Mission
Vision
An inclusive society where people living with dementia and their care partners are active, valued members of their communities.
Mission
To improve communication, engagement, and connection for people living with dementia and their care partners through education, resources, and community activities.
What We Do
Empowering carers through training, research, and community
Engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We promote communication, creativity, and connection through evidence-based training, community support, and collaborative projects — always with a person-centred focus.
Training & Consultancy
We provide dementia training for healthcare professionals and carers, including the Sonas Programme, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, and communication-focused workshops. Our consultancy service supports care settings in designing individualised, research-based programmes for their residents.
Community Initiatives
Through the Dementia Cafe Network, we help create spaces where people living with dementia, their families, and carers can connect, share, and support one another.
Conferences & Advocacy
Each year, we host Ireland’s International Dementia Conference in association with our Academic Partner, Dublin City University school of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health — a key event bringing together experts, professionals, and those with lived experience to share innovation and best practice.
Research & Collaboration
We have worked with TrinityHaus, Trinity College Dublin, and Newtown Saunders Ltd on dementia-inclusive garden projects, to design therapeutic outdoor spaces that promote wellbeing and sensory engagement.
Our Founder
The legacy of Sr. Mary Threadgold RSC
Sr. Mary Threadgold, RSC, is a Speech and Language Therapist who created the Sonas Programme — a structured, multisensory activity designed to stimulate communication, engagement, and relaxation for people with dementia. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for Engaging Dementia and continues to inspire our approach to care — one that values communication, empathy, and joy.
Engagement is at the heart of what we do — because every person deserves to be seen, heard, and connected.
How We Think. How We Create
Dignity Through Engagement
Our Approach
In a landscape where dementia is often viewed through a lens of limitation, we see possibility. We believe that every person, regardless of their cognitive challenges, deserves to be heard, valued, and actively supported.
Our Expertise
We have 35 years of specialised expertise in dementia communication and engagement. Our pioneering Sonas Programme has trained over 3,000 care professionals, with extensive research confirming its benefits for people with dementia.
What Makes Us Different
We uniquely combine decades of specialist expertise with innovative programmes and a holistic approach to dementia care. We host the International Dementia Conference, Ireland’s largest dementia specific forum, we manage an extensive Dementia Cafe Network with over 70 locations throughout the country, and we have developed award-winning dementia-inclusive community gardens.
Our Team
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team brings together decades of experience across management, operations, administration, finance, communications and psychology.
Kim Tully
Chief Executive
Kim joined the team in late 2020 and has really enjoyed her move into the community and voluntary sector. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience in operational management and compliance for a renowned global organisation, alongside a Master’s Degree in International Business from the University of South Carolina, USA. Kim has a proven track record in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and organisational development, as well as extensive experience building partnerships with stakeholders and strengthening governance frameworks. Her blend of corporate leadership and hands-on community engagement positions her strongly to lead a small charity with vision, accountability, and impact.
Hudson Coelho
Accounts Administrator
Hudson joined the team in August 2026. He brings finance, accounting and business management experience gained in both Brazil and Ireland.
He spent nearly a decade in banking and a further nine years running his own business, followed by experience in accounting practice and project-based accounting.
Hudson holds an MBA in Economic and Financial Management and is currently pursuing the ACCA qualification.
His background brings together financial controls, reporting, budgeting and financial analysis, alongside a practical understanding of business operations.
This background allows him to support the team through effective administration and financial management, help inform decision-making and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Engaging Dementia’s work across Ireland.
Frank Gordon
Communications and Events Manager
Frank joined Engaging Dementia in January 2025. He holds a Masters in Digital Marketing from DCU and has worked in Advertising, Marketing and Events for over 20 years.
Michelle O’Hara
Programme Manager, Irish Dementia Cafe Network
Michelle holds a Master’s Degree in Social and Organisational Psychology from UCD and brings over 20 years of international experience in talent management, outplacement, and leadership development. She has worked with global organisations and as a consultant, helping individuals and teams navigate change and growth.
Join us in making a difference
Support our mission to improve communication, connection, and care for people living with dementia. Whether you’re a professional, a family carer, or a supporter — your involvement helps us continue to expand our training, resources, and community projects across Ireland.
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