Growing Up Should Be About More Than Growing Older
We help young people explore who they are, what they feel, and what they can become.
- What if growth means purpose?
- What if learning is joyful?
- What if every young person is seen and supported?
About Aunua
It Starts
With
a Simple
Belief
♡
☆
Every young person
carries something
extraordinary within
them.
A voice.
An idea.
A talent.
A story waiting to be heard.
A Place to Explore, Create and Belong
AUNUA brings people together through stories, creative activities, conversations and shared experiences.
- Ideas and imagination are welcomed.
- Stories help us understand one another.
- Belonging grows through connection.
From Learning to Doing
Young people should not only hear that they can make a difference. They should have opportunities to experience it.
- Ideas turn into action.
- Support creates confidence.
- Possibility becomes real life change.
A Community That Grows Together
AUNUA grows through children, young people, parents, educators, mentors, creators and communities.
- Children bring curiosity.
- Young people bring new perspectives.
- Together, real change becomes possible.
♡
There is a place for
you in the Aunua story.
Whether you dream, create, teach, mentor,
volunteer or invest, your role matters.
Together, we can build brighter futures.
The People Behind Aunua
Guided by care, creativity and purpose.
Founder & CEO
Karina Murray
Karina Murray founded AUNUA with a belief at the heart of everything it does: every person deserves the chance to be seen, heard, supported, and empowered. Her work is rooted in education, wellbeing, and community, bringing people together through initiatives that inspire kindness, resilience, leadership, and social impact.
Co-Founder, AUNUA Heroes
Tammy Vallieres
Tammy Vallieres is Co-Founder of AUNUA Heroes, bringing her passion for storytelling, Hero Intelligence® and social-emotional learning into the AUNUA community. She helps shape engaging experiences that encourage children to discover their strengths, find their voice and express themselves with confidence. Through stories, activities and meaningful learning, Tammy supports young people in building emotional awareness, resilience and a stronger sense of who they are.
Director & Co-Founder
Yvonne Power
Founder of the Irish Play Therapy Community Association (IPTCA), Yvonne Power joins AUNUA as Director and Co-Founder, bringing her professional training and experience into the AUNUA community. Through this collaboration, Yvonne will help bring accessible training and much-needed support online, creating new opportunities for students to learn, connect and grow.
Director
Guss O'Connell
Guss O'Connell brings trusted leadership experience across public service, governance, and community engagement. His commitment to integrity and collaboration helps AUNUA grow with care and long-term community benefit.
Non-Executive Director
Kishore Goshikonda
Kishore Goshikonda contributes international business experience, strategic thinking, and a passion for innovation. His global perspective supports AUNUA as it builds sustainable partnerships across borders.
Chief Innovation for Impact Officer
Noleen Mariappen
Noleen Mariappen champions innovation that leads to real social impact. She helps transform ideas into practical programmes, partnerships, and solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Creative Strategist
Merin Reji
Merin Reji brings creativity and storytelling to AUNUA, helping shape ideas into meaningful experiences that inspire positive change. As a writer, she helps create spaces where voices are heard, empowered, and ideas have the opportunity to grow.
