Meet our team

Coming from a fitness background Karen fully understands the importance of staying active for physical, mental and social wellbeing.

In addition to her work as a fitness, yoga and Pilates instructor, Karen also runs a training consultancy delivering a wide range of exercise programmes to those working in health and social care.

She has competed at an elite level in several sports, representing Ulster and Ireland in rowing, rugby and tag rugby. Before becoming head coach with Lagan Dragons, she already had ten years of experience coaching rowing and five years coaching paddle sports. When not coaching, Rachel enjoys paddle sports, sailing and hill walking and is a civil engineer (in her spare time)!

Claire joined the Lagan Dragons in 2017 after a diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. As well as being a keen paddler she is also a qualified dragon boat helm and coach and can been seen most weeks on the Lagan with her motley crew!

A member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, Claire recently retired after 34 years in the Northern Ireland Audit Office - so she now has plenty of time to act as our treasurer!   

She is currently responsible for fundraising and tirelessly applies for grants and funding, enabling us to support more people affected by a cancer diagnosis. 

She has found friendship, fun and laughter with her second family the Lagan Dragons.  Possessing a sweet tooth, Frances is also very fond of the cakes provided by our wonderful bakers after we finish our paddle!

Christine is a speech & language therapist, working mostly with infants and children with eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties. She finds getting out on the water very liberating, a great de-stressor and a total body workout. Christine has been surprised by how taking part in regattas, has brought out a competitive side she never knew she had!

Aaroon is currently the membership secretary and the first contact for people interested in paddling and joining the Lagan Dragons. 
In the spring of 2016, she attended a Lagan Dragon’s open day, to make up the numbers and loved it so much she never left! 
As a retired doctor, (having worked in Marie Curie for 19 years) she brings a warm and compassionate welcome to those who are looking for support as they rebuild their confidence and fitness after a breast cancer diagnosis/treatment.