Under The Aegis: Meet Ezara Regan, A Guardian ad Litem with a Passion for Helping Teenagers

Discover Ezara Regan’s inspiring journey to becoming a Guardian ad Litem with TIGALA. From her beginnings as a social care worker to leading a team of social workers, Ezara shares her passion for child advocacy, working with teenagers, and supporting resilience in young people.

At TIGALA, we believe in showcasing the stories and experiences of our Guardians ad Litem who work tirelessly to represent the best interests of children in difficult circumstances. One such dedicated professional is Ezara Regan, an independent social worker and one of the newest additions to our panel of Guardians ad Litem, who has built her career on a passion for child advocacy and supporting children through their toughest moments.

Ezara began her career over 15 years ago as a social care worker in residential services. Through her work in mainstream, emergency, and high-support residential care, she gained firsthand experience working with children facing significant challenges. "I’ve always had an interest in working with children and helping people," says Ezara, before sharing that it was a realisation when she was in school that a career as a social worker might be in her future.

After years of impactful work in residential care, Ezara pursued further studies, completing her master's degree in social work. This step expanded her career to include leadership roles, such as managing a large team of social workers for the Children in Care team in Dublin. This experience not only honed her skills but deepened her understanding of the complexities that children in care face.

I think it's so important to really understand the young person, what they've been through and the trauma, and try to walk in their shoes. I'm always amazed at the resilience of the young people I work with.

Through her extensive experience working with children – particularly with teenagers – Ezara discovered her unique ability to connect with young people and understand their emotional and psychological needs. She reflects on the importance of recognising the resilience that children and teenagers often display in the face of trauma.

"I think it's so important to really understand the young person, what they've been through and the trauma, and try to walk in their shoes. I'm always amazed at the resilience of the young people I work with," Ezara shares.

For Ezara, working with teenagers has become a speciality. She takes pride in helping them navigate their trauma, understanding their experiences, and guiding them toward positive outcomes.

At TIGALA, we recognise the importance of continuous professional development to ensure our Guardians ad Litem remain equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices. Ezara’s story exemplifies how a commitment to ongoing learning and growth enhances a Guardian ad Litem’s ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children.

Ezara’s path from social care worker to Guardian ad Litem demonstrates the dedication and compassion required to work in child advocacy. Her ability to deliver positive outcomes for young people makes her a valuable member of the TIGALA team, and her story serves as an inspiration to others in the field.