I am a qualified career guidance counsellor for over 20 years. I have a special interest in ‘what makes people happy and confident with their career choices’ and believe we all deserve to realise our true potential.
I am currently back in school myself (!) , engaged in a PhD in Career Guidance in Trinity College Dublin with Professor Conor Mc Guckinin. My research interest is in Career Guidance and Disability – or as I like to call it – ‘Inclusive Career Guidance’.
My past experience was with the AHEAD, HSE, REHAB, FETAC and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. I have gained a depth of knowledge about inclusive education, guidance and work from my active engagement with learners (including those with disabilities) and teachers in Ireland, across Europe and also Japan and Singapore. Over the past 15 years I was also actively engaged with employers on graduate recruitment and the diversity agenda.
My own career journey is not typical!. Having started as a nurse and midwife, I changed direction myself and I continue to reach for my dreams. I also like to cook, paint, listen to music and drive my family mad!
Marian has extensive experience as a senior psychologist in both the public and private sectors. She offers a wide range of assessment and therapeutic services to children, adults and families.
http://www.mariannaughton.ie
Annette qualified originally as a nurse and subsequently trained and became a certified Reading Therapist. She is a trained Primary Movement Teacher, Sound Therapist, Adult Literacy Tutor and has also trained with the British Psychological Society. She is a mother of 5 teenagers with dyslexia and in her work Annette utilises both research-based and practical interventions.
http://www.thelearningclinic.ie
Based in the School of Education at Trinity College Dublin, Conor’s research interests are in the areas of bully/victim problems among children and adults, psychology applied to educational policy and processes, and the need for a fully inclusive education environment for all children and young people (e.g., special educational needs, disability). Conor has a long track record of involvement in, and management of, collaborative research projects. Conor gained his Ph.D. in Psychology for his research exploring bully/victim problems among Northern Ireland’s school pupils.
https://conormcguckin.com/about
Dr Patricia McCarthy is a published expert in the area of disability in relation to student/learner experiences of participation in education and society. As a registered blind person, Patricia is an active advocate for people with disabilities, advising various governmental and civic society organisations. Patricia graduated with a PhD from Trinity College Dublin in 2014. Her thesis focused on the educational experiences and transition opportunities of vision impaired/blind young people. Patricia is a Visiting Research Fellow in the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin where she is an active member of the research community.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patricia_Mccarthy2
I have contributed to a wide variety of news articles – at local, national and international level.
I have also participated in podcasts, radio interviews and television interviews on the topics of disability, inclusion and career guidance.