CDI - Key Persons
Aisling holds an Honours Degree in Business and Accountancy, has been a qualified accountant with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) since 2016, and is currently studying for a Masters of Economic Science in Policy Analysis with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA). She has worked in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General since 2014 and has considerable experience and expertise in Public Sector Financial procedures and Governance requirements. Aisling is a Tallaght native with two children, a son and a daughter. She is interested in social policy, early intervention, and evidence-based policy. She is currently training in restorative practices.
Alexandra is the Finance Administrator at CDI. Alexandra has more than six years experience as an administrator and provides administrative support to the management and team in CDI. Alexandra holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography.
Andy, a former NHS and Social Services Training Consultant in London, has a wealth of experience. He designed and delivered training for those working with learning disabilities, fostering proactive approaches. Since relocating to Waterford in 1999, Andy managed the Pathways Project for 11 years, providing mentoring to early school leavers. He oversaw the School Completion Programme for seven years and became a Certified Trainer with the International Institute of Restorative Practice in 2011. Joining CDI in 2017, he facilitated RP training and training of trainers' courses, including the co-delivery of an Erasmus+ programme. Since 2012, he's conducted QQI Level courses with diverse learners. Since December 2022, Andy has been a valuable member of a Restorative Justice team supporting survivors of abuse in Irish Spiritan-run schools.
Anita Nolan is a qualified Social Worker and a proud member of the Tallaght West Community. She is a graduate of the Liberties College Dublin, and the University of Dublin, Trinity College. Anita has worked with children and families since 2012, in Ireland and abroad. Her work experience to date includes early years childcare, working with women and children fleeing domestic violence, child protection social work, and working with young people at risk. Anita is particularly interested in programmes and approaches that empower people, increase resilience, and create better outcomes for children and families.
Annie is a teacher since 2011 in Chéim ar Chéim, a probation educational centre in Moyross Limerick for young adults, she is passionate about a holistic approach in education promoting and supporting positive behaviour in school. She recently completed a postgrad diploma in Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick in special educational needs. Currently, she is taking a course in trauma-informed care.
Annie has been a Restorative Practice practitioner for seven years and trained as a trainer with IIRP in 2014 and with CDI in 2017. She is a practicing Restorative Trainer and Facilitator.
Audrey is a Parent/Carer Facilitator in Startbright Brookview. She has extensive experience of working in Tallaght and surrounding areas having spent six years working in early sectors and a further eleven years as a Youth Worker in the local area. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning and an MA in Child, Family, and Community Studies.
Bernie is a Parent Carer Facilitator in An Cosán Kiltipper since 2009. She has worked in the early years sector for many years in many capacities and has delivered FETEC Early Years training in Levels 4,5 & 6 and a multitude of parenting courses. As well as her work in An Cosán, Kiltipper, she coordinates the Lifestart Growing Child Programme working with parents and babies (0-3 years.) She holds an Honours Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy. She is accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP) and practices at An Cosán.
Having taught in several schools in Ireland, the U.K., and the Middle East and as Principal in Grangecon N.S. for five years, Bernie is currently Deputy Principal in St. Brigid's N.S., Manor Kilbride.
She is an advocate of and passionate about a holistic approach in education and has trained in a range of modalities including primary movement, promoting and supporting positive behaviour in primary school, developing collegiality in primary school; developing mindfulness and happiness in primary school children, as well as being a Restorative Practice Practitioner and Trainer.
Job Titles:
- Finance
- Operations Manager
Boby is the Finance and Operations Manager at CDI. He has more than 18 years of experience in Accounting and Finance in various industries ranging from manufacturing, construction, and service industries. He moved to Dublin after working in India and the Sultanate of Oman. He holds a master's in accounting (M Com) and Business Administration (MBA). He is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) USA, and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) USA.
Brian, a Conflict Management practitioner with over three decades in An Garda Síochána, draws on his experience in Family Mediation, Restorative Practice, and Restorative Justice. Having served as a Sergeant in Community Policing and Child Protection fields in Tallaght, Brian trained in Restorative Practice through CDI. Post-retirement in 2022, he renewed his focus on Restorative Practice, becoming a CDI Restorative Practices Trainer and a Family and Separating Couples Mediator. Brian volunteers with Restorative Justice Services, the Irish Professional Mediator's Organisation, and Dublin Community Mediation, expressing his dedication to conflict management.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Counsellor With DDLETB
Catriona Rodgers has been a guidance counsellor with DDLETB for the past 10 years, supporting young people and adults in Post Primary and Further Education to help guide them to reach their personal, educational, and vocational goals. Catriona is a graduate of IT Tallaght, now TUD, and has studied at UCD, Trinity College, IICP, and Maynooth University. She is passionate about lifelong learning and has strong values of inclusion and equality, particularly for young people in the LGBT+ community and those with SEN. Catriona, a Tallaght native, still lives in the area with her husband and four young children.
James, a seasoned CDI Practitioner, Trainer of Trainers, and Lead Facilitator with Alternatives to Violence Project Ireland, possesses extensive experience in youth and community work. Studying Social Sciences and earning an undergraduate degree in Law, along with a Hdip in Adult, Community, and Further Education from Maynooth University, he is dedicated to fostering positive change. James has designed impactful programs for young people at Oberstown Detention Campus, facilitated self-help groups for former prisoners, and taught law and social studies to mature adults. His commitment to empowering individuals and communities shines through his work in restorative practice training and program design.
Ché is an ESG and Sustainability professional and a Director of Clearstream Solutions, one of Ireland's leading ESG and Sustainability service solution providers. She works with companies across a wide range of sectors to develop their corporate sustainability strategies and specialises in the area of ESG reporting. She holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from TU Dublin and an BEng in Bio-Medical Engineering from DCU.
Before transitioning into sustainability she spent over 10 years as a Manufacturing & Development Engineer working for global medical device manufacturers. She joined the CDI Business Development & Communications Committee as her own young children receive books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Job Titles:
- Restorative Practices Programme Coordinator
- Restorative Practices Programme Manager
Claire has worked in community development for over 30 years. She has worked as a Development Worker, Policy Development Officer, Trainer and Manager with community and voluntary organisations in Dublin's North Inner City, Ballymun and Ringsend and has experience and expertise in design and delivery of adult education and training, conflict resolution and mediation skills, group development and facilitation, personnel and financial management, mentoring, research, and report writing.
She is responsible for the implementation of the Restorative Practices Programme and is passionate about combatting poverty, discrimination and inequality. Claire holds a Bachelor of Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Community Education from Maynooth University and a Master of Science in Restorative Practices from Ulster University.
Job Titles:
- Programme and Quality Manager
Clare is the Programme and Quality Manager at CDI. She holds a BSc and PhD in Psychology from Dublin City University and has previously worked as the Literacy Co-ordinator in CDI, and as an Assistant Professor in Psychology, lecturing primarily in lifespan development. Clare's PhD research focused on positive behavioural interventions in classroom settings, and much of this work has been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Job Titles:
- Literacy and STEAM Co - Ordinator
Denise is the Literacy and STEAM Co-ordinator at CDI. She supports the delivery of CDI's literacy based interventions which are Doodle Den, Doodle Families, Doodle STEAM and Dolly Partons' Imagination Library. Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Applied Social Care and has over 20 years of experience in various sectors. Most recently Denise worked with CDI as a Parent Carer Facilitator within an early years service in Tallaght West, supporting Children and Families.
Dermot has 42 years' experience in Retail, Corporate and Private Banking with AIB Group. Roles included Head of Recruitment, Senior Manager Corporate Banking London, Manchester, and Corporate International Banking Dublin responsible for the Pharmaceutical, Healthcare and Medical sectors.
The latter part of Dermot's career was in the role of Senior Manager Private Banking and Senior Executive Goodbody Stockbrokers. He was Chairperson at Willow Park Junior School (primary school to Blackrock College) from 2015 to 2020 and a member of The Institute of Bankers and Licensed Representative of the Irish Stock exchange.
Job Titles:
- Restorative Practices Trainer and Consultant
Dorothée, an experienced Restorative Practices trainer and consultant, previously served as Coordinator for the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Ireland. With AVP, she led peer-led workshops in conflict resolution and Restorative Practices, notably in Irish Prisons. Her background includes teaching French Literature and Classical Studies in France and Dublin. Holding an MA in Classical Studies and an MA in Online Courses and e-training Design, she developed innovative tools to enhance students' learning experience. Dorothée's work for CDI involved co-writing an online Professional Training in Restorative Practices (TReP) as part of an Erasmus international partnership and directing the ‘Circles of Connection' podcast series about RP. Currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science, Sociology, and Education at the University of Galway (UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre), her research focuses on democratic education and youth participatory research methods.
Dr Aine McAdam has lectured and tutored in both Maynooth University and University College Dublin. She holds an interdisciplinary Masters in Sociology and Spatial Geography. Aine has a special interest in housing and domestic violence issues. She obtained her PhD from Maynooth University in Sociology. Aine is a resident of West Tallaght and is committed to bettering the community.
Job Titles:
- Senior Social Policy Analyst at the National Economic
Helen Johnston is a Senior Social Policy Analyst at the National Economic and Social Council in Ireland, where she has worked on projects on well-being, quality and standards in human services, the social dimensions of the economic crisis and jobless households. She is also the Chairperson of the Centre for Cross Border Studies. Helen previously worked at the Combat Poverty Agency. A native of Northern Ireland, Helen worked in the Northern Ireland civil service in the early years of her career. She has qualifications in Environmental Science, Town and Country Planning, Business Administration, and has a doctorate on the determinants of implementation in the Irish policy system. Helen has a strong interest in tackling disadvantage, especially through prevention and early intervention.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor in Research Design and Analysis With the School of Psychology
Suzanne is Associate Professor in Research Design and Analysis with the School of Psychology at University College Dublin. She teaches in applied psychology and research methods and is involved in the delivery of modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Suzanne is Deputy Director of the UCD Centre for Disability Studies and jointly coordinates the MSc in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. Her research interests include Disability & Health, Teaching & Learning, and Applied Research. Suzanne serves on several Boards and Committees in UCD and other organisations. Suzanne was the Chair of our Board for a number of years.
Sylwia, a registered Speech and Language Therapist, has focused on enhancing outcomes for Irish children and families. With experience in research, practice, management, and implementation, she led initiatives in seven DEIS schools for the Cabra School Completion Programme. Specialising in language and literacy, Sylwia worked as a full-time Researcher at the Educational Disadvantage Centre, Dublin City University. Holding a PhD in Education from DCU and a Postgraduate Certificate in Implementation Science from TCD, she is deeply interested in ensuring quality implementation in schools. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylwia-kazmierczak-murray-phd-miaslt-1402b446
Dr. Graham Finlay is an Assistant Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin. He is also currently Vice Principal for Widening Participation in the College of Social Sciences and Law and has engaged in a number of groups concerned with promoting disabled people's rights and educational disadvantage, including serving as chair of the Board of Management of a DEIS school in Inchicore. He has published a number of articles and reports on the theory of human rights, human rights policy, migrants' rights and citizenship education.
Dr. John-Paul Byrne, a Lecturer at RCSI Graduate School of Healthcare Management, hails from Fettercairn and attended St. Anne's primary school near CDI. With a PhD in Sociology from Maynooth University, he received the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (2012). His research focuses on working lives and organisational environments in healthcare, collaborating with various stakeholders and contributing to projects funded by the Health Research Board, the European Union, and the European Research Council.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor in Developmental Psychology
Elizabeth Nixon is an Assistant Professor in Developmental Psychology in the School of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin. She is the director of the undergraduate degree program in psychology. She is a graduate of University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. Her research and teaching interests lie in parenting and family as a context for children's development. She is a Co-Investigator of Growing up in Ireland, the first national longitudinal study of children's development in Ireland. She established and co-directs the Infant and Child Research Lab at Trinity, where she researches parent-child interactions.
Emer Woodfull Emer is a practicing barrister at the Law Library Dublin who was called to the Bar in 2003. She has a background in child, criminal, investigative, inquiry and employment law and is a Chairperson appointed by the Mental Health Commission to conduct tribunals. She was previously an award-winning current affairs broadcaster and series producer for RTE, the national broadcaster. In her early career, she worked as a teacher in Ballymun and a school for young offenders. She is a Board member of Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
Job Titles:
- Restorative Practice Coordinator
- Restorative Practices Coordinator
George is the CDI Restorative Practice Programme Coordinator. George holds a BSc In Education and Training from DCU; he worked as a Parent Carer Facilitator with CDI, before moving on to take up a role as Programme Coordinator for the Boys and Young Men's Programme with London Borough Of Hillingdon's Early Intervention and Prevention Services. George returned to Ireland to work with Cooperative Housing Ireland as a Housing Officer.
Geraldine is a community activist and volunteer in Tallaght West and been involved in working with the community her entire life.
She has been involved with CDI for more than eight years since she took part in Restorative Practice training and then went on to complete the Train the Trainers course. Geraldine is on all the community forums in the local area and believes that participation and showing up is the most important part of making sure you have the right information for the right person at the right time.
Geraldine spent two years involved with the Tallaght West Parents' Network where she trained parents in all 13 local schools about the importance of parental participation and how to run a parents association.
She currently runs a women's group in Glenshane every Wednesday morning and has experience being a parent representative on her children's school board on occasion during their school years.
Holly provides administration support to the management and team in CDI and has over 15 years of experience working as an Administrator in various organisations. Holly holds certificates in Secretarial Studies and European and Language Studies. She also has a QQI-accredited qualification in Web Design.
Jean, an experienced Restorative Practices (RP) Trainer collaborating with CDI, designs and delivers RP training, including Training of RP Trainers and Summer Courses for Teachers. With a demonstrated history in School Completion Programme management in Tallaght for 16 years, she crafts evidence-based programmes for at-risk youth. Jean's expertise extends to facilitating training in Restorative Practices and Alternative to Violence Project for vulnerable young people. Holding a BSc. (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy, an MSc. in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, and various certificates, including in Restorative Practices, she is well-versed in Mindfulness, Play & Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Job Titles:
- ABC National Research & Data Specialist
- National Research and Data Specialist
- the National Research and Data Specialist
Jefrey is the National Research and Data Specialist and works with the 12 Area Based Childhood Programme areas to operationalise the ABC Outcomes Framework. Jefrey recently worked with CDI as a Data Specialist. Jefrey has more than six years experience in monitoring and evaluation overseas. In Ireland, Jefrey has worked with the Royal College of Surgeons as a Research Assistant. Jefrey holds a Masters in Applied Social Research from Trinity College Dublin, a Higher National Diploma in Data Analytics from the National College of Ireland, and an Honours Degree in Social Work.
Jenn, a Restorative Practices champion, trainer, facilitator, and coach, infuses her work with innovative and creative energy. With over 30 years of intentional professional practice, she prioritises individual and community transformation through shared learning experiences. Informed by her RP training and practice, Jenn effectively works with individuals and groups seeking cultural change. Trained as an RP trainer in 2016 and an RP Champion in 2019, she designs and facilitates original courses for both teenage and adult learners, fostering optimal learning environments. Jenn also serves as a school leadership coach, supporting leaders in implementing RP within their communities.
Originally from Cork, Jerome started his career at the Coca-Cola Company, progressing through senior sales and marketing roles internationally. Concluding as Commercial Director for Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo, he later served as Commercial Director for Ireland at John West.
Jerome transitioned to senior public affairs and communication roles, initially with the Irish Brewers Association and then as Director of Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland. With a BA in History & Economics from UCC, he also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in General Management from IMD and recently completed an MSC in Sport Management from UCD. Jerome presently lectures at UCD and TU Dublin.
Jessica is a Parent Carer Facilitator in an Early Years service in Tallaght West. Jessica has over 13 years experience working with and supporting children, parents and families. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Early Years Education and Care.
Job Titles:
- Practice Development Officer for Limerick
Joe Power, a Restorative Practice Development Officer for Limerick since 2018, part-time. With 18 years in residential childcare, he gained insight into challenging behaviour and the centrality of relationships in interventions. A Restorative Practitioner for five years, Joe's been an RP trainer with CDI for 18 months (also a certified trainer with SynRJ). He's collaborated with over 20 schools, youth organisations, and residential care facilities, focusing on trauma and trauma-informed care as integral to the "restorative package." In 2020, Joe worked part-time with Le Cheile Restorative Justice project, applying skills in the criminal justice area to young offenders on probation. Joe maintains a regular blog through the Limerick RP Project and holds certifications in Reality Therapy, Narrative4 story exchange, and LIFT Ireland facilitation.
John, a Dublin-based Restorative Practices trainer since 2013, has worked in Restorative Practices since 2010. Collaborating with CDI, he facilitated training for adults and young people in Restorative Practices in voluntary and formal education sectors. With extensive experience, he advocated for Restorative Practices's potential in primary education and youth work, working with Foróige for five years. After earning a Higher Diploma in Primary Education in 2015, he became an advocate for Restorative Practices in formal education, focusing on positive school culture and well-being. Since 2018, John has contributed to Restorative Practices training with PDST for schools nationwide.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
Jonathan is the Business Development Manager at CDI. He studied Community and Family Development at NUI Galway and recently completed a MSC in Social Policy and Practice at Trinity. Jonathon is a native of West Tallaght and really enjoys working with the people in the community. Jonathon has a great passion for connecting local work with philanthropic and corporate partners and also exploring how CDI programmes can transcend Europe! In between that he loves all sports and is a proud St. Annes GAA man.
Judith, introduced to Restorative Practices in the USA, offered them to educators, church communities, and businesses in Rochester, NY. She worked with Partners in Restorative Initiatives (PiRI), becoming a certified Circle facilitator and trainer and a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. With a BA in Transpersonal Psychology and an MA in Liberal Studies, both from independent studies, she developed a Peer Practice model. Returning to Kilkenny in 2019, Judith, a long-time Buddhist practitioner, offers online Peer Practice groups focusing on restorative topics since March 2020, referring to her work as Mindful Communication.
Katherine Zappone, a founder and former Chair, played a pivotal role in establishing CDI. Katherine's experience in developing and leading the community education centre, An Cosán, in Tallaght West, highlighted the need for innovative and targeted solutions to enhance children's outcomes. This led to the establishment of CDI in 2007. by a funding partnership between the Irish Government and The Atlantic Philanthropies, a private foundation established by Irish-American businessman Chuck Feeney in 1982.
Ken, with 23 years as Manager of Treo Port Lairge CLG, witnessed Restorative Justice's impact, sparking his interest in Restorative Practices. Trained as a Restorative Practices Trainer of Trainers in 2016 with the International Institute of Restorative Practices and in 2019 with CDI, Ken co-founded the Waterford Restorative Practice Network (WRPN). WRPN aims to make Waterford more restorative, having trained numerous staff and volunteers across the community. As a Restorative Practices Quality Specialist with CDI, Ken delivers RP training and facilitates restorative conversations, meetings, and conferences within and between organisations. Additionally, he serves as an External Cross Professional Supervisor for individuals, teams, and organisations.
Kieran, active in Restorative Practices for over 20 years, initially in criminal justice, is a trainer, facilitator, and researcher. Currently chair of Restorative Practices Ireland, he authored conference papers and book chapters, including a quality assurance framework for Restorative Practices and a chapter in the Routledge Handbook of Irish Criminology (2015). Completing a PhD at University College Dublin in 2008, he researched the restorative justice programme for young offenders. Kieran served on the Board of Restorative Justice Services and as a volunteer chair of offender reparation panels, contributing to Restorative Justice Strategies for Change. He was also an associate lecturer at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention at Maynooth University.
Job Titles:
- Data Officer
- Data Specialist
Lauren joined the team in February 2023 as our Data Specialist. She is responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of CDI's programmes and interventions. Lauren attended Maynooth University and holds a BA Honours degree in Sociology and Psychological Studies, and an MA degree in Sociology, focusing on societies in transition, advanced research methods, and social science data.
Leanne is a Parent Carer Facilitator for Startbright Greenhills.
Leanne has 13 years of experience in Early Years care and education, primary education and working with parents. Leanne has a Level 8 BA Honours degree in Early Years Education from University College Cork. Leanne also has a Level 6 degree in Leadership and Inclusion from MUI.
Leon is a Tallaght native from Springfield. He is a mixed-race man with heritage from Senegal and Ireland. He is the founder of "Black and Irish," an organisation tackling racism in Ireland and building representation across different areas of Irish society. He is a former student union president of Maynooth University and holds a degree in psychology.
In 2004, Lindsay earned an Honours B.Sc in Clinical Speech and Language Studies from Trinity College Dublin. She has worked for several years in the disability sector, working with children with physical disabilities and their families. Lindsay assumed the role of Senior Therapist in 2008, where she mentored and supervised Junior Speech and Language Therapists. Passionate about education, she served as a Practice Tutor for nine years at Trinity College, coordinating student placements and participating in examinations. Lindsay completed her Master's Degree at the University of Sheffield in 2012, focusing on ‘Working with Parents: Students' Perspectives and Experiences.' She presented her thesis at the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists conference in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Powerful Parenting Coordinator
Louise joined our team in March 2023 as a Support Officer, supporting our Powerful Parenting programme in early years services and in the wider Tallaght community. Louise took over the role of Co-ordinator of the Powerful Parenting programme in October 2023. Louise has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Care along with qualifications in mental health awareness, training and development, life coaching and coaching ethics. Louise has almost 20 years' experience working within social care services and inspecting and regulating social services in Ireland.
Madeleine Mulrennan works as an independent consultant specialising in education matters and professional regulation. She has previously worked in further education and in teacher education. She was President of St. Catherine's College of Education, Sion Hill, from 2000 to 2007. She was a Special Advisor (policy) in two government departments. Madeleine is a graduate of the University of Dublin, Trinity College, and the Dublin Institute of Technology and has degrees in education, community health, and law. She is a member of the Governing Authority of Maynooth University and recently chaired the review of Home Economics at Junior Cycle for the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
Job Titles:
- Powerful Parenting Support Officer
Maria works as the Powerful Parenting Support Officer within CDI. She works in collaboration with CDI's Powerful Parenting Coordinator, the Parent Carer Facilitators, and key stakeholders in the Antenatal to Early Years Sector to support the delivery of the Powerful Parenting Programme.
Maria previously worked as a Parent Carer Facilitator for CDI in an Early Years service in Tallaght West. Maria has worked in the early years sector for 17 years, supporting children, parents, and families. Maria has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education, and a Diploma in Montessori teaching.
Marian's career has been focused on children, young people and families. She has worked in the Health Services Executive and the Department of Justice, worked directly with young people at risk, and developed and coordinated Copping On, a national crime prevention programme. Marian holds a Masters in Adult Education, a BSc Honours in Youth and Community Work and is a qualified Life and Business Coach and nurse. Marian has extensive governance experience and has served as a Trustee on the new Childrens Hospital Board, the Social Work Registration Board, and the Airfield Trust, and also holds a Diploma in Corporate Governance. She is currently a Trustee with both Extern and the Irish Landmark Trust.
Marian Quinn currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. She has been with the organisation since 2014. A well-regarded advocate for children and families. She has a strong and consistent voice, fighting on their behalf.
Job Titles:
- Senior Speech and Language Therapist
Marie joined the Chit Chat team in April 2023. Before this, Marie worked in multi-disciplinary teams supporting children with complex needs and disabilities. Marie qualified from Trinity College Dublin with a BSc in Clinical Speech and Language Studies and has a H.Dip in Education through Drama. Marie really enjoys the energy and creativity of the role and supporting young children in learning and loving language and communication.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Sociology at Maynooth University
Mary P. Corcoran, a Professor of Sociology at Maynooth University and former Fulbright Scholar, holds degrees from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, and Columbia University, New York. Specialising in urban sociology, public realm, public culture, and the sociology of migration, she's a prolific author. Her recent co-edited book, "Producing Knowledge: Reproducing Gender" (UCD Press, 2020), reflects her expertise. An influential Irish sociologist, Mary has served on various boards, including the Childhood Development Initiative and the Western Development Commission, and contributes as an independent chair on the Brigid 1500 Steering Committee for Kildare County Council. LinkedIn Profile
Melissa graduated from IT Tallaght (now TU Dublin), and later qualified as an accountant. She undertook her Masters by research, which examined the effectiveness of the Irish policy response to over-indebtedness to increase an individual's financial well-being. After many years working in debt management and financial advice, she moved to the education sector and now lectures in TU Dublin. She continues to have a keen interest in the subject of financial well-being and provides workshops and coaching to women on this topic. She is a qualified life coach and mentor and enjoys using these skills, both personally and professionally.
Job Titles:
- Engagement and Wellbeing Coordinator ( Nova )
- School Engagement and Wellbeing Coordinator
Michelle joined the team in September 2023 as our School Engagement and Wellbeing Coordinator. She is responsible for the Nova Programme and holds an MA in Applied Psychology (Mental Health) and a BA in Applied Psychology. Michelle is currently completing a Specialist Certificate in Youth Mental Health Promotion. Michelle has previously worked in youth justice and several community-based and national organisations. Michelle volunteers with a youth project. She is passionate about working to improve outcomes for young people.
Michelle is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist with CDI and coordinates CDI's on-site Speech and Language Therapy Service, Chit Chat. Michelle has a BA in Linguistic and Sociology, an MSc in Speech and Language Therapy and a PG Dip in Child Language and Communication from the University of Sheffield.
Natalie has a BA (hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies. She has worked with Barnardos for over 20 years, all of it being in family support and in particular early years families in Tallaght. Natalie began working with CDI in 2010 when we first implemented Parent Carer Facilitators and additional supports to Early Years services. She was the Project Co-Ordinator of a Barnardos preschool and worked on the control site during a three year period of research and evaluation. Natalie is also on the Board of Management for Tallaght Childcare Centre.
Job Titles:
- Senior Speech and Language Therapist
Niamh joined the team in April 2023 as a Senior Speech and Language Therapist in CDI's Speech and Language Programme, Chit Chat.
Niamh has a B.A. in Translation and Interpreting from DCU (1987) and an MSc. in Speech and Language Therapy and Pathology from University College London (1997).
Niamh has over 20 years of experience working with children with communication needs in a variety of settings in the UK, USA and Ireland and loves her job.
Nicola, a secondary school teacher for many years, has worked in various settings, from international private establishments to an inner-city school. Since 1997, she has been involved with Cuidiú, becoming a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor in 1999. Nicola has been President of Cuidiú since 2018. Discovering Non-Violent Communication in 2006, she integrated its techniques into her teaching and breastfeeding counselling. With an interest in Restorative Practices, she started using circles in class in 2011, completing the summer course for teachers in 2014 and training as a trainer. Since May 2018, Nicola has been training groups on behalf of CDI, supporting new trainers, and working with CDI to connect with interested parties. Passionate about Restorative Practices, especially its impact on students and teachers, Nicola believes in its potential for resolving conflict and reducing harm in communities.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Population Health Medicine
Noel McCarthy is Professor of Population Health Medicine in Trinity College Dublin. He studied medicine at Trinity qualifying in 1989 and has worked in hospital medicine and public health in Ireland, Sweden and Africa. Before returning to Ireland in 2021 he worked in England as a Consultant in Public Health Medicine in Public Health England, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Warwick and Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. This included work across a wide range of public health topics and populations.
Noreen, a PDST Associate and part-time CDI trainer in Restorative Practices, also teaches English to adults. As a Centre of School Leadership mentor and board chairperson, she began her career as a primary teacher in Newbridge and later taught in Zimbabwe. Noreen served as a community worker in Carlow before becoming the principal of Scoil na Naomh Uilig in 2007. There, she pioneered inclusive education practices, integrating students of all abilities and ethnicities. Introducing Restorative Practices in 2017, Noreen became a certified trainer in 2019 and earned an Undergraduate Certificate in Restorative Practices from the University of Malta in 2021. She further trained as a Restorative Practices ‘Champion' in 2022.
Job Titles:
- Volunteer Financial Accountant With RCCG
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist and Former Head of Psychology
Paul Murphy is a Clinical Psychologist and former Head of Psychology in the Irish Prison Service (IPS). On leaving the IPS he worked for a number of years as a Lecturer in Clinical Psychology in the UCD School of Psychology. He works as a Counsellor with New Directions supporting the families of those in prison. He has recently been appointed to the new statutory Parole Board.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Pauline is the Communications Coordinator at CDI. During an 18-year career in the UK, she worked in a professional and voluntary capacity in the public and third sectors. Having been Design Manager at Manchester City Galleries for 12 years, she went on to work at Manchester City Council, where she managed marketing and communications activities for key clients in Public Health, NHS, Adult Social Care, Equalities and Leisure. She has a BsB (First Class Hons) Degree in Digital Marketing and Sales, a BA in Visual Communication, and QQI Level 5 & 6 in Special Needs Assisting. She has experience working with primary school-age children with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools.
Peter Robbins is one of Ireland's foremost experts in innovation and new product and service development. He was global head of innovation excellence for GlaxoSmithKline where he led many of the worldwide new product launches for Lucozade, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, Panadol, Ribena, Alli and NiQuitin. Peter's PhD is in Innovation. His area of research is how firms organise for innovation. He is a former Head of the Department of Design Innovation in Maynooth University. He is an Innovation Advisor to the Governments development agencies and has developed and run courses and workshops in innovation for organisations in the public and private sector. He is on a number of innovation advisory boards in business and the third level sector. Peter has trained in the renowned Stanford D School and he is a graduate of London's What-if Creativity Programme. He has published in R&D Management, the Irish Journal of Management: International Journal of Innovation Management; London Strategy Review and regularly speaks at international conferences on the subject of managing creativity and innovation.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Restorative Practices Ireland Communications Committee
Richie is an experienced practitioner, facilitator and trainer in Restorative Practices, with a strong commitment to transforming school communities. He is an associate Quality Specialist with CDI. As a life coach and certified CSL mentor, with over 35 years experience in education, as a school principal, he is passionate about nurturing positive relationships, empowering individuals, and promoting conflict resolution within educational settings.
Richie is chair of the Restorative Practices Ireland Communications Committee. At present, he teaches a number of Restorative Practices Electives to Third, Fourth Year and Post-graduate students in Maynooth University, Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education. He is an Oide Associate on the Health & Wellbeing Team, delivering Restorative Practice Training to Primary School Staff. He holds an M.Ed (Research in Practice) from Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University, B.Ed from DCU St. Patrick's College and a certificate in Restorative Practice and Mediation from N.U.I. Maynooth.
Sean O'Neill has worked in sales and marketing for over 15 years. Having completed a BA in Journalism as a mature student and worked as a freelance journalist, Sean has a passion for both communications and adult education. Sean currently works for Bloomsbury Publishing helping with book promotions in the Irish market. Having recently completed an MBA specialising in marketing, Sean has obtained a range of expertise involving strategic planning. A Tallaght native with three young children, Sean is keenly interested in the topics of education and learning in the community.
Job Titles:
- Practice Development Manager
Sinead Tierney currently works as a Practice Development Manager and is responsible for leading the development of evidence-based practice in her agency. She has extensive experience in driving organisational change and in shaping the future of service provision within social support services.
Sinead has 18 years' experience in the social care field with 11 of those in management and leadership roles. Sinead holds an MA in Child, Family and Community Studies and is currently undertaking her second MA in Practice Development with a focus on evidence-based practice and change management.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Governance, Institute of Public Health Ireland
Job Titles:
- Restorative Practices Trainer
Susan, a licensed CDI Restorative Practices Trainer since 2014, trained with IIRP and holds roles as an RP Champion and Trainer of Trainers. Specialising in psychotherapeutic work with children and young people for 15 years, she established therapeutic services for School Completion Programmes. As part of a Clinical Team in a Therapeutic Residential Service, Susan provided training for staff working with children with complex emotional and behavioural needs. She volunteers as a Community Chair for Restorative Justice Service Offender Reparation Panels and with the Alternative to Violence Project, facilitating workshops in various settings. Susan holds a BA Hons in Sociology and Political Science from Trinity College Dublin and an MA in Art Therapy from CIT. Currently focusing on integrating Restorative Practices with trauma and attachment informed approaches, she delivers training on this topic for various organisations.
Job Titles:
- Director of Ballybeen Women 's Centre
Tanya Hughes is Director of Ballybeen Women's Centre in Belfast. She has worked within the community based women's sector for the past 30 years. Tanya also has vast experience of managing european and international projects. She has participated in numerous multi-agency/cross-sectoral strategic working groups addressing issues such as teenage pregnancy and educational underachievement. Tanya is currently Chairperson of Women's Support Network and also a serving Board member of East Belfast Sure Start, Ballybeen Improvement Group and Inspire Business Park.
Tanya is committed to enhancing the social, economic and cultural status of women, young people and children through inclusive and anti-discriminatory practices. Tanya holds a BSC in Social Work and MSC in Health Promotion from Ulster University. She also has a Diploma in Leadership and Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Job Titles:
- Programme Support Coordinator
Winnie is the Programme Support Coordinator at CDI. She worked in various areas before joining CDI, including human rights, cancer support, and prevention and early intervention, and has over 15 years of experience coordinating and managing national networks and groups of different kinds. Winnie holds an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy from SOAS, a Higher Diploma in Psychology from UCD, and a BA in English and History from Trinity College Dublin.