I worked as a primary teacher for 35 years before taking early retirement from the profession in 2016. I taught a variety of classes during my career, working my final few years in Special Education. I was Deputy Principal in my school for 15 years. I was Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP) in my school in relation to Child Protection.
In 2010, I was elected to serve on the Central Executive Committee of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (I.N.T.O.). I served for 7 years on this national committee, representing District 9, the south Dublin area stretching from Celbridge to Ringsend. It was working in this field that I became aware of workplace issues, and became very interested in alternative dispute resolution, especially mediation.
In September 2016 I trained as a mediator with Gerry O Sullivan, of O Sullivan Solutions. I received my certification in December 2016. I joined the Sharing and Learning group run by Dublin Community Mediation in 2017, and served as a member of the Board of Directors of DCM for 7 years.
I trained in Separating Couples Mediation in June 2017. I am particularly interested in helping parents draw up parenting plans where parents are co-parenting, and I have helped parents prepare such plans before going to court.
In March 2021, I engaged in training in the CINERGY Conflict Management Coaching and I am a graduate of Cinnie Noble's Conflict Management Coaching. This process offers support and coaching to a person enabling the person to deal with a conflict or difficult conversation. This is a one-to-one service, which can be in person or online.
In 2023, I trained in Child Inclusive Mediation. I am delighted to be able to offer this service to separating couples, where I will work directly with the child or children to allow the voice of the child to be heard. This only happens if both parents and the child/children agree. It is voluntary and confidential.
I believe that mediation is a powerful process whereby people can resolve disputes to their mutual satisfaction and maintain their relationship into the future. You may not be the best of friends but at least you can be civil with each other.