Well, I was born in a small coastal town in the Republic of Ireland and have journeyed widely geographically, intellectually and emotionally since then.
Perhaps the most formative and negative experience of my educational years was having a nun, who was our career guidance teacher, laugh out loud when I said that I wanted to be a lawyer! Her cutting words “You’re aiming high aren’t you?” ensured that the young working class girl that I was then, did not have the confidence to apply for a university place. Thankfully in my late-twenties, following several years working overseas, I had the courage to pursue a university education. Ironically when I was offered a place on a Law degree I turned it down, instead selecting a BA degree in English and Sociology. From there I progressed to a Masters in Continuing Education at the University of Warwick (UK).
It is not surprising then that I have chosen to work in the field of learning and development and my greatest passion is helping people to achieve their potential.
In my forties, I took what I called my “Mid Life Gap Year” and travelled in Africa, South America and New Zealand. The most fulfilling and life-changing part of that trip was volunteering with women in South Africa who were escaping prostitution. The courage and dedication of the team at the New Life Centre in Johannesburg remains a continuous inspiration in my life. Whilst sitting in a Cafe in Beunos Aires, Argentina I promised myself that on my return to the UK , I would set up my own business. The last four years have been a “steep learning curve” and (in spite of the inevitable challenges!) I love every minute of the work I do.
Qualifications
I hold a Masters in Continuing Education from the University of Warwick (UK) and a B.A. (Hons) from University College Cork (Ireland).
Knowledge and Experience
My experience of Learning & Development is rich and varied and has spanned twenty years. I’ve had the privilege of working as a lecturer, trainer, workshop facilitator, author and editor of course materials, project manager, curriculum and qualifications adviser and external examiner. My experience encompasses key facets of the learning experience, i.e. delivery, curriculum and course design, assessment, accreditation and quality assurance.
Platforms
The settings in which I have worked include large corporations, local government, universities, prisons, voluntary bodies, schools and small businesses.
I’ve presented at international academic conferences including the UK, India and the USA. My particular research interest is in the role of lifelong learning in combatting social exclusion.
I’ve been a member of Toastmasters International for twenty years and have won numerous contests and carried out various roles such as club President and Area Governor. It has been my great pleasure to visit clubs worldwide and deliver speeches internationally. In June 2010, I achieved my Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM), which is highest award one can achieve in Toastmasters. I mentor those new to public speaking.
Associates
My goal is to ensure that the standards of Inside Out Learning are of the highest calibre in terms of design, delivery and customer service. In order to provide a service at this standard, I sometimes work with Associates who have specialist skills. All Associates adhere to the Inside Out Learning philosophy and are committed to exceptional customer service.
