About

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the Nurture Minds CPD. With 17 years of experience as a primary teacher and a background as a Stage 1 Health Psychologist, I have had the privilege of working in various educational settings. My journey has encompassed roles in Mainstream, Resource and Learning Support Teaching, as well as serving as a Special Class teacher for children with complex emotional and behavioral needs in Special Education.

My educational background includes a BA in Psychology from the National University of Galway, where I delved into a research project on children’s perceptions of parental discipline, sparking my interest in understanding the rights of the child and the potential of restorative practice with children. Furthering my expertise, I completed a Higher Diploma in Special Education from the National University of Maynooth in 2014.

Driven by my interest in health and wellbeing, I pursued a MSc in Health Psychology with Ulster University in 2023. During this time, I focused my research on teacher wellbeing, recognizing the pivotal role of educators in fostering student success and advocating for a more comprehensive approach to wellbeing in schools.

The foundation of my teaching philosophy lies in my passion for psychology and its principles. This fascination with the mind has deeply influenced my career, as understanding human behavior and the intricacies of our minds has become integral to my approach. I firmly believe that with an understanding of our minds, we can surmount any challenge. Additionally, my enthusiasm for literature informs my dedication to nurturing the education system, both inside and outside the classroom.

Special Education has emerged as a particular passion of mine, prompting my commitment to continuously enhance my knowledge of effective teaching methods for students with additional needs. This aligns with my dedication to supporting students’ mental health, a focus further enriched by my recent studies in Health Psychology, which underscored the need for a more child-centered and holistic approach to education.

Central to my work is the practice of mindfulness, cultivated through my certification as a Creative Mindfulness Practitioner from Creative Mindfulness Kids Training. This training not only enriched my own wellbeing but also provided invaluable tools to support my students. My research on the impact of Creative Mindfulness Training on Teacher Wellbeing evidenced the profound benefits of mindfulness. I am a firm believer in addressing the wellbeing of teachers alongside that of students to enhance overall school success.

For me, the world of books holds immense value, and I take great joy in instilling this passion in my students and sharing it with fellow book enthusiasts. Books, in all their forms, are not only a teaching resource but also a source of professional and personal development, as well as overall pleasure and wellbeing.

Through this blog, I aim to share my insights and knowledge gleaned from years in education, as well as my research in the realms of education and psychology. I firmly believe that these areas are intrinsically linked, impacting both educational settings and our personal lives. Each day presents an opportunity for learning, and I hope to utilize this platform to exchange ideas and knowledge with others. I trust that you will find enjoyment in reading my blog!

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Let’s build something together.

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