Teacher-led workshops for Irish schools

From lived experience to lasting change

Hi there,

As children, we hear about bullying, we learn about it in school, we see it on the television and we use the words “bully” and “bullying” flippantly. We never think that we will actually be bullied or that one of our siblings will experience bullying. We often live in ignorant bliss, until one day, bullying becomes a reality for us or a family member.

This is what happened to me and my family. At the age of ten, I was bullied and life as I knew it changed. I became acutely aware of the painful effects of bullying: the damage it can do to a person's self-esteem and self worth, and the heart-wrenching distress experienced by a victim's family as they try to understand what is happening and how best to help.

Little did I know then that this experience would ultimately inspire my passion for preventing bullying and supporting others who experience it. My personal experience has given me a deep understanding of the impact bullying can have, but it has also motivated me to focus on what can be done to prevent it. This is what drives my passion for delivering anti-bullying workshops that equip and empower staff, students and parents with the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle bullying proactively.

I have worked as a primary school teacher in a Gaelscoil for over a decade. Dá bhrí sin is féidir liom ceardlanna a chur ar fáil go cumasach trí mheáin na Gaeilge. I firmly believe in facilitating engaging workshops by using a variety of interactive methods, particularly in primary schools. Over the years, I have witnessed the impact the digital world has had on students. Recently, I completed a Diploma in Cyberpsychology to gain a greater insight into the dangers that young people face online and how we can protect them.

The introduction of the Bí Cineálta procedures has further highlighted the importance of restorative practices in responding to bullying and supporting positive relationships within school communities. I have completed several relevant courses including Getting Started with Restorative Practices, Restorative Practice Training of Trainers, RP & Bí Cineálta for Middle and Aspiring Leaders. Through this training, I have developed a strong appreciation of how effective restorative practice can be in preventing bullying, addressing incidents when they occur, and supporting the restoration of relationships afterwards.

I am committed to continually developing my knowledge and skills and to seeking out new initiatives that can benefit the schools that I work with. Last year, I became a Narrative4 facilitator. Narrative4 is an organisation that aims to nurture empathy through the use of story exchanges. I regularly attend webinars and training on relevant topics, including cyber-safety, assertiveness, conflict management and the role of active bystanders.