Berni Sheridan MSc – CEO

Berni Sheridan

I am on a mission! Passionate about my work with young people, particularly with senior cycle students, my work is focused on identifying the ideal formula which enables students to gain the confidence to achieve their potential during their senior cycle years, identify which general or specific career path they wish to pursue and prepare to embrace college life with confidence.  An integral part of this process is providing support for not only the individual student but also, critically, for their parents.   This had led to the development of my career club for both parents and students. This programme provides the type of on-going support required by both students and parents. We simply cannot provide this support in schools, as the guidance hours are not sufficient. I have worked in Guidance Counselling on a part-time basis for Mercy College, Sligo, over the past 12 years, and recognise the difficulties.

With an academic background in Science and over 15 years experience employed by a large multi-national, I have in-depth experience of all aspects of project delivery in a commercial environment from identification of requirements to managing highly skilled colleagues. During my career I have founded commercial laboratories, carried out primary research and managed many large multi disciplinary international projects.

In addition to a primary degree in Science, I also hold a second degree in Psychology, along with an  MSc in Management Practice from the Michael Smurfit Business School in UCD.   I have completed a Diploma in Life Coaching and it this study that led me to change my career and work with young people – something I find inspiring, enlivening and challenging. I now have 10 years experience of career guidance both in schools and privately.  As a result I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge of the Senior Cycle experience which can be leveraged for the benefit of both students and their parents.

I have recently completed an MSc in Guidance Counselling in DCU, where the focus of my thesis was based on researching the support needs for parents of senior-cycle students.

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Deirdre Keane – Career Consultant

Deirdre Keane

After completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Mathematics in NUI Galway, Deirdre Keane went on to qualify as a post-primary teacher. She then decided to specialise in the area of Special Educational Needs and has extensive experience in this area. After almost 20 years teaching experience, she studied in DCU to gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling. She is now registered with the Institute of Career Guidance Counsellors.

Her guidance practice is influenced by belief that every student should fulfil his/her full potential and her strong interest in psychology and counselling. She has particular strengths in forming positive relationships and networking with students, parents and third level institutions. Her teaching experience has led to the development of an understanding of the stress students encounter at the various transitions periods in their life – entering post-primary; selecting subjects; moving into Senior Cycle; dealing with exam stress and deciding on what route to take after the completing second level education. Coordinating Special Educational Needs departments, ASD Units and school programmes has honed Deirdre’s administrative and organisational skills and she is a very efficient individual who prioritises delivering a quality service to students and their parents. She is passionate about making education accessible to all and assisting students in overcoming obstacles on their route to fulfilling their potential.