I believe that the school is a human community where pupils, students, teachers, school leaders, staff and parents can thrive and flourish.
Over the course of almost 9 years, I have watched teachers and school leaders be transformed simply by adopting some simple, practical changes in their personal and professional life. It really is amazing what the simple every day practices can accomplish. Setting up a Breathing Space for them to do that; whether it’s been in a busy school, an education centre, a conference or retreat, has been an absolute joy. It is not about the stress that we endure, but rather how we respond to it that matters most.
Ann-Marie is a motivational speaker, published professional author and facilitator of courses in self-care, renewal and mindfulness.
She has worked in education for over 16 years and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a BA degree in Humanities (Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology & Religious Studies).
She has worked as a primary school teacher since 2004. She is passionate about living mindfully and working with others in the area of self-care and self-awareness in order to create more connections, along with cultivating a greater sense of compassion, empathy, gratitude and joy in daily living. She believes that filling your own ‘well’ of energy every day can improve your life and the lives of those around you in subtle but powerful ways.
Ann-Marie is currently conducting studies in the area of teacher self-awareness and self-actualisation as part of a research masters.
Ann-Marie:
Mary has over eighteen years class-based teaching experience and is registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. She qualified with a B.A. Degree in English and Geography and a Higher Diploma in Education from the National University of Ireland Maynooth. She holds a Professional Certification in Mindfulness (Irish Mindfulness Institute), a Professional Practitioners Certification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I.I.C.P), a Diploma in Mind Coaching (I.N.L.P.) and is a Licenced Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistics (I.N.L.P). Mary also holds Executive and Life Coaching Certifications and is a qualified Speech and Drama Teacher. She is a fully qualified I.E.T Practitioner.
Whilst teaching, Mary held a post of responsibility in Pastoral Care - focusing on supporting students on academic achievement and life skills programmes and developing school and parenting programmes for schools, parents and guardians in their roles as co-educators. She has also worked in Student Counselling and Support Services for LMETB, along with working with Learning Support Teams and delivering PLC Childcare Courses for LWETB.She has also developed and delivered Programmes and Workshops nationwide, including: Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence and Wellness Programmes in Secondary schools in Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Sligo
Facilitator of Student/Staff Workshops with ChillOut Ireland Courses for Family Resource Centres and Women’s Groups in Kildare, Meath and Offaly delivering programmes in Mindfulness, Stress and Anxiety, Personal Development, Assertiveness and Anger Management Programmes Established and facilitated Writer’s Workshops