Sharon Byrne has over 30 years’ experience working in early childhood education and care. She currently works as an Infant Mental Health Coordinator with Young Ballymun and is also a lecturer at Dublin City University. Sharon previously managed Barnardos’ national programme of ECEC supports. She is a director of the Irish Association for Infant Mental Health and has a strong interest in trauma-informed practice and the key role early years educators play in supporting children and families. Sharon has developed a range of resources to promote trauma awareness and support educators in adopting more trauma-sensitive approaches in ECEC.

Dr. Judith E. Butler is a lecturer, researcher, and postgraduate supervisor at MTU Cork, specialising in developmental psychology, trauma-sensitive approaches, and relationship-based pedagogy. Her research explores the lived experiences of children affected by adversity and trauma. She supervises both master’s and doctoral students and is a trauma expert trainer for UNICEF. Dr. Butler co-developed the Shamrock Model for trauma-sensitive ECEC, has published widely, and presents regularly at national and international conferences. She serves on several national and international steering groups, including Silent Voices, World OMEP’s Scientific Board, and Cork City’s Trauma-Sensitive City initiative.