Niamh O’Brien is an early years specialist with Better Start’s national Access and Inclusion team, where she has worked since 2016. She holds qualifications in both early years education and primary school teaching, as well as postgraduate qualifications in mentoring and coaching, having studied at Mary Immaculate College, the University of Glasgow, and Birmingham City University.

Niamh began her teaching and mentoring career in inner-city Glasgow before moving into management roles in both private and community childcare settings in Ireland. Based in the County Clare and Limerick region, she supports early years teams to provide safe, inclusive preschool experiences for children accessing the ECCE scheme and mentors educators as a Hanen and Early Talk Boost tutor.

Grace Monaghan

(BSc Psychology, HDip Early Years Education, MA Learning and Teaching)

Grace has been an Early Years’ Specialist with the Better Start Access and Inclusion Model since 2018. She is a Hanen tutor for educators and families, has trained as an Early Talk Boost tutor with Speech and Language Therapy UK and has lectured in Early Years’ Care and Education levels 5 and 6 with Colaiste Dhulaigh.

Grace has extensive experience supporting adults, children and young people with medical, complex and mental health needs. She has engaged in extensive training to support her professional roles, including Trauma Informed Practice and Mental Health First Aid.

Ronan Flynn is a Senior Occupational Therapist working with the National Council for Special Education. Ronan has a wealth of experience delivering an in-school therapy support service for primary, post-primary and special schools in Ireland.