Our Team
The Open College is an independent private college with many thousands of students providing over 90 QQI Levels 5 & 6 Award courses. Established in 2004 and FETAC Accredited in 2008.
The Open College is a social entrepreneurial organisation with a proud record of innovation in education which has in just over few years become Ireland’s largest dedicated provider of QQI approved courses and this recognition is based on the quality of our course materials, the professionalism of our tutors and the exceptional value for money we offer.
Our professionally qualified and industry experienced course tutors and writers are fully aware of learner needs and have designed and written courses that are flexible and up to date with current situations/legislation and learning styles as well as meeting the QQI requirements regarding course content/learning outcomes.
Richard Whelan FCA is a Chartered Accountant and was a partner in KPMG for 23 years, focusing primarily on audit and advisory work. An active member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, he is the author of a book on the ideology underlying Al Qaeda and has published numerous articles on international politics. He serves on the International Advisory Committee of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. He is a director or adviser to a number of companies, public and private, and was the independent Chairman of the Irish Course Providers Association. |
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Siobhan is a Healthcare Trainer with over 7 years’ experience delivering the QQI Healthcare Award Modules within the north east through various learning formats, such as Distance, Blended, Attendance and Moodle. Siobhan is a Registered General Nurse, who has 17 years clinical experience. Siobhan’s nursing experiences spans across a number of specialties such as Operating Department Nursing, Rehabilitation Nursing, Medical, Surgical and Aged Care, caring for a diverse range of clients and age groups. Siobhan is a committed tutor who strongly believes in the importance of guiding and supporting learners to achieve their educational and personal goals as they return to education. |
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Henry Sheahan – Business TutorHenry has a wealth of industry experience in Financial Services, Retail, Private Health Care, Public Sector and Telecommunications and has worked as an associate lecturer and trainer with a number of colleges and professional bodies for the past sixteen years. The courses he delivers for the Open College include, Business Management, Business Administration, Work Experience (both Levels 5 and 6) Personal Effectiveness in the Workplace, Career Planning and Purchasing and Procurement. Henry holds a BBS in Procurement and Supply Chain, is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and holds a certificate in Training and Development (HETAC Level 7). He has a Level 7 from NQAI in Health and Safety and has a Post Graduate in Education and Training.Henry also holds certificates in Personal Development/Leadership skills and RPL. Henry is passionate about his subject matter and is most approachable and uses a wide range of techniques to enhance learner interest. |
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Catherine Trebble – Social Media TutorAs well as heading up her own digital media company, Catherine is a digital and social media trainer. Catherine is the also author of several marketing books including the ‘Guide To Marketing Your Business Online in Ireland‘, as well as ‘The Full Appointment Book Step-By-Step Marketing System’. With over 25 years of marketing, Catherine brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the courses she teaches, and is a highly respected lecturer on the international marketing speaking circuit. . |
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Morgan Campbell – Web Design TutorMorgan is a Web Design Trainer with many years of experience and who has been delivering training courses full time now for the last four years. Prior to working as a trainer Morgan was a graphic and web designer in Ireland and the UK, where he worked on several high profile marketing campaigns. Morgan holds Degrees in both Design and Digital Media, Communication Multimedia, as well as a Masters Degree in Marketing. |
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Erin Murphy – Special Needs & Childcare TutorErin has worked with teenagers who present with various special needs for a total of ten years. She has also worked as a FETAC tutor for eight years teaching a range of subject from Child Development, Psychology and Special Needs. Erin’s passion is helping students with any form of learning difference reach their potential.Erin sets up and runs Dyslexia Workshops in the Southeast for children with this specific learning difference where the focus was on identifying their strengths opposed to the traditional approach of focusing on their weaknesses. |
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Niav McEvoy – Childcare TutorNiav has 14 years’ experience in the Training and Education sector. Eight years of this period was spent in the Training sector, working exclusively with adults with intellectual disability before moving to the Higher and Further education sector on a full time basis. Niav’s portfolio of courses in the further education sector include Supervision in Childcare (Level 6), Childhood Social, Legal & Health Studies (Level 6), Personal & Professional Development (Level 6), Work Experience (Level 6), Train the Trainer (Level 6), Child Development (Level 5), Early Care & Education Practice (Level 5), Social Studies (Level 5), Intellectual Disability Studies (Level 5) and Person Centred Focus (Level 5). In addition, Niav also lectures on a Level 7 Degree programme. Niav holds a National Certificate in Applied Social Studies (Social Care), an Ordinary and an Honours degree in Applied Social Studies (Disability) and a Master’s Degree in Applied eLearning. |
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Paula Duggan – Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology TutorPaula Duggan is both a personal fitness trainer and nutritional therapist. Paula’s approach to health and well being is to “provide effective tailored fitness and nutritional programmes based on the client’s personal level of fitness”. Paula is involved within a number of projects such as Stretch and Grow, System Slim Ireland and is also a member of IANT (Irish Association of Nutritional Therapy). Qualifications Include:
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Adele Chapman – Physiotherapy & Healthcare TutorAdele is a chartered physiotherapist with many years experience in both clinical physiotherapy and physiotherapy education. She has worked clinically in Ireland, the United Kingdom and in Saudi Arabia. Adele is also interested in falls prevention and has, in recent years, obtained a post graduate qualification in fall prevention and the delivery of exercise to the elderly. Having obtained a post graduate Diploma in Course Development and Teaching in Higher Education from the University of London. Adele has taught on a BSc in Physiotherapy in Brunel University, London and in Trinity College Dublin and has more recently been involved in FETAC Healthcare Education. Adele continues to combine clinical physiotherapy and healthcare education. Adele Chapman MISCP, PG DipEd, PSI. |
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Christine Lodge – Mental Health TutorChristine Lodge is an accredited, qualified Psychotherapist with years of experience working with individuals and groups. Christine has worked closely with clients with general and acute social, psychological and psychiatric problems. Christine’s style of work is Humanistic and Integrative, meaning that she combines a variety of techniques and approaches from schools of therapy such as Psychoanalysis, Person Centred, Gestalt, and Cognitive therapies. Christine currently works in private practice, and provides training and support to both parents and teachers with children who have challenging behaviour. Qualifications include:
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Joe Plowman – Phsychology TutorJoseph has over a decade of experience working, studying and researching in psychology. In psychology and healthcare, he has been involved in helping to run and deliver anxiety and depression psycho-education workshops in the UK, with patients referred by GPs, and has also helped to run and deliver life coaching workshops. In Ireland, Joe has lectured in Human Growth and Development and other psychology courses, and has also taught psychology and psycho-education classes at a Secondary School to transition year students. His current research involves the attempt to enhance the wellbeing and happiness of Irish teenagers via psycho-education classes (i.e., happiness classes) targeted at dysfunctional beliefs. He has also worked briefly in early intervention with autistic children, prior to his PhD research. Qualifications include:
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Lorraine Walsh – Business & Management TutorLorraine is a Business Trainer who has been delivering training for the past 7 years. She has delivered courses all over the country. As part of her range of courses, she delivers, Train the Trainer, Business Planning, Supervisory Management, Conflict Management, Project Management, Event Management and Managing People, Creating ICT Resources using the internet, Getting started with your laptop and digital projector, Introduction to the interactive whiteboard and basic computer skills. Lorraine holds an Honours Bachelor degree in Business Studies, specialising in Human Resource Management, a Diploma in Accountancy and a Certificate in Business studies, a Honours Higher Diploma in Education. Lorraine teaches learners to develop a love for their subject matter. Constant good feedback on her delivery states she is a very approachable, helpful tutor who uses a wide variety of techniques to enhance learner interest and retention of knowledge. |
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Teresa Byrne – Coaching TutorTeresa has years of experience of working with groups and individuals in a coaching and training capacity in Ireland and internationally. Prior to this she worked at all levels in the corporate world, ending up at senior management level. Teresa is regarded as a top class trainer who has the ability to impart her knowledge and experience in a down to earth manner which is easily understood. Qualifications include:
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Nicola Crowley – Business & Soft Skills TutorNicola holds a degree in Economics and Italian, a masters in Teaching and Translation and is currently completing a PhD in Social sciences. Nicola had taught across every learning group from primary to university level with a particular focus on adult education. Nicola has worked with NALA, City and Guilds, FAS and FETAC in a variety of specialist areas such as special education, business and social science.She is a trainer with the ETB and does night courses in Cork college of Commerce and is registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. |
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Helen Nolan – Childcare TutorHelen has over 5 years’ experience tutoring FETAC Courses in: Intellectual Disability, Social Studies, Understanding Special Needs, Special Needs Assisting, Safety and Health, Childcare & Challenging Behaviour. Helen also has over 3 years experience in Programme Facilitator Teaching adults with Intellectual Disability FETAC Modules & 4 years Special Needs Assistant working with children with ADHD and Autism. Qualifications Include:
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Gerry Clancy – Train the Trainer TutorGerry has over 25 years of experience, in a business background having worked in many sectors (IT, Finance, Training, Government and FMCG). Gerry has managed, developed and delivered Consultancy in many areas (Training, Business, Software Solutions and IT Hardware) and is very motivated and dependable, mature and business aware. His key strength is that he is people person which is the most important resource in the success of any training, team or project delivery, and together with his 25 years of Training and Project Management experience and these attributes have been the reasons for such a successful lecturing career to date. Training and Lecturing with: Specifically Gerry has been involved in Training Design and Delivery for New Approach Training, The Open College, Pulse College, Windmill Lane College, Griffith College, Ormond College, Imagination Gym, Big Wave Media and Castleknock Community College.Lecturing in:
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Amanda DunLeavy – Communications TutorA passionate Communications and Media Consultant, Amanda Dunleavy has been training in the area of Presentation, Interview, Personal Development and Media Skills for over 15 years. Companies who Amanda lectures for include: The Open College, Irish Times Training, The Carers Association, Early Childhood Ireland and Louth Meath Education and Training Board. Amanda holds a fundamental belief that communication is a skill anyone can learn to perform with confidence and ease, once they receive the right support and training. She began her career as an English, History and Career Guidance secondary school teacher with an impressive state examination record before spending ten years with RTE, as a Reporter/ Researcher on the News at One and The Late Late Show and as a Producer/Director on TV documentaries, entertainment and lifestyle series. She utilises her background in broadcasting to instruct in presentation and media skills and produce corporate and information education training videos. Amanda is professionally accredited by The Teaching Council of Ireland, The European Coaching and Mentoring Council and The Irish Institute of Training and Development. Qualifications Include:
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Sarah Watkins – Writing TutorSarah Beth Watkins has been a freelance writer for over 20 years writing for magazines and websites such as Your New Baby, Changing Ireland, ivenus.com, Banulacht’s Gender and Development Bulletin, Take a Break, Scouting, Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly and many more. She has written over 300 articles for the web on a variety of subjects. Her most recent work includes writing articles for Wikio Experts, Vista magazine, Overblog and New Consciousness Review and is co-editor of Writers Wheel magazine. Sarah has also tutored Creative writing and Journalism courses for various Colleges and Community centres. She is the author of Telling Life’s Tales, The Writer’s Internet, The Lifestyle Writer and Life Coaching for Writers available through Compass Books. Her book Ireland’s Suffragettes was published in 2014 by The History Press. She is also the author of fantasy fiction, Altora and Demon Genes. |
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Neal Murphy BSc – Sports & Fitness TutorThe Open College Sports Courses Co – Ordinator and Tutor Neal Murphy qualified with a BSc in Sports Science from De Montfort University in England and has also achieved an MBS Masters Degree Qualification from Dublin City University. He has 20 years experience working in the Sports and Leisure Industry both in Ireland and the UK. Neal has also represented the Irish Squash team at World Championship level in Hong Kong and Pakistan. This combination of industry experience and International level sports performance gives Neal great insight into how our students should to be tutored. Neal has worked with The Open College developing new courses and maintaining our QQI standards in this area for the last few years. ‘The Open College strives to be the leading Online Sports Course provider by combining the highest quality course content with the most qualified Tutors. Our Sports tutors have achieved Masters Degree level and are working towards Doctorate Level qualifications. This level of tutor expertise is the highest in Ireland . Our tutors are very highly regarded in the Sports Industry having varied experience from coaching Inter County level GAA teams and working in high performance Sports units nationally.’ – Neal Murphy Sports Courses Co – Ordinator. |
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Des Earls BSc – Sports Nutrition TutorDes received his BSc. in Sport Science and Health from Dublin City University. He subsequently went on to complete a MSc. in Strength and Conditioning at St. Mary’s University College, London. Des has been working in the Sports and Fitness Industry since 2009 and has worked with athletes competing at national and international level, including 2012 Olympians, as well as various inter-county GAA teams. Des is the currently a Sport Scientist with Wicklow GAA where he oversees all areas of development including strength, fitness and performance nutrition. Des has also worked in some of Ireland’s top fitness facilities as well as previously working in one of Melbourne’s top gyms, 5th Element Wellness. Since 2012 Des has been an integral part of the Sports & Fitness tutoring team at The Open College. ‘Having completed my own MSc. programme though online learning I can see the value learners get from The Open College’s Online Sports Courses. The ability to study and complete a course in your own time whilst also working allows learners to apply new knowledge on a daily basis.’ Des Earls – Sports Nutrition Tutor. |
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Barra Flynn BSc – Business TutorBarra holds a MSc in Communications- Training and Development from Queens University Belfast, having graduated with a 1st class honours primary degree in Management and Business Studies also from Queen’s. Barra holds a diploma in Marketing, Advertising and PR from QUB also. Barra is currently an associate lecturer in Communications and Training at Maynooth University. Barra uses his considerable experience in training to give the learner real practical skills when leaving his courses. He takes an individual-learner centred approach and his excellent communication skills and understanding of the learning process allows students on his courses achieve top results. Barra has many years of experience in business in both large organisations and small micro businesses. He has managed his own marketing and advertising business. |
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Marianne Byrne – Human Resources TutorMarianne is a Human Resources & Training Consultant. She has been working with The Open College since 2013, mainly as a Tutor in Human Resources (QQI level 6). She also delivers ‘Preventing Elder Abuse’ training to our internal and external Healthcare students. Prior to this Marianne has a wealth of health service experience with over 30 years before taking early retirement. A highly competent professional with a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree and a member of Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (MCIPD). She studied in the Dublin Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin. Her other specialities are in operating an Employment Law Advisory Service and she participates in panel interviews, Career planning, Enneagram training, Induction, Grievance & Disciplinary, Dignity at Work, Elder Abuse, are amongst her other training programmes. Whilst working for the health services she developed a passion for delivering training and now delivers programmes that are easy to understand with lots of variety and at a pace that takes everyone’s learning style into consideration. |
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Aibhin Dunne – Early Childhood Care & Education TutorAibhin has been involved in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector for the 12 years. Starting as a Montessori Teacher in the Early Years Sector 2006, Aibhin became an Early Childhood Education and Care Tutor in 2010. Since then, over the last 7 seven years Aibhin has gained vast experience in delivering QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Childcare and Montessori Award Modules using many and varied learning platforms – Attendance, Distance and Online Training. Aibhin is a committed and enthusiastic tutor who cares deeply for the education and care of preschool children from birth to age 5 years and of school age children from age 5 years to 12 years and therefore believes in the successful training of Childcare Practitioners who work in the sector. Aibhin’s Qualifications include: BA in Early Childhood Education and Care – First Class Honours – Carlow IT. Advanced Certificate in Training and Continued Education – NUI, Maynooth. Diploma in Quality Management – Bolton Street DIT BA Honours Degree in Applied Chemistry – First Class Honours – Kevin Street DIT Advanced Certificate in Supervision in Childcare Diploma in Montessori Method of Education |
