Maria is a Chartered Educational Psychologist who has worked with children and adults with a range of needs. Since 2012, she has worked as a psychologist in private practice as well as carrying out assessments for outside agencies. Maria was a member of the SCPA panel and carried out school based psycho-educational assessments for the Department of Education. Over the years, Maria has also worked on a multi-disciplinary team carrying out assessments for the ‘Assessment of Need’ process.

Maria completed her undergraduate honours psychology degree in UCD and subsequently completed a Masters of Arts in Educational Psychology degree there in 2012. Maria also completed a Higher Diploma in Primary Education and Masters of Education degree specialising in special educational needs in children.

Prior to her work as an Educational Psychologist, Maria worked in a variety of specialist teaching and research roles in mainstream and special schools where she gained invaluable experience working with children who had a wide range of behavioural, emotional, social and learning difficulties.

Maria worked with Kare Central Services as a Social Care Worker. Maria also worked as a Psychology Tutor in University College Dublin. Maria later volunteered with the Athy Literacy Centre as a Voluntary Adult Literacy Tutor.  Maria has always been very interested in positive reinforcement and throughout her worked she is always looking for ways to promote children’s social and emotional competence. To this end, Maria attended a course in 2009, called the `Incredible Years Programme’.

Maria is a Chartered Educational Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Maria attends regular supervision and is passionate about attending Continued Professional Development training with a focus on emotional wellbeing. Maria is a busy Mum to three lively and lovely children.

 

Professional Qualifications

• Masters of Educational Psychology, University College Dublin (2010-2012) (First Class Honours)
• Higher Diploma in Primary Education, Hibernia College Dublin (First Class Honours) 2008
• Masters of Education, University College Dublin, 2006
• B.A. Psychology Degree (Honours), University College Dublin 2005

Professional Memberships

• Chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.
• Member of the Scpa panel of Psychologists registered to carry out assessments for the Department of Education.
• Member of the Teaching Council of Ireland as a qualified primary school teacher

 

Professional Development Courses

I have trained in the Incredible Years programme (NEPS). I am a trained facilitator of the FRIENDS for Life programme (PSI). I have a certificate in GDPR, a certificate in ‘The Psychologist and the Law- Legal considerations of a Private Practice’, and certificates in mindfulness and wellbeing(for example the Optimal wellbeing conference). I have an Adult Literacy Methodologies Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development. I previously volunteered with NALA to teach adult learners. I have a certificate in the ‘Handwriting without Tears Programme’. I have CPD training in Autism. I have attended CPD training through the PSI on the WISC-V and more recently on I have attended training on carrying out psychometric assessments during the pandemic. I have a certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis; Interventions for Developmental Disabilities and A Continuing Professional Development Certificate in General Learning Disabilities; Enhancing learning and Teaching.  Completed CPD training diploma on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in May 2022.

 

Appointments for Educational Psychology at Sensational Kids, Kildare

 

Appointments are available at Sensational Kids Unit F2 Kildare Business Park, Kildare Town

To book an appointment for an Educational Psychological Assessment for your child, phone Sensational Kids on 045 520900