Róisín is Managing Director of Inspire Education. Having led an award-winning social enterprise for many years, she set up Inspire Education with director, Katie, in 2020. Inspire is the only all-island organisation that works across two educational jurisdictions, and with more than 70,000 students annually in 300 schools or more. Roisin's expertise in training and facilitation (with adults and young people), her ability to communicate effectively with multiple audiences, and her design innovation means that her experience is second to none.
Róisín has a Masters Degree in Education (M.Ed with Distinction) from Queen's University Belfast and a bachelor's degree in economics. Her M.Ed thesis was shortlisted for a BERA award. She is also a CIPD qualified Learning and Development professional with 20 years' experience in youth and education sectors. She began her professional career working along North and West Belfast peace lines with disaffected and disenfranchised youths and she has worked as a trainer, motivational speaker and personal development coach. Like her co-director, Katie, Róisín holds national and international sporting honours in hockey and soccer.
Katie is a senior university lecturer, researcher and education professional. She holds a PhD in sociology from University College Dublin and a bachelors degree in social science. She is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy for more than 18 years. A Limerick native, Katie has worked in the Republic of Ireland, England and Northern Ireland and, in so doing, has gained academic and practical insights into the needs of all learners, especially those transitioning from post-primary to tertiary and higher education. Together with Róisín, she set up Inspire Education, and she is also involved in the design and development of study skills resources for students, parents and teachers.
As well as being an inspiring and learner-centred trainer and facilitator, Katie is continually involved in research. She has presented her work to government committees and has a wide ranging publications portfolio across sociology, history, management, education and sport. Katie draws on this expertise and ongoing learning to assure the design, quality and evaluation of all Inspire programmes and resources. Katie holds multiple national and international sporting honours in Gaelic games, soccer, athletics and rugby, and she has also coached university and youth sports teams.
Mary is Operations and Financial Director at Inspire Education. She has overall responsibility for day-to-day operations and, more specifically, she liaises with clients (schools and other partners) regarding our portfolio of programmes and resources. Mary specialises in tailoring programmes to the specific needs of clients as well as overseeing the annual operations calendar. Mary is also responsible for financial and account management within the company. She has worked in the educational sector for more than 15 years and, before this, in senior management roles in the commercial sector. Mary embodies the ethos, aims and vision of Inspire Education and she is a personable and highly professional member of the team.
Brian has been a teacher of Economics and Business Studies in Irish secondary schools for a number of years. He holds a BA (Mod.) in Economics and Politics from Trinity College Dublin. He also holds a level 8 in International Business/ Project Management from the University of Limerick. Brian completed his Professional Masters in Education through Hibernia College. Brian received first class honours for his Masters thesis in visual education in economics and his work was exhibited as part of a national higher educational awards competition.
Brian has an interest in sports and current affairs and enjoys bringing his classrooms alive through active teaching and learning within the ever-evolving curricula of his subjects.
Shane is a Mayo native with a wide range of experience in training and facilitation. He has led music and art-related workshops for people of all ages, from creches to schools and in healthcare settings throughout Ireland. He has also helped vulnerable adults to live more independently, through the development of learning strategies and support planning. He is passionate about empowering young people in learning environments by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and resources to help them achieve their goals and reach their best potential. Shane is a musician and an award winning visual artist and he has exhibited nationally, in solo and group shows.
Anna Stafford is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience supporting learners from junior infants to adult professionals. With a background in English language instruction, she has taught students across all proficiency levels, tailoring lessons to engage diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds.
Anna has worked in both classroom and extracurricular settings, from assisting primary school students with core subjects to delivering advanced IELTS preparation courses. She excels in curriculum design, digital learning tools, and inclusive teaching strategies. Passionate about lifelong learning. Anna creates supportive, student-centred environments that foster growth, confidence, and measurable progress for every learner.
Aran has worked as a training co-ordinator in the college sector and as a leader of accredited coach education courses throughout Ireland. Aran has worked with all age groups in these roles, notably with Transition Year students, primary school pupils and children with autism. Aran is adept at translating this wide ranging experience to the classroom and to sports settings, where he also coached Gaelic football teams to provincial and All-Ireland finals.
