THERAPISTS
BRID O'CONNELL
Speech & Language Therapist
Bríd is a Speech and Language Therapist and is a registered member of The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) and CORU. Bríd obtained an honours degree from Trinity College Dublin, graduating in 2016. She has extensive experience working with children, both in Ireland and internationally.
Bríd has over 4 years’ experience working in the with children with a wide range of speech, language and communication difficulties including children with Autism, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability. She has worked in both community care, private practice and disability settings with a special interest in autism spectrum disorders. Bríd is committed to providing high quality evidenced based intervention to children of all ages.
CAROLINE MACKEN
Counsellor
Caroline Macken qualified as psychotherapist in 2010. She trained in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy at Dublin Counselling and Therapy Centre and is a fully accredited member of IAHIP. . Humanistic and integrative psychotherapy emphasizes a hopeful view of human beings and of their ability to be self-determining and Caroline works from this approach. She also looks to work with all aspects of an individual, body, feelings, mind and spirit.
Caroline has been involved in various aspects of providing support to the Down Syndrome Community, she set up and ran, alongside another parent, a playgroup for Children with DS following the birth of her daughter. She was involved in the steering committee for the Down Syndrome Centre North East (not currently).
HANNAH O'NEILL (Maternity Leave December 2024)
Speech & Language Therapist
Hannah graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2016 on completion of her degree in Clinical Speech and Language Studies (B.Sc). Hannah has always had an avid interest in child development and communication. Prior to Hannah’s qualification, she worked as a summer camp coordinator, private tutor and volunteered with disadvantaged children while in university.
Her paediatric experience continued immediately post graduation when she worked as a private practice speech and language therapist. Hannah enjoys a diverse working portfolio and is currently in post as a senior speech and language therapist in Monaghan Rehabilitation Unit. She provides assessment and treatment to adults presenting with communication and swallowing needs while overseeing and supervising the day to day service management of the speech and language therapy team. Hannah works as a part time lecturer in the Early Childhood Studies Degree (B.A.) in Dundalk Institute of Technology.
NATASHA KIERNAN
Occupational Therapist
Natasha is our Occupational Therapist since January 2023 . Natasha has 20 years of experience as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist. She has specialised in working with families with children who have sensory integration differences, social interaction differences and delays in their motor skill development.
Natasha can help your child reach their potential by supporting them with motor skills, sensory integration and social interaction and play. She is CORU registered.
SHANE HARVEY
Music Therapist
Shane has worked as a Music Therapist since qualifying in 2010. In this time, he has specialised in using music to support the development of Children with additional needs. At DSCNE, Shane provides both one to one and group Music Therapy sessions to Children with Down Syndrome. Shane is delighted to be a member of the team at DSCNE. At the centre, his role involves working alongside parents, colleagues from other Allied Healthcare Professions and Early Intervention, to deliver weekly Music Therapy sessions. As well as working at DSCNE, Shane’s practise takes a special interest in supporting the development of Children with sight-loss and complex healthcare needs.
LOUISE RYAN
Education Specialist
Louise joined the team in September 2025 as one of our Education Specialists and our dedicated Teens Social Club Lead working on Saturdays each fortnight during term time with the tweens and teens aged children and young adults.
Louise holds a Batchelor Honours Degree in Social Care, Level 6 in Health Services supervisory Management, Diploma in Neuro Dramatic Play amongst others.
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Louise has spent 20 years working across numerous social and educational environments supporting children and young people with additional needs.
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She enjoys teaching children and young people independent life skills, communication skills, gardening, arts, and crafts.
NATASHA REILLY
Education Specialist
Natasha also joined the team in September 2025 as one of our Education Specialists working on Monday and Tuesdays each week during term time with the babies and toddlers and up to tweens aged children.
Natasha is a Behaviour Specialist and Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with over 10 years’ experience supporting children with additional needs. She holds an Honours Degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Applied Behaviour Analysis and is a registered member of the Teaching Council of Ireland.
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Natasha provides early intervention and school-age programmes that nurture communication, learning, social, and motor development through structured, play-based sessions. Natasha has worked with children in both home and group settings, including those with Autism, Down Syndrome, and developmental delays.
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Passionate about inclusion, Natasha is dedicated to creating supportive, child-centred environments where every child can grow in confidence, independence, and readiness for school.








