Our Team
Meet our Team...
Meet our Team...
Therese, mum of April (10) who has Down syndrome, founded Together Academy with a vision for the future of what life could be for her daughter, and similar young people. She oversees programming and is passionate about the need for Together Academy programming. Therese has a background in Disability Support, and is invested in expanding Together Academy and its social enterprise.
Therese Coveney
Co-Founder, CEO
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Recalibrating perceptions around Ds. Laura believes that by changing public perception around people with intellectual disabilities Together Academy can create more opportunities for adults with Id (intellectual disability).
Laura O’Neill
Co-Founder, Head of Communications
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Edel has over 20 years experience working in international consultancy, leadership and governance of core business operations, account management and business development. She’s passionate about driving Inclusion & Diversity and ensuring young adults with Down syndrome have a range of meaningful employment options available to them.
Edel Lynch
Co-Founder, Strategic Advice
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Madeline is part of our Pathways to Employment Team, and hopes to transform employment opportunities for our students through engagement with prospective employers and community programming. She believes that with the right supports in place, people with Down syndrome can do anything.
Madeline Regan
Therapeutic Services Lead
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I want to make the world of work a more open minded and inclusive place for people with DS, showing a wider community their strengths, capabilities and personalities.
Louise Lernihan
Programme Assistant
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I am a passionate advocate for equality & inclusion.Sharing my knowledge & culinary skills with the students in the Together Academy provides a platform to positively influence their career trajectory.
Mary Sweeney Desprez
Course Coordinator - 2 year culinary skills programme.
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Emer is a Programme assistant with the Together Academy. She has worked as a special needs teacher for many years, teaching literacy, numeracy, art and personal development; practical skills which will enhance the future of young adults who have Down syndrome.
Emer Flanagan
Programme Assistant
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Olivia is the assistant coordinator at Together Academy. She is extremely passionate about working hands-on with our young adults to help them achieve their full potential.
Olivia Sneyd
Assistant Vocational Trainer
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My name is Alison, I'm a chef and studied in Ballymaloe cookery school and I have 2 siblings with Down syndrome. I love working with Together Academy and improving the prospects and opportunities for young adults with Down syndrome in Ireland
Ali Gaw
Together Café Chef
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Paula brings vast experience from the business world, from setting up and running a successful business for over 25 years. She wants to develop strong links with business so that adults with DS can find suitable employment as well as educate businesses on the benefits of inclusion.
Paula Doherty
Pathways to Employment Manager
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Jack is a vocational Occupational Therapist working with the students on key skills needed for sustained employment: personal management skills, communications skills and mental healthcare. Using a strengths-based approach, Jack works with students and employers to make sure that each individual is matched with the most appropriate job.
Jack Cairns
Occupational Therapist
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Karen brings a wealth of experience from both the finance administration and programme support world. She has a keen interest in disability support, and ensures Together Academy runs smoothly and efficiently.
Karen McDonagh
Finance Administration
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Cathy has been a part of Together Academy since its infancy, and brings a wealth of programme coordination knowledge. Mum to Alex (12) who has Down syndrome, she is passionate about disability advocacy and support. Cathy oversees our education training certification.
Cathy Smith
Programme Director
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I'm a new addition to the team and excited to join Together café! I have years of experience in culinary and pastry support and bring an extensive knowledge both on and off the café floor for helping expand our Together culinary social enterprise.
Mollie Regan
Cafe Programme Assistant
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My name is Marylou. I work in The Cafe. I love seeing the students reaching their potential and going out into the workforce.
MaryLou Girvan
Training Café Assistant
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Gianluca Stroppi recently joined Together Academy as a Lead Vocational Trainer. His objective is to promote social inclusion for people with disabilities through enhancing opportunities and ensuring that they can pursue their personal goals. He strongly believes that every person can thrive in the right context with the right support.
Gianluca Stroppi
Lead Vocational Trainer
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Hi, I am Holly and I have recently joined the employability team. I want the working world to know about the great talents and personalities of our students and for them to see the great possibilities life has in front of them.
Holly Grimes
Pathways to employment assistant
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Gemma is our Cafe Manager of the Together Academy training cafe. A mother of 3 teenage boys and all round energy bunny, Gemma brings a fun element to practical service skills, customer engagement and building self-confidence among the student group.
Gemma Coveney
Cafe Manager, Wanderers
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I work with the students both in the classroom and the training cafe.
Martina Cairns
Training Café and classroom assistant
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Kate has an MA in Management and Cultural Policy from UCD as well as a BA in Drama Performance from TUD Dublin.She has worked with multiple types of organisations, breaking down boundaries for people with ID. Kate believes the positive impact of inclusion can change an entire workplace culture.
Kate Sheridan
Diversity and Inclusion Lead
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With a background in Community Health and extensive experience as a Speech Therapist in Chile, Barbara aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our students with Down Syndrome.
Barbara Hurtado
Assistant Coordinator