Meet the Team

"My name is Sharon Thornton & I am the Area Manager in National Learning Network Sligo, Manorhamilton & Tubbercurry.  I love supporting students and staff within the centres.  I enjoy being part of each students adventure as they reach their potential and grow in confidence."

“Hello, my name is Dermot Callaghan and I am the Instructor for the IT and Office Skills programme in NLN Sligo. My background is in IT and Training and I have been with the organisation for over 20 years. Additionally I would also deal with all queries in relation to applications we receive for courses ."

"Hello, my name is Jana Drese and I am the Rehabilitation Officer here at NLN Sligo. It is my role to support and guide students with any queries and issues they may have. But also, I facilitate the Individual Action Plans (IAP) and Person Centred Plans (PCP) which maps out students' learning journey." 

"Hi, I'm Amber and I have been an instructor with National Learning Network for almost 7 years. It is a deeply rewarding career, supporting students on their unique journey towards independence, Inclusion, equality as well as career and further education goals and self-advocacy. 

It is an absolute pleasure to work at NLN, supporting students to realise and implement their dreams. Witnessing them achieve goals never gets old and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it."

“Hi, my name is Elaine Haran and I support neurodiverse students who are leaving school and are starting college, supporting them with this transition. For school leavers who are unsure of their future choices, I help them discover what path they would like to take and support them along this journey, whatever it may be. It is so nice to meet new students each year and see them become self-reliant and confident."

"Hello, my name is Gabriel Tansey. I work as a Resource Teacher in National Learning Network, Sligo. I also work with the students on the Transition programme. I enjoy my work because I can help students achieve their goals and move on to the next step in their studies or careers."

"Hi, I'm Helen. I am the Community Liaison for the Access and Link programmes at NLN Sligo.  My job is to identify opportunities for students to get involved in work, leisure, sport or any other interest or hobby they may want to pursue."

"Hi, my name is Alice O' Mahony. I am an Instructor on the ASD Programme here in NLN and I have worked with NLN for ten year's now. In my role as an ASD Instructor, I support young adults with ASD in the areas of growth and develop to enhance independence in personal, interpersonal and social skills. We offer training and certification in QQI levels 1 to 3, we also offer local community and social activities. 

I love my role here in NLN and thoroughly enjoy working and supporting young adults. The fulfillment of being part of the team in each step of a student's journey to accomplishing their personal goals and realising then reaching their full potential is my personal privilege. 

"Hi my name is Bernadette Farrell and I am an Access instructor in NLN Sligo. I deliver QQI L1 & 2 and ASDAN modules. My aim is to maximise students independence and enhance community envolvment."

"Hi my name is Anne Marie Kavanagh. I am an instructor in NLN Sligo and I work on the Access Programme. I support students with autism to lead a more independent life. Students are supported to enhance their social and independent living skills, gain certification from QQ1 Level 1- 3, take part in work experience, and link in with local community sports/ social groups. I thoroughly enjoy my role in NLN, and get huge satisfaction from seeing students discover their own potential and lead a more valued and meaningful role in society."

"Hello my name is Michael McElligott, and I am the Instructor in the Career Pathways, programme. I have been an instructor with National Learning Network for the past 10 years and each day brings its own challenges which enables me to utilise all my knowledge, skills and abilities. My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment when I see students progressing and accomplishing their own goals."

"My name is Tony Carey and I am a Resource Teacher at National Learning Network, Sligo. I offer students extra support in literacy, numeracy and English language skills to help them to reach their full potential."

"My name is Joanna Kearns and I am the Horsemanship Instructor at Sligo NLN. My work background is in both education and in working with horses. I have two horses of my own and horses have always been my passion in life and it is a joy to share that with the students of the horsemanship programme."

"Hi, I’m Caoimhe McManus and I am an instructor on the Sligo Link programme. I support students who are on the Autism spectrum. In this role, I help the students to develop and improve key life skills which will help them to lead an autonomous life. I also support the students to enhance their social skills through community engagement so they can a lead a meaningful role in society. I thoroughly enjoy my role and it is a privilege getting to know each student and watching them develop and thrive."

"My name is Jemima Tahany and I am the Autism Support Specialist in National Learning Network Sligo. My role is to support the ASD programme developing specialised programmes underpinned by behaviour analysis. I conduct functional behavioural assessments and support plans to address challenging behaviours, monitoring and adjusting them as required. I support and advise staff and students on the ASD programme in all content area utilising best evidence based practices."

"Fiona Wallace, Instructor with Access programme Life Skills L2/L3. I enjoy being part of each students journey, encouraging  and helping students attempt their very best and reach their goal, is a privilege and deeply awarding role."

"Hello, my name is Siobhan Feely, and I am an instructor on the Sligo Link Programme. This programme supports adults who are on the autism spectrum. My role involves helping students to identify their own goals, explore choices and enhance their independence. It is a very rewarding role and one in which I truly enjoy."

"Hi, my name is Niamh Keaney, and I am an Instructor in one of our satellite centres NLN Manorhamilton.

I work in both Sligo and Manorhamilton Centres and take all enquires that you may have about our courses in NLN Sligo. I will talk you through the application process and set up initial contacts with the course instructors. I am available to meet with you in person or speak over the phone and if you have any questions about any of courses please do not hesitate to contact us. I will look forward to hearing from you."