Dearbháil is the Chief Executive Officer of AONTAS. She has responsibility for the strategic direction and operational management of AONTAS. Dearbháil was previously the Head of Advocacy, EU Project's Officer, and taught in Community Education, FET, and Higher Education. Dearbháil is a passionate advocate and activist. She believes that adult learning is the greatest tool for creating positive social change. Dearbháil likes to bring her dog Hazel to the office sometimes.
Charis focuses on working with key partners and capturing the impact of AONTAS' work in the community and education sectors. Her background is in journalism, research, teaching and international development, She loves languages, cats, coffee and books.
Katie leads a complementary team in Communications and Membership. She also implements the AONTAS Communications Strategy, ensuring that all internal and external communications are in line with strategic goals, and ensuring the highest possible outcomes and reach.
Marta works closely with the CEO, Team Leads, Office Coordinator and Finance and Admin Officer and provides finance support across all areas of work. Marta also plays an integral part in the monitoring of the schedules, budgets and expenditures of all EU funded projects.
Aisling supports the Head of Research in the delivery of all National FET Learner Forum events, developing reports, delivering and analysing large-scale mixed-methods data. Aisling also supports new learner research initiatives, providing an evidence-base to support AONTAS's advocacy work. She has a background in the community and voluntary sector and is passionate about peer led initiatives. She loves martial arts and playing music.
Brian is our Membership & Digital Engagement Officer and works within the Communications team to build membership and increase engagement across our digital channels . He has a passion for adult education, digital content and graphic design. He loves books, music and the idea of doing Pilates.
Conor supports the CEO and Head of Advocacy with policy anaylsis and submissions. He also works with the Research Team on Learner Voice development and training with staff and learners in the Further Education and Training sector. He runs the One Step Up information service and works with the Advocacy Team on a number of EU Erasmus+ Projects. He is a qualified Further Education teacher and has a background in adult education, working as a English as an Additional Language and Adult Literacy tutor. He loves hiking, bird-watching and is doing a bad job of learning to play the bouzouki!
Ecem is responsible for leading the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL) and the management of EU funded Projects in AONTAS. She represents the organisation at national and European level, including working directly with the European Commission.
Giuliana is part of the AONTAS Communications Team and the Editorial Office for The Adult Learner Journal. She focuses on graphic design for projects, publications, and social media, and makes a mean Instagram reel. She has a MSc in Psychology and Wellbeing and is interested in sustainability.
Kate plans how we share our work with different audiences, and manages our social media. She writes and edits news pieces for and with the team, and is involved in responses to new education policy. She has a PhD in English, studied psychology, and is also a writer. Kate is from Galway and loves dogs but doesn’t have one - yet.
Karyn is part of the AONTAS Research team, responsible for supporting the coordination, development and delivery of the National Further Education and Training Learner Forums. She has a background in project & events management and arts development, and is an experienced adult literacy tutor. She is a keen photographer and writer, has a serious travel bug, loves all things cultural and is obsessed with food.
Laura supports the delivery of AONTAS' research by leading in the qualitative research design and analysis of the National FET Learner Forum project. Her work is focused on developing policy recommendations arising from Learner Voice research. She has a PhD in English and is currently undertaking a Master's degree in Psychotherapy.
Leo is the Adult Learning Initiatives Officer for the Advocacy Team working across supporting and developing the Community Education Network, CEN Map, European projects, etc. He has personal, academic and professional experience in community and youth work. He has a passion for music, adventures, martial arts, and global justice! His favourite colour is blue.
Lokesh manages, updates, and customizes the AONTAS' Salesforce databases and programs. He also provides staff training, and has expertise on IT management. He has Masters degree in Cloud Computing and experience as a Salesforce Administrator. He loves music and food.
Eve supports the delivery of AONTAS' research, with a particular focus on community education. Eve leads in the delivery of the AONTAS Community Education Census (both North and South). She is also the Secretary of the organisation's peer-reviewed journal, The Adult Learner. Eve has a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and has taught courses in both Trinity College and Maynooth University. Eve loves yoga, cooking and poetry.
