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 19 years. Additionally I would also deal with all queries in relation to applications we receive for courses ."

“Hi, my name is Atlanta McGloin 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 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 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."

"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 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 8 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 Elaine Haran and I am the Instructor on the Customer Service and Retail course at NLN, Sligo. My previous work history includes almost 20 years in Banking and several Customer Service roles within a variety of industries. I really enjoy delivering this programme. I have had wonderful students studying with me over the last 4 years and the success rate of the course has been great with many students having gone on to Employment and Further/Higher Education. I appreciate having the opportunity as a tutor to help people realise their full potential and gain both confidence and qualifications."

"My name is Angela D’Arcy 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."

"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."