Our Staff - Real Connections Therapy Services

Roisin Flynn

I qualified as an OT with Bsc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ulster in 2000.

I have worked with adults and children in a wide range of different services ranging from acute general hospitals to spinal and brain injury rehabilitation units.

I have more than 6 years of experience working with children with a range of different conditions, such as Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD / Dyspraxia).

I have a keen interest in coordination disorders and sensory processing, and I am working towards achieving the certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy. Some additional trainings: The administration of the Bayley infant and Toddler Scales od Development (Bayley-3); Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS-2); Integrating Neuro-developmental Treatment with Sensory Integration Therapy.

Dearbhla Forkan

I am a qualified Occupational Therapist with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

I have experience working with children and young people with a variety of conditions, both neurodevelopmental and mental health related. I’m interested in conditions such as ASD, ADHD, ADD and DCD/Dyspraxia.

As part of my undergraduate degree, I completed a project entitled “Occupational Injustice and ADHD” which highlights the challenges and occupational performance problems people with ADHD often experience on a day-to-day basis.

I have always loved working with children and am passionate about the importance of early intervention to give children and their families the skills and resources they require to achieve satisfaction with their daily occupations. I believe in supporting children and their parents/caregivers throughout the therapy process to empower them to reach their full potential. I am delighted to be part of Real Connections and work with children and families to help them achieve their occupational goals

Annmarie Collins

I graduated in 2017 from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Occupational Therapy and have trained in a range of services including rehabilitation, and early intervention for children with a range of conditions including Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Dyspraxia.

In 2022, I completed a Master of Education (Primary School Teaching). As part of my Masters I completed a year-long qualitative research study which explored occupational therapy-teacher collaboration in supporting children with additional needs in the classroom.

I love the outdoors, cooking and animals. It was my volunteer experiences in supporting access to education that influenced my decision to become an OT.

Janan Abir

I am a special needs teacher in early years and preschools (ages 3 to 9 years).

I have a Masters in Special Education Needs and Inclusive Education from Northampton University, UK. I have worked in IB curriculum schools in India, Dubai and Dublin. I am currently also working in an international school in Dublin as a SEN Lead Teacher. I have over 10 years experience facilitating one-on-one and group therapeutic sessions in various development areas such as fine and gross motor development, oral-motor development, emotional regulation, behaviour management, social skills and remedial sessions for reading and writing at grade level among others.

Katie Fleming

I am a qualified Occupational Therapist with a MSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Limerick. I am CORU registered and a member of the AOTI. My Bachelor’s Degree was in Social Science from University College Dublin.

I have experience working with children with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions both in one to one and group sessions. I have an interest in Intellectual Disability, Developmental Coordination Disorder/ Dyspraxia and Sensory Integration. I really enjoy working with children as they are so inspiring and I think we can learn so much from them!

I am enthusiastic about the impact that Occupational Therapy can have in empowering children to reach their full potential. I am excited to be part of the team at Real Connections and be able to support children and their families to engage in their everyday meaningful occupations.

Bronagh Hever

I am a qualified Occupational Therapist with a BSc. (Hons) in OT from Trinity College Dublin. I have a range of experience working with children aged 0-18 with a number of neurodevelopmental as well as neurological conditions. I have a keen interest in conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

I have always loved working with children and feel very passionate about the services Occupational Therapists can offer to children and families. I feel very strongly about supporting and advocating for the neurodivergent community and their families to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

I am really looking forward to working with the children and families attending Real Connections and supporting them to engage optimally in their day to day occupations and lives!

Sinead Kilroy

I graduated college in 2008 with a Bachelor degree in Tourism Marketing. I have vast experience working in administrative roles, mainly in Advertising and Marketing. I gained a lot of managerial experience in Australia where I worked for a large Outdoor advertising company.

I’m excited to be part of the Real Connections team and to see it grow into a multi disciplinary team. I am enthusiastic about supporting families and giving their children the tools to succeed.

Adriana Alvarez

I graduated in Universidad Del Salvador Argentina with a BSc. Business Administration degree. I have vast experience in Information Technology working and have 12 years experience working in Human Resources

I am also a holistic massage therapist and currently studying to become a Naturopath Nutritionist at The College Naturopathic Medicine in Ireland because I believe holistic therapies will improve the way people feel inside and out.

I am happy to be part of the Real Connections Team and help improve the quality of life of the children and families attending.