Staff
Learn a little more about the Open Training College’s team. Click on a name to email that person, or click here to view the Staff Directory.
College Director
Karen has been Director of the College since 1999. Prior to taking up this post Karen had 15 years’ experience in Ireland and the US working in areas encompassing general education, special education, training, services for people with disability and management development and education. Her areas of interest are quality in third level education, life-long learning and adult education. Karen is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, IMI and DCU and a current Doctoral student with the University of Leicester. Karen is also a former editor of Frontline magazine, sits on a number of national working groups/committees in the areas of education and social care and is Treasurer of the Irish Association of Social Care Educators.
Assistant College Director & Course Director - Supported Employment
Aine was appointed as Course Director in 1992 when the College was first established. Prior to taking up this post she worked as a lecturer in University College Cork and as a senior psychologist in St Michael’s House. Aine is passionate about developing 3rd level educational opportunities that support life-long learning and adult education. Her specific areas of interest are behavioural analysis, systematic instruction, supported employment, and stress management. Aine is a graduate of University College Dublin and an associate fellow of the Psychological Society of Ireland. In addition to her work in College, Aine works as a consultant trainer for the Irish Cancer Society, where she works to support staff, patients and families in their understanding of a psychological response to cancer.
Course Director - BA in Applied Social Studies
Raymond has worked for eight years with the College, and is the Course Director of BA Applied Social Studies (Disability). Previously, Raymond worked in services in Ireland managing a residential setting for Menni Services, St. John of Gods. Raymond has also worked with the Callan Institute and St. Annes, Roscrea; previous to that he worked as part of a behavioural support team in London.
Raymond has been involved in many projects while at the College including work with Health Action Overseas in Romania, Rosequal and a variety of Irish services. His areas of interest include positive behavioural supports for people labelled with challenging behaviour, person centred planning, service quality and online education. Raymond holds a MSc in Lifelong Learning/e Learning from Ulster University.
Course Director - Management Courses
Ray Lynch joined the Open Training College in 2003. He has worked as tutor on the Bachelor of Arts Ordinary Degree for four years and as Course Director on the Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree for the last year. He has also acted as support tutor on the Certificate in Management. Ray has worked directly with people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities for 12 years in various social care settings. He has also worked with people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder as a Social Care Leader for six years. Ray graduated from Dublin Institute of Technology with a degree in Health Services Management and completed his Master of Arts (also in Management) in 2006 with The Institute of Public Administration. Ray has recently been appointed as Course Director of the Management Programmes (Certificate, Higher Certificate and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Management).
Academic Manager
Margarita joined the College in 2006 as a Course Tutor for the BA in Applied Social Studies and the Health Service Skills Certificate. She currently occupies the role of Academic Manager and is responsible for ensuring the College’s continued compliance with its accrediting bodies with regard to the recruitment of students and the delivery and assessment of programmes. Prior to joining the College Margarita worked in front line services for St. Michael’s House and The Central Remedial Clinic, mainly in day services and training centres for adults with a disability. Margarita graduated from UCD in 2001 with a BA (Hons) in Psychology, has since completed the CIPD Certificate in Training Practice, and an MSc in Occupational Psychology with the University of Leicester.
Corporate Services Manager
Conor joined the College in 2005 moving from a career in publishing and procurement in the United States to head up the Administration Department and help coordinate the planned expansion of student numbers. In 2008 Conor took on the responsibility of Corporate Services Manager which entails building on the partnerships already formed with industry experts whilst also identifying the best value services available in order to promote the College and support the student body. A graduate of Trinity College with a B.Sc. (Mgmt) degree in 1991, Conor earned an M.B.A. degree from Loyola College, USA in 2003.
