team
Our Occupational Therapists
Padraig
Clinical Specialist
Padraig, our Clinical Specialist, began his career in healthcare with a BA in Social Care from MTU. He worked as a Social Care Worker in residential homes, supporting children from birth to adulthood.
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Over his 15+ years of professional experience, Padraig has worked with teenagers facing a variety of challenges, including complex trauma, ASD, ADHD, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
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In his role as a Family Support Worker, Padraig focused on parenting assessments with a strong emphasis on infant mental health and practical parenting skills. He mentors young people through the Big Brother program with Foróige, using a trauma-informed approach.
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Padraig pursued further education while balancing a full-time career and fatherhood, earning a BSc in Occupational Therapy from University College Cork. Recognising the need for a strengths- and values-based approach in social care, he advanced his studies with an MSc in Positive Psychology and Coaching, also at University College Cork.
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Today, Padraig leads Meaningful OT, where he offers therapeutic interventions and assessments for young people and adults who have experienced adversity. His specialties include trauma, sensory-attachment, positive psychology, and coaching, making him a trusted professional dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being. He is also the host of the Unfiltered Connections podcast.
Joy
Joy is a dedicated occupational therapist who brings a wealth of experience working with children and adults across a broad range of health and social care settings. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals of all ages and abilities, with particular enthusiasm for early intervention, health promotion and prevention.
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Her background includes extensive work in schools, on paediatric disability teams and involvement in crisis intervention, inpatient care, and community mental health services.
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Since 2020, Joy has enriched the academic environment at University College Cork, serving as an assistant lecturer and practice tutor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. In this role, she shares her clinical knowledge with the next generation of therapists, guiding students through practical learning and reflective practice.
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In research, Joy excels in designing and leading large-scale projects, alongside evaluating health and community-based initiatives. She brings strong analytical skills and a collaborative spirit to her work in service development and outcome measurement.
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Currently, Joy is pursuing a PhD in mental health occupational therapy, driven by a passion to deepen evidence-based practice and support innovation in mental health care.
Ailís
​Senior Occupational Therapist
Ailís brings over 10 years of experience to Meaningful OT, spanning hospital, community, and specialist team settings. Her clinical background includes dedicated work within ADHD-specialised services, and she now works extensively supporting teenagers, adults, and families — with a particular focus on adult mental health.
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With advanced training in trauma-sensitive practice, Ailís is an experienced clinical supervisor, delivering supervision and running workshops and wellness sessions for organisations across a range of settings. She works flexibly with clients online, in the community, and in clinic, adapting her approach to what works best for each person.
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Ailís's clinical interest lies in the connection between body and mind. Understanding the vital role movement plays in supporting wellbeing, she works with clients to build meaningful occupations and participation — helping individuals and families live fuller lives, rooted in joy and meaning.
Sarah
​Senior Occupational Therapist
Sarah is an Occupational Therapist with experience across private and community-based services, supporting children, teenagers, young adults and families. She has particular experience in neurodevelopmental assessment and intervention, including working as part of a multidisciplinary autism assessment team.
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Sarah provides individual Occupational Therapy intervention alongside parent and school consultation, with experience delivering support in clinics, schools and community settings. Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, she also worked as a support worker for adults with intellectual disabilities, giving her experience of supporting people with a wide range of needs across different stages of life.
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Alongside Occupational Therapy, Sarah has a background in psychology and psychotherapy, holding an undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology from University College Cork and a Higher Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is also a qualified yoga teacher and has a strong interest in psychological wellbeing, sensory processing, emotional regulation and somatic approaches to health.
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Sarah brings a collaborative, neuroaffirmative and strengths-based approach to her work, with a focus on understanding each person as an individual and developing practical supports that are meaningful to their everyday life.
Saoirse
Senior Occupational Therapist
Saoirse graduated from the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. Since then, she has worked in Vietnam, London, and Abu Dhabi before returning home to Ireland, gaining experience across a range of mental health, educational, and paediatric settings.
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Over the past eight years, Saoirse has worked with adults and children within mental health services, mainstream and special education schools, and paediatric clinics. She has supported people with a wide range of physical, developmental, sensory, and mental health needs, and has developed a particular passion for trauma-informed, neuro-affirming practice.
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Saoirse believes that the heart of good therapy is connection. She is passionate about building genuine, trusting relationships where people feel safe, understood, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Her approach is client-centred and strengths-based, working collaboratively with each person to build on their unique strengths and achieve goals that are meaningful to them.
Above all, Saoirse is passionate about helping people rediscover what brings them joy. She believes occupational therapy is about more than developing skills, it's about supporting people to participate in the activities, relationships, and experiences that give life meaning and fulfilment. Her goal is to help every client build confidence, feel connected, and experience authentic joy in their everyday lives.
admin team
Our Change Supporters
Treasa
General Operations Manager
Treasa brings a rare combination to Meaningful OT: sharp operational skill and a genuine, lived commitment to inclusion. With a background spanning Sage-based accounts, payroll, and office management, she keeps the practice running smoothly behind the scenes — but it's her warmth and attentiveness that our team and clients feel first.
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Treasa holds a Diploma in Disability Studies from UCC and has taken part in UCC's programme with Inclusive Dance Cork — experience that reflects a genuine belief in building communities where everyone belongs. That same value shapes how she works with our team and the families we support every day.
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Outside the office, Treasa is a member of The Rebel Tappers dance troupe and The Haven Harmonies singing group, and she's a committed lifelong learner. She brings that same sense of connection, rhythm, and community into her role here at Meaningful OT.
CORU Registered Occupational Therapist
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