Our Team
At the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice
Catherine Dwyer
Practice Director
Intervention Coordinator
- Practice Director
- Member of the Intervention Support Team
- Member of the Conscious Care Team
Ways to work with Catherine:
Catherine Dwyer
Practice Director
Intervention Coordinator
Catherine Dwyer is the Practice Director in the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice. With more than 25 years of experience in early years care and education, early intervention, and family support, Catherine has dedicated her career to creating nurturing, supportive environments that empower families.
Catherine is also the Owner-Manager of Little Moo-Moos Playschool and Early Intervention Practice, a service recognised for its strong focus on child development and early intervention. What began as a childcare service has evolved over the years into a practice that responds to the growing and changing needs of families. This journey led to the establishment and expansion of the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice, which has grown from into a multidisciplinary team offering supportive assessments and integrated family care.
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In addition to Catherine’s extensive leadership experience, Catherine is a qualified Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) . Catherine’s expertise in child development and early years education, combined with her family-focused approach, informs the ethos and direction of the practice. Within the practice Catherine brings her years of experience to the forefront of family support, ensuring that every child and family feels understood, valued, and empowered.
Ways to work with Catherine:
Kate Dwyer
Practice Manager
Senior Office Administrator
- Practice Manager
- Family Support and Resources
Ways to work with Kate:
Kate Dwyer
Practice Manager
Senior Office Administrator
Kate has been an integral part of the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice since its very beginning, playing a key role in its development and growth. As one of the founding team members, she has been deeply involved in shaping the practice into the supportive, family-centred service it is today.
With a professional background that combines business management with over ten years of experience within office management, Kate brings a unique blend of organisational expertise, administrative skill, and compassionate care to her role as Practice Manager.
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Before the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice, Kate worked extensively in Early Years and early intervention settings, where she gained valuable insight into the needs of children, families, and multidisciplinary teams. This experience has given her a strong foundation in parental communication, early intervention processes, and family support, all of which inform the way she approaches her role today.
As the office is the first point of contact for parents and families, Kate ensures that every inquiry is met with warmth, efficiency, and care. From the first phone call to the final report, Kate is involved at every stage of the journey, making sure that families feel supported and confident throughout the process. Kate also works closely with the multidisciplinary team members, supporting them to maintain the highest professional standards in their practice.
Ways to work with Kate:
Dr Katarina Krausova
Chartered Counselling Psychologist
B.A., M.A., DcounPsych., C. Psychol. PsSI.
Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M7988C)
- Chartered Counselling Psychologist
- Member of the Multidisciplinary Team
Ways to work with Dr Katarina:
Dr Katarina Krausova
Chartered Counselling Psychologist
B.A., M.A., DcounPsych., C.Psychol., Ps.S.I.
Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M7988C)
Dr Katarina is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and is registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). As part of the multidisciplinary team, Dr Katarina carries out a range of assessments, including autism, cognitive, and developmental assessments, ensuring families receive high-quality, comprehensive support. Katarina graduated in 2023 with a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Trinity College Dublin. She has always been passionate about neurodiversity and works with individuals who experience the world in unique and different ways.
Before qualifying as a Counselling Psychologist, Katarina spent over 12 years providing support to children, adolescents, and adults as a Psychotherapist, holding both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
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Prior to her current chartered membership with the Psychological Society of Ireland, she was an accredited member of the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Katarina currently works as part of the multidisciplinary team, providing autism assessments alongside cognitive and developmental assessments for children and adolescents. Her role also includes clinical observations, counselling recommendations, and parental support and guidance following assessments.
As a member of the multidisciplinary team, Katarina aims to provide the most accurate diagnosis possible, drawing on individual clinical observation, standardised testing, and inter-disciplinary discussions to ensure young people receive the support they need.
Ways to work with Katarina:
Catherine Noone-Usher
Senior Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)
M.Sc., Psychology., ABA., BCBA.
Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M11035)
- Member of the Multidisciplinary Team
- Member of the Behaviour Support Team
- Behaviour Support Supervisor
- Member of the Seedling Team
Ways to work with Catherine:
Catherine Noone-Usher
Senior Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst
M.Sc., Psychology., ABA., BCBA.
Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M11035)
Catherine Noone-Usher works as part of the multidisciplinary team in the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice. Catherine is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst with over 15 years’ experience working with children with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioural difficulties.
Catherine’s experience to date is predominately within early intervention settings working with children aged 2 to 8 years old. This experience has occurred in a variety of settings including preschools, schools, early intervention schools and home programmes.Catherine has also worked with adolescents through the National Education Welfare Board and in residential settings to support behaviour and skill development.
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Following the completion of her undergraduate Psychology Degree (Level 8 Hons), Catherine graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Masters in Applied Behaviour Analyst (ABA) in Psychology in 2013. Catherine followed on to achieve certification as a BCBA from the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board in 2014 (BACB). Catherine is listed on the certificate’s list available on the BACB website and registered as a graduate member of the PSI. Catherine also is a member of the Teaching Council of Ireland. Catherine regularly supervises psychology students of the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis Course in Psychology, Trinity College Dublin and as well as graduates from other universities who are accumulating supervision hours and are working towards certification as Behaviour Analysts.
Catherine has worked within and alongside schools to support children as they transition from both early intervention placements and from pre-school to primary school. Catherine has worked to support teachers in ASD classes in primary schools as they design programs and support a variety of behaviours.
Catherine also worked with the NEWB for some time, teaching children who were home schooled whilst awaiting suitable school placements. Catherine currently works with children with a variety of additional needs including but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language delay, sensory processing delay, global developmental delay and intellectual disability.
Catherine has a keen interest in Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and believes in utilising the outdoors to support sensory regulation. Equally, Catherine advocates for appropriate supports at pre-school and primary school level which allow a child to not only be present, but to participate to the best of their ability in their own education.
As a mother to three daughters, Catherine believes that parent support and empowerment is vital, and that intervention supports should support the whole family. Catherine’s approach is to meet the parents where they are at on their individual journey. Catherine has worked extensively with parents to support both parents and their child on their developmental journey and endeavours to continue to do so.
Catherine currently carries out training and support sessions for parents and believes in empowering parents as their child’s primary educator. At present, Catherine also works as BCBA Supervisor and Co-Ordinator of the Early Intervention Class in Little Moo-Moos Playschool and Inclusive Practice. Catherine consults and supervises the implementation of Individualised Education Plans (IEP’s) and behaviour support on site. Catherine also supervises a team of assistant psychologists and early years professionals who provide early intervention support daily.
Catherine has completed training in the administration of ADOS-2 and ADI-R Parent Interviews which has furthered her knowledge around standardised assessment of autism, which she currently administers and co-scores as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Ways to work with Catherine:
Sinéad Coughlan
Senior Speech and Language Therapist
M.Sc.,SLP-CCC,
IASLT Member & ASHA Member, CORU No:( SL 018615)
- Member of the Multidisciplinary Team
- Intervention Support
- Member of the Seedling Team
Ways to work with Sinéad:
Sinéad Coughlan
Senior Speech and Language Therapist
M.Sc.,SLP-CCC,
IASLT Member & ASHA Member, CORU No: (SL 018615)
Sinéad graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Bilingual Speech Language Pathology from Arizona State University in 2004 after completing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Science and Spanish in 2002. Sinéad is a registered member of CORU and a member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT).
With over 20 years of experience, Sinéad has developed extensive expertise supporting children, young people, and adults with a wide range of communication needs. Her work across diverse settings has strengthened her skills in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including teachers and ANAs.
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Sinéad especially values the many opportunities she has had to work alongside autistic individuals, their families, and support networks to enhance communication and promote meaningful connections.
Sinéad’s work across various systems in Ireland, the USA and Spain which has enriched her professional expertise and strengthened her commitment to delivering inclusive, culturally responsive care. Sinéad brings evidence-based practices and a deep respect for diversity to ensure that every client feels supported and understood.
Sinéad has been an integral member of many assessment teams over the years giving her valuable insight into ways to best support the autistic person and their families through this very important journey of autism identification. Sinéad has dedicated much of her continuous learning on becoming a more neurodiverse affirming therapist by tuning into the autistic people’s voices and their experiences alongside the completion of many courses in this area.
Sinéad has completed the following courses: ‘Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)’, ‘GLP and AAC’, ‘Lámh Module 1’, ‘Sensory Certificate for SLPs’, ‘Neurodiversity Ireland Summit 2025’, ‘Dyadic Developmental Practice Level 1’, ‘Attachment and Trauma Informed’, ‘Treatment of Childhood Apraxia’, ‘The GLP Conference 2024/5’, ‘Power of Language’, ‘The Words We Use, and How We Story People with Dr Karen Treisman’, ‘Narrative Workshop – Exploring, Assessing and Using Narratives to Enhance Language and Communication in Children and Young People with Speech, Language and Communication Needs Across the Curriculum’, ‘Feeding Development in Children with Neurodisabilities’, ‘Trauma Informed Care in Speech and Language Therapy – The Perspectives of SLTs working within TULSA, and Differential Diagnosis of Severe Speech Disorders in Children’.
Ways to work with Sinéad:
Katie Donnelly
Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst
M.Sc.,Psychology., ABA., BCBA.
Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M15159)
- Member of the Multidisciplinary Team
- Behaviour Support
- Member of the Seedling Team
Ways to work with Katie:
Katie Donnelly
Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst
M.Sc.,Psychology., ABA., BCBA.
Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M15159)
Katie Donnelly is a dedicated professional in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), proudly holding the title of Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Katie earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Law from Maynooth University, followed by a MSc in Psychology, also from Maynooth University.
Her passion for evidence-based practices and excellence in behaviour analysis led her to further specialise with an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Queen’s University Belfast. Katie achieved the prestigious BCBA credential and is listed on the certificate registry available on the BACB website. Additionally, Katie is a member of the Teaching Council of Ireland.
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Katie actively supervises students and graduates of MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis programmes as they accumulate supervision hours towards their BCBA certification. Katie’s professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to understanding and supporting human behaviour through evidence-based interventions.
Katie’s expertise lies predominantly in early intervention for children aged 2-6, working with children with a range of additional needs, including autism spectrum disorder, speech and language delay, sensory processing delay, global developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Katie currently works in the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice providing positive behaviour support to families and the Early Intervention Class in Little Moo Moos Playschool and Inclusive Practice, where she consults on and supervises the implementation of Individualised Education Plans (IEP’s) and behaviour support strategies.
Katie is highly committed to the field of behaviour support, with a strong focus on providing families with evidence-based strategies and practical tools. Her approach emphasises capacity building, fostering positive developmental outcomes, and promoting long-term resilience by equipping caregivers with the skills necessary to support their child’s growth and wellbeing.
Katie is deeply committed to a holistic approach to child development, integrating evidence-based strategies with a compassionate, family-centred perspective. She collaborates closely with parents to ensure they feel equipped and supported throughout their child’s developmental journey. Through open communication, tailored strategies, and her extensive expertise, Katie fosters a strong partnership between parents and professionals, promoting positive, long-lasting outcomes for children and families. Katie also has a profound interest in Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and actively incorporates outdoor environments into her teaching practices to foster sensory regulation and promote holistic development. Katie’s belief in the therapeutic benefits of nature enhances her ability to connect with children and create enriching learning experiences.
With her passion, expertise, and dedication, Katie is a trusted advocate for fostering growth and empowering families to navigate developmental milestones with confidence.
Ways to work with Katie:
Una Vicenti
Senior Occupational Therapist
BSc. (hons) Occupational Therapy
AOTI Member, CORU No. (OT065702)
- Member of the Multidisciplinary Team
- Member of the Intervention Team
Ways to work with Una:
Una Vicenti
Senior Occupational Therapist
BSc. (Hons) Occupational Therapy
AOTI Member, CORU No: (OT065702)
Una Vicenti is a Senior Occupational Therapist with 29 years of international experience spanning England, the United States, and Ireland. Una has worked extensively with children from diverse backgrounds, supporting them in meeting developmental milestones and achieving functional independence.
Una’s practice has encompassed mental health, school-based interventions, early intervention, and clinic-based therapy. Una has also presented at numerous conferences and training courses, covering topics such as sensory integration, early childhood development, feeding-related issues, and trauma-informed practice.
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With a special interest in sensory integration, Una is dedicated to helping children, young people, and their families understand how they process sensory information, empowering them to advocate for their specific needs.
Ways to work with Una:
Carolyn Webb
Senior Speech & Language Therapist, Parent Coach
BSc. Hons (C.S.L.S.)
IASLT Member, RCSLT Member, ISTI Member, CORU Reg. (SL 015115)
- Member of the Intervention Team
- Member of the Seedling Team
Ways to work with Carolyn:
Carolyn Webb
Senior Speech & Language Therapist, Parent Coach
BSc. Hons (C.S.L.S.)
IASLT Member, RCSLT Member, ISTI Member, CORU Reg. (SL 015115)
Within the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice, Carolyn will facilitate Speech and Language Therapy Support through our Intervention Services. Carolyn will be supporting families through her Connection Kickstart™ Parent Coaching Programme. Carolyn brings decades of experience to her role. Carolyn is a CORU-registered Speech and Language Therapist (SL 015115) and a member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT), ensuring the highest professional standards in her work with children and families.
Carolyn is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist with over 30 years of experience supporting children and families. Carolyn qualified from Trinity College Dublin in 1990 and has since worked across a wide range of clinical and community settings, including senior and management roles.
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As both an experienced clinician and a parent coach, Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work. Carolyn is the author of ‘A Parent’s Guide to Early Communication’ and the creator of the Connection Kickstart™ Parent Coaching Programme, a seven-session framework designed to equip parents with practical strategies that foster connection, interaction, and communication in everyday family life.
Carolyn specialises in working with young children who are minimally speaking, non-speaking, or developing communication in unique ways, including children who derive meaning through gestalt language processing. Her approach is child-led, neurodiversity-affirming, and parent-empowering.
Parents often describe her coaching as supportive and transformative, leading to communication progress through powerful child-led strategies that turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection.
Ways to work with Carolyn:
Rachael Dwyer
Integrative Therapist, Trauma Informed Practitioner
Counselling Psychotherapist
- Integrative Therapist
- Member of the Conscious Care Team
- Seedling Model Coordinator
Ways to work with Rachael:
Rachael Dwyer
Integrative Therapist
Trauma Informed Practitioner
Rachael holds a dual role at the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice, where she has been involved since its foundation. Rachael has played a central part in shaping and maintaining the practice’s ethos of delivering a high-quality, professional, and supportive service for children and families.
Alongside her role as Practice Co-Ordinator, Rachael is also the Seedling Training Co-Ordinator, supporting the Early Intervention aspects of the practice. With over eight years’ experience working with children and families, including her role in Little Moo-Moos Playschool and Early Intervention Practice, she brings warmth, dedication, and a strong commitment to ensuring that every family is supported from their very first contact with the practice.
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Rachael works closely with the multidisciplinary team to uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Rachael’s academic background includes Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, Early Years with Montessori, and Special Needs Assisting. Rachael recently completed her training in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, is awaiting application for IACP pre-accreditation. Rachael is also a Trauma Informed Practitioner and is a member of the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF).
Rachael’s therapeutic work focuses on integrative therapy and care, drawing on a range of modalities. Rachael is passionate about supporting people on their healing journey creating safe spaces for individuals to process, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover their inner strengths. Rachael offers a compassionate and grounding presence, offering care and nervous system support alongside therapeutic work, meeting individuals exactly where they are in their journey.
Through her combined roles as Practice Co-Ordinator and Therapist, Rachael brings together organisational leadership and therapeutic care, ensuring that the practice continues to provide excellence across both assessment and support services.
Ways to work with Rachael:
Paula Cullen
Integrative Therapist
- Integrative Therapist
- Member of the Conscious Care Team
Ways to work with Paula:
Paula Cullen
Integrative Therapist
Counselling Psychotherapist
Paula’s background is rooted in mental health and wellbeing, with a professional foundation in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. She recently completed her training and is awaiting application for IACP pre-accreditation and is currently continuing her studies in Adolescent Psychotherapy, further expanding her skills to support young people as well as adults. Paula currently works with clients aged 18 and over, offering a safe, supportive, and compassionate space where individuals have the opportunity build resilience, and move toward personal growth. Paula’s approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that every individual has the capacity for change and healing when given the right support.
She values creating a collaborative relationship with her clients, where they feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful shifts in their lives.
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Her integrative style allows her to draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs of each Individual client.
A particular passion of Paula’s is supporting women through life’s challenges, transitions, and personal growth journeys. This passion links closely with her community work and the spaces she has created to empower and connect women. She is the co-founder of Ashbourne Women’s Shed, a community initiative that provides a supportive environment for women to share skills, experiences, and friendship. She is also the creator and facilitator of Sanctuary Circles, a women-led gathering that meets monthly to provide a safe and reflective space for connection, conversation, and mutual support.
In addition, Paula is the co-lead of the Zero Tolerance Project with Meath Women’s Refuge, reflecting her commitment to advocating for women’s safety, dignity, and wellbeing on both an individual and community level. Paula’s experience in mental health, community support, and psychotherapy aligns closely with the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice’s ethos of holistic, family-centred care. Paula’s background enables her to genuinely relate to parents and individuals, offering compassionate support that meets each person where they are.
Ways to work with Paula:
Fiona O’Donohoe
Founder of Away with Nature
Holistic Care
Member of Guaranteed Irish
- Service within the Conscious Care Team.
Ways to work with Fiona:
Fiona O’Donohoe
Founder of Away with Nature
Holistic Care
Member of Guaranteed Irish
Fiona O’Donohoe is the founder of Away with Nature, a natural skincare and wellbeing brand created from a place of personal transformation, and deep empathy for parents and families navigating complex journeys. Fiona is a proud member of Guaranteed Irish and a graduate of the ACORNS programme for early-stage female entrepreneurs.
Fiona works alongside a cosmetic chemist to ensure the formulations are effective and safe, and work in harmony with your skin and nervous system. Fiona’s products have received sixteen industry awards, including accolades from the Free from Skincare Awards, Global Green Beauty Awards, and the Beauty Shortlist Awards.
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Fiona: “Today, I feel the best I’ve ever felt, inside and out. My skin is glowing, my anxiety is manageable, and I finally feel confident in both motherhood and myself. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to share my work with families within the Childrens Natural Environment Assessment Practice. If you’re exploring natural, holistic ways to support your wellbeing while navigating your journey, I hope my story and products can offer you a sense of relief, grounding, and care, just as they did for me.”
Ways to work with Fiona:
Recognised and trusted by:
