Warning: emotion demonstration below
In 2015, I attended a training course in Doha, Qatar, called “SEN in a Mainstream Classroom.” As I boarded the plane, I had no idea I was about to meet such inspirational and likeminded people. For me, inspirational people are those you can learn from—people who challenge your thinking and preconceptions, and in this case, have helped carve me into the person I am today.
One of those people was Gráinne Parish (née Boyle), who was leading the course alongside the wonderful author, Kathy Hoopman. Since that day, our paths have crossed countless times. It was Gráinne who introduced me to Infinite Learning and encouraged me to start sharing my knowledge with others. I delivered training alongside her across the Middle East, taking the first steps toward what I have become today.
This week was INSET week, and my schedule was fully booked, with some days including three schools. But I started the week with Gráinne, who is now the proud Founder and Owner of Insights Psychology. It was a humbling experience to collaborate with more than 23 of her team, sharing knowledge and skills about education in the UAE.
Her team works closely with students, parents, and school staff, so we recognised the value of providing them with knowledge of school systems and the internal and external expectations for SENCOs and Heads of Inclusion. This knowledge empowers them to continue advocating for students effectively. Covering the rules, regulations, and good practice of inclusive schools goes a long way towards ensuring that parents can navigate a complex system with greater ease.
As the session ended, I could only reflect on the journey Gráinne has made. The lives she has changed. The way she upskills and empowers everyone she meets. The quality of her team, their consistent practice, and their unwavering support for everyone who passes through is, in the true sense of the word, awesome.
Several members of her team have worked with me professionally in the schools where I’ve been employed. They’ve collaborated with me in my business and supported myself, my children, and my friends on our personal identification journeys. Helping me understand my ADHD-I and AS conditions, as well as my strengths and differences, has truly empowered me.
Thank you for inviting me to be part of your INSET week, for being part of my school journey, my identification journey, and now my business journey. I can only hope that everyone has a “Gráinne” in their life.
2015: How it all began
2016 : Venturing into Training
2019 : Delivering Training together in Bahrain
2023: INSET training
If you or a loved one are looking for extra support with an ADHD, Autism, or another neurodivergent diagnosis, please visit the Insights Psychology website to learn more about their services:
Great article, Louise! I agree, Gráinne is a special person to work with., as are you:)