About Marie

The pathway from Construction to Education and beyond......

I have 16 years experience in education but as I like to say I took a slight detour on the path to a career in education. I started my professional life as a Quantity Surveyor; graduating from Bolton Street in 2003 in to a booming construction economy.  I spent several years working as a private quantity surveyor, realising I enjoyed certain aspects of my job, but knowing there was something missing. Years later, I realised my desire to help people and interact socially was not being met in the daily office/site environment. I eventually found the courage to make the necessary academic adjustments to covert my BSc in Surveying to that of a qualified teacher of post primary Mathematics (using the Open University & postgraduate study in the field of Education).

Although, Maths was a passion of mine; and I have aptitude and ability, it is not a specific interest. This is where I became fascinated with the tools guidance counsellors so adeptly use -  their skill in assessing people’s interests, abilities and achievements in order to empower clients to make informed decisions. I will always wonder if, at the age of 17 years old, I had realised the difference between being ‘good’ at Maths and enjoying it’s application in a professional capacity (measuring drawings, estimating costs etc); would I have opted for another career path?

I have no regrets about the path I chose and made very dear friends and learned many lessons along the way.

Teaching allowed me to fuse the best of both worlds. I was flexing my numerical brain, while helping and connecting with my students. However, as I completed my postgraduate studies in DCU I had an inkling my educational journey was not complete; as I looked longingly at the part time Guidance Counselling course they offered.  

Alas, I deferred further study plans when it was fortunate to acquire the position of Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator, which I enjoyed for the full maximum contract term of 5 years. During this time, I eventually completed my postgraduate studies to become a guidance counsellor & I feel my journey has come to a contented pause.

I am a keen believer in constant upskilling and life long learning. Having recently completed training in Psychometric Level B Assessment with the British Psychological Society, Choice Theory Training with the William Glasser Institute, Understanding Self Harm with the HSE & Basic Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with ACTNow (affiliated with the Irish Psychological Society). 

Life has taught me to approach challenges with an open & flexible curiosity - and the power of aligning real interests and abilities with your career choice. Solid guidance in my life has stood me in good stead & I endeavour to use this experience to guide my clients. As Emerson once said -  ‘life is a journey not a destination’. If you are interested in me helping you on that journey please explore Pathways Guidance further.