Conference Committee and Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Emma Farrell

Dr Emma Farrell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology Maynooth University. Her research interests are in mental health, belonging, philosophy of psychology and lived experience as evidence for policy and practice. Emma is a former founding member of Jigsaw, Ireland’s National Centre for Youth Mental Health and author of ‘Making Sense of Mental Health: A Practical Approach through Lived Experience’ (The Liffey Press, 2022) and ‘Irish University Students with Mental Health Difficulties: Experiences, Challenges and Supports’ (Lived Places Publishing, 2024). https://www.thinkful.ie

Dr. Ruth Caleb

Dr Ruth Caleb MBE has worked as a wellbeing consultant, trainer and psychotherapist. She specialises in the mental health and wellbeing of students and staff in higher education. She has over 30 years’ experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist in a wide variety of settings, including the National Aids Helpline, ChildLine, fertility counselling and private practice. Over the last 25 years she has specialised in mental health and wellbeing support for university students and staff. She was Head of Counselling at Brunel University London from 1999 to 2017. Ruth was Chair of the Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education (MWBHE) Working Group from 2012 to 2018 and was a member of Universities UK’s Mental Health in HE programme working group. She has worked strategically at a national level, including addressing and contributing to All-Party Parliamentary Group meetings on student health and informing Members of Parliament speaking in parliamentary debates involving student wellbeing.

Previously Ruth was Chair of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s Universities and Colleges Executive Committee (2008-2010) and a member of the BACP International Research Committee (2003-2006). She has published articles and book chapters on student mental health and wellbeing, ethical practice, organisational support and the role of a counselling service. In 2019 she co-edited a book entitled Student Mental Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education: a practical guide, published by Sage.

Conference Committee Members

Fiona O’Riordan (co-chair) - CCT College Dublin

Dr. Fiona O’Riordan, SFHEA, is Dean of Teaching and Learning in CCT College, Dublin. Her current research areas include Challenge-Based Learning (including Hackathons), and assessment design to promote academic integrity with a particular focus on Interactive Oral Assessment.

Caitriona Kearns (co-chair) - CCT College Dublin

Triona is the Dean of Academic Affairs in CCT College Dublin, with responsibility for promoting and upholding academic integrity and the reputation of the College, while ensuring the College maintains its student-centred approach. She is a qualified psychotherapist and is currently undertaking her PhD with Maynooth University.

Denis Cummins - CCT College Dublin

Denis Cummins is an experienced leader in higher education having previously held the positions of President, Dundalk Institute of Technology and Academic Dean at Hibernia College. He is currently Dean of Faculty at CCT College and Programme Leader there for a number of programmes.

Kathleen Embleton - CCT College Dublin

Kathleen is the Head of Student Services and an integral part of the Springboard team at CCT College Dublin. She has extensive higher education experience, nationally and internationally, having worked as Assistant Vice President of Student Services at the University of Arts, Philadelphia, PA; Dean of Students at American College Dublin and Director of Student Activities at Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL.

Dr. Michelle Murphy - Atlantic Technological University

Dr. Michelle Murphy is a Neuropsychotherapist, Course Coordinator and Lecturer of the postgraduate Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) programme at Atlantic Technological University. Her broader clinical and research interests include community-based approaches to mental health, reflective supervision, student wellbeing, and the integration of mental health awareness into inclusive teaching and learning practices.

Philip James - Trinity College Dublin

Philip James is an Assistant Professor in Mental Health Nursing in Trinity College Dublin. Philip has published several research articles and four book chapters as well as The Handbook of Adolescent Substance Use which was published by Radcliffe in 2013 and was nominated for an award at the British Medical Association book awards in 2014. He is a reviewer for numerous international journals and was previously on the International Advisory Committee of the Journal Mental Health & Substance Use.

Dr. Natalia Putrino - University of Buenos Aires, DBS & IICP

Natalia holds a PhD in Psychology and is a Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) She is also a member of the Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR). In 2018, Natalia received the prestigious International Student Award from the SPR in recognition of her outstanding doctoral research project. In addition to her clinical work, Natalia works as part of a research team at the University of Buenos Aires and is a Lecturer at IICP College. She also serves as a Research Supervisor for DBS.

Colette Twomey - Cork ETB & PCI College

Colette is the current Vice President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. A graduate of UCC, Colette has over twenty years experience as a Guidance Counsellor and Psychology Teacher in full-time Further Education with the Cork College of FET. She also has experience managing the Disability Support Service within campus. Her current role involves supporting progression to FET. Colette holds a Masters in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is a member of IACP and a registered counsellor with the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI). Colette is an associate lecturer on the BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with the PCI College.

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