Irene is an experienced Psychology practitioner who has worked in the education industry for over 23 years. She is skilled in teaching English as a second language, lecturing in blended learning environments and e-tutoring on various online networking sites.  She is highly proficient and knowledgeable in various LMS platforms such as Moodle and Blackboard. Her passion is to maximise student and lecturer development experiences. She is involved in designing, organising and implementing Online Learning.

Bio

She has attained a Bachelor of Health and Social Sciences with Specialisation in Psychological Counselling, an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa, Practical Psychometry from University of Johannesburg, and a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research interests lie in behavioural addiction and mental health.
She is a registered Psychometrist (Independent Practice) based in North Riding, Johannesburg offering psycho-educational assessments, subject choice assessments and career counselling, as well as various assessments of selection and development for organisations.

Teaching Experience

Irene currently supports the Teaching and Learning departments across multiple academic institutions. Previously, she was a lecturer at Monash South Africa teaching undergraduates Academic English, Academic Research, Human Sciences, Critical Thinking and Media Studies.  She was the unit leader and examiner for Health and Social Development studies. She received a purple letter of commendation for teaching excellence from Monash University, Australia in 2018.

Irene also worked in the Teaching and Learning Department at IIE MSA Ruimsig as a Learning Skills Advisor.  She was responsible for student academic development and support in the school including the management of at-risk students. As a member of the broader academic teaching and learning team, she was also responsible for lecturer development in the school with a focus on teaching and learning. In particular, she monitored student progress and worked collaboratively with the academics to intervene to promote student success.

Irene has also been tutoring students at Honours level (4th year) in Psychological Assessment and undergraduates studying Childhood and Adolescent Development at the University of South Africa (UNISA). 

Past Experience: Teacher of English as a Second Language to children and adults in preparation for Cambridge ESOL Examinations including: First Certificate in English (FCE), Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) and Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE), and for the University of Michigan Examinations: The Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) and The Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE).

Training & Voluntary Work

Irene has been volunteering with various NGOs for the past 10 years as well as gained knowledge through her degrees. She volunteered as a senior counsellor at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) for 3 years where she dealt with mental health and psychosocial issues, suicide, and substance abuse.  www.sadag.co.za

She has been exposed through psychometric training to working in numerous township schools advocating, and assessing learners in subject choice and career guidance. She has undergone numerous training courses to become accredited in specific psychological tests.