Originally from Dublin, Frances initially commenced her working life as a Secretary in a Centre for Intellectual Disability. Taking a career break, she studied Montessori Education and Disability Studies at Sion Hill for three years. She returned to Cheeverstown and worked with children and adults with intellectual disability. Two years later, Frances decided to spread her wings and travelled for four years working in International Schools in Japan and Belgium. On her return, she studied at Trinity College and completed a M.Ed. where her final thesis was a Comparative Study of Training in Early Years Education in Ireland and Europe. On completion, Frances managed a dedicated two sessional pre-school service for children from the Travelling Community in Dublin. She then moved to Mayo in 2001 working initially with St. Anthony’s Special School and then joined the Staff of Mayo College of Further Education and Training, Castlebar Campus. She has a keen interest in all aspects of the Early Years and Disability. Frances represents the MSLETB on the Mayo County Childcare Committee. She is responsible for Garda Vetting for the College (Castlebar) and is the Coordinator of the Early Learning and Care Programmes. In 2023, Frances hosted in conjunction with Mary Skillington of ATU an inaugural Early Years Conference titled Encounters with Play. Significant links have been developed with the Early Years Department, ATU and Mayo College of Further Education and Training. Students who complete Advanced Early Learning and Care Level 6 at Mayo College can progress to second year of the Level 7/8 Programmes in Early Childhood Care and Education at ATU.
Outside of College, Frances enjoys spending time with her family and friends, the outdoors, travelling and has a keen interest in the creative arts. She is a member of a local choir. Frances has travelled on many Erasmus + programmes within Europe and has been able to use this experience in her daily practice.