Lynsey
Lynsey McCabe opened Bright Sparks Montessori in 2009. Having had years of experience working with children, in both formal and informal settings, teaching them in her own preschool was the realisation of a long held dream. Prior to this, Lynsey studied for her Business Degree while working full time in various team leader / management roles in Dublin and London. After completing a Diploma in Montessori and Early Childhood Education, Lynsey’s love for working with children and continuously learning from them, kept her thirst for knowledge in this area alive.
To delve deeper into the early childhood psyche, Lynsey studied child development, speech and language therapy and child psychology to diploma levels.
By the end of 2021, over 600 children will have passed through the doors of Bright Sparks Montessori - each child completely individual and unique, and each one having a very different set of needs. Having completed a Leadership for Inclusion Diploma, Play Based Learning certificates and courses on Sensory Processing and Autism, Lynsey most recently tied this knowledge all together with a Masters from Trinity, in Early Intervention. This has allowed Lynsey to practice early intervention techniques and strategies in her own setting, as well as to work in a supportive, advisory role to help children and their families who are dealing with particular struggles.
Lynsey is extremely passionate about early childhood development, has a specific interest in separation anxiety, and how these formative years tell each child’s unique story. Working with families and children experiencing difficulties has always been part of teaching, so Lynsey is delighted to now be able to offer further assistance in a more structured capacity.
Lynsey McCabe opened Bright Sparks Montessori in 2009. Having had years of experience working with children, in both formal and informal settings, teaching them in her own preschool was the realisation of a long held dream. Prior to this, Lynsey studied for her Business Degree while working full time in various team leader / management roles in Dublin and London. After completing a Diploma in Montessori and Early Childhood Education, Lynsey’s love for working with children and continuously learning from them, kept her thirst for knowledge in this area alive.
To delve deeper into the early childhood psyche, Lynsey studied child development, speech and language therapy and child psychology to diploma levels.
By the end of 2021, over 600 children will have passed through the doors of Bright Sparks Montessori - each child completely individual and unique, and each one having a very different set of needs. Having completed a Leadership for Inclusion Diploma, Play Based Learning certificates and courses on Sensory Processing and Autism, Lynsey most recently tied this knowledge all together with a Masters from Trinity, in Early Intervention. This has allowed Lynsey to practice early intervention techniques and strategies in her own setting, as well as to work in a supportive, advisory role to help children and their families who are dealing with particular struggles.
Lynsey is extremely passionate about early childhood development, has a specific interest in separation anxiety, and how these formative years tell each child’s unique story. Working with families and children experiencing difficulties has always been part of teaching, so Lynsey is delighted to now be able to offer further assistance in a more structured capacity.
Ciara O'Neill
Ciara is one of our play practitioners, working with children in small groups or individually. Ciara's love for working with children began at a young age when she started out childminding. While studying for her degree in Early Childhood Education, Ciara had plenty of experience while working as a nanny for a local family and doing her work placements in various childcare facilities. She gained experience working with babies, toddlers, preschool children and after school aged children during this time.
Ciara's interest in helping children who might be struggling led her to studying for a diploma in therapeutic play. She also went onto complete her level 8 Honours degree in Early Years Education.
Ciara has been working as a Montessori teacher in our sister company, Bright Sparks Montessori and also as a play practitioner since late 2022. She has worked with many children who have overcome their struggles with her support and guidance.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is the serious learning."
The Jam
Lynsey came across Roísín and Isolde of The Jam Ireland, and immediately found they shared the same inclusive and child led approach that Bright Sparks Early Intervention is based on. They have merged Drama and Art to create the most fantastic classes, ensuring each child has the time and space to explore their own creative abilities and interest.
Friday's classes are child led Art sessions in small groups of just 3 - 5 children. Each child will be nurtured to create whatever takes their fancy, learning to manage their emotions using a therapeutic and calming use of creative arts.
Saturday's bring both Art & Drama together in this integrated approach. In this unique creative experience your child will have the opportunity to explore and strengthen both acting and artistic endeavours. Throughout our courses, students will be given the opportunity to build a character, rehearse and perform a scene or monologue, as well as create art pieces to coincide with their chosen character or theme.
The team works together to develop an integrated arts experience for your child. Throughout the week we work on a theme through whole-group, partner and individual activities. Our facilitators work together to support your child to develop their creative ideas and build relationships through playful learning experiences. Their aim is to facilitate fun, engaging and memorable experiences for young people through the arts. All children are welcome!
"No two pieces of art are the same, just as no two children are the same."
Lynsey came across Roísín and Isolde of The Jam Ireland, and immediately found they shared the same inclusive and child led approach that Bright Sparks Early Intervention is based on. They have merged Drama and Art to create the most fantastic classes, ensuring each child has the time and space to explore their own creative abilities and interest.
Friday's classes are child led Art sessions in small groups of just 3 - 5 children. Each child will be nurtured to create whatever takes their fancy, learning to manage their emotions using a therapeutic and calming use of creative arts.
Saturday's bring both Art & Drama together in this integrated approach. In this unique creative experience your child will have the opportunity to explore and strengthen both acting and artistic endeavours. Throughout our courses, students will be given the opportunity to build a character, rehearse and perform a scene or monologue, as well as create art pieces to coincide with their chosen character or theme.
The team works together to develop an integrated arts experience for your child. Throughout the week we work on a theme through whole-group, partner and individual activities. Our facilitators work together to support your child to develop their creative ideas and build relationships through playful learning experiences. Their aim is to facilitate fun, engaging and memorable experiences for young people through the arts. All children are welcome!
"No two pieces of art are the same, just as no two children are the same."
Claudia San Miguel Gutiérrez
Claudia is one of our amazing teachers in Bright Sparks Montessori. With a base degree in Education, Claudia went on to study Early Years Education and is currently studying for her Masters in Montessori Education. Claudia is extremely passionate in learning about how each child absorbs information in their own unique way. Her approach to teaching is to actively involve students in the learning process and inspire through creative and playful methods.
Claudia's background includes creating and developing summer camps for children, teaching dance at a professional level and teaching at both preschool and primary levels in Spain. Claudia has taught English while in Spain, so is now really excited to start teaching her mother language here in Ireland.
"Research shows that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical-thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility."
Claudia is one of our amazing teachers in Bright Sparks Montessori. With a base degree in Education, Claudia went on to study Early Years Education and is currently studying for her Masters in Montessori Education. Claudia is extremely passionate in learning about how each child absorbs information in their own unique way. Her approach to teaching is to actively involve students in the learning process and inspire through creative and playful methods.
Claudia's background includes creating and developing summer camps for children, teaching dance at a professional level and teaching at both preschool and primary levels in Spain. Claudia has taught English while in Spain, so is now really excited to start teaching her mother language here in Ireland.
"Research shows that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical-thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility."