Sue-Anne holds an Honours BA in Early Childhood Studies (2014) from University College Galway and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

With over 20 years of experience in the early years sector, she has managed a preschool and successfully established a private afterschool service for school-aged children. In addition to her extensive practical experience, prior to joining UCC, Sue-Anne spent a number of years tutoring in both adult education with the Cork ETB and at University level with DKIT, supporting future educators and early years professionals.

Her professional ethos is grounded in a strengths-based and holistic approach, and she is passionate about promoting high-quality, inclusive educational experiences for all students. Her professional background includes significant work with disadvantaged and vulnerable children and families, as well as with children with disabilities and additional needs. Sue-Anne’s research interests centre on how child-led and emergent curriculum approaches can positively contribute to inclusive educational settings.

Another research interest is the impact of technology at an early age on children's brain development and the possible link between this and the increase in diagnosis’s of additional needs in young children in recent years. She is deeply passionate about nature and advocates for the developmental benefits of outdoor play and the use of natural materials in early childhood education.