Kiddlywinks Childcare
Meet Our Staff
Denise
I am the owner, manager, Child protection officer & AIMS Officer at Kiddlywinks Childcare. I am a mum to four children. I have been working in the childcare sector since 1998 gaining my qualifications along the way. Health and social care, NNEB, HND ECE, Montessori teaching 3-6 years, BA hons ECCE. FA responder, LINC HACCP and many Continuous professional learning
Children inspire me and never stop amazing me as every child is unique having their own talents and interests. I like to work with children for many other reasons, To see them hit milestones, children taking an interest in a particular topic, watching that child expand in knowledge and understanding of that topic is the most amazing thing anyone could witness. I feel it is up to us as practioneers to give children the tools they need to expand their development.
Martin
Martin is the manager of Kiddlywinks and a dedicated member of our Afterschool team. As the husband of our owner and a proud father of four, Martin brings a strong sense of family, commitment, and community to everything he does. Alongside his managerial role, he also serves as our bus driver, ensuring children travel safely and comfortably each day. Martin’s calm, supportive nature helps create a welcoming environment where children and families feel right at home.
Shannon
Shannon is the deputy manager here at Kiddlywinks. I chose a career in childcare because supporting children & enriching their lives is a true passion of mine. I hold a level 5 qualification in childcare, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Sociology with Psychology, which strengthens my understanding of children's development and wellbeing. I have a caring nature and i thoroughly enjoy creating meaningful, engaging experiences for the children in my care. Coming from a farming background, I have a strong connection to the outdoors and love incorporating nature based messy play into my work. I value building warm, trusting relationships and take pride in helping children learn, grow and explore the world around them.
Áine
Áine is an afterschool coordinator and HR manager at Kiddlywinks. I have lots of experience working with children from babysitting to teaching and volunteer work and the reason work in childcare is because I’m passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of the young people in my community and I desire to create a space for them to thrive, grow and learn. I have a Bsc in Health Science and Public health a level 5 TEFL course which allowed me to work and travel around Spain for 3 years teaching English as a foreign language to school age children.
Victoriia
Victoriia is a dedicated member of our Afterschool team, bringing warmth, patience, and creativity to every interaction with the children. She enjoys supporting each child’s individual interests and helping them unwind after the school day through engaging activities, games, and relaxed learning. Victoriia’s gentle approach and genuine care help create a calm, welcoming space where children feel happy, supported, and valued.
Vickie
Vickie has a FETAC level 5 in Childcare and most recently completed the LINC level 6 special purpose award. I am room leader in the Butterfly room at Kiddlywinks. Working is childcare is something I really enjoy as I find their curiosity and creativity very interesting. Supporting their development, helping them feel valued and watching their confidence grow is incredibly rewarding. My aim is to create a warm inclusive environment where every child can grow at their own pace, feel valued and understood and reach their full potential socially and emotionally all while having fun
Maria
Maria an After School Co-Ordinator in Frosses National school. I have cared for children for as long as I can remember, and it’s something I truly love. Every day brings something new and exciting—like getting to see the world through a child’s eyes again. I’ve worked in childcare and hold a Level 6 in Special Needs Assisting, which lets me support every child with care and confidence.
Kaelum
Kaelum is an Afterschool Co-ordinator at Rockfield Kiddlywinks Childcare.
The reason I work in childcare is because I enjoy making a positive impact on the lives of young people and seeing them progress. I like to make a fun, enjoyable and safe environment for them to learn, grow and be comfortable. I have a wide range of experience working with children of all ages. I have a level 8 Bsc degree in Health Promotion and Public Health which allowed me to work with young people in Foroige Sligo, while also having a Level 5 TEFL degree which enabled me to teach and travel around Spain for 3 years teaching school aged children.
Chloe
Chloe works with both the preschool children in Ballintra and the afterschool children in Rockfield Ballyshannon. I enjoy my job as I love seeing the joy on they children’s faces and making a positive difference in their lives. As a parent of two young children, I understand the importance of creating a safe and fun environment where kids can learn and grow. With my Level 5 qualification in childcare and certificates in paediatric first aid, manual handling, managing others, communication skills, fire safety, health and safety, HACCP, and diversity, inclusion, and belonging, I am confident I can provide the best care and support for the children I work with.
Patricia
Patricia works at Kiddlywinks Afterschool at St. Mary’s National School in Ardara, since its opening in 2025.
I am a mother of 4 children and have over 20 years of childminding experience. Over this time I have obtained Special Needs Assisting and Children with Additional Needs qualifications.
I enjoy spending time with children and watching their individual personalities develop. I think that working in a childcare setting is a very rewarding occupation.
Louise
Louise is the room leader at Kiddlywinks afterschool at St. Mary's NS Ardara. I am working here since it opened in August 2025.I am a mum to two boys. I studied special needs assisting and hold a level 6 in this field. I enjoy my work as no two days are the same. I love to see all the kids own interests and imaginations coming through.
Celine
Celine works with the afterschool in Kellogs in Inver. I been working with Kiddlywinks Childcare since June 2025. I enjoy working with the children, and I appreciate that every day is different. No two days are ever the same, and that makes my work both interesting and rewarding. I enjoy working with the children and getting to watch them learn and grow.
Tracy
Tracy is the manager of Kiddlywinks CC, Frosses. I have 18 years of experience in early years education as well experience as an SNA at primary school level.
I hold a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Supervision in Childcare and a LINC Level 6 qualifications. I am currently in my 2nd studying for a BA Early Childhood Care & Education.
I love being a part of each child's learning in their early years journey.
Family time is important to me, and meeting friends for a catch-up.
In my spare time, I walk, swim, do Pilates and Yoga to keep healthy.
Jessica
Jessica works in Kiddlywinks Childcare Frosses. I’ve been working in childcare for 2 years now. I have a qualification in level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education, level 5 & 6 SNA. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Early Years, Children’s First and currently studying my level 7 in Early Childhood Care and Education Online.
I always had an interest in childcare growing up. I love going to work as everyday is different. I believe in creating a warm, inclusive environment where children can feel safe, valued and motivated to learn. I find great joy watching children discover new skills and build confidence.
Ariana
Ariana works in Dunkineely Afterschool. I have a Level 6 qualification in Childcare as well as a Level 6 in Special Needs Assisting, bringing strong knowledge and practical skills to my work with the children. I has been working in childcare since 2022 and have gained experience with all age groups—from babies to afterschool—allowing me to understand and respond to the needs of children at every stage of development. I like to create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child in my care.