Gráinne Bagnall
For over 25 years, Gráinne worked in corporate recruitment largely in the technology sector. In 2012 she opted out of the corporate world. She took a leap of faith by relocating her family to West Cork, where she founded an organisation to improve the education of STEAM subjects (i.e. science, technology, engineering, art and maths). She also worked to raise the importance of equal opportunity. She founded Sense about Maths (SAM), a primary education programme based on creative methods of teaching and the learning of maths. This became a programme of the STEAM education programme at University College Cork (UCC). In 2017, this won Ireland’s Social Entrepreneur Award.
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Val Burns
Val comes to Forest Bathing with over seven years of experience as a Forest School practitioner. Her experience has been guiding children and adults in forest craft such as knots, shelter building, lighting and extinguishing a fire safely, the skill of weaving willow and hazel, taking Maths, Arts, Science and Technology outside using natural materials.
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Michelle Ryan
“BWELLHIVE” provides practical & innovative wellness solutions facing our employers and employees in today’s fast paced world. Michelle has worked with hundreds of people to build the best nutrition and food management plan to be well, resilient and achieve a healthy life for living. She talks health in business and her experiences and services include working with clients onsite providing a measure, track and improve data analysis Health Station, TasteITHealth using her ancient heath experiences.
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Michael O’Neill
Michael Jnr is one of the fourth generation of the O’Neill family at the historic Fernhill House and Gardens. He is the current mayor of Clonakilty and is the vice chairperson of the West Cork Garden Trail.
The care that Michael dedicates to welcoming guests has resulted in Fernhill being the 12th best hotel in Ireland on Tripadvisor. He has many years’ experience of providing tours to groups about the history of Fernhill and its gardens.
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Anna Healey
Anna Healy is a highly experienced mindset & confidence coach who has successfully worked with hundreds of people to help them achieve their best self. Anna works on a strengths- based approach and is known for helping people in building confidence and getting clarity in their direction in life and work.
Anna has her own podcast which promotes women in business and a new series on mindset & resilience; she has a regular show on West Cork FM. Anna is a NLP Practitioner, and uses this with her clients to enhance performance and transform mindset.
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Avril
Born and bred in West Cork, Avril was reared on a mixed farm & taught by her father that ‘the land is in trust for the next generation’ Her mother taught her how to be creative with the food ingredients to hand and to use nature’s bounty. Avril was a member of the Irish Girl Guides which continued to encourage her love of nature & subsequently became a leader in the Scout Association of Ireland.
Avril & Willie’s ambition is to create an amenity that is home to a myriad of creatures but which may be appreciated by visitors. Avril is a founder & member of West Cork Farm Tours; a member of SKAL International – Cork Branch; a producer member of Euro-Toques Ireland; winner of 2019 SME Businesswoman of the Year in Network Ireland West Cork.
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Jane Connolly O’ Donovan
Jane Connolly O’ Donovan grew up within the beam of the Galley Head lighthouse and the sounds and smell of the Atlantic Ocean in Castlefreke. Castlefreke woodland was a frequent playground on the way home from school and for weekend family walks and picnics. Jane made her decision to move back to West Cork, infamous for its rooted lifestyle and close sense of community, in 2005. She feels privileged that her family can have these experiences so easily.
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