Karen O’Connor
Naas
Summary
Professional with experience working with community groups, enhancing participant engagement through tailored educational resources and information sessions. Values collaboration with healthcare professionals and community organisations, promoting awareness of healthcare initiatives that support individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Support Officer (Dying Well at Home Programme)
Irish Hospice Foundation
01.2024 - Current
- Contribute to delivery of the Dying Well at Home (DWAH) programme, developing educational resources and programme materials for carers and healthcare professionals.
- Deliver presentations, webinars and information sessions to healthcare professionals and community organisations promoting awareness of DWAH resources.
- Contribute to development of the DWAH eLearning programme through reference groups including people with lived experience and pilot testing prior to launch.
- Collaborate in the planning and delivery of webinars, supporting scheduling, communications and participant engagement.
- Monitor learner participation and engagement through the Learning Management System, contributing to programme evaluation and reporting.
- Support Irish Hospice Foundation's Information and Support Line, providing practical information and emotional support to individuals seeking guidance on palliative and end-of-life care.
Office Manager
Origins Foster Care
2019 - 2021
- Implemented a cloud-based database system to improve data management.
- Maintained records in line with national standards and HIQA requirements.
- Liaised with external organisations including Tusla, Garda Vetting Bureau and independent social workers.
Training and Development Co-ordinator
CareVisions Fostering
2015 - 2019
- Delivered training to foster carers and identified learning needs to support placements.
- Supported foster families, children in care and fostering link workers.
- Facilitated communication between foster carers, social workers and fostering staff.
Education
MSc - Interactive Digital Media
Griffith College Dublin
10-2023
Postgraduate Certificate (Level 9) - Arts in Healthcare Settings
NUI Maynooth
Maynooth01-2011
BA (Hons) - Visual Arts Practice
IADT Dunlaoghaire
Dublin09-2009
Skills
- Development of eLearning
- Learning management systems
- Programme evaluation
- Data management
- Community engagement
- Resource development
Earlier Experience
QQI Tutor / Facilitator - Art and Photography, 2009 – 2015, (KWETB)
Arts Programme Coordinator / Facilitator, 2009-2011, Adult Refugee Programme, (DDLETB)
- Delivered community arts programmes and QQI-accredited modules for adult learners across Ireland, including Irish Wheelchair Association, Homeless Services and Family Resource Centres.
Administrator, 2014, Camphill Communities Dunshane, Co.Kildare
- Provided Administrative support to organisations providing residential care for people with intellectual disabilities.
Presentations And Poster Abstracts
- Speaker, Galway Hospice Conference, Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow, 2025
- Presenter (Webinar) GP Practice Nurses, Palliative Care is Everyone’s Business- Updates for GP Nurses, 2025
- Co-author, Poster Presentation, ‘Supporting people and professionals with end-of-life care and dying at home through collaboration, training and information’, 17th Kaleidoscope International Palliative Care Conference 2025.
- Co-author, Poster Presentation, 'Dying Well at Home Programme: Developing through Partnership', 3rd HSE National Public and Patient Partnership Conference, 2025
Professional Development
- Quality Coach Development Programme (HSE Quality and Patient Safety)
- Helpline Support Training, Levels 1 and 2
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Families (Train the Trainer)
- Children First/ Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
- QQI Level 5 Community Arts Practice and Context
Timeline
Support Officer (Dying Well at Home Programme)
Irish Hospice Foundation
01.2024 - Current
Office Manager
Origins Foster Care
2019 - 2021
Training and Development Co-ordinator
CareVisions Fostering
2015 - 2019
MSc - Interactive Digital Media
Griffith College Dublin
Postgraduate Certificate (Level 9) - Arts in Healthcare Settings
NUI Maynooth
BA (Hons) - Visual Arts Practice
IADT Dunlaoghaire