Marlin Academy Childcare
Dun Laoghaire

Marlin Academy Childcare is proudly owned and led by Sabrina Lindsay, a visionary leader whose extensive qualifications and profound dedication to child well-being form the cornerstone of our philosophy. Sabrina's multidisciplinary background provides a unique and holistic approach to early childhood education, ensuring that every aspect of a child's development – emotional, social, cognitive, and physical – is nurtured with expert care. Her commitment extends beyond standard childcare practices, embedding a deep understanding of psychological principles and therapeutic approaches into the very fabric of Marlin Academy.

Sabrina's impressive academic foundation includes a **Degree in Psychology**, providing her with fundamental insights into human behaviour and development from the earliest stages. Building on this, she holds a **Master's in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)** and a **Master's in Psychotherapy and Counselling**. These advanced qualifications enable her to understand and support children's emotional regulation, build resilience, and apply effective strategies for promoting positive mental health in the early years. Further enhancing her direct impact on the childcare setting, Sabrina also possesses a **Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education**, ensuring that the pedagogical practices at Marlin Academy are not only theoretically sound but also practically excellent and aligned with national frameworks like Aistear and Síolta. Her practical qualifications are further strengthened by her certification as a **First Aid Responder (FAR)**, ensuring she is expertly equipped to provide immediate and effective care in any emergency situation, a crucial skill in a childcare environment.

Beyond her academic achievements, Sabrina is a **qualified and registered Play Therapist**, harnessing the power of play as a vital tool for children's expression, healing, and development. This specialisation is invaluable in creating an environment where children feel safe to explore their feelings and experiences. Her expertise is further underscored by specialist training in **Crisis Intervention and Child Protection**, making her acutely attuned to safeguarding best practices and equipped to handle sensitive situations with the utmost care and professionalism. As a **registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist**, Sabrina brings an unparalleled level of therapeutic understanding to Marlin Academy, ensuring that the well-being of every child is approached with empathy, insight, and an unwavering commitment to their healthy development. Her comprehensive background truly makes Marlin Academy a leader in providing nurturing, psychologically informed, and exceptionally safe early years' care in Dún Laoghaire.

Supporting Sabrina Lindsay and ensuring the smooth operation of Marlin Academy Childcare is Oliver O'Connor, our dedicated Executive Assistant. Oliver plays a crucial role behind the scenes, ensuring that the administrative and organisational aspects of our academy run seamlessly. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organisational skills are invaluable in maintaining the high standards of efficiency that allow our educators to focus entirely on what they do best: nurturing and teaching the children in our care.

Oliver's academic background, with a Bachelor's Degree in English with Creative Writing from University College Dublin (UCD), brings a unique perspective to his role. This foundation has honed his excellent communication abilities, precision in language, and capacity for clear, organised thought – all vital assets in managing diverse administrative tasks. Whether it's drafting important communications, preparing reports, or streamlining processes, Oliver's analytical and articulate approach ensures clarity and professionalism in all of Marlin Academy's operations.

Furthermore, Oliver is highly proficient in a range of essential office technologies. He holds an ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) qualification and is expert in all Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. His advanced skills in forming complex spreadsheets are particularly beneficial for managing records, tracking important data, and supporting the academy's operational needs with accuracy and efficiency. Oliver's technological prowess ensures that Marlin Academy's administrative systems are modern, robust, and supportive of our commitment to excellence.

Oliver's quiet dedication and organisational acumen are fundamental to Marlin Academy's daily rhythm. He is an indispensable part of the team, enabling Sabrina Lindsay to focus on her leadership and therapeutic roles, and empowering our educators to create an enriching environment for the children. His commitment to behind-the-scenes excellence directly contributes to the overall smooth running and success of Marlin Academy Childcare

At Marlin Academy Childcare, the warmth, expertise, and dedication of our educators are paramount to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for every child. We are delighted to introduce Tina Thorpe, a highly valued member of our team, whose genuine passion for early years education shines through in her daily interactions. Tina's commitment to fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere ensures that children feel secure, happy, and eager to explore, making her a wonderful asset to our Dún Laoghaire centre.

Tina's professional foundation is built upon a solid Diploma in Childcare, a qualification that equips her with comprehensive knowledge of child development, pedagogical approaches, and best practices in early years' settings. This academic grounding ensures that her interactions with children are informed, purposeful, and aligned with the national curriculum frameworks of Aistear and Síolta. She is skilled in creating enriching learning experiences that cater to diverse developmental stages, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and social interaction among the children in her care.

Beyond her core childcare qualification, Tina holds crucial certifications that underscore her dedication to child safety and well-being. She is qualified as a First Aid Responder (FAR), an advanced qualification that encompasses comprehensive First Aid skills. This means Tina is expertly trained to provide immediate and effective emergency care, a vital skill that brings immense reassurance to both parents and our team. Furthermore, her Manual Handling qualification ensures she applies safe practices in all physical aspects of her role, from assisting children to moving equipment, prioritising safety for both herself and the children. Tina's robust set of qualifications reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and protection at Marlin Academy Childcare

We are incredibly fortunate to have Gillian O'Brien as a dedicated and integral member of the Marlin Academy Childcare team. Gillian brings a vibrant energy and a profound commitment to early childhood development, consistently creating a dynamic and supportive atmosphere for the children in her care. Her natural ability to connect with each child, understanding their individual needs and sparking their enthusiasm for learning, makes her an invaluable presence within our Dún Laoghaire centre.

Gillian's professional expertise is firmly rooted in her Diploma in Childcare, a qualification that provides her with a comprehensive understanding of child psychology, developmental milestones, and effective educational methodologies. This strong academic background empowers her to design and implement engaging activities that stimulate cognitive growth, foster creativity, and enhance social skills, all while aligning with Ireland's national early years' frameworks, Aistear and Síolta. Her thoughtful approach ensures that every child's learning journey is meaningful and tailored to their unique pace.

The safety and well-being of the children are always Gillian's top priority, demonstrated by her critical certifications. She is a qualified First Aid Responder (FAR), signifying her advanced training and competence in providing immediate and comprehensive first aid in any emergency situation. This vital skill set offers immense reassurance to families and colleagues alike. Additionally, Gillian's Manual Handling qualification reflects her dedication to safe practices in all aspects of her role, from facilitating playtime to assisting children, ensuring a secure environment for everyone. Gillian's blend of educational expertise and practical safety qualifications exemplifies the high standards we uphold at Marlin Academy Childcare.

Jancey is an invaluable member of our after-school team, bringing a wonderful blend of care, creativity, and organization to her role. She is currently enhancing her skills and knowledge by undertaking a Diploma in Childcare, demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and the well-being of the children.

As a caring individual, Jancey fosters a nurturing and supportive environment for all the children. She is the main organiser and driving force behind our popular Chess Club, encouraging strategic thinking and friendly competition among the participants.

Her artistic flair and organizational skills shine as one of the leading people responsible for scheduling the weekly arts and crafts activities. Jancey ensures the children always have engaging, diverse, and stimulating creative projects to look forward to.