Dr Catherine Kelly Mason is a lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Healthcare in South East Technological University, Waterford campus. She is the course leader for the Certificate in Personal Development which is a Higher Education programme for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. Her work history charts a 30-year career as a Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability and as such she has worked in front, middle and senior management positions in a number of community and voluntary intellectual disability organisations. Formerly the deputy CEO of Walk, Catherine has been instrumental in developing a number of award winning, groundbreaking programmes which provide equal pathways for people with intellectual disability into training, education and employment within the public, civil and private sector. She is motivated and driven by an equality and human rights agenda.

Dr Sara Kennedy is Head of Department of Nursing and Health Care. Sara pioneered the Certificate in Personal Development, a groundbreaking third level Higher Education programme designed for students with intellectual disabilities. The initiative was her visionary idea, designed to create inclusive educational opportunities for prospective students whom, are marginalized, or face systemic barriers to accessing quality education.

Sara's research background is in student empowerment and socialisation in clinical environment. Sara has also an interest in leadership and management and provision of care to marginalised groups.

Sara is a General and Children's nurse with many years clinical experience in children's nursing. During her time as a lecturer Sara has developed several programmes in Management and Leadership, Summer School Programmes and an International MSc. Sara collaborates with a variety of international partners on research and education both in Europe and America.