Kathryn completed her MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) in 2010. Following this she received her Board Certification as a Behaviour Analyst from the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) in 2011. Kathryn also holds a psychology degree from NUIG (BA International; H.Dip Psych). Prior to joining the School of Inclusive and Special Education, Kathryn worked as an Educational Director in special schools, working collaboratively in the development of appropriate educational and behaviour support plans for autistic learners with co occurring needs. Teaching and research interests include teacher professional development, assessment and evidence informed practice in autism classes and special schools. Kathryn  currently coordinates the Department of Education funded Induction course for teachers of learners with a severe to profound intellectual disability in the School of Inclusive and Special Education. Kathryn is also a PhD candidate at the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs ( DISN) at the University of Birmingham under the supervision Professor Karen Guldberg exploring the professional learning needs of teachers educating autistic learners with a co occurring intellectual disability.