Our Team
Bernadine Smith
Bernadine Smith is the Founder and Executive Director of Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training. With over 30 years of experience supporting children, families, and communities, she is a respected leader in early childhood education, inclusive practice, and neuroaffirmative Autism support.
A graduate in Early Childhood Education, Bernadine is the proprietor of Small World Preschool and Afterschool Care, where she has developed inclusive, play-based learning environments centred on dignity, autonomy, and meaningful participation. She is also the founder of Little Butterflies Arch Club, a voluntary community organisation providing neuroaffirmative support to Autistic children and their families.
Through Flourish, Bernadine leads the organisation's vision of delivering evidence-informed, relationship-based training, consultancy, and support that strengthens inclusive practice across education, community, and professional settings. Her work is grounded in the belief that every Autistic person deserves to be understood, valued, and supported to flourish.
Founder & Executive Director
Amanda McGuinness
Director of Autism Advocacy & Professional Practice
Amanda McGuinness is the Director of Autism Advocacy and Professional Practice at Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training. An Autistic advocate and founder of Little Puddins, Amanda is recognised for her work advancing neuroaffirmative practice across education, healthcare, and community settings.
A Law graduate currently completing a Master's in Childhood Speech, Language and Communication Needs at the University of Galway, Amanda serves on the Programme Board for the undergraduate Speech and Language Therapy degree. She has held senior leadership roles within the Autism sector, including Board Member and Prepare Me AsIAm Manager at AsIAm, Ireland's national Autism charity, where she led the development of national resources, professional learning, and strategic initiatives.
Through Flourish, Amanda supports professionals and organisations to build inclusive, evidence-informed practice that strengthens understanding, participation, and outcomes for Autistic people and their families.
Head of Community Support Services
Ger Kenny
Ger Kenny is an Autism advocate and family support practitioner at Head of Community Support at Flourish. With over 20 years of experience supporting Autistic children, young people, and their families, Ger is recognised for developing practical, community-based supports grounded in neuroaffirmative practice.
Ger is the co-founder of Little Seeds Arch Club and founder of PLAN (Parent Led Autism Network), where she has worked alongside families to strengthen advocacy, connection, and access to meaningful support. She has also partnered with TUSLA and has supported parent-led groups across Ireland to establish local Autism networks that amplify family voice and community leadership.
Through Flourish, Ger brings extensive lived and professional experience to her work with families, educators, and community organisations, helping to build inclusive, relationship-based environments where Autistic individuals and those who support them can flourish.
Trusted By Educators, Organisations and Community Partners Across Ireland
Karen Dardis
Head of Neurodivergent Early Years Practice
Karen Dardis is the Head of Early Years Practice at Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training. With a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education and seven years' experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families, Karen is recognised for her commitment to relationship-based, neuroaffirmative practice within early childhood settings.
Throughout her career, Karen has worked closely with children, families, educators, and multidisciplinary professionals to promote inclusive learning environments that value each child's strengths, individuality, and participation. Her practice is informed by contemporary evidence, collaborative partnerships, and a strong belief in building the confidence and capacity of those supporting young neurodivergent children.
Through Flourish, Karen works alongside Amanda McGuinness to develop and deliver professional learning, consultancy, and practical guidance that supports early years professionals to embed inclusive, evidence-informed practice that enables children and families to flourish.
Ella Brereton
Neurodivergent Early Years Practice Manager
Ella Brereton is the Neurodivergent Early Years Practice Manager at Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training. With a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education and over three years' experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families, Ella is committed to promoting neuroaffirmative, relationship-based practice across early childhood settings.
Throughout her career, Ella has worked alongside children, families, educators, and multidisciplinary professionals to foster inclusive learning environments that recognise each child's individual strengths, interests, and ways of engaging with the world. Her practice is guided by contemporary evidence, collaborative partnerships, and a strong commitment to supporting meaningful participation and positive outcomes for neurodivergent children.
Through Flourish, Ella works alongside Amanda McGuinness and Karen Dardis to develop and deliver professional learning, consultancy, and practical guidance that empowers early years professionals to build inclusive, evidence-informed practice that enables children and families to flourish.
Christine O’ Brien Gleeson
Christine O'Brien Gleeson is the Community Support Officer at Flourish Autism Consultancy and Training. With over 20 years of experience in Autism advocacy, education, and community support, Christine is recognised for her commitment to neuroaffirmative, rights-based practice informed by both professional expertise and lived experience.
As a neurodivergent adult and parent within a multi-neurodivergent family, Christine brings a unique perspective to her work supporting Autistic individuals, families, educators, and communities. She has extensive experience facilitating parent support groups, advocating alongside families, and creating relationship-based environments that promote autonomy, belonging, meaningful participation, and community inclusion.
Through Flourish, Christine plays a key role in strengthening family and community support, contributing to the development of accessible, evidence-informed resources and initiatives that empower Autistic people and those who support them. Her work is grounded in social justice, collaboration, and the belief that inclusive environments are created by adapting systems to meet the needs of people, rather than expecting people to adapt to systems.
Community Support Officer
Contact us
We’re here to support, collaborate, and connect.
Whether you are a parent, educator, professional, or organisation seeking support, training, or collaboration, we welcome your enquiry.
Our team will respond as promptly as possible to ensure you feel informed, supported, and connected to the right support and services.
Please use the contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.