About Me
Lecturer, Contributor & Public Speaker
My Story
Dr Mary O’Kane is a Lecturer in Psychology, Early Childhood Studies and Education.
Mary started working in the media in 2015 with a Monthly Parenting Slot on the Anton Savage Show on Today FM. She continued working with Anton and his team for two years answering parent queries and giving advice on how to support children’s social and emotional development. She continues to work with Today FM, now on the Alison Curtis Weekend Morning show.
Mary is also a regular contributor on Ireland AM discussing a broad range of parenting and childhood issues while responding to viewers parenting queries.
More About Me
Mary gives public talks on a range of topics related to child wellbeing, parenting, and education. She is passionate about translating research-based information into practical advice, and sharing it with her students, parents and educators.
Qualifications
Mary originally studied for her Honours Degree in Psychology then specialised in the area of early childhood while undertaking her MPhil and Doctorate at Dublin Institute of Technology. She also has a Postgraduate teaching qualification.
Mary lectures in Psychology, Early Childhood Studies and Education with the Open University, and taught for many years on the BA in Early Childhood – Teaching and Learning in Maynooth University. She is a Guest Lecturer on the Dublin Institute of Technology MA in Child, Family and Community Studies. She also worked as the External Examiner for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Mary lectures in the areas of Child Development; Play and Creativity, Exploring Children’s Lives and Learning; Childhood Studies and Child Psychology; Children’s Wellbeing; Educational Transitions; Professional Practice in the Early Years; Educational Theory; Working with Families and Communities; and Communication Studies. She has taught at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels.
Highlights
Mary has held various research positions, working with children and families; preschools and primary schools; and community organisations. Her research interests include childhood transitions; self esteem and wellbeing, and the value of play.