Sharon Deevy Buckley
Dubai
Summary
Experienced Special Needs Assistant (SNA or LSA) with over 20 years’ experience supporting people with autism, ADHD and diverse learning needs within inclusive settings. Skilled in implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), applying positive behaviour and low-arousal strategies, and supporting with classroom instruction. Committed to safeguarding, student wellbeing, whilst also empowering and promoting independence through collaborative work with teachers, therapists, and families in school environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Trainer & Care Assistant
SOS
Kilkenny, Ireland
01.2000 - 07.2025
- Assisted individuals with disabilities in training and community settings. Supported life skills development for neurodiverse individuals, including those on the autistic spectrum, with ADHD, complex behaviors, and physical disabilities. Aided individuals in reaching personal goals.
- Developed and executed individual person-centred training plans (ITPs) to enhance participant engagement.
- Supporting people with personal care plans and daily living activities.
- Administering medication,safeguarding and supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing, whilst collaborating with medical staff.
- Maintaining documentation & reports.
- Liaised with staff, families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure best practices and outcomes.
- Supporting communication using alternative methods, and ensuring safeguarding and health & safety compliance.
- Providing compassionate care, enhancing students'/clients' quality of life daily.
- Developing personalised training programs, working with students needs and abilities.
- Monitoring progress, ensuring students achieve their personalised goals effectively and on time.
- Empowering students to become independent and confident.
- Implementing engaging activities, fostering a positive and motivating environment.
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals for a holistic student support.
- Trained in CPR and first aid, ensuring safety of individuals.
- Utilized strong communication skills to build trust and rapport with students.
- Adapting training & care plans to meet individual needs, enhancing students learning experiences.
- Created instructional materials and resources to support various learning styles and improve accessibility of information.
Classroom Assistant
VTOS College, Kilkenny, Ireland
Kilkenny, Ireland
09.2016 - 12.2019
- Assisted adult learners with additional needs in completing coursework. Supported classroom preparation activities. Promoted inclusive learning practices and helped develop communication and organizational skills.
- Facilitated teachers in executing dynamic lessons and interactive activities.
- Facilitated enhanced student learning by providing personalized support and guidance.
- Cultivated an inclusive and supportive classroom atmosphere for diverse student needs.
- Facilitated classroom behavior management and fostered a culture of respect.
- Devised and executed strategies to enhance student participation.
- Partnered with educators to design customized learning plans that address diverse student needs.
- Oversaw student progress and delivered targeted feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
- Streamlined organization of educational materials to enhance lesson delivery.
- Fostered teamwork and collaboration among students to enhance learning outcomes.
Trainer – Beauty Therapy
Pamela Stevens Beauty School, London
London
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Facilitated delivery of NVQ-accredited programs. Managed student records efficiently. Maintained course standards consistently.
- Nurtured a positive learning environment to enhance student confidence.
- Delivered personalized feedback to enhance student performance and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops to enhance practical skills development.
Skincare Trainer
Science Skincare Plc, London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Delivered national skincare training to professionals.
- Trained staff on skincare techniques, elevating team performance.
- Developed engaging workshops that increased product sales.
Part-Time Tutor – Aromatherapy
Bedford College
UK
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Facilitated delivery of theoretical and practical evening courses.
- Designed and delivered customized aromatherapy sessions tailored to individual student needs.
- Facilitated personalized sessions to enhance student well-being.
- Instructed students on the advantages of aromatherapy techniques.
- Executed hands-on demonstrations to enhance learning retention.
Specialised Beauty Therapist
Guerlain Ltd, London, London
London
03.1996 - 12.1997
- Oversaw the daily salon operations, providing specialised treatments and supporting client needs.
- Fostered robust client relationships to enhance loyalty and drive repeat business.
- Executed personalized beauty consultations to elevate client satisfaction.
- Cultivated extensive product knowledge to provide tailored solution recommendations.
- Advocated for client education on effective skincare routines and product selection.
- Cultivated strong client relationships, resulting in consistent positive feedback and referrals.
Trainer – Beauty Therapy
Alberto Academy of Hair & Beauty, Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff, Wales
01.1993 - 01.2016
- Assisted both school leavers and adults in completing coursework in the sector.
- Promoted inclusive learning practices and helped develop communication and organisational skills.
- Prepared lessons plans and interactive activities.
- Facilitated enhanced student learning practices by providing personalised support and guidance.
- Cultivated an inclusive and supportive classroom atmosphere for diverse student needs.
- Facilitated classroom behaviour management and fostered a culture of
- Oversaw student progress and delivered targeted feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
- Streamlined organization of educational materials to enhance lesson delivery.
- Fostered teamwork and collaboration among students to enhance learning outcomes.
Education
Teaching English As Language To Foreign Students
TEFL
Online05.2025
SNA Level 6 - Special Needs Assistant
Barrow Training and Consultancy Ltd
Ireland06.2020
SNA Level 5 - Special Needs Assistant
Barrow Training and Consultancy Ltd
Ireland01.2020
Higher Certificate - Advocacy Studies
University Sligo
Ireland06.2006
Internal Verifiers Assessors Award
College of Notth London
London06.1997
Training And Assessors Vocational Award
Alberto Academy
Cardiff, Wales06.1996
Further Education Teaching Certificate - Education
Institute of Further Education
Cardiff, Wales06.1993
NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy & Hairdressing -
Institute of Higher Education
Cardiff, Wales06.1992
Leaving Certificate -
Loreto Secondary School
Kilkenny, Ireland06.1989
Skills
Extensive experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum (ASD), ADHD, and diverse Special Educational Needs (SEN) within classroom settings
Skilled in implementing and monitoring Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and contributing to progress reviews alongside teachers and inclusion teams
Strong understanding of inclusive education frameworks and differentiated learning strategies
Application of positive behaviour support and low-arousal approaches to promote emotional regulation and engagement
Experience supportingTEFL Qualified to support English language learners (ELL) and students
Committed to high standards of safeguarding, child protection, and student wellbeing in line with international school policies
Supporting students’ academic progress, social integration, and independence skills
Effective collaboration with teachers, therapists, parents, and senior leadership teams
Accurate documentation, observation, and contribution to student progress tracking systems
Professional, adaptable, and culturally sensitive in diverse school communities
References
Reference available upon request
Accomplishments
- I was given an award for Job Coach of the year in Ireland. I empowered young people with disabilities to get jobs in schools and other institutions.
Certification
- Online courses
- Children First Tusla, 2025
- Manual Handling and People Handling Theory - HSELand, 2025
- Communicating Effectively through Open Disclosure - HSELand,2025
- Hand Hygiene for HSE- HSELand, 2020
- Putting New Directions into practice - HSELand, 2025
- Occupational First Aid, 2025
- Studio III Low Arousal Behaviour Support, 2025
- Medication, 2018
- Diabetic Training 2025
- Epilepsy Training 2025
- An Introduction to Children First HSELand 2025
- Report Writing
- ECDL Computer Skills, Kilkenny 2000
Timeline
Classroom Assistant
VTOS College, Kilkenny, Ireland
09.2016 - 12.2019
Trainer & Care Assistant
SOS
01.2000 - 07.2025
Trainer – Beauty Therapy
Pamela Stevens Beauty School, London
01.1998 - 01.2000
Skincare Trainer
Science Skincare Plc, London, United Kingdom
01.1997 - 01.1998
Specialised Beauty Therapist
Guerlain Ltd, London, London
03.1996 - 12.1997
Part-Time Tutor – Aromatherapy
Bedford College
01.1996 - 01.1997
Trainer – Beauty Therapy
Alberto Academy of Hair & Beauty, Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales
01.1993 - 01.2016
Teaching English As Language To Foreign Students
TEFL
SNA Level 6 - Special Needs Assistant
Barrow Training and Consultancy Ltd
SNA Level 5 - Special Needs Assistant
Barrow Training and Consultancy Ltd
Higher Certificate - Advocacy Studies
University Sligo
Internal Verifiers Assessors Award
College of Notth London
Training And Assessors Vocational Award
Alberto Academy
Further Education Teaching Certificate - Education
Institute of Further Education
NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy & Hairdressing -
Institute of Higher Education
Leaving Certificate -
Loreto Secondary School