Our Team
Meet Our Principal & Deputy Principal
Jonathan Browner, Principal
Jonathan is the first principal of Goatstown Educate Together Secondary School. His vision is of a school which provides outstanding teaching in a learner-centred and equality-based environment; a school where students can engage with a broad curriculum as well as a wide range of sporting and cultural extra- curricular activities in an atmosphere where kindness, effort and creativity are celebrated.
Jonathan comes to us from North Wicklow ETSS where he was principal since the school opened in 2016. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the school has grown from a student body of 34 to a diverse community of nearly 400 students, teachers and other staff in just four years.
Previously Jonathan taught Music, History, CSPE and SPHE at Sandford Park School, Ranelagh for 24 years. He was Transition Year Coordinator, School Self Evaluation (SSE) Coordinator, yearbook editor, form teacher, musical director and conductor of many award–winning choirs and music ensembles, amongst other roles at Sandford.
Jonathan also lectured in teacher training at Trinity College Dublin and at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for nearly a decade. He taught at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama and was an external examiner for a number of years there. Jonathan remains an accomplished conductor and accompanist.
Jonathan has also collaborated with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) and has worked with the State Examinations Commission (SEC). He holds a Bachelor in Music education degree from Trinity College Dublin (1992), a variety of performance and teaching diplomas from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London and Trinity College London. He also achieved a First-Class Honours Master’s Degree in Education from Trinity College Dublin (2002). He has continued to engage in a myriad of training opportunities and professional development provided by Educate Together, the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), the Centre for School Leadership (CSL) and the Joint Managerial Body (JMB).
Matthew Quinn, Deputy Principal, Music, Artistic Performance
Matthew has taught Music at Primary, Post-Primary and Third level across a variety of educational settings. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Matthew graduated with first class honours and received a commendation for his final teaching placement on the B.Mus.Ed. degree. Matthew also holds a Master’s Degree in Education (2011) and a Post Graduate Certificate in school leadership (2020). A keen guitarist, Matthew was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in music performance from the Royal Scottish Conservatoire (2007).
Speaking on his appointment at Goatstown, Matthew said...“I am delighted and privileged to take up the post of Deputy Principal at Goatstown Educate Together Secondary School. I want to play my part in creating a school where everyone can experience academic success in whatever shape or form that may take for the individual; a school where everyone is valued and respected, and most importantly a school that offers opportunities for all learners to discover and explore their interests - as I was lucky enough to do with music during my school years.”
Email: mquinn@goatstownetss.ie
Meet Our Teachers
Caolan Beehan, Assistant Principal I, Third Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Music, Artistic Performance & P.E.
A Graduate of University College Dublin, Caolan received a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours, later completing a Professional Masters of Education from Trinity College Dublin. He joined Goatstown ETSS in 2023 from his previous school where he was Head of Music for six years, as well as an Assistant Principal responsible for First and Transition Year students. He has previously worked as a practical examiner for the State Examinations Commission as well as with the NCCA and JCT regarding the new Junior Cycle.
He is very passionate about Music and Education and strongly believes in allowing every student the opportunity to engage in musical activities regardless of their previous musical experiences.
Outside of the classroom he is highly involved with Dublin GAA, playing hurling with his own club but also in his role as a coach with the Dublin Development Squads.
Email: cbeehan@goatstownetss.ie
Marie Taylor, First Year Coordinator & Teacher of Science, Biology & Chemistry
Marie completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with French at Queen’s University Belfast and obtained her PGCE from King’s College London. Marie has taught in inner city London schools, Dublin schools and an international school in Kenya. She completed a Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation in Trinity College Dublin and as part of her Masters she spent time researching conservation and education issues in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
Email: mtaylor@goatstownetss.ie
Máire Toomey, Second Year Coordinator, Teacher of Spanish & Learning Support
Following the completion of a BA in Spanish and Sociology at UCD, Máire lived and worked in Spain for several years, where her love for the language, the culture and all things Spanish flourished.
She worked in financial services here in Ireland for eight years and was then self-employed as the owner and manager of a children’s fitness and nutrition franchise. More recently, she worked as a Programme Manager with a global development agency, managing volunteer programmes to the Caribbean and Africa. Her work in sustainable development played a significant role in developing her passion for working with young people and for her commitment to development education.
Since then, Máire has completed her Professional Masters in Education (PME) from Hibernia College, for which she was awarded First Class Honours. Her work as a teacher is driven by her belief in the empowering capacity of education and her conviction that education can open up the world to students from every walk of life. She is committed to supporting students to reach their full potential and fostering positive relationships.
Outside the classroom, Máire enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is interested in current affairs, loves music, musicals and singing in choirs. She loves to take long walks with her dog, by the sea or in the mountains, and enjoys being outdoors and active.
Email: mtoomey@goatstownetss.ie
Donna Kelly, Third Year Coordinator, Teacher of Science & Maths
Donna graduated from the University of Limerick as a Biology and Agricultural Science teacher. She worked in Our Lady's College Drogheda before joining the staff at Goatstown ETSS. Donna is extremely passionate about her subjects. In the classroom she uses inquiry-based learning and problem solving activities to allow students to work together to explore different scientific concepts.
Outside the classroom, Donna has a huge interest in GAA and both plays and coaches with her home team St. Peter's Ladies in Co.Cork. She enjoys going to the gym, reading and going for walks along the beach.
Email: dkelly@goatstownetss.ie
Lauren O’Murray, Transition Year, Year Coordinator and Teacher of P.E.
Lauren graduated from St Mary’s in Twickenham with a B.A. in Physical Education with First Class Honours. After graduating, she gained two years experience in London, teaching P.E. as an exam subject and stepping into the role of Head of Girls P.E. at Aylward Academy. She returned to Ireland in 2016 to teach in St. Gerard’s, Bray, before settling in Celbridge Community School for the last five years, where the Educate Together ethos inspired her. Here, she introduced Leaving Certificate P.E. to the school while also enjoying the leadership role of Year Head for First Year and Second Years respectively.
Email: lomurray@goatstownetss.ie
Amy Earley, Fifth Year Coordinator, Teacher of English & History
Amy Earley graduated from University College Dublin in 2017 with a Joint Honors Degree in English and History. She then achieved her Professional Masters in Education in 2019. She worked in Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School teaching English, History, Sign Language, Language Development, Ethical Education and English as an Additional Language. She joined the middle management team and was Year Head for four years as well as co ordinating School Self Evaluation.
Amy is very passionate about Restorative Justice and highly encourages her students to engage in reflecting on their learning to ensure that they are achieving the very best that they can.
Outside of school, Amy enjoys travelling, listening to music and attending concerts and reading Thrillers.
Email: aearley@goatstownetss.ie
Bridget Cody, Teacher of English, Guidance and Learning Support
Bridget completed her teacher training at the University of Edinburgh in 2018. She graduated from Maynooth University in 2016 with a master’s degree in Irish Literature and Culture, having previously received her bachelor’s degree from the same university. She is currently completing a Masters in Guidance Counselling in DCU and will graduate from DCU in 2025.
Bridget is a folk musician and songwriter, with a passion for reading, writing and creativity in all its forms. Her teaching is influenced by a desire to allow young people to learn in a creative environment that encourages expression, confidence and freedom of thought.
In her role as Learning Support teacher, Bridget is committed to valuing the individuality of each learner, enabling them to learn in a positive and self-affirming environment.
Email: bcody@goatstownetss.ie
John Toomey, Guidance & Learning Support
John completed his teacher training at the Institute of Education, University London, in 2000. In 2009 he completed a Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs at UCD. He is currently completing a Masters in Guidance Counselling in DCU and will graduate from DCU in 2024.
John has taught EAL for five years at Primary level and been teaching English, Creative Writing, Careers and Learning Support, at Secondary level, since 2006. Since 2009, he was also the ASN Coordinator at his previous school and is now moving into Guidance Counselling.
John is the author of three novels, SLEEPWALKER (2008), HUDDLESTON ROAD (2012) and SLIPPING (2017). SLIPPING won the International Rubery Award for Fiction in 2017. All his novels are published by Dalkey Archive Press. He also had a short story published in Dalkey Archive Press’s BEST EUROPEAN FICTION 2015.
His passion for writing and books has led him to create a range of literary projects that aim to foster in his students a love for writing and telling stories. These initiatives have been student-led and have resulted in the publication of anthologies of student writing, a website dedicated to publishing student writing, a podcast that provides students with opportunities to interview each other and speak about their writing.
John also has a love of sports and has been involved in sports throughout his career. He has been a mentor for soccer teams in school and has also coached and managed teams in the local community. He is a long-suffering fan of Everton FC - the People’s Club! - and makes no bones about it.
Respectful relationships and collaboration are at the core of John’s approach to teaching.
Email: jtoomey@goatstownetss.ie
Caitlin Maher, Third Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Home Economics and Irish
Caitlin teaches Home Economics and Irish in Goatstown ETSS. Caitlin’s teaching journey spans across various educational environments. Caitlin has worked as a written examiner for the new junior cycle examinations. At the core of Caitlin’s teaching is the commitment to inclusivity. She believes every student should have an equal opportunity to learn and grow. Caitlin’s passion for inclusive education led her to explore the inclusion of autistic learners in mainstream home economics classes for her master’s dissertation. Her research insights continue to inform her classroom practices. Caitlin has cultivated her love for the Irish language through immersion experiences in the Gaeltacht, making her a dedicated advocate for promoting Irish culture and language.
Caitlin enjoys listening to music, crocheting, and rock climbing in her free time.
Email: cmaher@goatstownetss.ie
Ronan Reddy, Transition Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Geography & English
Ronan graduated from University College Dublin with his Professional Masters of Education in Geography and English. He has a passion for sustainability and climate action, which is a huge part of Geography. In the classroom, he uses methodologies that allow students to collaborate and lead activities to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Outside of the classroom, Ronan enjoys reading, being active and sea swimming.
Email: rreddy@goatstownetss.ie
Dwayne McCaffrey, First Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Mathematics & Physics
Dwayne has completed an undergraduate degree from University College Dublin, where he studied Electronic & Electrical Engineering. He has a Professional Masters of Education degree from Dublin City University, where he specialised in teaching Mathematics and Physics.
Dwayne has spent the previous years working as a Maths and Physics teacher in Dublin. He is a believer in an inquiry-based approach to learning and encourages curiosity in the classroom. Dwayne is passionate about using Mathematics to understand the world around us, and inspiring students to see the beauty and elegance of mathematics in the real world.
Dwayne has years of experience working with young people as a Trampoline & Gymnastics Coach. He is a member of the Irish National Trampoline Team as Technical Committee Member, and as an International Brevet Judge for Ireland. As well as Trampoline, he is passionate about all sports, in particular Gaelic Football, Hurling, and Climbing.
Email: dmccaffrey@goatstownetss.ie
Joshua McLoughlin, Fifth Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Mathematics & Physics
Joshua completed a Masters degree in Mathematics and Science Education in UCD. His passion for the formal and natural sciences began at a young age, and he has been either learning about or teaching the subjects ever since. He believes that a positive learning environment is key to a successful classroom.
Beyond the classroom, Joshua is interested in sports, films, art, and music. Specifically, he enjoys the mathematical nature of both sport and music theory as it is a combination of some of his favourite things: Mathematics and Leisure.
Email: jmcloughlin@goatstownetss.ie
Emma Lynch, First Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Irish & English
Emma completed her BA in Gaeilge and English in St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra in 2012 and continued on to complete her Professional Masters in Education in 2017 in DCU.
Emma is extremely passionate about the Irish Language and is a Bainisteoir for Coláiste na bhFiann Gaeltacht courses. She has also worked around the country running Irish Youth Clubs with Cumann na bhFiann.
Emma spent three years working in Dubai as a Vice Principal in an International School where she furthered her love for school leadership, on returning to Ireland in 2020 she completed her Professional Diploma in School Leadership in University Limerick.
Emma continuously works for State Examinations Commission as a Leaving Cert Oral examiner and as a corrector of the Higher Level Leaving Cert Irish papers. This has given her an in depth insight into the the Leaving Cert course requirements.
Her approach to teaching is centred on her relationships with students which is very pastoral focused. She endeavours to pass the love she has for her subjects to her students and cultivate an engaging and enjoyable learning experience.
In her spare time, Emma is an avid reader and full time dog mom to her Cavapoo Alfie.
Email: elynch@goatstownetss.ie
Ailbhe Ryle, Second Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Irish
Ailbhe completed her BA in Education, Gaeilge and Religious Studies in Mary Immaculate College. Having spent multiple summers in the Gaeltacht, Ailbhe developed a “grá” for the Irish language and culture, and she is very passionate about promoting both.
Her approach to teaching is centred on fostering an atmosphere of learning and excitement through the use of active learning methodologies. She believes that building strong relationships with each of her students with her methodologies will inspire them to reach their full potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Outside of the classroom, Ailbhe likes to spend time with her family and friends, walk her dogs, swim at the beach, and play classical and traditional music.
Email: aryle@goatstownetss.ie
Rebecca Dupuy, Second Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of English & History
Rebecca graduated from UCD in 2016 with a degree in English and History. She then went on to complete her Professional Masters in Education in 2018, securing a job in Hansfield ETSS the same year. Her time in Hansfield was spent teaching English, History, Ethics, CSPE, Artistic Performance, Junk Kouture, Fashion Design and Upcycling.
Rebecca has been a voracious reader since youth and often has several books on the go at once. She is a huge fan of post-WWI British and American literature, with her favourite author from that era being F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Outside of the classroom, Rebecca spends her time painting murals, writing poetry and studying textile fashion from the 1930s - 1960s. This keen interest in the fashions of yesteryear is evident in Rebecca's own appearance, as she likes to dress in a retro manner. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Email: rdupuy@goatstownetss.ie
Conor Nolan, Third Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Business Studies & Maths
Conor graduated from University College Dublin in 2020 with a degree in International Commerce and Chinese. He went on to immediately complete a Master in International Relations in UCD, prior to working in political/business consultancy and later completing his Professional Master in Education in Maynooth University.
Conor is very passionate about teaching. At the centre of his practice is building positive relationships, creating a student-centred, inclusive and safe learning environment, and helping his students achieve their full potential as active participants in their learning. Conor firmly believes in the value of active citizenship and the cultivation of empathy for others.
Outside of the classroom, Conor is passionate about sports, in particular football and basketball. He also loves creative arts, such as film, music, languages, and creative writing. As part of his education, Conor had the opportunity to live and study in China. This developed in him a great appreciation for other cultures and a desire to explore, value, and share cultural experiences. This led to Conor working alongside people he had met in China to grow a European non-profit organisation aimed at researching EU-China relations. Conor served as Deputy Secretary General of this organisation for 2 years.
Email: cnolan@goatstownetss.ie
Eddie McGinn, Transition Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Spanish, CSPE, Ethical Education and Learning Support
Eddie is a teacher of Spanish, CSPE and Ethical Education. He graduated with a Joint Arts degree in Spanish & Sociology and a Professional Master in Education from UCD. He has a passionate interest in Hispanic popular culture and art, having lived and studied in South America. He likes to incorporate culture into lessons and uses task based learning as a way to motivate students.
In his spare time, he is an active musician and music facilitator in the National Concert Hall. He enjoys travelling, reading, and participating in language exchanges with Spanish speakers.
Email: emcginn@goatstownetss.ie
Kate Warner, Teacher of Visual Art and other subjects
Kate graduated from NCAD in Fine Art & History of Art, and later completed an MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art in London. A practising artist as well as a teacher, she has considerable experience of making and exhibiting her own work. She is an advocate for the importance of art in education and enabling a lifelong connection with the visual arts. After working in galleries and museums, she trained as a teacher at UCL Institute of Education and has taught for five years at Camden School for Girls in London.
Email: kwarner@goatstownetss.ie
Dan Aylmer, Teacher of Applied Technology, Graphics and Coding
Dan graduated from the University of Limerick and has since been teaching the Technology subjects including Wood Technology, Applied Technology and Graphics. Dan joins Goatstown ETSS from Kishoge Community College where the Educate Together ethos shaped the lessons. Focus is put onto sparking interest in areas that students might not have thought of before. The classroom environment is a priority ensuring everyone feels welcome and equally challenged.
Dan’s personal interests include robotics, making different projects and sports especially GAA and tag rugby.
Email: daylmer@goatstownetss.ie
Gillian McKeown, Teacher of Applied Technology & Graphics
Gillian graduated from The University of South Wales as a teacher of Design and Technology in 2013. She spent a year teaching in England before returning back to Wales where she taught At Lliswerry High School in Newport for 9 years. During her time in Newport she taught Resistant Materials, Product Design and Textile Technology. Gillian returned home to Ireland last year with her family and 2 lurchers.
She believes in creating a positive learning environment where students can express their individuality and creativity. She is passionate about sustainability and the importance technology subjects can play in designing for change.
Email:gmckeown@goatstownetss.ie
Noemi Frankish, Second Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of German, Science, Geography & EAL
Email:nfrankish@goatstownetss.ie
Caroline Killen, ASN (Additional Support Needs) Coordinator
Caroline graduated from UCD with a BA in Spanish and French and did her Teacher Training there. She also went on to attain Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Administration, Additional Educational Needs and, most recently, Education Law. Caroline has worked and studied in France, Spain and England. She is a corrector of Spanish for the State Examinations Commission.
Caroline taught Spanish, French and Latin in her previous school where she also carried out the role of ASN Coordinator. She has always imbued her students with a love of the Spanish language, culture and food.
In her current role as ASN Coordinator, she is an advocate for inclusive education and believes that everything stems from respect and kindness. She strives to foster the belief in all students that they can fulfil their true potential and continue to discover new talents.
Outside of teaching, Caroline loves swimming, reading, music, baking and GAA, especially watching her beloved Down!
Email:ckillen@goatstownetss.ie
Zoia Ponomarova, Teacher of Learning Support & EAL
I am a dedicated and passionate Ukrainian teacher with over two decades of teaching experience. I graduated with a Bachelor degree in English and French from Kharkiv University and later pursued a Master degree in the Pedagogy of Higher Education. From 1999 to 2022 I taught in Ukraine, gaining extensive experience in language education. In 2022 I moved to Ireland and have worked as an EAL teacher in a post primary school.
My teaching philosophy centres on the belief that each student is unique and I strive to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active through sports such as badminton, swimming and gym workouts. I also find joy in listening to music and ballroom dancing.
Tina Anteric, Teacher of Learning Support & EAL
Tina graduated from University of Split in Croatia with master’s degree in Education in English and Croatian and taught in several local schools prior to moving to Ireland. She worked as a Croatian Lecturer at TCD, and as an English, Learning Support, SPHE, and Wellbeing teacher in Coláiste Pobail Setanta, Clonee, before joining the staff at Goatstown ETSS. She is currently completing Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics at DCU.
In her teaching Tina is committed to building strong relationships with students and using variety of teaching and learning strategies to create an environment in which every individual succeeds.
Outside of teaching, Tina enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her family and friends.
Email: tanteric@goatstownetss.ie
Yuliia Voloshchuk, Autism Support Class Teacher - Meadow
Yuliia is 13 years teaching and is focused and passionate about guiding children in reaching their goals and finding the fun and personal rewards in learning. 11 of those years were post primary based in Odesa Ukraine and 2 years were in primary schools in Dublin.
Yuliia was awarded her Bachelor Degree (Hons) of Pedagogical Education in 2010 and the following year completed her Masters (First Class Honours) of Pedagogy and Secondary Teaching Methodology. Yuliia continues to expand and refine her knowledge with certificates in EAL, Dyslexia, ADHD and ASC, along with Fostering Growth Mindset and promoting Well-being and Mindfulness in schools.
Yuliia has worked with a variety of children including children with SEN, children displaced by war and dealing with trauma and children with EAL.
Yuliia speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and English (fluent) and Irish (foundational) and has enhanced partnerships with parents along with external specialists/departments by acting as interpreter and translator where required.
Email: yvoloshchuk@goatstownetss.ie
Suzin Staunton, Autism Support Class Teacher - Farmhill
Suzin is a dedicated and caring educator with a passion for inclusive education and for supporting those with additional educational needs. Her vision is to create a classroom that will provide support, compassion and understanding so that students can achieve their educational goals, as well as thrive and grow as individuals. Suzin graduated with Honours from NUI Maynooth with a degree in Biotechnology, she then completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Education in UCD, she has multiple certificates to support teaching children with additional needs and has completed multiple training seminars from the Middletown Centre for Autism.
Suzin has worked as a Biology, Chemistry and Science teacher. She also set up and facilitated a behaviour support program in the past and has recently completed an advanced certificate in Inclusive Education, Disability studies and Special Needs Assisting. She has training in Restorative Practice, REBT, Lámh module 1 and is FAR and Fire Safety and Fire Warden certified.
Email: sstaunton@goatstownetss.ie
Máiréad Kennedy, Teacher of Learning Support
Máiréad graduated from NUIG with a B.A. in English and History and has a postgraduate qualification in Special Education. Mairead has previously worked as ASN Coordinator and teacher of English and History in St. Benildus College, Stillorgan and prior to that, St. Mark’s Community College in Tallaght.
Máireád is currently on secondment to the NCSE.
Meet our Additional Support Needs (ASN) Assistants
Laura Maguire
Laura comes to Goatstown ETSS from a variety of not-for-profit agencies for supporting disadvantaged children and families.
She is a passionate advocate for children with additional needs and has significant training in childcare, and is a qualified ASN Assistant.
Laura Reid
Laura Reid is a qualified Additional Support Needs (ASN) Assistant.
Laura has been working in a school setting for 16 years and found her passion for supporting children in the classroom.
She has completed a QQ16 in Special Needs Assisting amongst other courses in ‘Behavioural and Special Education Needs.’
Jane Eccles
Jane is a qualified ASN Assistant with 18 years’ experience working in school and community-based projects with children with mild to severe additional needs
Abbie Russell
Abbie graduated from UCD with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Politics and a masters degree in International Development with special interest in social justice and sustainable development. As a qualified ASN Abbie has worked with children with additional needs mainly in a sporting environment for the last number of years. With a keen interest in sport herself Abbie believes she can contribute within the classroom and beyond at Goatstown ETSS.
Alison Kelly
Alison has recently returned from Australia and is eager to contribute to our school community. She brings a diverse range of experience and she is deeply committed to supporting the growth and development of the students.
Outside the classroom, Alison enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is interested in music, travelling and hikes.
Meet our School Administrator
Clodagh Keher, School Administrator
Clodagh graduated from Trinity College with a BSc in Business & Information Technology and is a certified Project Manager from the Project Management Institute (PMI). She has worked in the financial services industry for many years managing key strategic IT development projects. She was Treasurer on the Ranelagh Multi-Denominational School Board of Management for 7 years. She has a passion for hurling and loves to be in Croke Park during the summer months!