About Aoife

Welcome, I'm Aoife, the founder of Your Joyful Self. I'm a qualified primary school teacher with nearly two decades of classroom experience, a Creative Mindfulness for Kids Practitioner, a mindfulness
teacher-in-training for adults and a Pre School Coach. I’m now blending my love of education with my passion for emotional wellbeing to support children and families in fun, creative, and meaningful ways.

My journey into mindfulness began with a very personal need, a desire to feel more confident, more grounded, and more myself. Through Your Joyful Self, I’m beginning this journey of helping others discover a sense of calm, confidence, and self-acceptance. Whether it’s during a
five-week school program, a seasonal camp, a one-off workshop or a parent and child class, I bring creativity, compassion, and a deep belief that each of us deserves to feel calm, connected, and joyful, just as we are.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

I bring a wide range of professional experience to this work, along with a genuine love of learning. I qualified as a primary school teacher in 2006 and have worked across many class levels since then. I’ve led lots of camps for children and I currently facilitate multi-activity preschool sessions.

I’m a certified Creative Mindfulness for Kids Practitioner, trained under Louise Shanagher’s programme, a beautiful blend of art, breathwork, storytelling, and emotional awareness. I'm also studying to become a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher for adults.

Over the years, I’ve completed many CPD courses (as all teachers do!) always gravitating towards topics that deepen emotional wellbeing, creativity, and resilience. I’m continually expanding my learning so I can offer safe, joyful, and supportive experiences to the children and communities I work with.

Certified Practitioner

Contact Me Or Make A Booking

A Peek Behind the Scenes

I live in Killorglin, Co. Kerry with my husband and two wonderful children. Most days are a juggle of motherhood, creative work, and professional commitments. This is a rhythm that keeps me learning and growing.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me enjoying life’s simple pleasures: beach walks, reading, being in the garden, weight training and sipping my favourite coffee. I adore colourful earrings, and like experimenting in the kitchen (with varying levels of success!). I love having a browse in charity shops and finding a bargain too!

I love music and singing. I'd like to improve my fiddle playing skills and maybe even join a choir one day if I can fit it in! Bright colours bring me joy. I made a conscious decision to leave behind dark clothes a few years ago, and I haven’t looked back. We recently got a puppy and he is keeping me very busy!

I enjoy exploring new palces, going on day trips with my family and travelling abroad when possible. I’m always curious and like learning, especially when it comes to the brain, holistic health, wellbeing, and how we can live more joyful lives. I recently tried kayaking and it was a real step outside my comfort zone!

The name Your Joyful Self means a lot to me. It’s not about being happy all the time, it’s about accepting yourself, knowing that you’re enough, and feeling brave enough to live from that place. My favourite quote (and lifelong reminder) is by Oscar Wilde:

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

My Journey

For as long as I can remember, I was self-conscious, and uncomfortable in social situations. As I got older, that inner unease grew into social anxiety that shaped many aspects of my life. I doubted myself, avoided being seen, and carried a belief that I wasn't quite good enough. Eventually, something shifted. Slowly and gently, I began to explore mindfulness and self compassion.

I started journaling, meditating, and learning about how our brains work. It felt like coming home to myself. I realised that I could live in a more connected and joyful way and that I could step outside my comfort zone. Your Joyful Self was born from that place, not from perfection, but from real lived experience. Like everyone, I have my ups and downs. Mindfulness continues to support me in navigating the waves of daily life.

I know how hard it can be to believe in yourself, especially when your inner critic is loud. I also know that it’s possible to feel differently. I don’t promise instant calm or constant happiness, but I offer honest tools and a heartfelt approach to help others, especially children, believe in themselves and feel more at ease in who they are. My aim is to help people "step into" their joyful selves.

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