Meet The Team

  • Ciaran Mc Mahon

    Name: 
    Ciaran Mc Mahon

    Ciaran is one of the Managers and Directors of ULearn.  Prior to entering the EFL industry Ciaran worked in public communications in the Irish senate and also enjoyed a role in the private communications sector.  Ciaran studied History and Politics in UCD and later did a Masters in that same subject.  Ciaran did a second Masters in Public Communications in 2005.

    Experience: 
    6 years in communications industry and 2 years working in EFL.
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    Not a teacher but my working philosophy would be that life takes you at your average and effort is a renewable commodity.
    Likes: 
    All types of sports and still interested in political life here in Ireland
    Dislikes: 
    Cult of celebrity and whatever this weeks fad diet is

  • Patrick Ryan

    Name: 
    Patrick Ryan

    Patrick Ryan

    Patrick has been teaching in ULearn for 2 years.  He has taught in the Asia as well as in several of Dublin's ACELS Recognized schools.  Patrick is a full-time TEFL teacher and teaches with ULearn in the mornings and afternoons also. 

    Experience: 
    5 Years. CELTA qualified EFL teacher.
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    Communication. Communication. Communication.
    Likes: 
    Having a Saturday morning to read a chapter or two with a fresh coffee!
    Dislikes: 
    The way people moan about the weather. Get proper clothes!

  • Paul Gill

    Name: 
    Paul Gill

    Paul's been teaching at ULearn since he returned to Dublin in 09 after nearly 10 years living abroad. After almost six years in Barcelona, he decided to mix it up a bit and in 2006 moved to Japan. He spent three and a half years living on the perimeters of Tokyo before returning to Dublin in September 09 to continue teaching English and to pursue further studies.

    Experience: 
    10 years. CELTA-qualified ESL teacher. Over the years Paul has taught students between the ages of 2 and 80. He has prepared his students for all the Camridge exams as well as for the TOEIC and TOEFL.
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    If a student is serious about wanting to communicate well in English, then my job is to make it as easy as possible for them so that they enjoy the time they spend developing their language skills.
    Likes: 
    Reading, BBC Radio, cycling
    Dislikes: 
    Scruffy clothes, rude people, TV3

  • Barry Lanigan

    Name: 
    Barry Lanigan

    Barry has been teaching at ULearn for one year. He originally comes from Tipperary, which is in the midlands of Ireland. He completed his degree in English and Philosophy at University College Dublin in 2003.  Barry has traveled all around South East Asia and India.

    Experience: 
    4 years CELTA Qualified EFL Teacher.
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    Practice makes perfect. Use what you learn and have fun with the language.
    Likes: 
    Live music/Running/Travelling
    Dislikes: 
    Cycling in the wind.

  • Stephen Porter

    Name: 
    Stephen Porter

    Stephen Porter

    Steve has been involved with English Language instruction for 10 years. He worked in the Far East for three years teaching English before returning to Ireland to continue working in ESL in 2005.

    Experience: 
    10 years. CELTA Qualified EFL teacher.
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    Show students kindness and make sure you always have a Plan B.
    Likes: 
    Guitar / Cinema / Literature
    Dislikes: 
    People who talk about ALL the time. Cliches.

  • Sally Nyhan

    Name: 
    Sally Nyhan

    Sally has recently joined ULearn but has been involved with teaching for a long time in her home country of South Korea. She loves working with students from all over the world and helping them improve their English.

    Experience: 
    10 years teaching in South Korea. Also ran an online business for 2 years.
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    Do the right thing, be the best you can and care for each other.
    Likes: 
    Singing and listening to music as well as travelling – and cats!!
    Dislikes: 
    Careless and thoughtless behaviour.

  • Patricia Henessy

    Name: 
    Patricia Henessy

    Patricia Henessy

    Patricia has been teaching in ULearn for two years. She also works as a therapist and loves classical music. 

    Experience: 
    6 Years. CELTA qualified EFL teacher.
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    Kindness and understanding towards students makes for a happy, successful class.
    Likes: 
    Michael Nyman
    Dislikes: 
    Stress - its a killer

  • Neil S.J. Mc Mahon

    Name: 
    Neil S.J. Mc Mahon

    Neil studied psychology at University College Dublin. He has several years experience working in web development, and has particular interest in open source technologies. Neil worked abroad in Spain for several years teaching in primary and secondary schools in Granada. He enjoys speaking spanish, playing guitar and cycling also.

    Experience: 
    10+ Years in EFL industry and web development
    Teaching Philosophy : 
    Always remember that you are there to help the students
    Likes: 
    Learning something new on the guitar
    Dislikes: 
    Cheesy music