UMAAP

MEET THE TEAM

The UMAAP team is passionate and dedicated to provide the best platform, resources and knowledge around ADHD acceptance, management and understanding for ADHD Adults.

Aisling Leonard-Curtin

Hello, I’m Aisling Leonard-Curtin, the senior psychologist at UMAAP. 

 As a multi-neurodivergent individual (dyspraxic, dysgraphic, and ADHDer), I am deeply committed to supporting others like myself. My late identification as an ADHDer in my thirties has fuelled my dedication to helping neurodivergent individuals better understand and support themselves. I have been in my role as Senior Psychologist with ADHD Ireland since April 2022, and I continue to strive to create an environment where everyone feels understood and are given the tools and resources they need to better understand and manage their ADHD in an attuned way.  

 People who have attended group sessions with me often express appreciation for my authentic and compassionate approach. I make it a priority to simplify complex concepts, ensuring they are easy to understand and apply in daily life. I won’t ask you to do or reflect on anything that I wouldn’t be open to doing or reflecting on myself.   

 Outside of my UMAAP work, I cherish time with my multi-neurodivergent wife and our furry babies.  I have a lifelong love of learning and enjoy opportunities to travel and attend conferences and workshops worldwide, expanding my knowledge of psychology, ADHD, and various spiritual and creative practices.  I love being in nature surrounded by trees and/or water.   

 In my professional and personal life there is a powerful quote by Pema Chödrön that I connect with “The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.” This quote encapsulates the essence of what I want to bring to my work at UMAAP – fostering the courage to see our ADHD-related differences for what they are with kindness and understanding rather than misinterpreting these differences as character flaws. 

 I’m excited about the upcoming UMAAP rollouts and the UMAAP-specific support groups, which have been a highlight of the programme, providing a space for individuals to be their authentic selves not needing to mask their ADHD. I look forward to connecting with you or your loved ones through UMAAP and its supportive community. 

Fiona O’Donnell.  

Hello, my name is Fiona O’Donnell.  

My role at UMAAP is UMAAP facilitator.  That means that I work with the assistant psychologist and we run the six 1.5 hour sessions involving the use of our slide deck, discussions in the chat, and a 15 minute Q&A at the end. The thing I most enjoy about my job is meeting so many amazing people and building our UMAAP community. I love getting the chance to share our experiences. 

Outside of UMAAP, I like to have a sea dip on a Thursday with my friends. I love nature, the mountains, and dancing. Connecting with friends is also really important to me. I love dance music and find the beat really supportive for concentration. I’m a big fan of nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and vegetables. I love learning new things and like to approach life with curiosity. Nature, connection, and authentic people inspire me. My values are around connection and acceptance. I have done a lot of travelling- I loved Mexico, Japan, China, and Africa.  

 A favourite guiding quote of mine is from Thich Nhat Hanh. He says ‘the greatest gift we can offer someone is the gift of presence’. I really believe in that and I think it’s really important to remember.  Sometimes a listening ear can be the greatest gift we can offer somebody. The best piece of advice I have ever received was to remember that I am doing the best I can and to bring a little bit of compassion to myself in difficult moments.   I’m absolutely delighted to be part of UMAAP and really looking forward to meeting all of you and continuing to build this community which I think is very special.  

Jenny Fennessy

Hello! I am Jenny one of the assistant psychologists supporting UMAAP. 

My role involves supporting the facilitators and the participants of UMAAP. We aim to make it feel as easy and smooth as possible and that each new UMAAPer feels like they are being welcomed into a community. The Assistant Psychologists are usually the first people you hear from at UMAAP as we reach out to welcome you on the course and then support you along the way.  

One of my favourite parts of the role is to watch people grow and learn and share their stories. It is such a privilege to hear the honesty and vulnerability but also to hear how UMAAP changes people’s life. Many people have shared they are more compassionate towards themselves and others and have more self-acceptance along with feeling seen and understood. That is so special to be a part of. 

Outside of UMAAP I spend time with my family, being outside in nature and travelling. However, I love a good book and just being completely cosy at home too. 

 Really looking forward to meeting more people on the UMAAP Journey and connecting with those who have completed UMAAP in the UMAAP-specific support groups.  

Hannah Rudden

Hi! I’m Hannah. I am an assistant psychologist with UMAAP.  

My role involves supporting the UMAAP facilitators, Aisling and Fiona, in the delivery of the six-week programme and the UMAAP-specific support groups and supporting UMAAPers during the programme. During each session, I monitor the chat and share the key themes with the group. 

My favourite thing about my job is meeting all the wonderful people that participate in our programme. By the end of each six-week programme, I am always in awe of the compassion, openness, and authenticity within the groups.  Outside of UMAAP, you will find me spending time with my friends, curled up with a good book and a cup of tea, or walking on the beach with my dog, Ozzy.   

I am really excited for our upcoming UMAAP rollouts and looking forward to meeting all of you!