About Jennie
I grew up in Ballymun, where so much of my personal and early professional life took shape.
I studied Drama and Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin as a BITE (Ballymun Initiative for Third Level Education) Scholar.
As a young Trinity student, I was part of an inquiry into what a new arts centre in Ballymun might become.
We worked from Perry's in Ballymun Shopping Centre, using games, music and conversation to ask my neighbours and friends what they imagined.
I was bringing my skills to life in my own community. Dreaming big. And being paid to do the work.
I later became founding Artistic Director of Roundabout Youth Theatre, a partnership between Axis and BRYR, and directed the production that opened the new Axis theatre.
Those early years shaped how I work. Recognise what's already good. Don't assume all the expertise is sitting around the official table.
Build on what's there, with people. See what becomes possible.
Access and excellence belong together. Who gets to take part matters. So does the quality of what we make.
Thirty years of making good things happen
I've developed programmes, partnerships and new areas of work. Built and led teams of staff, volunteers and interns. Secured funding, managed resources and helped organisations navigate beginnings, growth and change.
I've always been drawn to the places where different worlds meet.
Young people and satellite scientists. Established writers and adults with literacy needs. Artists, educators and youth workers.
Different people bring different knowledge. When they have a hand in shaping the work, the questions change. New possibilities emerge.
I spent twelve years at Sphere 17, working alongside young people and communities. Later, as a founding senior leader at MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland, I established and led its Learning and Community function for seven years.
Today, I'm a trustee of Axis Ballymun.
A nice bit of symmetry.
Why Good Stuff Consultancy
I wanted to bring my experience, judgement and relationships to ambitious work, with people who have the commitment and resources to do it well.
I'm interested in what we can make together. What happens when the work meets real life. How people shape it, make it their own.
And how the good might compound, long after our involvement.
What guides the work
Possibility
Recognise what's already strong. Ask good questions. Stay curious about what's possible.
Reciprocity
Build with people. Respect different kinds of knowledge. Learn together.
Discernment
Welcome complexity. Ask difficult questions. Make thoughtful decisions and take responsibility for delivery.