Sara Kelleher

Biography

Sara Kelleher is a Lecturer in Social Work at University College Cork and has been with the School of Applied Social Studies since 2021. She also serves as a Year One Co-Coordinator for the Master of Social Work Programme. Prior to coming to UCC, Sara was employed as a clinical mental health social worker in the United States for fifteen years. She worked with diverse groups in a broad range of settings including hospitals, clinics, employee and student assistance programmes, and state government, participating in innovative programmes such as dual diagnosis pain management, pre-hospice intervention, and women's trauma treatment in addiction recovery. Sara has trained in patient safety and engaged in communication improvement projects around technology in healthcare and government. Currently, she is a doctoral student at UCC researching the menopause transition, and was previously awarded a CACSSS Excellence Scholarship. Sara also serves on a CORU panel and is a contributor to ADHD Ireland.

Research Interests

Interprofessional learning and education, innovations in social work education (including simulation), mental health, healthcare, patient safety, women’s health, and menopause.

Teaching Activities

Social work theory, direct social work practice skills, fieldwork education and supporting practice teachers, tutors, and students on social work placement.