Georganne Conerney – Showing up for Yourself and a Dedication to Continuous Growth

A Journey Rooted in Family, Rediscovered Through Education 

For much of her adult life, Georganne Conerney, devoted herself to family life while moving internationally for her husband’s work. For 15 years, she embraced the role of stay-at-home mother, adapting to new places and new demands. 

Then, during a brief return to Ireland in 2015, something shifted. 

“After settling back home and starting my role in the preschool in 2020, I quickly realised that the early years sector was where my true passion lay.” 

On her own terms, in a small window of opportunity, she completed a Level 5 Certificate in an area chosen out of interest – an early hint of a path Georganne didn’t yet realise she would later follow. 

But it wasn’t until 2020, when her family moved back home during lockdown, that everything changed. Returning to Ireland brought clarity. A part-time role in a local preschool – taken almost instinctively – became the spark for a whole new direction. 

“The true shift toward a career began when we relocated back home during the lockdown of 2020. That year, I secured my first professional role in a preschool, providing a valuable sessional service. This experience affirmed my passion for the sector, leading me to immediately pursue a Level 6 Advanced Certificate.” 

That passion led her first to Level 6…and then, as her children grew older and her confidence grew with them, she decided it was time to step fully into her own journey. In 2023, she committed to pursuing the Level 7 Degree in Early Years Care and Education with Portobello Institute.

 Choosing the Right Path and the Right Place 

The decision wasn’t taken lightly. Georganne needed a programme that respected her commitments – to family, to work, and to her own pace of learning, which she found in Portobello. 

“After much research, I chose Portobello Institute because it was the only provider that truly balanced the demanding needs of my adult life with the high academic standards I sought.” 

The fully online structure, combined with renowned expertise in Early Years education, meant she could deepen her professional skillset without sacrificing her home life or her role as Preschool Assistant and Afterschool Leader at Sunnyside Preschool and Afterschool Club. 

“The fully online and flexible learning model was essential, allowing me to continue working while gaining my qualification. Most importantly, Portobello is renowned for its specific expertise and quality within this discipline.” 

Deepening Her Purpose 

What began as a practical step quickly became something much more meaningful. 

“This degree was the direct result of following my passion for the early years sector.” 

As she moved through the programme, Georganne found that every module, every theory, and every assignment enriched her day-to-day practice. Her studies weren’t just academic – they were immediately transformative.  

Watching children thrive because of her growing knowledge gave her a deeper sense of purpose. It wasn’t simply about gaining a qualification. It was about becoming the practitioner she knew she wanted to be. 

“Initially, my passion was rooted in a strong belief that every child deserves the highest quality of care and education, and I wanted to be the best practitioner possible for them. However, by undertaking this course at Portobello, that passion became much deeper.” 

“The more I learned, such as, from child development theory to best practice, the more clearly I felt that connection. The content wasn’t purely academic; I could see the professional knowledge immediately transforming my work and interactions. Watching a child reach their potential, knowing my enhanced knowledge and skills directly contributed to that, validated every hour of study and deepened my commitment to this early years sector.” 

Life as a Portobello Student — Challenge, Growth, and Unwavering Support 

Balancing work, family, and higher education was never going to be easy. But with Portobello, she always felt supported. 

“My time as a student at Portobello Institute was transformative, marked by high standards and great fulfilment.” 

The online model offered flexibility, but it was the tutors who made the biggest difference. They ensured she never felt isolated, even while studying remotely. 

“The best thing about studying at Portobello was the unwavering support combined with the deep personal growth I experienced.” 

That support, along with her dedication, led to a proud moment: receiving an Early Years Commendation at graduation – an achievement she will “always be grateful to Portobello for.” 

Growing Through Real-World Experience 

Because Georganne was already working full-time in her setting, she was able to apply what she learned instantly. This integration of theory and practice accelerated her growth and built her confidence. 

Her structured peer observations added a valuable extra layer – allowing her to see how different practitioners worked, compare approaches, and broaden her professional perspective. 

This experience helped prepare her for leadership: 

“This direct, well-rounded experience has fully prepared me. As a result, I feel entirely ready to step up and guide my team.” 

A Future Filled with Confidence and Ambition 

Graduating from the Level 7 programme didn’t mark the end of her journey. It opened the door to the next chapter. 

Her immediate step was clear: enrol straight onto the Level 8 Honours Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education, which she began in September 2025 – her sights now firmly set on future managerial roles. 

“This qualification gives me the confidence, recognition, and formal backing I need to go after management roles.” 

A Transformative Decision 

When asked if the course was right for her, there was no hesitation. 

“Without a doubt, this course at Portobello Institute was precisely the right choice for me.” 

And her final words capture the full impact of her journey: 

“I just want to emphasise that choosing Portobello Institute was a truly transformative decision, not just for my career, but for my personal life.” 

Today, Georganne stands as a confident, knowledgeable, compassionate professional – ready to lead, ready to inspire, and ready to shape the futures of the children in her care. 

A journey that began with family, rediscovered its purpose in early education, and found its full expression at Portobello Institute.