Webinar: Building Trust with Children in the Face of Trauma

Stephanie Fitzgerald (BA Psych; MA EdPsych)
Founder & CEO, Education DESTY®

Stephanie Fitzgerald is a seasoned Educational Psychologist and the Founder & CEO of Education DESTY®, a research-informed social enterprise committed to supporting children’s emotional resilience. With over two decades of experience working with children, families, and education professionals across Ireland, Stephanie leverages both clinical insight and real-world innovation to drive positive change in emotional health and wellbeing.

Under her leadership, DESTY has trained over 2,000 parents, carers, and educators as DESTY Mentors, guiding children through the multi-award-winning DESTY Island Emotional Resilience Programme—a blended online/offline intervention that empowers children to identify, explore, and manage their feelings effectively.

Stephanie is deeply focused on the intersections of trauma, attachment, and brain development, exploring how emotional resilience can be nurtured in the face of adversity. Her expertise has informed national and international speaking engagements, and she continues to lead DESTY’s impactful expansion, including partnerships with schools, virtual school services, and statutory education bodies across Ireland and the UK.

She has received numerous accolades for her work, including Social Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation and SME Awards. Stephanie’s hands-on approach and passion for both research and practice make her a dynamic and inspiring speaker on emotional wellbeing, child development, and innovation in education.

“Safe, consistent relationships are the foundation that allows children to move beyond survival and toward their full potential.”