DeclanRooney SpottingHD

People-focused professional with experience across specialist SEN schools, autism provisions and mainstream education, supporting children and young people with autism, ADHD and complex needs. Strong interest in neurodiversity, ADHD, autism and applied neuroscience, reinforced by university research experience at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge. Brings confident communication, empathy, adaptability, leadership and customer-facing experience.

Currently building knowledge of pharmaceutical and MedTech field sales, with particular interest in neuroscience/CNS products and roles combining science, relationships, travel and measurable impact.

Teaching Assistant / SEN Support at Horizon Teachers (2025-07 – Present)

• Work across specialist SEN schools, autism provisions and mainstream settings, adapting quickly to different pupils, teams and support plans.
• Support children and young people with autism, ADHD, communication differences and complex learning needs through 1:1 and small-group work.
• Build trust using calm, person-centred communication and tailored strategies for engagement and emotional regulation.
• Regularly move between unfamiliar school environments, demonstrating strong field-based adaptability and professional judgement.

Teaching Assistant & Mentor at Jewish Community Secondary School (2022-09 – 2024-03)

• Provided educational and mentoring support to students with autism and ADHD in a mainstream secondary-school setting.
• Adapted communication and learning approaches to individual needs and managed challenging situations with patience and resilience.
• Maintained positive relationships with students and staff; Team Teach trained.

Research Assistant - Hoarding Research at Anglia Ruskin University (2026-05)

• Contributed to a research project exploring hoarding and related behavioural themes.
• Developed practical insight into research design, participant-focused work and how psychological questions are investigated.

Research Assistant - Social Media & ADHD at University of Cambridge (2026-08)

• Contributed to research exploring social media use and ADHD.
• Deepened understanding of neurodevelopmental research, attention, behaviour and the translation of research questions into structured studies.

Rider Manager at Gorillas Ltd (2021-01 – 2022-12)

• Promoted from rider to manager within two months in a fast-moving delivery start-up.
• Managed rider teams, schedules, performance and morale while coordinating daily field operations.
• Worked with senior management to improve efficiency and customer experience; trained new staff and acted on performance feedback.

Bar Supervisor at The Starting Gate (2021-07 – 2023-06)

• Led busy shifts, supervised staff and maintained high standards of customer service in a target-driven environment.
• Built confidence handling customers, resolving issues, training colleagues and staying composed under pressure.

Grounds Person at The Oval Cricket Ground (2025-02 – 2025-10)

• Worked within a high-performance professional sporting environment, including preparation for international fixtures.
• Maintained exacting standards, followed safety procedures and collaborated under time pressure.

BA in Politics & International Relations – Birkbeck, University of London (2025-01)

Foundation in Politics & International Relations – London Metropolitan University (2024-01 – 2025-01)

A Levels in Media Studies, Religious Studies, Politics AS – City and Islington FE College

GCSEs in 8 GCSEs (A-C), including Maths and English – Finchley Catholic High School