Kirsty OConnor

With an MSci in Psychology and having spent several years supporting people across roles in wellness, beauty and education, I have gained experience in building trusted, confidential relationships. I also have experience of adapting my approach based on individuals' needs and maintaining professional boundaries - both skills I have further developed through dedicated mental health training and a yoga teaching qualification. I am now looking to apply this blend of psychological knowledge and people-centred experience in a structured mentoring role, supporting others to grow in confidence and navigate challenges effectively.

Stewardess/Masseuse at Superyacht 'Siren' (2024-05 – 2025-11)

• Lived and worked in a multicultural team environment, contributed positively to crew wellbeing and morale while developing strong mental resilience, adaptability, and effective coping skills.
• Offered informal emotional support to colleagues suffering from burn out, bereavement, homesickness, low confidence, and relationship difficulty.
• Provided excellent quality client-facing service in high-stress, fast-paced environments, while upholding a high level of professionalism.
• Maintained guest privacy and confidentiality, including when supporting high-profile guests onboard.
• Participated in onboard safety and emergency response procedures and drills.
• Used a client-centred approach during therapeutic massage treatments by interpreting guests' non-verbal cues to adapt their treatments with their physical and emotional needs.

Business Owner/Beautician at KO Treatments (2019-08 – 2024-05)

Founded and managed a successful beauty business from age 18 alongside university. Began offering eyelash extensions then later expanding to a wider range of treatments.

• Built trusting professional relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds, providing a safe, calm, and welcoming environment for non-judgemental and confidential conversations.
• Completed a mental health training course (Hair & Beauty Talk) designed for people in the hair and beauty industry to safely navigate conversations with clients regarding their mental health.
• Actively listened and supported clients who were experiencing stress, anxiety, and low mood, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Managed business operations independently, including scheduling, marketing, budgeting, and sourcing materials.

English Teacher at Fokus Camp & Educo (2022-07 – 2022-09)

Using my TEFL (Teaching English as Foreign Language) qualification, I taught English to children aged 6-14 in Italy and Germany, supporting students from diverse backgrounds. When living at the residential camp, duties stretched beyond teaching to also being a trusted pastoral figure.

• Maintained a safe and inclusive environment to support student's emotional well-being and responding appropriately to any safeguarding concerns.
• Adapting teaching styles and lesson materials to suit individual students' abilities, learning styles and developmental needs.
• Gained immersive multicultural experience through working closely with international students, fellow teachers, and host families.

MSci in Psychology – University of Bristol (2018-09 – 2022-06)

A-Levels in Psychology, Welsh Baccalaureate, Photography, ICT – Newport High School

GCSEs – Newport High School