A Fair & Equal Ireland requires a Fair & Equal Education System
At JumpAgrade, we empower students to reach their full potential by providing tailored educational support. Our programmes not only enhance academic performance but also build confidence and resilience. Together we are creating a brighter future for our communities.
Education that levels the playing field
Discover who we are, what we do, and why we’re working to make education fairer for every student in Ireland.
Our Team and Board
Meet the team behind the mission, and the board guiding them to success.
Joan Connolly
CEO
Joan Connolly became CEO of JumpAgrade in 2024, but she's been part of the journey for years as a mentor and board member. With 15 years’ experience across education, innovation and social enterprise, she’s all about breaking down barriers and making sure every student gets a fair shot.
Clodagh Ryan
Director of Development
Clodagh Ryan has been Director of Development at jumpAgrade since September 2021. She is passionate about jumpAgrade's mission and plays a key role in supporting partners and stakeholders to deliver meaningful impact for students.
Clodagh Guerin
Programme Manager
Clodagh Guerin has worked with jumpAgrade since 2019. Back then she started off in student support. Now, Clodagh is Programme Manager, and is responsible for the research, design, resourcing, and implementation of jumpAgrade’s programmes.
Liz Waters
Board Chair
Liz Waters is the former President of AONTAS (The Irish National Adult Learning Organisation) and director of An Cosán Virtual Community College (VCC). She has also worked as the CEO of An Cosán and has been a member of the steering committee which helped to establish the Community Education Network (CEN). Liz joined the jumpAgrade board in 2023 and is experienced in community education and development.
Ciara Furlong
Head of Division, Central Bank of Ireland
jumpAgrade Board Member since 2026. Ciara has over 15 years experience working in the financial services sector and most recently in the Central Bank of Ireland. She has a background in corporate governance, risk management and regulation. She has first hand experience of tutoring young people and jumpAgrade's mission resonates with her.
Mairea Doyle Balfe
Senior Leader, Cliste Hospitality
jumpAgrade Board Member since 2026. Mairea Doyle Balfe is a senior leader with Cliste Hospitality, heading up corporate development. She has worked in both the US and Ireland across the hotel industry and has a strong background in strategy, communications, and organisational development.
Denise Reid
Finance Director
jumpAgrade Board Member since 2026. Denise is the Finance Director of an educational publishing services group. She joined Doubleodesign Ltd in 2002, a year after startup.
Pádraig Hogan
Co-Founder of jumpAgrade and Nurture
jumpAgrade Board Member since 2024. Pádraig is current COO of Nurture; a technology platform helping schools to embed formative assessment practices that improve student outcomes and reduce teacher workload. Pádraig co-founded jumpAgrade in 2017.
David Neville
Co-Founder of jumpAgrade and Nurture
jumpAgrade Board Member since 2023. David is the co-founder and CEO of Nurture technology. He co-founded jumpAgrade in 2017, and joined the board in 2023.
Carmel Marnane
Partner. Tax and Legal, Deloitte
jumpAgrade Board Member since 2026. Carmel is a tax partner specialising in advising domestic businesses and their owners.