Our Team.
We are fortunate to have a team working specifically in Discovery College West. All of our professional staff have lived experience of mental health conditions or lived experience supporting friends or family members with mental health challenges. Click our staff bios to learn more!
My name is Chloe Costello, and I am the Peer Educator of Discovery College West. In 2014, I was awarded my degree in Psychology and subsequently received my masters in Health Psychology in 2015. Since then I have worked in various mental health organisations with my most recent post being that of an Assistant Psychologist in a Primary Care service. I first joined REGARI Recovery College in 2017 as a volunteer Co-Producer and Co-Facilitator and from there I went on to become a Peer Educator and lead on the implementation of Ireland’s first Discovery College. Noticing a need for Recovery Education in the youth cohort, I first piloted this project in 2019 and following its success, was delighted to implement the full time service in the Roscommon region in 2022, which has now been expanded to include the entirety of the West of Ireland. I believe the importance of education in the prevention and early intervention of mental health and recovery cannot be overstated and, in the Discovery College, we aim to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to take control of their wellbeing. My passion for the work we do in the Discovery College is underpinned by not only the key principles and ethos of the Recovery Model but also by the people who I work alongside every day. I have been very lucky to share my work with the inspirational people that make up the Discovery College team and am so grateful to all the wonderful Co-Producers, Co-Facilitators, and Students that I have worked alongside over the years. I am excited to see what the future holds for this new venture. Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do! Warm wishes, Chloe
My name is Meredith Rathburn and I am a Recovery Education Facilitator at Discovery College West and the EIRE Research Co-lead. I graduated with a BSc in Medical Anthropology from the University of Vermont in 2021. I started becoming interested in working in mental health a few years ago after being diagnosed with OCD. I went on to receive a Post-graduate Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Care and completed training as a Peer Support Specialist in 2025. I also worked as a Helpline Specialist at the National Alliance on Mental Illness where I answered phone calls from across the country from people with mental health difficulties, family members, or caregivers looking for emotional support and resources. I am now in the process of completing an MA in Health & Society at University College Cork where I am studying mental health policy and implementation in Ireland. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to support the healing for many young people. I understand what it’s like to feel different, to feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but I want young people to know that recovery is possible. The strengths-based and education-centred approach of recovery education is essential to the prevention of mental health challenges and I couldn’t be happier to be part of this community and movement in Ireland!
Hello folks! My name is Chekka and I am a Recovery Education Facilitator at Discovery College West. Although not originally from Ireland, I have made this place home through community, exploration and reflection. I received BAs in Politics and Peace & Justice Studies and went on to attend the University of Galway for a MA in Public Advocacy and Activism. Before receiving my degree, I worked with young people experiencing homelessness in supported accommodation. Prior to that I was working in education for young people around sexual violence and consent culture. I love working with young people and exploring difficult or complex topics through engaging facilitation, education and programs. I believe in the power of lived experience and its ability to grow understanding, compassion and appreciation for those around and the wider world we live in. I am so fortunate to be able to work in an organization that uplifts lived experiences and uses the potential of education as a means of early intervention and care. I am proud to contribute to the Discovery College's mission for both young people and the wider community.