Graduate Michaela Builds a Future Supporting Children and Young People

Lurgan graduate Michaela O’Neill (23) has been recognised for her compassion and commitment to supporting others, after being named ‘Outstanding Classmate’ by her peers at Southern Regional College’s (SRC) recent graduation ceremony.

A member of SRC’s Class of 2026, Michaela completed the Ulster University Certificate in Counselling Studies at the College’s Banbridge campus. Her journey into counselling has been shaped by a deeply personal experience, the passing of her brother Odhran and the support she received during that difficult time.

What began as a personal desire to better understand, the counselling support and techniques that helped her through her own experience has since developed into a desire to use her knowledge and experience to support children facing challenges of their own. Michaela said;

“Originally, I wanted to do the course to gain the tools to be able to help myself. However, the more I studied, the more intrigued I became. I realised that I wanted to use what I was learning to help other people as well.”

Michaela’s previous experience working with children has also helped shape her future ambitions. She spent five years working within a childcare setting, first as a nursery assistant before moving up to toddler room leader and now she is taking up a new position as a learning support assistant in a learning support unit at St Francis Primary School.

Alongside her work, Michaela is also a director of Lurgan-based mental health and wellbeing charity AEon Arts and Minds. She initially became involved as a volunteer, helping with children’s clubs and events, before taking on a more active role within the organisation.

“I started volunteering with AEon, helping with the kids’ clubs and events. I hoped that, by studying counselling, I would be able to use what I had learned to help people and support them while they were waiting to access counselling.”

As part of her work with the charity, Michaela led its summer camp, working with children and families in the local community.

“This year, I led the kids’ summer camp, which was a great experience. AEon has opened so many doors for me and has helped me see more clearly where I would like to go in the future.

“I would love to become more involved in areas such as play and art therapy. I feel that children can sometimes find traditional counselling intimidating, whereas doing an activity alongside them can help them feel more comfortable and open up.”

The Certificate in Counselling Studies has not only given Michaela new skills but has also helped her understand the direction she wants to take professionally.

She said:

“Long term, I want to be in a role where there is always room to grow. No matter where I end up, I know I always want to be in a role where I’m helping people and I would love to continue working with children.”