ABOUT US
Our Mission
Our mission is to give everyone a genuine understanding of how their brain and body systems work — and how to use that knowledge to protect their physical and mental health.
Every time we trigger a stress response, we trigger a cascade of hormones. In the short term these are essential for survival. In the long term, unresolved chronic stress leads to inflammation, physical illness, and stress-related conditions including anxiety, depression and burnout.
We don’t teach people how to cope with stress. We teach them how to understand it — so they can work with their own biology rather than against it.
Meet the team
Joan Maycock
MSc Health Psychologist
Joan Maycock is an MSc Health Psychologist, BSc Psychologist, Counsellor, Mediator, Consultant, Researcher, Trainer and Stress & Burnout Programme Developer.
With over two decades of experience, Joan specialises in the stress response system, depression, burnout and anxiety. She translates the biology, physiology and psychology of stress into clear, accessible language — giving people a real understanding of what is happening inside their own brain and body, and the tools to do something about it.
Joan’s educational approach is grounded in evidence-based research, including the latest scientific findings on depression, the stress response system, and the role of hormones and neurotransmitters in physical and mental health.
Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphádraig
Movement & Body Awareness Specialist
Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphádraig was the first accredited 5 Rhythms teacher in Ireland, qualifying in 1997/98. With decades of experience working with movement as a tool for health and wellbeing, she brings a unique understanding of how physical movement directly influences the brain and nervous system.
At Eirinn Retreats, Caitriona translates the neuroscience of movement into embodied practice — showing participants how conscious body movement activates the parasympathetic nervous system, regulates stress hormones, and supports the brain-body systems Joan teaches in the educational sessions.
Her approach, which she calls Embodied Brain, draws on the established links between neuroscience, mindful movement and physical self-regulation — giving participants practical, evidence-informed tools they can use in everyday life.
Barbara Palero Moreno
Work and Organisational Psychologist
Barbara Palero Moreno is a Work and Organisational Psychologist with a passion for helping people and organisations thrive. She graduated in Psychology from the University of Salamanca and holds a Master’s degree in Work and Organisational Psychology, together with a Professional Diploma in Human Resource Management. Qualified in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological and aptitude assessments, Barbara combines scientific knowledge with practical experience to better understand human behaviour, workplace wellbeing, and performance. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based psychology and a commitment to helping individuals reach their full potential.