Meet The Team
Director & Founder of HIP Psychology
Cormac Venney
Cormac, an only child, grew up on a farm in the picturesque seaside village in County Down. With over 20 years of experience working with school pupils, he has dedicated his career to empowering young people and fostering their emotional and social development.
Cormac holds a degree in Sports Science and a Master’s in Psychology, equipping him with a robust foundation for his work in education and mental wellbeing.
The journey to founding HIP Psychology was inspired by an eight-week trip to the USA, where he spent time at renowned institutions like the IMG Academy in Florida and JFK University in California. A transformative moment came during his time delivering life skills workshops to young offenders in a correctional facility. Witnessing the profound impact of such interventions on young lives inspired Cormac to launch HIP Psychology, aiming to bring similar life-changing opportunities to schools.
Outside of work, Cormac enjoys performing improvisation comedy, where every scene is created on the spot based on audience suggestions. This unique hobby sharpens his ability to adapt on the fly—an invaluable skill when navigating the unpredictable nature of workshops with pupils.
Cormac finds immense joy in designing and delivering content that truly makes a difference in the lives of pupils and school staff. The buzz of positive feedback and the energy of a room full of engaged learners drive his passion, making each day exciting and fulfilling. Cormac is the passionate driving force behind HIP Psychology.
Workshop Facilitator
Carlos Sanha
Carlos’s journey began in Portugal, but at the age of nine, life took an unexpected turn when his family moved to Ireland. Stepping into Primary 5 in a brand-new country was a challenge, but it also marked the start of an adventure—one filled with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the experiences that would shape his future.
From a young age, Carlos had a natural instinct for helping others, a passion that eventually led him to pursue a degree in Psychology. His path took a defining turn when he was offered a year-long placement with HIP Psychology. Working alongside Cormac and the team, he was thrown into the deep end of workshop delivery, learning to communicate with different age groups and adapt to any situation. His background in Performing Arts proved invaluable, giving him the confidence to engage large audiences, while his research skills and IT proficiency grew stronger by the day. By the end of that year, one thing was clear—this was exactly where he wanted to be.
After graduating with a 2:1, Carlos was thrilled to accept a role at HIP Psychology. Every day, he gets to do what he loves—connecting with young people, sharing personal stories, and delivering workshops that make a real impact. There’s nothing more rewarding than when a student remembers his name, recalls a story that resonated, or takes away a lesson that sticks with them. Moments like this fuel his passion, reminding him why he chose this path in the first place.
But what truly sets HIP Psychology apart for Carlos is the sense of belonging. It’s more than just a team—it’s a family, a place where everyone supports each other and works towards a shared mission.
And if there’s one thing people always remember about Carlos? His love for Kung Fu Panda and Adele. If there’s an opportunity to bring them up, he will—so much so that he’s become known as “the guy who loves Adele.” It’s a title he wears with pride.
Workshop Facilitator
Kevin Anderson
Hailing from the rural heart of Annaclone, County Down, Kevin has always believed in embracing challenges—whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or even halfway up a mountain. Life is a balancing act, but with his better half, Emer, and their two beautiful children by his side, every twist and turn has been worth it.
For the past 14 years, Kevin has been a teacher, with six of those spent as a Year Head. In that time, he has seen just about everything school life has to offer. This experience has proved invaluable to his work with HIP, allowing him to bring real-world insights from a teacher’s perspective. The day-to-day challenges, the moments of breakthrough, and the realities of school life all feed into his passion for making a meaningful impact on pupils.
Beyond the classroom, sport has always been a cornerstone of Kevin’s life. This year, at the age of 37, he was unexpectedly drafted back into the Down Senior Gaelic Football squad—this time in an entirely new role as goalkeeper. It was a surreal experience playing alongside teammates who had only started primary school when he made his senior debut back in 2009. But sport has a way of keeping him humble, adaptable, and always learning.
Speaking of challenges, in July 2022, Kevin took on one of the toughest yet—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of ALPS, a mental health initiative based in Downpatrick. The climb was gruelling, but the cause made every step worthwhile.
And then there’s basketball. In what some might call a mid-life crisis (he prefers to call it an adventure), Kevin took up competitive basketball during the football off-season, joining Newry Fliers with absolutely no prior experience of the game. To say he was out of his depth is an understatement—he was the worst player on the squad by a long shot. But with each training session, he has become slightly less terrible, and that’s a win in his book.
At the heart of it all, Kevin’s passion lies in the pastoral side of teaching—supporting pupils beyond academics and helping them navigate the ups and downs of school life. That’s what first drew him to HIP. Having seen first-hand the positive impact it has on young people, he is proud to play his part in its mission, however he can. Because at the end of the day, it’s about making a difference—one lesson, one conversation, and one challenge at a time.
Support & Admin
Karen Parsons
Karen’s journey has been anything but conventional. Born with an innate curiosity and a passion for learning, she carved a path that seamlessly blended technology, education, and a deep commitment to people.
Her career began in the fast-paced world of pharmaceuticals, where she spent 12 years working with teams across the globe. It was an exciting and dynamic environment, one that honed her ability to adapt, communicate, and problem-solve on an international scale. But something was missing. Karen knew her true calling lay elsewhere—somewhere she could make a more direct impact on people’s lives.
That realisation led her to education, where she has spent the last 18 years shaping young minds in post-primary schools across England and Northern Ireland. Armed with a degree in Psychology with Computing and a PGCE in Education, Karen brought not just technical expertise to the classroom, but a unique perspective—one that bridges the gap between the corporate world and the ever-evolving landscape of education. As a teacher of ICT and Computing, she has inspired countless pupils, always putting their needs first and fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the curriculum.
Karen’s passion for helping others doesn’t stop at the school gates. She has dedicated time to various charitable organisations, including the Scouts and neurodiverse charities, using her skills to support those who need it most. Her commitment to community work is a testament to her belief that education isn’t confined to the classroom—it’s about shaping a better world.
Outside of work, Karen finds joy in the simple things—DIY projects that bring her creativity to life, Pilates to keep her centred, and long walks with her beloved dog. She lives by the motto, “Every day is a school day,” believing that growth and learning never stop, no matter where life takes you.
Workshop Facilitator
Paul Mone
Paul is an Armagh native who has never quite been able to stay away from the buzz of a school environment. He spent nearly a decade in the International School system teaching English Literature and Drama — but for Paul, the school day never really ended. Alongside his classes, he ran the after-school debate club, helped organise Model United Nations events, represented teachers on the student leadership team, and even coached both boys’ and girls’ soccer. Safe to say, sitting still was never his thing.
In 2016, Paul stepped away from formal classroom teaching to focus full-time on his biggest passion: Performing Arts. He now runs Belfast Improv, a training centre for adults who want to explore theatre acting through live improvisation. Creating theatre in the moment, building confidence, and helping people find their voice is very much his happy place.
That said, the energy and unpredictability of schools have always called him back. That’s why he’s delighted to be working with HIP, delivering workshops that develop students’ skills and attributes across the country. Through HIP, Paul shares the four C’s of Improvisation — Creativity, Confidence, Collaboration, and Communication — helping young people grow not just as performers, but as people.
Paul holds a degree in Communication, a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership, and a Master’s in English. At HIP, he puts those qualifications to good use, supporting students in developing strong communication skills and working with student leadership teams as they navigate challenges and prepare for life beyond school.
When he’s not in a workshop or on stage, Paul is usually reading — aiming (and almost always managing) to get through at least 15 novels a year. He’s also a keen runner, often spotted keeping pace at Belfast parkruns or pushing himself on a solo 10k. And these days, you’re just as likely to find him on stage singing, acting, or attempting a few jokes along the way.
Workshop Design & Research
Jennifer Rolfe
Jennifer grew up in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where her passion for understanding people and supporting their well-being first took root. This drive led her to study Psychology at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, where she earned a 2:1 in BSc Psychology. Eager to deepen her knowledge, she moved to Belfast to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Health Psychology at Queen’s University.
One of the highlights of her journey so far has been her placement with HIP Psychology. Shadowing Cormac and Carlos, she had the chance to observe their workshops across various schools, gaining firsthand insight into how psychology can be applied in real-world settings. Inspired by what she learned, Jennifer took on the challenge of designing a workshop – focusing on the rising issue of vaping among teenagers.
Jennifer has always been drawn to roles where she can make a difference, and her time with HIP Psychology has reinforced that passion. Whether engaging with students, developing workshop content, or learning from the team, she thrives in environments that allow her to contribute meaningfully.
Away from psychology, Jennifer loves exploring new places, listening to and creating music, and diving into DIY projects – turning just about anything into something creative. She’s also a huge cat person and will absolutely stop mid-conversation to point one out and (hopefully) pet it. Jennifer especially cherishes spending time with her loved ones. And if there’s one thing people quickly notice about her – it’s that she’s never the quiet one in the room – whether she’s chatting, laughing, or simply bringing lots of energy to the room.