About Cathy
I'm Cathy Gill, the founder of Movement is Key.
I've worked with children and families for over 16 years across primary schools, early years settings and family programmes. This includes more than 11 years as a Special Needs Assistant, running a preschool, and delivering workshops, including work with Castlebar Family Resource Centre and Mayo Infant Mental Health Week 2026.
Throughout my work, I've developed a particular interest in the connection between movement, children's development and learning. This led me to pursue specialist training internationally.
My professional training includes NeuroDevelopmental Movement® (Consultant – Level 1), Brain Compatible Dance Education, Laban Dance Leadership and a Diploma in Inclusive School Support (UCD). I'm currently the only practitioner in Ireland trained in NeuroDevelopmental Movement®.
I've also developed and delivered movement-based programmes for primary schools, including Movement Matters, which connects movement with literacy, numeracy, music and wellbeing, and Maths + Movement, which explores maths through movement and builds on my earlier Dancing Digits programme.
Movement is Key brings together my practical experience, professional training and belief in the role movement plays in children's development. Through classes, workshops, parent education and NeuroDevelopmental Movement®, my aim is to support children, parents and educators in building strong foundations for learning, participation and wellbeing.
Training & Qualifications
- NeuroDevelopmental Movement® Consultant – Level 1 (USA) – currently the only practitioner in Ireland trained in this programme
- Brain Compatible Dance Education
- Laban Dance Leader
- Diploma in Inclusive School Support – University College Dublin (UCD)
- Level 5 & Level 6 in Childcare, Special Needs and HighScope training
- CPD in The Art and Science of Teaching Dance
- CPD in Assessing Neuromotor Readiness for Learning
Parent & Child classes
An introductory programme of 3 weekly classes, with more classes to follow. Movement, music, rhymes and sensory play for you and your baby or toddler, in small groups. 50 minutes each week.
Baby & Me
6 weeks to 11 months
10:00
Wobblers
12 months to 2 years
11:00
Classes run in Westport Town Hall Theatre, Fahy Community Centre and Killeen Community Centre.
See current classes and bookCan't make these dates? Get in touch to register your interest in the next classes.
"What I particularly value about Cathy's work is how it brings an understanding of brain development into something so natural and fundamental to childhood - movement. Cathy meaningfully translates complex concepts about the developing brain into meaningful experiences through movement, rhythm, rhymes and playful interactions. There is a real understanding of the importance of working at a subcortical level, recognising that the foundations of development are built through repeated, sensory and relational experiences. It is wonderful to see neuroscience brought to life in such an accessible, engaging and joyful way. For me, her work really supports parents to see and understand their children's development through a different lens."
"The Movement Is Key workshops were a wonderful experience for parents, babies, and toddlers as part of our Early Years Initiative at the FRC. Cathy was warm, welcoming, and informative. Parents and children thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, and parents found the knowledge and practical advice very useful. We highly recommend this programme to all parents!"
Workshops for schools and educational settings
Active learning workshops that bring maths, literacy, music and wellbeing (including SPHE) to life through movement, for preschools and primary schools, plus sessions for parents and educators. My Maths + Movement workshops build on Dancing Digits, which was featured in the Mayo News in 2014. Children explore maths ideas such as time, space, shapes and fractions through movement, as well as through hearing, seeing, saying and doing (a multi-sensory approach). Get in touch to talk through what would suit.
"Cathy Gill facilitated Brain Compatible Dance and movement workshops with children in our school, providing engaging, enjoyable and inclusive experiences that encouraged movement, participation and body awareness in a positive and supportive environment. The workshops were delivered in an engaging, thoughtful and child-centred manner, with activities carefully adapted to suit the ages, needs and abilities of the children involved. We particularly valued the calm, positive and inclusive atmosphere she created throughout the sessions. The children responded well to the movement activities, and Cathy's enthusiasm, warmth and understanding of children's individual needs were evident in her approach. The workshops were a positive and enjoyable experience for the children, and we appreciated the care, energy and commitment Cathy brought to each session."
One-to-one NeuroDevelopmental Movement®
A brain-based approach that uses purposeful movement to help children and adults build the foundations needed for learning, attention, emotional regulation and physical coordination. Like the foundations of a house, we go back to the early movement patterns the brain uses as it develops, and support what may have been missed. We start by looking at where you or your child are now, and build from there. Starts with a 20-minute introductory chat.
I'm currently the only practitioner in Ireland trained in NeuroDevelopmental Movement®.
NeuroDevelopmental Movement® is not a medical treatment and does not replace medical advice or other therapies. If you have any concerns about your child's health or development, please speak to your GP or healthcare professional.
"By seamlessly integrating targeted movement strategies into his day, we have seen a massive improvement in our son's ability to focus on his work and self-regulate within the classroom environment. The positive impact of this work doesn't stop at the school gates, either; it has carried over into our home life, and he now finds it much easier to settle down and get to sleep at night. Cathy is a highly professional, intuitive, and dedicated educator who truly understands the link between physical development and learning."