Joann Kiernan is a learning disability nurse who has a keen interest in supporting children, young people and families. Her career has included high secure, residential and respite environments, community nursing and specialist roles. Joann joined EHU FOHSCM as a lecturer practitioner in 2000 and later joined the university as a full time lecturer. She currently teaches across multi disciplinary pre and post registration professional programmes. Following a keen interest in positive behaviour support and working alongside clinicians and families Joann developed and lead on the development of a  part time Diploma and BSc in Behaviour Analysis and Intervention designed to support practice caring for individuals who have complex behavioural needs.

As part of Joann's research interests she has recently been involved in local SEND consultations with C/YP, families and professionals, transition research and the impact of behavioural needs on the experiences of C/YP and families.

Passionate about access for all people with a learning disability and autistic spectrum conditions Joann currently holds a seconded Consultant Nurse post at Alder Hey Children's Hospital where she supports strategy and practice development in equality of access to healthcare for C/YP with a learning disability and autistic spectrum conditions.