Meet the Team

Below is a short introduction on our team.  Our aim is to ensure that you have a great holiday, an enjoyable learning experience where all your learning goals are met and get a real insight into Ireland and its way of life.  We love to learn and grow with every student that walks through our door.  We look forward to meeting you.

Gina Witherow

Director

Gina Witherow is the Director/Owner of Donegal English Language School (DELS). DELS has 33 years of expertise in providing language and activity holidays for students from all over the world.

Gina’s love for languages started at an early age when her Mother opened DELS in 1989. The buzz of meeting students of various European nationalities throughout her childhood was an overriding reason for her taking over the school in 2007. She has over 25 years’ experience in the tourism & marketing industry, as well as 15 years in teaching English.  Gina holds a degree in European Languages & Business and CELTA in teaching English.  When not working, Gina enjoys spending time with her family, a bit of surfing, swimming, cycling or going for a walk with her dog, Mika. Gina’s has a passion for nature, sustainability and is very involved in her local community.

One of DELS core values is to actively engage all their students, staff and the local community in developing a sustainable environment.  It fosters and encourages best practice and emphasises the importance of preparing and empowering individuals to become responsible for contributing to a sustainable future.

Teachers

Fiona Mc Cabe

B.A(Hons)English and History, UCD,  Certificate in Psychology, Cert TEFL

Director of Studies

Fiona is the Director of Studies and head teacher at the school.  Fiona holds a degree in English and History and a TEFL qualification.  Prior to joining DELS  in 2008, Fiona worked as an English teacher in Dublin for 14 years.  Fiona enjoys nothing more than walking her dog Tilly in her free time.

Megan Wright

Megan is a Donegal native and has been at DELS for 3 summers now. With a degree in Film and French she loves languages and all things creative. Megan has taught in Ireland, Spain and Réunion and hopes to continue travelling this year.”

Anita Khan

Anita is an English teacher from Donegal. She has been teaching English for five years and has worked abroad in both France and Spain. She is a keen linguist who enjoys travelling, cooking and is currently learning to surf. Her favourite colour is yellow, and she is a self-confessed chocolate addict!

Dónall Ó Mearáin

B.A. in History and Geography (NUI)

Dónall teaches English, Irish and German and has taught in Hungary, Poland, Italy and Germany as well as in Ireland. He is also engaged in teacher training. He is interested in languages and linguistics. He loves swimming, chess, cinema and music. He is quite a good cook.

Neil Hamilton

This is Neil, an English teacher, originally from Banbridge, Northern Ireland. He has been teaching English and Art for four years, both in Spain and Ireland. His hobbies include travelling, cooking and painting.

Mel Heron

B.A(Hons) Communications & IT, Middlesex University

Office Manager & Marketing

Mel works in the office with Gina. Mel worked as a Marketing Manager for many years in London before settling back in Bundoran.  Outside of office hours Mel likes to take part in Triathlons.

Mark Witherow

Kitchen Manager

Married to Gina, the school Director, Mark is responsible for the catering of all residential students.  Having worked for many years in the hospitality industry around the world, Mark moved back to Donegal in 2003 to pursue his career in food and his love for surfing.

Coordinators

Our Student Coordinators are available daily to help with any questions students may have. All  social and cultural activities are arranged through the student coordinators.  For junior students one coordinator is assigned to each house.  The coordinator helps each student to settle in to their new surroundings.

Alix Cappelletti

Activity Manager

Alix is half Italian and half French, and believes she has gotten the best qualities of each culture! Born and raised in Italy, she now lives in Ireland. Alix has a Degree in Computer Engineering, however, she is back to college to become an Early Childhood Educator. Alix has many different passions and hobbies like crafts, board games and sports such as roller skating, biking or running. She is currently training for the Dublin Marathon in October. She is happy to be back for her 4^th year here in DELS.