Joyce Kavanagh was born in 1956 and has six children, ranging in age from fifteen to thirty-one, as well as recently becoming a granny for the first time. She studied holistic healing and is qualified in reflexology and colour therapy. She has a BA degree in Community Development and Leadership, and works for a not-for-profit organisation as a Community Engagement Coordinator in the Childhood Development Initiative, Tallaght, where she also lives. Joyce has been involved in adult education for many years and is deeply committed to community development.