Dora was born in Dublin and today lives in the scenic town of Olhao in the Algarve Portugal. She studied at the Ontario College of Art & Design. Dora has worked with masters such as Roger Dellar, Grahame Booth and Dawn Oliver. She is also an accomplished teacher. Her Absolute Beginners workshop has been the inspiration for many to pick up a paint brush. Students begin with curiosity and trepidation and end with confidence and self-satisfaction.

She has been exhibiting every year since 1999. Her works are in Ireland, San Diego, Dallas, Charleston, Nova Scotia and Toronto. Her works are hanging at WWF, Toronto and Brandes International.