Learning Leadership Team
Dr. Mónica Gilbert-Sáez, Head of School at the International School in Helsinki
Dr Mónica Gilbert-Sáez is delighted to join the International School of Helsinki as its new Head and CEO. With over 30 years of experience in education in the UK, the Middle East, South America, Asia and, most recently, as Principal of Rotterdam International Secondary School, Dr Gilbert-Sáez brings a wealth of experience to her new role and is a passionate advocate of the many benefits of world-class international education.
A life-long learner herself, she holds a PhD from the University of Nottingham, an MSc, a BA (Hons) in Education and has also completed the prestigious National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She is also an IBEN Evaluation Leader, CIS Evaluator, and CIS/NEASC Accreditation Coordinator.
Dr Gilbert-Sáez knows firsthand the power of education to transform lives—regardless of background—and the important role it plays in promoting opportunity for every child and young person through inclusion, diversity, and a commitment to equity.
Laura Ohls is the Early Learning PYP Lead. Laura has been an enthusiastic and longstanding member of the ISH community whose passion for education was sparked by ISH over 20 years ago. Over the years, she has been a PYP classroom teacher across grade levels, a Learning Support Teacher, and has taken on various PYP leadership roles. Laura believes that developing a strong connection with students and understanding them is the foundation for authentically individualizing learning, promoting student voice and choice, and challenging students as learners. Laura aims to empower students to feel passionate and care about their learning as well as encourage student driven action to make connections that extend beyond the curriculum. Laura enjoys skiing, Finland’s many lakes, all things music, and most of all spending time with her son and daughter.
Lydia Jones is the PYP Program Lead. She has worked at ISH since 2014 but began her educational career over 20 years ago in England as a Physical Education teacher, working as a consultant coaching elementary teachers across 14 schools in her region. Lydia has a passion for international-mindedness and spent time as a volunteer in the townships of Capetown, working with children. She loves to collaborate with students, teachers, parents and the community, empowering people and helping them thrive in all areas of life and leadership. She is motivated to help students discover how even small actions can have global impact. Her husband, Kevin, works also at the ISH as a grade 3 teacher, they have two daughters and two sons.
Minna Tammivuori-Piraux is currently the MYP Division Lead and MYP Coordinator at the International School of Helsinki. She joined ISH in 2002 after having worked in various Finnish schools as French and German teacher. At ISH Minna has been teaching French in PYP, MYP and DP. In addition to her teaching role, she has undertaken different leadership roles as Personal Project Coordinator, Language Acquisition Subject Area leader, MYP Coordinator and Occupational Health and Safety Officer. Minna has a keen interest in supporting students’ individual learning process as well as building strategies for their independent learning. In her spare time, Minna enjoys exercising, reading and spending time with family and friends. Her husband, Olivier, works also at the ISH as French teacher and they have a daughter, who attends ISH.
Mark Kilmer is currently the Diplomas Division Lead and Diploma Coordinator at the International School of Helsinki. He came to ISH in 2001 and has also taught in California and London. Mark’s goal is for all students to experience the joy of learning while becoming fully actualised individuals and citizens. He also teaches the Diploma Film course and spent more than 20 years primarily as a mother-tongue English teacher with experience in grades 6-12, with a particular interest in media literacy. Mark has also taught History, English B, Drama, Economics, Technology and Government/Civics. He has written textbooks, speeches, plays, poems and screenplays, and has been a consultant for educational innovation companies and publishers.
Amy Leino is our Individualized Learning Lead and Catalyst Lead of Belonging. Amy Leino believes that high quality education is a human right for all learners. She is passionate about collaborating with individual students, fellow educators and parents to uncover successful pathways for learning. Originally from Washington State, she holds a masters degree in inclusive education. She currently serves as the Individualized Learning Lead at the International School of Helsinki (ISH). During her 20 years at ISH, she has led the school to become a model in personalized instruction for a wide range of learners. She is eager to further develop ways to unlock every student’s learning potential.
Katie Allen (she/her) is our Wellbeing Catalyst Lead and counselor for Diplomas Programme students in grades 11-12. She has worked for over 20 years with youth and schools in a variety of capacities including as a private practice mental health therapist, university instructor for school social workers, and clinical supervisor. Her true passion is working directly with youth to nurture their transformation into strong and resilient young adults. She believes in the power of a healthy community of peers, teachers, and parents to support student wellbeing. She strives to elevate student voice and embrace culturally-responsive practices. In her free time Katie can be found teaching yoga or exploring the outdoors with her partner and two children who attend ISH.
