Our Community

Carmen Bernal

School Business Manager

I am originally from Madrid, moved to Norway in 2006. I have worked as a production manager in feature films all my years in Spain, although my education was within politics. I studied International Relations for the EU in Uppsala, Sweden, and Diplomatic Protocol in Madrid. When I moved to Oslo, due to family changes, I decided to move towards school and, more specific, school leadership.

I have since a bachelor in Endringsledelse (Transformational and Transactional), building up with Rektorutdanning (UiO), Læreutdanning (INN), coaching and veiledning (OsloMet), Spanish and Latino American social and cultural studies (HiOf), Norwegian as a second language (OsloMet), and continuing with Bedriftsøkonomi these coming years (INN).

I have been a school leader both in public and private institutions and I still believe, deeply, that education, together with health care, is the strongest, most important achievement of society.

Ms. Nichola Montaigne

nmontaigne@romerikeis.no

Head of Primary

British, born in Saudi Arabia and brought up in Portugal, I have had the rewarding opportunity of pursuing my passion which is to empower all learners to believe in themselves. My international experience, working and living in the Philippines, the UK, Portugal, China and Brazil has been a rich and rewarding experience.

My higher education in Design, Sociology, a BSc in Psychology, Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a Masters in International Education and Leadership, has supported my role as an educator (PreK-G5), as a teacher in the classroom, in student support and as a leader in IB Schools. I cannot wait to join the Romerike International School and be a part of the community with my husband and three children.

Wilhelm Daniel Valderrama

dvalderrama@romerikeis.no

Head of Middle Years Programe

With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching English and Spanish, I started my career as an educator in my native Bogotá, Colombia back in 1998. After 10 years working in language schools, I made the move into school classroom teaching in public schools in North Carolina, USA, where I was for 4 years. There, I completed my master’s degree in TESOL from Greensboro College, and in 2012, I moved to China, where I started my experience with IB schools. There, not only did I continue to develop my teaching experience, this time with an international curriculum, but I also started to build on my leadership skills as a department leader and a curriculum coordinator. My passion for a holistic education that develops the student as an integral human being made me join the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN), which has brought me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience about an IB education in schools around the world as a workshop leader and visiting team member.

I am married to a wonderful woman who shares my passion for education and have two wonderful children. As a family, we believe in the power of sustainable living and respect for the global community. I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and improvement of a new school community here in Norway

Julie Haugen

jhaugen@romerikeis.no

SFO Leader

Kesaia Naisara

PYP teacher

Fiji Islander. I have had the opportunity of working in Fiji, Norway, China. My passion in empowering young minds in an international setting has been rewarding.

I received my education in Fiji. I enjoy new learning opportunities with colleagues and peers. I believe in mentoring and empowering younger teachers to engage in best practice for our students. My role in the International Baccalaureate as an IBEN member helps me to support students and teachers. I am looking forward to mentoring and guiding teachers in their quest to become better educators and facilitators of learning. I look forward to joining Romerike International School community.

Juan Fernandez

MYP Coordinator and Mathematics Specialist

Born in a multicultural European family and raised in Montreal, Canada. I grew up with a strong sense of inquiry and curiosity for life as well as travelling, learning languages and a particular interest and understanding for Mathematics and Physics. My passion for learning led me to complete a Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering with Honours and later on a Masters of Education in Curriculum Instruction and in the near future, the completion of a post degree. My travels brought me to live and discover South East Asia where I lived for over 17 years and the later part of my life in Europe. My sense of discovery enabled me to understand the complexity and uniqueness of various subjects that I have been privileged to teach across the MYP and DP.

This undertaking became an integral part of who I am now as an educator and brought me a unique vision of 21st century education. I strongly believe in balanced technological and inquiry-based learning approaches that encourage student’s critical thinking skills and cognitive development. Students and educators can enjoy and learn as much as they want as long as the material has interest, a purpose, and a rationale. The virtue of a proper curriculum instructed in a holistic manner enables students to learn best when they are encouraged to communicate their questions, share personal connections, build upon prior knowledge, try something new, receive meaningful feedback, while reflecting on the process.

It is a real pleasure to join the Romerike International School and become part of the community.

Connie Pedraza

cpedraza@romerikeis.no

Grade 1

I am a Colombian teacher with a bachelor degree in early childhood education. I had the opportunity to work in the USA and China where I had students from different cultures and languages. As a preschool and elementary teacher, I am enthusiastic and caring. Along with all the different and creative initiatives in the classroom, I love to create mini museums and indoor gardens with my students. I believe in creating a learning environment where students have a voice and can pursuit their learning through following their interests and passions.

I look forward to being part of this community. Along with my husband and two children, I am sure we will continue to learn from others and have the rewarding opportunity to share our experience.

Ms. Nichola Montaigne

nmontaigne@romerikeis.no

Head of Primary

British, born in Saudi Arabia and brought up in Portugal, I have had the rewarding opportunity of pursuing my passion which is to empower all learners to believe in themselves. My international experience, working and living in the Philippines, the UK, Portugal, China and Brazil has been a rich and rewarding experience.

My higher education in Design, Sociology, a BSc in Psychology, Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a Masters in International Education and Leadership, has supported my role as an educator (PreK-G5), as a teacher in the classroom, in student support and as a leader in IB Schools. I cannot wait to join the Romerike International School and be a part of the community with my husband and three children.

Luanne May Downs

ldowns@romerikeis.no

Visual Arts PYP and MYP

“I am so excited to have your kids in my class this year.

Mr. Henrique Caetano

hcaetano@romerikeis.no

Middle Years Programme Design

I have had 28 years of experience working in the design field in a global context with prestigious organisations such as National Geographic. I transitioned into the world of education motivated to make a difference in the world and encourage all learners to use the lens of sustainability when seeking solutions to problems as global citizens.

My career and passion for design blended with education have led me to work in international schools in China and Brazil. I now look forward to joining the Romerike International School, collaborating with the whole community to develop a design thinking mindset within and beyond our school community. Living in Norway, exploring its nature and heritage is something I look forward to doing with my wife and three children.

Ericson Gutierrez

egutierrez@romerikeis.no

MYP Science

Originally from the Philippines, I am fortunate to gain vast experience teaching Science in various international schools in the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Singapore. I started teaching in 2005 and it includes delivering IB MYP, IB DP, and IGCSE curricula and framework.

Susanna Andreassen

sandreassen@romerikeis.no

Individuals and Societies

I am originally from Norway, but have lived in Hong Kong for the past fourteen years, and prior to that I lived and studied in Denmark and Thailand.  I have a MSc in Business Administration, but my passion for learning and working with people brought me into the world of education. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and have been working in secondary and tertiary education in Hong Kong, of which the past nine years have been in IB World Schools. My main subject is Individuals and Societies, and I love how students get the opportunity to discuss current affairs and use critical thinking in my lessons. I’m really excited about being part of creating an international learning community at Romerike.

Wilhelm Daniel Valderrama

dvalderrama@romerikeis.no

Head of Middle Years Programe

With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching English and Spanish, I started my career as an educator in my native Bogotá, Colombia back in 1998. After 10 years working in language schools, I made the move into school classroom teaching in public schools in North Carolina, USA, where I was for 4 years. There, I completed my master’s degree in TESOL from Greensboro College, and in 2012, I moved to China, where I started my experience with IB schools. There, not only did I continue to develop my teaching experience, this time with an international curriculum, but I also started to build on my leadership skills as a department leader and a curriculum coordinator. My passion for a holistic education that develops the student as an integral human being made me join the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN), which has brought me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience about an IB education in schools around the world as a workshop leader and visiting team member.

I am married to a wonderful woman who shares my passion for education and have two wonderful children. As a family, we believe in the power of sustainable living and respect for the global community. I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and improvement of a new school community here in Norway

Anne Lene Elfstedt

MYP Norwegian

After several exciting and educational years living in Switzerland and Spain, I came back to Romerike, the place I grew up, in 2006. I finished my bachelor’s degree in languages and graduated as a teacher in 2014. Since then, I have been working in a public middle school, teaching mainly Norwegian and German.
We live in a society and a contemporary that, in many areas, has greater diversity and more tolerance than a few decades ago. Nevertheless, we must not take this for granted, and it is vital to help our children become good at collaboration, critical thinking and reflection as well as developing good oral and written communication skills.
Because of this, I think that teaching the younger generation is one of our society's most rewarding tasks. My students must show respect for each other and be exploratory, willing to learn and motivated. As a teacher, I am humbled and, at the same time, very excited to contribute to this at Romerike International School.

Megan Korsman

English teacher

I am fascinated by the power of courage and growth. Having obtained my degree in English and Psychology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, I approach all I do with an inquisitive mind and a willingness to learn. This also forms the basis of my teaching philosophy – always strive for growth through relationships and mutual respect. I am currently in my 14th year of teaching, 7 of those in South Africa, and 7 in the UAE.

In my personal life, I adore the outdoors and the cosy winters. This makes Oslo my ideal location!

Ms Enyo Afele

Teacher of Mathematics

I was born in a small village in Ghana, moved to London UK where I spent most of my childhood. My desire to learn about different cultures led me to live and work in some amazing countries: The Netherland, Trinidad and Tobago, Switzerland, Portugal, and Malaysia.

I was firsts in my family to complete university education achieving: BSc Economics specialising in Development Studies, M.A in Politics/Economics at University of London and PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) at Greenwich University.
I had the opportunity to work with several NGOs and The UN on issues of Women and children’s Rights before moving into education. I have loved my 18 years of teaching, sharing my passions with students, and equally learning more about myself in the process. I am excited to be here at the start of an incredible journey for RIS, and I hope to make a valuable contribution to the school and local community.

Juan Fernandez

MYP Coordinator and Mathematics Specialist

Born in a multicultural European family and raised in Montreal, Canada. I grew up with a strong sense of inquiry and curiosity for life as well as travelling, learning languages and a particular interest and understanding for Mathematics and Physics. My passion for learning led me to complete a Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering with Honours and later on a Masters of Education in Curriculum Instruction and in the near future, the completion of a post degree. My travels brought me to live and discover South East Asia where I lived for over 17 years and the later part of my life in Europe. My sense of discovery enabled me to understand the complexity and uniqueness of various subjects that I have been privileged to teach across the MYP and DP.

This undertaking became an integral part of who I am now as an educator and brought me a unique vision of 21st century education. I strongly believe in balanced technological and inquiry-based learning approaches that encourage student’s critical thinking skills and cognitive development. Students and educators can enjoy and learn as much as they want as long as the material has interest, a purpose, and a rationale. The virtue of a proper curriculum instructed in a holistic manner enables students to learn best when they are encouraged to communicate their questions, share personal connections, build upon prior knowledge, try something new, receive meaningful feedback, while reflecting on the process.

It is a real pleasure to join the Romerike International School and become part of the community.

Rachael Axon

Director of Sport & Outdoor Education

I am a native from London, England, and for as long as I can remember I have always had a passion for sports and physical activity. Having graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor in Sport & Exercise Sciences and Master in Physical Education Teacher Education, I’ve built much of my career up to now in quite a unique setting. I spent 12-years as a professional soccer player, which allowed me to live and play in six different countries across three different continents (and was what initially brought me to Norway). Prior to pursuing my teaching career, I worked as Daglig Leder for Kolbotn Fotball Kvinner where I was responsible for both the club’s women’s professional team and “breddelagene”. I have previously taught in Haugesund International School on the west coast, and Norlights International School in Oslo. In my free time, I absolutely love to hike. The higher the mountain the better!

Vilde Kaunatjike Synnestvedt

vsynnestvedt@romerikeis.no

Norwegian

Having graduated from the Norwegian School of Sport Science in 2010 with a bachelor degree in sport science, I then kickstarted my teaching career in South Africa, alongside Sport, Culture and Development studies at the University of Western Cape. Both living and working in S.A. has so far been one of the greatest experiences in my life!

In addition, I have higher education in English from Østfold University College and Norwegian from Oslo Metropolitan University.

I have been employed at Neskollen primary school since 2012, where I taught in a range of year groups from grade 4 – 7. When I teach, I want my students to learn discipline, structure, creativity and collaboration. I am a big fan of peer leadership, and I try to use teaching methods that emphasize learning, how to become independent and motivated, as well as taking ownership.

Milica Kovačević

PYP assistant

After having lived in three different countries completing my education, I moved to Norway in 2017 to study International Teacher Education for Primary Schools as my bachelor’s degree.
Since then, I have had a chance to teach in different international schools, in Asia and in Norway. As an educator, I am passionate and caring; In my classroom, students always come first. I aim to create and a learning environment that is safe and inclusive and nurtures students to be independent, thoughtful, creative, reflective and self confident critical thinkers whose voice is being represented in the classroom and whose interests and passions are being reflected in their learning.
I am very eager to be a part of Romerike International School community. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences as well as learning from RIS students and staff.

Finja Kruse

PYP Teacher

Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, I grew up with a love for travel and culture. My education allowed for a unique opportunity to study and work in various countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Thailand and Russia. After graduation with a BA Honors Degree in Teacher Education from Absalon University College, I made my way to the UK. I moved to Bath in 2018 to pursue a MA in International Education and Globalisation. Soon after, I started my career as a Homeroom Teacher at Dwight London.

I believe that the heart of teaching lies in the inquiry approach that supports the learner’s in becoming agents in their learning through enthusiasm and a holistic approach. I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new food and being active. I am excited about the opportunity to join Romerike in the summer and become part of the community.

Andrew Smith

PYP teacher

Born and raised in the small town of Conwy, North Wales, I simply love being outdoors. Having graduated with a Bed in Primary Education in 2007, I have been fortunate enough to adventure as a teacher and learner, internationally across a range of school settings. I have a breadth of teaching and leadership experiences in Wales, England, Portugal, Guernsey, Germany, Brunei, Cyprus and now Norway! I passionately understand the importance of a holistic education for all, and I truly believe that people have the resources to make change possible.

Out of the classroom, you will quite likely find my on the football pitch, in the hockey rink, running with my dog through the woodland, or skimming across the lakes with on paddle board. I certainly work hard, but I do enjoy playing hard too.

I am delighted to bring my family to RIS, where we share the values for a sustainable, global community.

Kesaia Naisara

PYP teacher

Fiji Islander. I have had the opportunity of working in Fiji, Norway, China. My passion in empowering young minds in an international setting has been rewarding.

I received my education in Fiji. I enjoy new learning opportunities with colleagues and peers. I believe in mentoring and empowering younger teachers to engage in best practice for our students. My role in the International Baccalaureate as an IBEN member helps me to support students and teachers. I am looking forward to mentoring and guiding teachers in their quest to become better educators and facilitators of learning. I look forward to joining Romerike International School community.

Brent Jane

PYP teacher

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2007 and have been teaching since. I spent nearly 7 years as a Primary school teacher in Australia, teaching Grades 3 through to 6, before moving to Norway in 2014. Since arriving in Norway, I have worked at Asker International School, where my main role has been MYP Coordinator. I have filled a range of other roles including teaching Grade 1, Grade 5 and multiple subjects in the MYP. I was the lead Design & Technology teacher, and have also recently completed additional studies at NTNU, specialising in teaching English.

I have a strong passion to educate learners. I am passionate about promoting technology and innovation in education.

I love spending time with my family, with 4 sons keeping me busy at home. I am a keen tennis player and maintain an overall interest in health and fitness.

Gladdys Cuadra

gcuadra@romerikeis.no

Assistant Teacher

Originally from the Philippines, I have been overseas for the last 10 years and have experience being a PYP teaching assistant in two IB World Schools in Singapore for the last 5 years.

Completed a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, I opted to be in the field of education dealing with young minds right after my university graduation. I am very passionate about young learners. I enjoy witnessing how they explore and discover the world around us.

My husband also teaches at Romerike International School in the secondary level as a Science Teacher and we have three children. During my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking and cycling. 

Gladdys Cuadra

gcuadra@romerikeis.no

Assistant Teacher

Originally from the Philippines, I have been overseas for the last 10 years and have experience being a PYP teaching assistant in two IB World Schools in Singapore for the last 5 years.

Completed a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, I opted to be in the field of education dealing with young minds right after my university graduation. I am very passionate about young learners. I enjoy witnessing how they explore and discover the world around us.

My husband also teaches at Romerike International School in the secondary level as a Science Teacher and we have three children. During my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking and cycling. 

Kesaia Naisara

PYP teacher

Fiji Islander. I have had the opportunity of working in Fiji, Norway, China. My passion in empowering young minds in an international setting has been rewarding.

I received my education in Fiji. I enjoy new learning opportunities with colleagues and peers. I believe in mentoring and empowering younger teachers to engage in best practice for our students. My role in the International Baccalaureate as an IBEN member helps me to support students and teachers. I am looking forward to mentoring and guiding teachers in their quest to become better educators and facilitators of learning. I look forward to joining Romerike International School community.

Victoria Skarpsno

Inclusion Coordinator

Soon!

Thanes Kanthasamy

Company:
Norwegian Vaktmester Service AS.
(Cleaning Service and maintanance)

I’m from Sri Lanka and experienced for 20 years in this field. I’m running my own company named Norwegian Vaktmester Service AS, which is full cleaning service and maintanance Company.

I love spending time with my lovely family outdoors.

My mission is to create clean and healthy community and environment.

Thanes Kanthasamy

Company:
Norwegian Vaktmester Service AS.
(Cleaning Service and maintanance)

I’m from Sri Lanka and experienced for 20 years in this field. I’m running my own company named Norwegian Vaktmester Service AS, which is full cleaning service and maintanance Company.

I love spending time with my lovely family outdoors.

My mission is to create clean and healthy community and environment.