Our Community

Our Students
Whilst the majority of students come with some connection to Norway, we are also an international school with students connected to over 30 countries from around the world.
We have a wide diversity of students coming from a huge range of cultural, linguistic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. This is considered one of the greatest strengths of the school.
The students in our care will be the guardians and leaders of our future society; a humbling responsibility.


Our Families
Like the students at Romerike International School, each and every family is unique.
Most of the families at RIS have one or both parents that are Norwegain. Some families are fully international and part of the global workforce and take advantage of the school’s international curriculum; allowing them to move around the world with ease. Other families want to take advantage of the progressive internationally minded curriculum to challenge their children and prepare them for a competitive world.
RIS is an inclusive school and prides itself on providing a considerate, compassionate education to children of all abilities – an aspect that many families appreciate.
Our Leadership

Will Warren
wwarren@romerikeis.no
Principal

Will Warren
Principal
Prior to this post, I was Head of Primary at Arendal International School for 8 years. I am originally from England and have worked in schools in South Africa, the Cayman Islands, Switzerland and Norway. I profoundly believe in the importance of seeing every child as unique, with individual needs. I aim to create an inclusive environment providing creative, challenging learning opportunities for all.
When not at school, I am a proud parent of two teenagers and love anything to do with the sea; right now this is free diving.

Carmen Bernal
cbernal@romerikeis.no
School Business Manager

Carmen Bernal
School Business Manager
I am originally from Madrid and moved to Norway in 2006. I have worked as a production manager in feature films all my years in Spain, although my education was in 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 specifically, school leadership. I have since a bachelor's 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), and Norwegian as a second language (OsloMet). 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.

Brent Jane
bjane@romerikeis.no
Head of Primary Years Programme

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 6, before moving to Norway in 2014. Since arriving in Norway, I have worked at Asker International School, where my primary role has been MYP Coordinator. I have filled various other roles including teaching Grade 1, Grade 5 and multiple subjects in the MYP. I was the lead Design & Technology teacher, and have recently completed additional studies at NTNU, specialising in teaching English.
I have a strong passion for educating 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 am interested in health and fitness.

W. Daniel Valderrama
dvalderrama@romerikeis.no
Head of Middle Years Programme

Wilhelm Daniel Valderrama
MYP Spanish
With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching English and Spanish, I started my career as an educator in my native Bogotá, Colombia in 1998. After 10 years working in language schools, I made a 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 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 we 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 our school community here in Norway.

Julie Haugen
jhaugen@romerikeis.no
SFO Leader

Julie Haugen
SFO Leader

Kesaia Naisara
knaisara@romerikeis.no
PYP Curriculum Coordinator

Kesaia Naisara
PYP teacher
I have had the opportunity of working in Fiji, Norway, and China. My passion for 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 practices for our students. My role in the International Baccalaureate as an IBEN member helps me to support students and teachers.
I enjoy mentoring and guiding teachers in their quest to become better educators and facilitators of learning.

Ericson Gutierrez
egutierrez@romerikeis.no
MYP Curriculum Coordinator

Ericson Gutierrez
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, delivering IB MYP, IB DP, and IGCSE curricula and frameworks.

Juan Fernández
jfernandez@romerikeis.no
MYP Head of Research

Juan Fernandez
PYP Teacher & MYP Science
Born in a multicultural European family and raised in Montreal, Canada. I grew up with a strong sense of inquiry and curiosity for life, travelling, learning languages, and a particular interest and understanding of Mathematics and Physics. My passion for learning led me to complete a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering with Honours and later a Master's of Education in Curriculum Instruction.
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 I have been privileged to teach across the MYP and DP.
This undertaking became integral to 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 students’ critical thinking skills and cognitive development. Students and educators can enjoy and learn as much as they want if the material has an interest, a purpose, and a rationale. A proper curriculum instructed holistically enables students to remember best when they are encouraged to communicate their questions, share personal connections, build upon prior knowledge, try something new, and receive meaningful feedback while reflecting on the process.
Our Teachers
Teachers at RIS come from all over the world, with a vast range of educational experience.

Connie Pedraza
cpedraza@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher – Grade 1

Connie Pedraza
PYP Teacher
I am a Colombian teacher with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. I worked 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 other 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 pursue their learning by following their interests and passions.

Patrick Locufier
plocufier@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher – Grade 3

Patrick Locufier
PYP teacher
I have a strong passion for educating 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 am interested in health and fitness.

Luanne May Downs
ldowns@romerikeis.no
PYP & MYP Arts

Luanne May Downs
PYP and MYP Visual Arts
I am so excited to have your kids in my class this year. I am sure this year will be a learning journey, fun and adventure. I will be spending the first weeks of school learning more about your child and better understanding how I can best support them as they encounter exciting new opportunities for growth and discovery.
I am from the big, busy English capital London, England. I moved to Oslo, Norway in 2017.
My passions are making, teaching and exhibiting art, travelling and learning new things, especially about people, places and history. I speak English, French, and comical Norwegian. I have lived in many areas, including the UK, France, Sweden, the USA and the Caribbean.

Henrique Caetano
hcaetano@romerikeis.no
MYP Design

Henrique Caetano
MYP Design
I have 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 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 enjoy being at Romerike International School, collaborating with the whole community to develop a design-thinking mindset within and beyond our school community.

Ericson Gutierrez
egutierrez@romerikeis.no
MYP Science

Ericson Gutierrez
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, delivering IB MYP, IB DP, and IGCSE curricula and frameworks.

Susanna Andreassen
sandreassen@romerikeis.no
MYP Individuals & Societies / MYP Norwegian B

Susanna Andreassen
MYP Individuals and Societies / MYP Norwegian B
I am originally from Norway but lived in Hong Kong for fourteen years, and prior to that, I lived and studied in Denmark and Thailand. I have an MSc in Business Administration, but my passion for learning and working with people brought me into education. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and worked in secondary and tertiary education in Hong Kong, of which nine years were in IB World Schools. I am currently in my third year of teaching at Romerike International School.
My main subject is Individuals and Societies, and I love how students can discuss current affairs and use critical thinking in my lessons.

W. Daniel Valderrama
dvalderrama@romerikeis.no
MYP Spanish

Wilhelm Daniel Valderrama
MYP Spanish
With a bachelor’s degree in Teaching English and Spanish, I started my career as an educator in my native Bogotá, Colombia in 1998. After 10 years working in language schools, I made a 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 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 we 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 our school community here in Norway.

Anne Lene Elfstedt
aelfstedt@romerikeis.no
MYP Norwegian

Anne Lene Elfstedt
MYP Norwegian
After several exciting and educational years living in Switzerland and Spain, I returned to Romerike, where I grew up, in 2006. I finished my language bachelor’s degree 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, and developing good oral and written communication skills.
Because of this, teaching the younger generation is one of our society's most rewarding tasks. My students must respect 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
mkorsman@romerikeis.no
MYP English

Megan Korsman
MYP English
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 a curious 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 in my 15th year of teaching, 7 in South Africa and 7 in the UAE.
In my free time, I adore the outdoors and the cosy winters. This makes Norway my ideal location!

Enyo Afele
eafele@romerikeis.no
MYP Mathematics

Enyo Afele
MYP Mathematics
I was born in a small village in Ghana and 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 fantastic countries: The Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Switzerland, Portugal, and Malaysia.
I was the first in my family to complete a university education with a BSc in Economics specialising in Development Studies, an M.A. in Politics/Economics at the University of London and a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) at Greenwich University.
I had the opportunity to work with several NGOs and The UN on Women's 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 the local community.

Juan Fernández
jfernandez@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher / MYP Science

Juan Fernandez
PYP Teacher & MYP Science
Born in a multicultural European family and raised in Montreal, Canada. I grew up with a strong sense of inquiry and curiosity for life, travelling, learning languages, and a particular interest and understanding of Mathematics and Physics. My passion for learning led me to complete a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering with Honours and later a Master's of Education in Curriculum Instruction.
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 I have been privileged to teach across the MYP and DP.
This undertaking became integral to 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 students’ critical thinking skills and cognitive development. Students and educators can enjoy and learn as much as they want if the material has an interest, a purpose, and a rationale. A proper curriculum instructed holistically enables students to remember best when they are encouraged to communicate their questions, share personal connections, build upon prior knowledge, try something new, and receive meaningful feedback while reflecting on the process.

Rachael Axon
Director of Sport & Outdoor Education

Rachael Axon
Director of Sport & Outdoor Education
I am a native of London, England, and I have always had a passion for sports and physical activity for as long as I can remember. Having graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor's in Sports & Exercise Sciences and a Master's in Physical Education Teacher Education, I’ve built much of my career 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). Before pursuing my teaching career, I worked as Daglig Leder for Kolbotn Fotball Kvinner, responsible for the club’s women’s professional team and “breddelagene”. I have previously taught at Haugesund International School on the west coast and Norlights International School in Oslo. In my free time, I love to hike. The higher the mountain, the better!

Vilde K. Synnestvedt
vsynnestvedt@romerikeis.no
PYP Norwegian

Vilde Kaunatjike Synnestvedt
PYP Norwegian
Graduating from the Norwegian School of Sport Science in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in sport science, I kickstarted my teaching career in South Africa, alongside Sport, Culture and Development studies at the University of Western Cape. Living and working in S.A. has so far been one of the most incredible 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 grades 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, and taking ownership.

Milica Kovačević
mkovacevic@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher – Grade 4

Milica Kovačević
PYP Teacher
After living in three different countries and completing my education, I moved to Norway in 2017 to study International Teacher Education for Primary Schools for my bachelor’s degree.
Since then, I have taught in different international schools in Asia and Norway. As an educator, I am passionate and caring; students always come first in my classroom. I aim to create 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.

Finja Kruse
fkruse@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher – Grade 2

Finja Kruse
PYP Teacher
Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, I loved travel and culture. My education allowed me to study and work in various countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Thailand and Russia. After graduating with a BA Honors in Teacher Education from Absalon University College, I went 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 learners in becoming agents in their learning through enthusiasm and a holistic approach. I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new food and being active.
Eleni Stavromitrou
estavromitrou@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher Assistant

Finja Kruse
PYP Teacher
Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, I loved travel and culture. My education allowed me to study and work in various countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Thailand and Russia. After graduating with a BA Honors in Teacher Education from Absalon University College, I went 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 learners in becoming agents in their learning through enthusiasm and a holistic approach. I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new food and being active.

Kesaia Naisara
knaisara@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher – Grade 5

Kesaia Naisara
PYP teacher
I have had the opportunity of working in Fiji, Norway, and China. My passion for 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 practices for our students. My role in the International Baccalaureate as an IBEN member helps me to support students and teachers.
I enjoy mentoring and guiding teachers in their quest to become better educators and facilitators of learning.

Brent Jane
bjane@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher – Grade 5

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 6, before moving to Norway in 2014. Since arriving in Norway, I have worked at Asker International School, where my primary role has been MYP Coordinator. I have filled various other roles including teaching Grade 1, Grade 5 and multiple subjects in the MYP. I was the lead Design & Technology teacher, and have recently completed additional studies at NTNU, specialising in teaching English.
I have a strong passion for educating 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 am interested in health and fitness.

Gladdys Cuadra
gcuadra@romerikeis.no
Assistant Teacher

Gladdys Cuadra
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.
Having 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.

Victoria Skarpsno
vskarpsno@romerikeis.no
PYP Norwegian

Victoria Skarpsno
PYP Norwegian
Soon!

Diana Vanegas
dvanegas@romerikeis.no
SFO Assistant

Kesaia Naisara
PYP teacher
I have had the opportunity of working in Fiji, Norway, and China. My passion for 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 practices for our students. My role in the International Baccalaureate as an IBEN member helps me to support students and teachers.
I enjoy mentoring and guiding teachers in their quest to become better educators and facilitators of learning.

Julie Haugen
jhaugen@romerikeis.no
SFO leader

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 6, before moving to Norway in 2014. Since arriving in Norway, I have worked at Asker International School, where my primary role has been MYP Coordinator. I have filled various other roles including teaching Grade 1, Grade 5 and multiple subjects in the MYP. I was the lead Design & Technology teacher, and have recently completed additional studies at NTNU, specialising in teaching English.
I have a strong passion for educating 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 am interested in health and fitness.

Gladdys Cuadra
gcuadra@romerikeis.no
SFO Assistant

Gladdys Cuadra
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.
Having 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.
Cathrine Johansen
cjohansen@romerikeis.no
PYP Teacher Assistant

Gladdys Cuadra
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.
Having 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.
Our Board
Romerike International School was founded to serve the needs of families in Romerike.
The school is governed by a board consisting of representatives of the organizations that contributed to the establishment of the school. The school board meets several times a year and is responsible for the overall running of the school. All board members are active or retired leaders in their field locally and/or internationally.
Chairman
Stephan Lange
Jervell
Lawyer and partner in a law firm Wiersholm.
member
Gudbrand Johannes Qvale
Master in Economy, Communication consultant and organic farmer.
member
Karl Erik M. Kaurstad
Senior Strategy Manager / Head of Business SalesreMarkable.
member
Mya
Esplin
Business Manager at Asker International School.
F.A.U. (Parent council)
FAU Minutes 8.5.2023
FAU Minutes 6.3.2023
FAU Minutes 6.2.2023
FAU Minutes 5.1.2023
FAU Minutes 05.12.2022
FAU Minutes 07.11.2022
FAU Minutes 10.10.2022
FAU Minutes 5.9.2022
FAU Minutes 13.6.2022
FAU Minutes 5.9.2022
FAU Minutes 13.6.2022
RIS Parent Council Constitution
Our Alumni
We look forward to seeing where the Alumni of RIS go next and to see the positive impact that they will have on both local and global communities.
We will be recording their stories here.
Internships
The RIS Internship Programme provides a supervised and meaningful working experience for university students – through the Erasmus program – and /or recent graduates. The school is also committed to helping those in need of a praksisplass, either through NAV or as part of a university placement.
We offer the unique opportunity to learn, share, and connect with our dedicated and innovative community. Interns also get the opportunity to be directly involved in real projects and exposed to multiple activities.
This is a two way relationship and we expect our interns to bring with them a wealth of experience and skills that the school can take advantage of.
The programme is designed for interns to learn, grow, and take action now. Having completed an internship, participants will walk out with personal and professional growth, a network of like-minded professionals and a deeper understanding of education and a sustainable future.
Internships are offered depending on the needs and capacity of our school.
Work at Romerike International School
Interested in working at our school? We would like to hear from you! Send an email to jobs@romerikeis.no