Committed to Creating
Positive Change
Our hearts burn for education that inspires and purpose that transforms.
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At the heart of MARKED with Purpose is Founder Ida Nevalainen, a visionary leader with a background in education and psychiatric youth counseling from Finland. Ida is responsible for the development of MARKED with Purpose activities and global partnerships.
Every young person has a unique story and purpose, longing for support to emerge in this world.
Leading the Global MARKED Educator Program is Anne-Mari Kuusimäki, a dedicated educational professional with a PhD in Philosophy (Education) from the University of Helsinki. With 20 years of experience in training, Anne-Mari is a seasoned teacher, solution-focused trainer, and coach, with expertise as a solution-focused neuropsychiatric coach.
Creating a positive emotional connection with a young person is the most important value task for an educator.
Annukka Töyri is one of the trainers in the Global MARKED Educator Program. She is an accomplished educator and doctoral researcher with a Master’s in Education and a specialization in special education. Additionally, Annukka is a certified solution-focused supervisor and neuropsychiatric coach, bringing valuable expertise and dedication to our trainings.
Teaching is the greatest act of optimism. -Colleen Wilcox
Ia Kawasaki is a master’s student in Changing Education at the University of Helsinki. With her transdisciplinary approach, Ia leads MARKED with Purpose’s international partnership-building and project coordination.
I believe everyone has a spark within, and I strive to create supportive and safe environments for more people to re/connect with themselves and re/discover and nurture their potential with self-dignity.
Christine Namdar serves MARKED as a researcher focused on impact assessment. With her extensive background in teaching, Christine ensures that our educational initiatives are grounded in effective practices by evaluating their impact.
We must guide young people through deeper, existential questions with a proactive, tailored approach, helping them find meaning and purpose, and nurture their abilities. This strategy seeks sustainable solutions to deep challenges, empowering young people to feel they can positively contribute to our evolving society.
Erika Maksniemi is a doctoral researcher and teacher specializing in educational psychology. In the MARKED with Purpose Youth program, she monitors the development of young people's skills.
We must provide all preventative support for young people as they grow and learn to understand themselves. We cannot assume that skills develop on their own as young people grow in this rapidly changing world. Otherwise, we only increase inequality among young people.
Veera Nordman is a content producer at MARKED, where she is responsible for designing the content guidelines for our programs. Her role ensures that our educational materials are engaging, effective, and aligned with our program goals.
I fulfill my own purpose at MARKED by guiding and mentoring individuals and communities towards discovering their own sense of purpose through materials, training, and interactions.