Faculty
Pre-Primary
Vidhi Bhalakia is a preprimary teacher, working with the playgroup. Vidhi believes that as early childhood educators and first school teachers, pre-primary teachers play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a child’s future, making a positive impact that lasts a lifetime.
Vidhi has been dedicated to teaching for over 15 years. She began her career as an interview trainer for children and has since found fulfillment as an educator. Vidhi is grateful to be a part of Finland International School, where she has the opportunity to support children's learning processes and positively shape their futures.
Pre-Primary
Vidhi Bhalakia
Preprimary Teacher
Reshma Poojari
Preprimary Coordinator and homeroom teacher
Reshma Poojari is a member of the founding staff at Finland International School Race Course, Preprimary coordinator and Jr KG and Sr KG homeroom teacher. After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, she pursued her postgraduate Programme in Marketing Management, and then followed her dream of becoming an Early Childhood Educator and completed her Bachelor of Education. As a keen learner, she continued to update her knowledge by obtaining a certificate in Corporate Communications. Reshma is also an active member of the ECA (Early Childhood Association).
Reshma is a dedicated and passionate education professional with a proven track record of successful leadership in the field of early childhood education. She has extensive experience of more than 15 years in coordinating and managing preschool programmes, ensuring a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. She is adept at curriculum development, staff management, and fostering positive parent-teacher relationships. Reshma is committed to creating a foundation for lifelong learning and instilling a love for education in young minds.
Ekta Vinjuda
Preprimary Teacher
Ekta is a passionate pre-primary teacher dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. With 5 years of experience in early childhood education, she believes in creating a warm and inviting classroom environment, where children feel safe to explore, play, and express themselves. Ekta focuses on developing foundational skills through engaging activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and social interaction. Her goal is to inspire curiosity and help each child reach their full potential while making learning a joyful experience!
Grades 1-5
Grades 1-5
Reetta Hälvä
Class Teacher
Reetta Hälvä is a class teacher of grades 3-5. Before finding her way to India, Reetta has been studying and working mainly in Finland. Reetta started her studies at the University of Eastern Finland with Mathematics as her major, and graduated from the University of Tampere with a Master’s Degree in Education. Afterwards, she dedicated herself to a school where she could apply and refine her skills with students of all ages, spanning from primary to secondary school. Reetta has experience of teaching Mathematics and Textile craft at both primary and lower secondary level. She is passionate about many subjects, and she tries to evolve herself in many ways during her free time.
The best part of teaching for Reetta is the development process and following the growth of a young person and personality. Reetta loves to engage in inquiry together with her students; to ask questions and to find answers in creative ways. She truly believes that in the best kind of classroom, the students are not the only ones learning new things, and that the best way to learn is to be excited and to learn together!
Hetal Kantariya
Learning Assistant
Hetal is excited to begin her journey as a learning assistant. As a recent graduate with a passion for early childhood education with a ECEC Certification, Hetal is eager to create a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners. Hetal believes that play is a vital part of learning and she aims to inspire curiosity and creativity in her students through fun and interactive activities. She is committed to fostering a love for learning and helping each child develop their unique potential. Hetal looks forward to making a positive impact in the lives of her students!
Tanja Kauppila
Vice Principal (Primary School), Primary Class Teacher & Home Economics Teacher
Tanja Kauppila is a member of the founding staff at Finland International School Race Course, the Primary School Vice Principal and a Class teacher for Grades 1-2. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and is specialized in Pre-School and Primary Education, Special Education Needs and Social Psychology. In our child-centred learning environment her goal is to encourage joyful learning and learning by doing. Before starting work at her dream school in Mumbai, she worked as a Class Teacher in Qatar-Finland International School for 3 years, for 1 year in the UAE, and for more than 15 years in Finland.
Tanja also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and her favourite subject is mathematics. She believes in building a strong foundation for mathematical knowledge through problem-solving and teaching the essential thinking skills to support holistic learning. Sustainability in education is important to Tanja and it is emphasised in daily school life.
Sheetal Sheth
Primary Years Coordinator, Class teacher
Sheetal Sheth is a member of the founding staff at Finland International School Race Course, Primary Years Coordinator and Grade 3-5 Class teacher with experience spanning over 15 years. Throughout her career, Sheetal has worked with diverse socio-economic groups and has taught across various Boards/Curricula in the K-12 education sector. Sheetal obtained her degree in Bachelor of Commerce, post which she pursued her degree in Web Centric Computing (Web programming) from NIIT, in the field of Information Technology. Her passion for teaching led Sheetal to pursue her Bachelor's in Education. Taking her career forward, she also completed IB workshops which have strengthened her knowledge and understanding of inquiry based learning.
Sheetal has also worked as Content Developer and Editor (School Curriculum and Books for Children) for various renowned publications like Chetana and Oxford. She has expertise in developing comprehensive, standards-aligned curricula that cater to diverse learning styles and promote student engagement. She is proficient in collaborating with teachers to integrate technology, differentiated instruction, and project-based learning into the curriculum.
Grades 6-10
Grades 6-10
Meeri Kiviluoto
Individuals & Societies
Meeri Annika Kiviluoto is the Middle Years Individuals & Societies subject teacher at FIS Race Course, teaching humanities and social sciences in an interdisciplinary manner. Alongside her academic work as a teacher, she works with admissions and marketing.
Meeri has completed her bachelor’s degree in Global Humanities at the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, after which she joined the Global Leaders’ Alliance postgraduate program at the Alliance University in Bengaluru, India. As a lover of humanities and social sciences, her passion throughout her work and studies has been to understand the importance of knowing our history to understand the interconnected world in which we live. This is reflected in her long-standing work with a social enterprise run by the Santhal tribal people in West Bengal. Meeri’s professional purpose is to bring counternarratives and pluralism into the study of humanities and social sciences.
Meeri loves India and has dreamed of settling down here since childhood, traveling around and learning about the country since 2019. In her free time she enjoys running, yoga, spending time with dogs and drinking really good coffee!
Rajani Naik
Vice Principal (Middle Years) & MYP Coordinator
Rajani Naik is the Middle Years Vice Principal and on the founding team at FIS Race Course. With an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and transformative educational environments, Rajani's academic journey and professional trajectory reflect her dedication to educational leadership. With a Master’s Degree in Educational Sciences focusing on Educational Leadership from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, she has delved deeply into innovative pedagogical approaches such as Phenomenon Based Learning (PhBL).
Rajani’s role as the Director of Teaching and Learning at Hasanat High School in Mumbai coupled with her impactful contributions at the India School Leadership Institute and Teach For India, have equipped her with a robust understanding of educational systems and the effective implementation of transformative learning practices. In her free time, Rajani enjoys deep sea diving, pottery making, reading and of course spending time with teenagers!
Mohini Pandey
Mathematics & SEL
Mohini Pandey is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 13 years of experience in the education sector. Holding a master's degree in bioinformatics, a bachelor's degree in education, and a postgraduate diploma in Inclusive Education from Azim Premji University. She has experience in teaching mathematics and science in various curricula like IGCSE, CBSE and state boards along with IB. Throughout her career, Mohini has been driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool that can give children the voice and choice they need to shape their futures and the communities around them.
Mohini's passion extends beyond traditional academic boundaries, she is deeply committed to fostering social and emotional learning (SEL) among students. She understands that emotional intelligence and social skills are crucial for the holistic development of children. Her initiatives in SEL aim to equip students with the skills they need to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and navigate social complexities with confidence. She understands that every child deserves a champion—someone who believes in them, advocates for them, and helps them realise their potential. Mohini aspires to be that champion for every student she encounters. Mohini's approach is rooted in the understanding that inclusivity in education is not just about accommodating differences but celebrating them, fostering an environment where every child feels valued and supported.
Babita Srivastava
Sciences
Babita Srivastava is our vibrant science and interdisciplinary teacher in the MYP, bringing over 20 years of enriching experience from schools across India. She holds a B.Sc. in Physics, Maths & Statistics, an MSc in Statistics from the University of Gorakhpur and a Bachelor's in Education from IGNOU, Delhi.
With a passion for immersing students in the wonders of science, Babita thrives on the exhilarating 'AHA' moments when concepts resonate. Her student-centered philosophy fosters a vibrant, engaging environment where active participation, curiosity, and critical thinking flourish through hands-on learning and real-world applications.
A lifelong learner and avid reader, Babita also enjoys exploring Mumbai's bustling streets by cycling or walking. Her creative pursuits include stitching and knitting, which provide her with a sense of relaxation and fulfilment.
Grades 11-12
Grades 11-12
Radha Trivady
DPCP Coordinator, Head of curriculum development, Vice Principal
Radha Trivady has recently joined our team as the DP/CP Coordinator, Head of Curriculum, and Vice Principal for High School Years. With over 18 years of experience in IB Schools, Radha has served as both a teacher and a leader. She brings a wealth of knowledge from teaching various curricula including the American curriculum, IGCSE, and IB. Radha's teaching journey has led her to international schools in Conakry, Guinea, and Abidjan, Ivory Coast, before she began teaching at IB schools in India.
Throughout her career, Radha has held numerous roles such as MYP Personal Project Coordinator, DP CAS Coordinator, MYP Service Coordinator, MYP Coordinator, and Whole School Head of Curriculum. She also contributes to the Asia-Pacific region as a Site Visitor and Consultant for School Visiting Teams. Radha is extremely passionate about student-centred learning and the well-being of both students and teachers.
Specialists
Specialists
From a young age, Haresh’s heart has been set on sports, igniting a passion that has guided his journey ever since. He has had the privilege of playing at the Senior National level for soccer, an experience that fuelled my love for the game and instilled in him a drive for excellence.
With more then 10 years of teaching experience, Haresh has had the opportunity to work with various boards and curricula. For the past six years, he has dedicated himself to shaping young minds as a Physical and Health Education (PHE) teacher in the esteemed IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Haresh’s journey has been equally enriching, culminating in a degree in Sports Management, a football Diploma and a CAT 2 in IB PHE program. These qualifications, coupled with his hands-on experience, equip him to guide and support each learner on their path to success.
Beyond the classroom, Haresh is the proud founder of GIFA Sports—a venture close to his heart. Alongside his dedicated team, he strives to create opportunities for learners to explore and enjoy sports to the fullest at Finland International School, Racecourse.
With his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, Haresh is committed to inspiring and empowering each learner to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Haresh Golar
Physical & Health Education
John Hart
Director of Digital Learning & Innovation
John holds a BSc in Psychology in addition to his post-graduate teaching qualifications from the UK. He has experience of a wide range of curricula, including the IB PYP, the English National Curriculum, the IPC and, of course the Finnish National Core Curriculum. Before moving to India, he held the dual roles of Primary Coordinator and Lead Teacher for Digital Learning at the European School of Helsinki.
John is a keen advocate for the meaningful, considered integration of technology in school and was one of the first cohort of seven teachers in Finland to be recognised as an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2015. Since then he has attended, run workshops or spoken at ADE Institutes in Amsterdam, Berlin and London as well as providing in-service training for teachers at a range of schools across Finland and the Middle East. In 2017 he was also awarded as one of the top two ‘tech-savvy’ teachers in Finland (Suomen Digiosaavin Opettaja) for his work with the Helsinki City Museum. Since moving to India, he has been certified as an Apple Professional Learning Specialist, ensuring that he remains at the cutting edge of advances in education technology and teacher training.
Aside from his work in school, John has guest-written on the topic of education for the Guardian newspaper in the UK and acted as a mentor for xEdu, which is Europe's leading business accelerator for edtech startups. John is a keen footballer, distance runner and mountain biker. He and his wife, Anna, have three teenage boys together.
Faezeh Jalali
Performing Arts
Faezeh is the Founder and Artistic Director of FATS Thearts, Mumbai. She is an award-winning actor, director, and writer, as well as a teacher, kalaripayattu practitioner, choreographer, runner, artivist and aerialist. She has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Performance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, U.S.A and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts (Acting and Directing) from Beloit College, Wisconsin U.S.A. She also has a Diploma in Kalaripayattu from Kalarigram, Auroville, Tamil Nadu.
Faezeh is the recipient of the prestigious Tanveer Natyadharme Puraskar 2017 (presented by the Dr. Sriram Lagoo’s Roopwedh Pratishthan Trust) for her contribution to the field, and the Dubey-Tendulkar Fellowship 2017. She has also been a META awardee (Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards) for her plays/performances in 2016, 2017 and 2018, Sultan Padamsee Playwriting awardee 2016, and Laadli Media Award for Gender Diversity 2017.
Faezeh has been working professionally for the last couple of decades on stage, in film, TV and, web-series. She has written and directed several well acclaimed plays, like, Shikhandi-The Story of the Inbetweens, Bone of Contention, 777, Strictly Unconventional, Afterlies, among others. She is very cool - ask anyone.
Joann Joseph
Music
With an experience of over 6 years, Joann from Furtados School of Music (FSM) is a passionate and seasoned music educator with a focus on vocals and keyboard instructions. Thriving at FSM, she blends her 6 years of experience with a commitment to nurturing musical talent and fostering creativity in her students.
She believes in personalized guidance, technique, and expression to empower students to explore their musical potential and find their unique voice in the world of music. Her mission has been to inspire and guide aspiring musicians on their journey towards musical excellence and self-discovery, creating a harmonious blend of technique and creativity in every lesson.
Jyoti Joshi
Special Education Needs Teacher
Jyoti Joshi, a special educator and counsellor by profession, is a member of the Student Welfare team of the school. Along with the other members of the Student Welfare team, she is responsible for assisting students with learning and/or behavioural issues. She is also responsible for guiding teachers to make the necessary structural changes in teaching & learning methodology to facilitate learning.
Jyoti has a D.Ed. & B.Ed. special education degree (Multi-disability) from SNDT University, Mumbai and holds a Master’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a SEN (Special education need) teacher in a special school for children with learning disabilities. There after, she has held different positions, including, being a principal of special school, coordinator of special education (LD) course, lecturer of special education in D.Ed. college (Goa), in addition to special educator and counsellor roles in a range of both special and regular schools. Thus, she has gained a wide range of experience in working with children in a variety of educational settings.
Jyoti is a strong believer and supporter of inclusive education. Every child with or without a disability (or learning difficulty) has the right to be in mainstream education and to learn with the same age group children, in the same classroom, with or without extra support. With a little extra effort by the team of teachers and the SEN teacher, along with parents’ support, learning can be facilitated in any child with a learning difficulty. She believes in teamwork and insists that parents should be a part of this collaborative effort.
Elina Kataja
Head of Teacher Training
Elina Kataja, an early childhood education specialist, works at Finland International School as the Head of Teacher Training. She is responsible for teacher professional development and curriculum development in particular.
Elina has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked 18 years in various positions in the field of Education, being a preprimary teacher, leader and project manager in various development projects, as well as a mentor and an academic coordinator. Elina has trained thousands of preprimary teachers in Finland prior to coming to India.
Early childhood education is Elina’s professional passion. She believes that there is hardly anything more important than supporting young children in building good social skills, comprehensive learning readiness, a healthy self-esteem, and a positive outlook on the future. In early childhood education, in addition to laying the foundation for strong academic skills, Elina wants to support the child's right to play, hear stories and fairytales, use their imagination, dream, and express themselves through various ways of art. Childhood lasts only a short moment, and Elina firmly believes that we must remember to cherish that unique time.
Ville Minkkinen
Physical education, Music and Woodcraft specialist
Ville Minkkinen graduated as a primary teacher from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. He also holds a Bachelor of sports degree from Lapland University of Applied Sciences in Finland. Ville combines his competence in teaching and sports to educate children to acquire skills and enthusiasm for a wide range of Indian and international sports. Ville’s lifelong goal is to help people to find motivation and competence in taking care of their own health by establishing a physically active lifestyle, developing healthy nutrition habits, sleeping well and taking care of their own mental health.
Ville has experience teaching both music and crafts (hard materials) in Finland. He has a passion for music, in his free time and plays the guitar, the piano and drums as well as singing and writing his own songs. In music his goal is to help every student to find their own passion regarding listening and producing music. Ville also teaches crafts with hard materials, which is part of the subject ‘Design and crafts’. Ville encourages students to use various materials for developing their design and production skills, and he believes that learning is the most effective when the student is taking responsibility in setting their own goals and proactively creating plans to reach them.
Juili Sakhalkar
Counsellor
Juili Sakhalkar is a part of student welfare team, working as a counsellor in our esteem organisation. She believes counsellors help to enhance self-learning in students and to help them understand themselves in better way. She feels counselling plays an important role in uncovering the root cause of child’s distress and she works to develop effective strategies for coping with life’s challenges.
Juili has completed her master’s in counselling psychology from Mumbai university, followed by an advance diploma in counselling psychology. She began her career as a school counsellor and has experience of supporting and guiding students with different sets of concerns. Before becoming a part of Finland international school, she was working in Podar international school.
Juili is proficient in conducting psychoeducational workshops for students as well as parents as she believes in team work to foster development in each student.
Archana Tiwari
Hindi & Marathi
Archana is a dedicated and experienced Hindi and Marathi teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has authored two student work books in the Marathi subject for classes 5 and 6. Her academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Hindi Literature, a Diploma in school management, a Diploma in Education, a Bachelor in Education and a Marathi Certification Course along with proficiency in computer skills through an MSCIT Certification course. Archana’s passion for teaching and her love for being around children have driven her to pursue a career in education and she is currently enjoying her role at Finland International School.
Aditi Torani
Spanish
With many years of professional experience, Aditi has a diverse career that spans across the education sector. Her journey began with a role as an Education Counselor with Campus France at The Alliance Française de Bombay, advising students on pursuing education in France. Her French language skills further developed when she was with Lycée Français de Mumbai. Her experience as a French language teacher at an International School dedicated over a decade to fostering language proficiency in students.
In addition to her expertise in French, she has a strong command of Spanish which allows her to work in multilingual environments. She brings her passion for languages into the classroom by creating interactive and engaging lessons that cater to different learning styles. Through a mix of grammar, vocabulary, conversational practice, and cultural insights, she ensures that students grasp the fundamentals of Spanish in a fun and memorable way.
Besides French and Spanish, she has taught English as a foreign language to non-English-speaking students helping them build a strong foundation in both spoken and written English. Evidently, her communication and organisational skills, allow her to contribute creatively and practically to any educational team.