I am an experienced professional in communications, interaction, and advocacy work who loves insight and shared goals. For a long time, I found my sense of purpose in shaping knowledge: identifying information needs and gaps in understanding, and translating research-based knowledge into forms where it could have real impact—moving it from the academic world toward political decision-making, education, and public discourse.
Research-based knowledge remains a cornerstone of my worldview, but I am no longer certain that knowledge alone is enough to bring about the changes our society needs. I I am seeking ways to build a better world through human experience and genuine encounter, one individual and one community at a time. My degree in social services focused on mental health and crisis work, as well as creative and experiential methods in group settings. I gained hands-on experience in online crisis support for young people, group-based social rehabilitation for young adults, and supportive encounters at a crisis centre. In my thesis, I explored ways to alleviate loneliness and the shame associated with it through lived-experience expertise. Themes of loneliness, exclusion, and social anxiety also guided my studies in literature therapy and my cognitive-analytic therapy training, which focused on individual work.
Although the direction of my career has changed, my superpower remains the same: I take interest and show respect, I fall in love with ideas and commit to them fully. I get excited easily, but I also see things through to the end—with gentleness. I am sensitive and present, unafraid of spontaneity, yet I keep my eyes on the goals. I believe in the meaningfulness of life and in the idea that even the smallest step toward the light counts. Meaningful steps can also be taken through volunteer work. What matters most to me is the collective wellbeing of my local community, and I am proud and grateful to have received the Vuoden käpyläläinen (Käpylä citizen of the year) recognition for my work on behalf of my community.
Strengths
authentic encounter
respectful collaboration
creative implementation
seeing the whole
goal-oriented optimism
Values
respect
being present
hope
acceptance
care and compassion
Education and Training
2023-2025
Cognitive-analytic brief therapist (60 ECTS)
University of Helsinki Open University & Shortum Oy
Completed alongside the training: 150 hours of client sessions, including clinical supervision and personal short-term therapy.
Further information on the CAT approach is available on Shortum’s website.
2024-2025
Literature Therapy Facilitator (50 ECTS)
Jyväskylä Summer University
In my final project, I explored experiences of loneliness and exclusion within a literature therapy group
2021-2024
Bachelor of Social Services (230 ECTS)
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
Degree focus: supporting mental health and social wellbeing; creative and experiential methods. Includes certification as a Facilitator of Clinical Art (15 ECTS).
2008-2016
Doctoral studies in Literary Studies
University of Helsinki
Research topic: Multimodal dual readership and the roles offered to the child reader in picture books for preschool and early primary education
2004-2005
Qualification studies in Information Studies (35 ECTS)
University of Tampere, Department of Information Studies
Studies aimed at qualification as an information specialist / academic librarian. Focus areas included information literacy, evidence-informed influence, and usability improvement.
1997-2004
Master of Arts in Literature (201 ECTS)
University of Helsinki, Major: General Literary Studies; Minors: Finnish Language and Russian Language & Literature
In my thesis, I explored the rewriting of classic fairy tales and how contemporary social and political phenomena are reflected in modernized versions of familiar stories. I continue to be interested in the dialogue between image and text, as well as dual readership (child–adult).
Work Experience
2025-
Karhea Oy / Kasvukauteen – Entrepreneur, Facilitator, Short-Term Therapist
I work with individual clients in short-term therapy combining Cognitive-Analytic Therapy (CAT) and literature therapy. So far, I have conducted 180 client sessions with 18 clients aged 20–67. While I am still at the beginning of my career, I have already encountered a rich variety of life situations and experiences.
I design and facilitate thematic groups based on literature therapy as well as creative and experiential methods for various clients, including organizations and educational institutions (2025: Nyyti ry, Pro Lapinlahti Mental Health Association, Kaapatut lapset ry, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Käpylä-Seura), both online and in-person. I also deliver workshops combining visual arts, drama, and poetry for private events, such as celebrations, as well as corporate wellbeing days.
Networking, marketing, mapping funding channels, grant writing, and administrative tasks are an essential part of my work as an entrepreneur. In addition to initiative, flexibility, speed, and creativity, this work develops responsibility and precision.
1/2024-
Monikanaiset ry, Turvakoti Mona – Crisis and Violence Councelor (approx. 1 day/week)
I respond to crisis calls at a multicultural women’s shelter and meet with individuals seeking help. I conduct face-to-face support sessions at the shelter with residents who have experienced violence, both by prior arrangement and in urgent situations. I support traumatized clients in areas including self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal challenges, as well as with interactions with authorities and everyday life issues. With children, I aim to build trust, safety, and healthy self-esteem through play.
This work requires careful planning and goal-orientation, as well as adaptability and the ability to react independently and quickly in multiple languages, often with the help of interpreters.
8/2024-1/2025
City of Helsinki – Child Welfare Services, Urgent Family Work, Social Councelor
I worked with families in various crisis situations, including cases involving the urgent placement of a child outside the home. During short, intensive interventions, we assessed the family’s resources and their ability to engage in goal-oriented work within open care services. I also participated in piloting a new model for urgent family work, designed to address challenges such as school absenteeism. Multidisciplinary network collaboration was essential.
Clients often needed stabilization and validation, and many felt completely alone and blamed. Building a trusting relationship, offering an accepting presence, and strengthening the agency of family members were key elements for successful outcomes. The work utilized a feedback-informed approach (FIT), and documentation in Apotti was carried out collaboratively with the client whenever possible.
Through this role, I gained in-depth knowledge of the social welfare system and its operational models.
3/2024
Laurea University of Applied Sciences – Individual Wellbeing Course, Facilitator (1 month)
I co-designed a four-session small-group course with a study psychologist and led the online course using conversational (NVC, DBT) and creative (literature therapy, mindfulness) methods. The work emphasized interpersonal skills and understanding of group dynamics.
2007-2024
Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki – Communications Manager / Information Specialist
I was responsible for developing and implementing the Aleksanteri Institute’s internal, external, and project communications, as well as its overall societal engagement. I served on both the institute’s national steering committee and operational management team, with a particular responsibility for workplace wellbeing.
From 2020–2022, I also contributed to the Faculty of Arts’ wellbeing group and, in 2021–2022, the ASSET-H project (Enhancing the Transition of Humanities Students into Working Life), supporting humanities students’ professional identity and transition to employment. I was involved in the planning, fundraising, and execution of projects combining research, training, and societal relations, taking primary responsibility for communications.
I participated in the organization of the annual international Aleksanteri Conference for over ten years and designed and executed numerous smaller seminars and conferences in collaboration with various partners.
The role required curiosity, initiative, project management skills, presentation and networking abilities, a development-oriented approach, and the ability to motivate others and see projects through to completion. I gained experience presenting to international expert audiences, Finnish policymakers, school groups, and university students, and trained researchers in areas such as project communications.
2016-2017
Federation of Finnish Technology Industries – Communications Specialist (Temporary Position)
I was responsible for social media for Finland’s largest export association and supported communications across different sectors. I worked closely with stakeholders in health technology and e-mobility. I also developed collaborations with educational institutions and other partners, including media partnerships.
The job taught me about lobbying, brand building, and policy work. Key skills included creativity, collaboration and negotiation, as well as presentation and public speaking abilities.
2008 (3 months)
EBSCO Information Services, London – Customer Account Executive
I managed customer service for Swedish higher education libraries on behalf of Europe’s largest provider of academic publications. I negotiated with publishers and resolved issues related to access rights and subscriptions. The role required resilience, problem-solving skills, and empathy. Work was conducted in both English and Swedish.
2002-2007
University of Helsinki / Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yleisradio) / Municipality of Kirkkonummi – Librarian / Archivist
Independent tasks in information services (9 months – 3 years), with responsibilities including customer service, communications, event planning, and ensuring client satisfaction.
Social Work and Wellbeing Courses & Training
Professional education in trauma-informed practice, neurodevelopmental (Nepsy) challenges, motivational interviewing, and multicultural competence; multiple trainers, 2024
Non-Violent Communication, NVC (8 × 2.5 h), Kaisa Käärmemaa / Kansalaisfoorumi, 2024
Working with Loneliness & Loneliness Toolkit online courses, and "I Am Enough" online course (16 h), HelsinkiMissio, 2023
New Methods in Adult Social Work (8 h), Mieli ry, Into ry, Ehyt ry, 2023
Regulating Nervous System Arousal through Somatic Methods (8 h), Susanna Koljonen, 2023
Conflict, Status, and Empowerment (8 h), Simo Routarinne, 2023
MIELI ry Volunteer Trainings: Sekasin-chat, Huolituoli, and advanced courses on substance use, suicidality, and abuse (30 h), 2021–2022
Projects and Internships
Expert Participant and Group Facilitator, YSI-ACT Project – Laurea University of Applied Sciences, 2025–2026
Contributed to an international project developing creative and participatory methods to promote active citizenship among young people.
Organising Committee Member & Panel Chair, 2nd European Biblio/Poetry Therapy Conference – University of Jyväskylä, 2025
Crisis Worker, Mieli ry, 2023 (Internship, 14 weeks)
Provided psychosocial support to individuals in crisis, face-to-face, by phone, and online. Conducted independent and responsible client work while developing professional skills.
Social concelor, Leikkiväki ry, 2023 (Internship, 10 weeks)
Led small-group social rehabilitation for young adults.
Chat Volunteer, Sekasin Chat, 2022 (Internship, 10 weeks)
Provided one-on-one support via chat to young people aged 12–29 facing challenging situations.
Volunteering and Committee Roles (2025)
Communications Officer & Choir Board Member, Philomela ry
Käpylä Citizen of the Year 2025!
I produce events such as the Käpylä Living Advent Calendar series and the “Best Christmas Ever” family celebration on Christmas Eve, including gifts, catering, and program activities. I also contribute to the weekly Melkoinen maanantaisoppa community lunches at Käpylän Kylätalo, and have coordinated several smaller local events.
Founder and Coordinator – “Saa häiritä!” campaign
Member – Käpylä-Koskela Vocational Youth Network
Member – Steering Group, Lapinlahden Lähde
Languages (Working Languages)
Finnish: Native
English: Fluent, spoken and written
Swedish: Fluent written, good spoken
Russian: Intermediate, spoken and written
Technical Skills
Website production (several platforms) and graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite)
Confident use of social media and chat platforms
Office software (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace), documentation systems (Apotti, Sofia), library management systems
Remote communication tools (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) and participatory technologies (Flinga, Mentimeter, Padlet)
Hobbies and Interests
Choir singing (Philomela), creative and therapeutic writing, reading and book clubs, playback theatre, therapeutic dance, badminton, rowing (kirkkovenesoutu), hiking, and meditation.
References available upon request.