Maija Törmänen

Maija Törmänen

University Social worker, Team Leader

By education I am Master of Education, Bachelor of Social Services and Professional Teacher. 

In our team I am known as… the voice of reason and a knowledge bank, as well as for my joyful laughter! 

I am passionate about… travelling, music, watching sports and good ‘bad’ humor. 

My mood drops… pessimism and mansplaining. 

My totem animal would be… Wolf. A pack animal, but sometimes likes to be on her own. Thoughtful too. 

Paula Perttunen

Paula Perttunen

University Social Worker

By education I am Master of Social Sciences, social worker. 

In our team I am known as… an experienced professional, a trusted friend, a pillar of support. You can always ask Paula for a brainstorming session in any situation. 

I am passionate about… the forest and all animals. Especially dogs, cats, cows, horses, sheep, birds, fish…all the creatures of nature. 

My mood drops… when I encounter injustice in one way or another. Then my calm self goes 0->100.    

My totem animal would be… a cat. Playful, agile and curious type. A good-natured animal.  

Piritta Akujärvi

Piritta Akujärvi

University Social Worker, Coordinator

By education I am Bachelor of Social Services, Neuropsychiatric Coach, Work Capacity Coordinator, Crisis Worker. 

In our team I am known as… always cheerful, empathetic and helpful. 

I am passionate about… spring, flowers, dogs, rafting and meeting friends  

My mood drops… people who think they know everything better than everyone else  

My totem animal would be… A cat, a lazy chubby creature who enjoys life and doesn’t fuss.   

Satu Tihinen

Satu Tihinen

University Social Worker (UAS)

By education I am a Bachelor of Social Services and a Bachelor of Business Administration, BBA. I have also completed basic studies in psychology 🙂  

In our team I am known as… approachable, always friendly, empathetic, and a helpful person. 

I am passionate about… sunshine, beautiful landscapes and long walks in the woods.  

My mood drops… cool water in a hot tub.  

Fun fact about me: I’m a double returnee to Kemi. And it took me an unbelievably long time to come up with this one xD 

Sonja Komulainen

Sonja Komulainen

University Social Worker (UAS)

By education I am Master of Social Services, Neuropsychiatric Coach, Network Consultant and Sexual Counsellor

In our team I am known as… a “social media wizard, a visualizer, a creative type and a reliable colleague. 

I am passionate about new things, creative brainstorming, knitting, nature and skiing in the Lappish highlands.

My mood drops… things that seem too complicated and vague and bright sunshine in spring.

My totem animal would be… a squirrel. Quick and witty. Likes to be in woods. Doesn’t remember to look for cars when crossing the road.

Aino Kärpänniemi

Aino Kärpänniemi

Study Psychologist

By education I am Psychologist (M.Sc. in Psychology) and wilderness guide

In our team I am known as… not well yet, because I just started! Probably (and hopefully) by my Tampere dialect, my tendency to get excited about new things and my reflective and compassionate nature.

I am passionate about… big and small adventures outdoors alone and together, physical activities, climbing, sauna, communities, art experiences.

My mood drops… hunger and fatigue, bad mixing, warning lights in the car, and if there’s no opportunity to contribute.

My totem animal would be… some weasel animal, maybe a stoat. Adaptable, agile, small predator. To quote NatureGatewebsite thrives in a wide range of environments, as long as there is enough shelter and food.

Mika Vettainen

Mika Vettainen

Well-being Instructor

My education: Bachelor of Sports, professional coach. I have also studied educational sciences. 

In our team I am known as… wellbeing manager, innovator and sportsman. 

I am passionate about… travelling, culture, sports and holistic well-being. 

My totem animal would be… a cat.