The Monkey - Mascot Extraordinaire

"The Monkey" represents nothing more than the fun and playful atmosphere of the schools. Over the years, we have taught thousands of people how to master the English language, but we have always tried to have a good time while doing this.

When classes are on things are serious and we're now arguably the best school in the country. When classes are over we enjoy having fun as much as the students do. So we spend an incredible amount of time and energy trying to organize activities, outings, contests, sports teams, drinking parties and everything imaginable to have fun and make everyone feel at home.

Years ago the students collectively decided that a monkey would be the perfect animal to represent the fun and playful character of our schools.

Wendy Yan - Managing Director

As a co-owner of International House - Sol Group of Schools, Wendy has a pretty easy job. She just sits back and bosses the other co-owner (who also happens to be her husband) to do all the work. As you can guess, Wendy likes to dream too.

Over the past 13 years, Wendy has tried the shoes of every role and is currently squeezing into that of a managing director. Wendy's main responsibilities are to manage the operations and finances of IH Toronto and IH Calgary to ensure that the goals of delivering the highest standards of education and teacher training are achieved.

Wendy attributes the success and growth of the schools to the dedication of its amazing team of staff and teachers.

In addition to helping students learn and grow in their personal journey, Wendy enjoys chasing after her two busy toddlers, cooking, gardening, running and playing badminton.

Ramie Goudreau - IH Calgary Director

Ramie has been working with Sol-Group since 2007. He attended Brooklyn College (CUNY) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2001. He
then taught elementary school in New York City for five years before moving back to Canada. After arriving in Toronto, Ramie began working at International House Toronto. Over the years, he has held several positions with Sol-Group including teacher, interim DOS and Director of Internships. He received his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Toronto in June 2009 and not long after that made the big move to the wild, wild West to become the Director of International House Calgary.

In his spare time, Ramie enjoys cooking, good wine, traveling, hiking in the Rocky Mountains and bull riding.

If you're interested in learning English while exploring the nature and beauty of the Rocky Mountains and all of the other spectacular sights Calgary, Alberta has to offer, give him a call at 403-233-0033 or send him an email at ramie@sol-group.net.

Houman Nikmanesh - Marketing

I graduated from University of Toronto in 1996, and started the school the same summer. A year later, Wendy joined me and helped expand the school to eventually become what it is today.

I am very proud to be able to offer a very unique experience to students who choose to study at one of our schools. I want everyone who comes to one of our schools to have a great time, be comfortable and learn English in the process. We offer really good language programs, but more importantly, we offer an experience that is second to none in life and I am proud to have a great team of people working with me to constantly improve that experience. If you ever have any questions please feel free to email me at: houman@sol-group.net.

Things I like and dislike:

• love eating... with a passion
• enjoy watching history documentaries
• love making to-do lists
• love biking
• hate team sports (playing, not watching)
• hate political correctness
  

Raquel Rumor - Director of Studies

Raquel has worked in the ESL industry for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology.

She began her teaching career with an IH school in Portugal and then went on to teach in Mexico and Canada. She's glad to have come back to her roots and be a member of IH again.

As Director of Studies, she works closely both with the teachers and students to ensure that everyone's academic needs are being met. She also oversees the Internship program at IH Toronto and can help answer any questions related to Work & Study in Toronto.

In her spare time, Raquel likes to bake, read, spend quality time with her family and enjoying good conversations with her friends over a nice glass of wine!

Samantha Singh - Assistant Director of Studies

Is a graduate of Trent University with a degree in Psychology and Anthropology. She has both TESL Canada and TESL Ontario degrees and speaks fluent Portuguese.

She loves working at IH and loves her students.

My hobbies ....reading, biking, and travel!!!!

I want to be a dog breeder eventually!

David Nield - Teacher Training

Hi! I'm David Nield, Head of the Teacher Training Programmes.

I come from near Canterbury in Kent, England, but have worked in all the continents of the world, mainly in the countries of Morocco, Italy, Poland, Portugal, England and now Canada.

I've done a bit of everything from teaching, of course, to training and managing.

In my free time I like to dance, do chi kong, find new places for Sunday brunch, draw in charcoal sometimes, and explore.

I've come to Canada with my Canadian wife on a new adventure. It's good to be here.

Judy Sidoro - Teacher Training

Judy has been in the ESL industry teaching for 9 years. She started teaching in Osaka, Japan and has taught classes from all levels of ESL English but also Business English, TOEFL, TOEIC and Young learners. In addition, she was involved in creating and designing curriculums and lessons in the multimedia-teaching environment as well as in the classroom.

Returning to Toronto, Judy began teaching for International House Toronto in 2003. While at IHT, she has instructed all levels of ESL English but also Business English, TOEFL, TOEIC, a children's program as well as teacher training. In addition, she has been involved in creating curriculums and lessons for TOEFL, a children's program and TESOL with TKT.

Andrea Dinan - Marketing

Andrea has been in the ESL industry for 12 years as an ESL teacher, teacher trainer and as a school marketer in Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Brazil and Japan! At IH, Andrea uses her experiences to work with agents, attends trade fairs and many other promotional events and projects to advertise the ESL and teacher training programs for both Toronto and Calgary. She completed a degree from the University of Ottawa in English Literature and Second Language teaching and is currently studying marketing at Ryerson University.

Besides traveling, studying, and loads of reading, Andrea is also very active! Outside of work you will find Andrea working out at the gym or doing pilates or horseback riding during the week. On the weekends, Andrea likes to read, go out with friends and go dancing!

Yenny Aureoles - Marketing

I started at IH more than 8 years ago, first as a student, then as an activity coordinator, then when I moved back to Mexico, I was given the responsibility to market the school in Latin American.

I have enjoyed working at IH and seeing it grow over the past 8 years. This is really one of the most exciting places to work and it certainly keeps my life interesting.

My background is a bachelors of arts degree in early childhood education, I also completed a TESL Certificate at ILS and currently studying international marketing.

I love cooking and spending time at home or in a place with nice warm weather!

Sean Choi- Marketing

After receiving an MBA in marketing from United States, Sean started his career at Samsung in Korea. For more than 10 years, he has been mastering sales and marketing skills including researching, analyzing, planning and managing customer relationships.

In particular, he has much professional working experience participating in targeted trade shows and acting as a spokesperson at conferences and media and public relations events.

He continues his marketing career at IH Sol Group and enjoys playing golf in Toronto beautiful summer months.

Tomoko Asahina- Marketing

Tomoko (born and raised in Japan) fell in love with Canada on her first visit as a high school exchange student. She has since been to Canada a few times and finally decided to settle down and work here.

She works as the Japanese marketing coordinator at the school and loves the variety and excitement it offers and, of course, the trips to Japan from time to time.

Although she comes across as a shy person at first, if you get find her at one of her favorite clubs or lounges after a few drinks, she is quite the opposite!

Tomoko spends a lot not only marketing the school, but also taking care of the Japanese clients in the schools.

Elvis Mrizi - Junior Programs

I am in charge of the Junior Programs here at International House. My job is to make sure that your Canadian experience is an unforgettable one, one that you learn and have fun.

I have worked with and for children for more than 8 years including the non-profit sector. My bachelors degree in teaching and post graduate background in human resource management have enabled me to understand both the child's point of view as well as ensuring a good management of the program. I like sports, music, and traveling.

I look forward to welcoming all of you at our programs. If you have any questions about the junior programs, please contact me at: juniors@sol-group.net.

Marina Andreas - Student Affairs Coordinator

Marina is new(ish) to Canada. Prior to coming here, she completed an apprenticeship in the hotel business and obtained her certificate as a Management Assistant in Hotels and Hospitality.

She has been working for International House Calgary since October 2008, first as Activity Coordinator and now at the front desk as the Students Affairs Coordinator where she's in charge of making sure the students have a great time in Calgary. Having formerly been both an ESL student and a summer camp leader, this is a job she enjoys and knows well.

Tae Okuda - Registration Coordinator

I take care of all the registrations and all other matters that have to do with payment, start dates and other administrative issues of ALL students in Toronto and Calgary.

Before I come to Canada, I worked at an elementary school as a school librarian in Tokyo.

In my spare time, I like reading, listening to music and cycling.

Halyna Kopko - Housing Coordinator

Often students come to Toronto and they need a place to stay. As an accommodation coordinator, I help students to find suitable accommodations.

Being a foreigner myself I understand how important is to have a nice family here when you are so far away from home.

If you have any questions about accommodation, please contact me at housing@ihtoronto.com and I will be pleased to help you!

Celene Maynard- Activity Coordinator

You can find Celene at the front reception, cheering at an ice hockey game or partying it up with IH students in Toronto.

With study abroad experience in Denmark, and a strong interest in travel & other cultures, Celene loves working with international students. Her job is to make sure that students have a great time at IH Toronto and in the city.

The picture to the left is Celene and some IH Toronto teachers at the "Thirsty Traveler" activity. Celene is first from the left.

Elaine Sun - Accounting

When it comes to making sure all the monetary transactions go to the right people at the right time, I am the one!

I have a diploma in accounting and have been doing accounting for all of my professional career. I love working at IH. I get to work with a lot of interesting people and hope to one day meet most if not all of them in person.