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 are 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, 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. Today you can witness this by checking our Facebook pages or signing up to get our monthly newsletter - MonkeyPress!

Ramie Goudreau - Managing Director

My job is to make sure our students have the overall best time possible while at our schools. I’ve traveled and lived in a few other countries and know what it’s like to be an international student. I use this experience to help all of our students feel welcome and try to make IH their home away from home.

I first began traveling when I was 18 and lived in Spain for 1 year studying Spanish. I was very nervous because I didn’t speak Spanish very well, but I ended up having a great time. After that I attended Brooklyn College (CUNY) in Brooklyn, NY and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2001. I then taught elementary school in New York City for five years before moving back to Canada. After arriving in Toronto, I began working at International House Toronto and have been with the company since 2007. Over the years, I have held several positions with International House Sol Schools including teacher, interim DOS, Internship Coordinator and Director of IH Calgary. In 2009, I completed a two-month internship in France teaching English at a little village school. I also received my Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Toronto during 2009 and moved to Calgary, Alberta near the Rocky Mountains to be IH Calgary’s school director. I moved back to Toronto in June 2011 and have been the Managing Director of IH Toronto ever since.

Houman Nikmanesh - Marketing Director

I graduated from the 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. 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

Wendy Yan - Managing Finance Officer

I joined Houman to expand the school in 1997 and since then, I can honestly say that there has not been one dull moment in our lives. The opportunity to encounter the diversity and uniqueness of people from all parts of the world can only be found in international settings such as our language schools, of which I am proud to be a part of.

My vision has always been to deliver on our promise of helping students learn and grow in their personal journey without compromising the quality of our services and programs. I would like to attribute our success to the dedication and hard work of our amazing team at Sol Schools. As any student will attest, you will always find a cheerful, friendly and dedicated person in our schools, who will do their absolute best to help you.

I oversee the financial management of our schools, so although you may not have much dealings with me in this aspect, I welcome any questions or comments you may have about our schools.

My personal belief is that life is short and full of challenges but we should all live life to its fullest. My passion is travelling and learning about different cultures. I am an adventurous foodie and will try almost everything once. In my spare time, I enjoy running, badminton, gardening and hanging out with family and friends.

James Peever - IH Miami Beach Director

I have been working for Sol Schools since 2009. I attended Ryerson University in Toronto where I obtained a degree in Commerce. Then I began to travel. I have visited more than 25 countries around the world and have lived in many as well. I love to explore and learn new things about the world, meeting wonderful people along the way. I returned to Toronto in the capacity of English teacher and then moved to Miami Beach as School Director at the beginning of 2011.

We would love to have you come and study in Miami Beach under the beautiful sun. If you are interested in getting a wicked tan and living it up "Miami Style" get in touch with me at james@sol-group.net.

Tracy Walker - IH Calgary Director

I am a native Calgarian. However, I have lived in Jasper, Edmonton, a small town in northern Alberta called High Prairie and Toronto. I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains and canoeing or rafting on Alberta’s beautiful waterways. I also LOVE tennis!! I play when I can, and have been told I’ve got a wicked serve. I am also a Jeopardy nerd and want to try to get on the show.

I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Culture with a major in Women’s Studies and a minor in Latin American Studies. As part of my program, I took 3 university classes in Guatemala and had an opportunity to visit many “off the grid” villages where the Canadian government sends development funds. It was there that I gained a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and languages.

I began my career as an ESL teacher in 2006. I discovered that I love teaching English. In my 5 years at SAIT, I taught all levels of English Language Foundations, Ready to Teach, Communications for the Tourism Industry and Technical English for Petro-Canada in Syria. After that, I taught at Mount Royal University in the Languages Institute. In the spring of 2011, I jumped at the opportunity to bring my leadership skills to my position of Director at IH Calgary and love it. I particularly enjoy spending time with the students and watching their progress.

If you like having fun, being active and social, come and see me at IH Calgary!

Raquel Rumor - Director of Studies

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

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

As Director of Studies, I work closely with both the teachers and students to ensure that everyone's academic needs are being met. 

In my spare time, I like to bake, read, spend quality time with my family and enjoy good conversations with my friends over a nice glass of wine!

Elvis Mrizi - Junior Programs Director

I am in charge of the Junior Programs here at International House Sol Schools. My job is to make sure that your 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.

Andrea Dinan - Teacher Training Director

I have been in the ESL industry for 13 years as an ESL teacher in Canada, Mexico, South Korea, teacher trainer and as a school marketer in Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Brazil and Japan. At IH, I assure that all Teacher Training programs are innovative, modern and recognized by major national and international bodies. I also assure that students are in the right program for their future goals and that everyone has a great time studying at International House Toronto, Calgary and Miami Beach.

I completed a degree from the University of Ottawa in English Literature and Second Language teaching and I am always taking interest courses at Ryerson University.

Judy Sidoro - Teacher Training

I have been in the ESL industry teaching for 11 years. I started teaching in Osaka, Japan and have taught classes from all levels of ESL English but also Business English, TOEFL, TOEIC and Young learners. In addition, I was involved in creating and designing curriculums and lessons in the multimedia-teaching environment as well as in the classroom.

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

Samantha Singh - Teacher Training

I am a graduate of Trent University with a degree in Psychology and Anthropology. I have both TESL Canada and TESL Ontario degrees and speak fluent Portuguese.

I love working at IH and love my students.

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

I want to be a dog breeder eventually!

Yenny Aureoles - Marketing Coordinator

I started at IH more than 10 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 America.
I have enjoyed working at IH and seeing it grow over the past 10 years. This is really one of the most exciting places to work and it certainly keeps my life interesting.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, I completed a TESL Certificate at ILS and I am currently studying international marketing.

Tomoko Asahina - Marketing Coordinator

Born and raised in Japan, I fell in love with Canada on my first visit as a high school exchange student. I have since been to Canada a few times and finally decided to settle down and work here.

I work as the Japanese Marketing Coordinator at the school and love the variety and excitement it offers and, of course, the trips to Japan from time to time.

Although I come across as a shy person at first, if you find me at one of my favorite clubs or lounges after a few drinks, I am quite the opposite!

Sean Choi - Marketing Coordinator

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

In particular, I have a lot of professional working experience participating in targeted trade shows and acting as a spokesperson at conferences and media and public relations events.

Celene Maynard - Marketing Coordinator

Studying on exchange at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark in my fourth year of university changed my life forever – it’s where my love for different cultures, travel, diverse food, and meeting international students all started! It has been my passion ever since, so I am happy to be a part of the multi-cultural IH team.

I’ve done a little bit of everything at IH – starting out as an activities intern in 2008, I have gone from intern to Activities Coordinator to TAP (Junior Program) ESL teacher and now to my current position as a Marketing Coordinator. Like my IH career history, I like to try a little bit of everything in life too! My recent new interests are cooking Mexican food, taking Zumba fitness classes, and watching foreign films.

Marina Andreas - Student Services Calgary

I have been living in Canada since September 2008. Prior to coming here, I completed an apprenticeship in the hotel industry and obtained my certificate as a Management Assistant in Hotels and Hospitality (IHK Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria).

I have been working for IH Calgary since October 2008. I worked my way up from Activities Coordinator and front desk clerk to Student Affairs Coordinator and now run the administrative department at IH Calgary (incl. Accommodation Coordinator and “Bildungsurlaub” Director). I received my Human Resource Management Extension Certificate from Mount Royal University in 2010.

Ayla Fenton - Accommodations Coordinator / Modern Languages Coordinator

As Accommodations Coordinator, I help students find accommodations for their stay in Toronto, and I deal with anything related to homestays or our student house. I also manage registrations and all other matters related to our Modern Languages program, which offers evening courses in French and Spanish. So if you are an ESL student with questions about your accommodation, or if you are interested in learning a new language, I will be happy to help you!

A bit about me: I am from Kingston, Ontario, where I also attended Queen's University to study biology. Like everyone else here at IH, I love to travel and learn about new cultures. I am taking advantage of my time at IH by taking Spanish lessons myself! Outside of school, I love cooking, practicing yoga and reading. In the summer, I go camping often and spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors.

Amy Mullen - Registrar / Activities Coordinator

Hello everyone, my name is Amy Mullen and I am one of the Registrars, as well as the Activities Coordinator here at IHT! I am originally from Ottawa but made a move to Toronto to be a part of the IHT team. Since then I have fallen in love with the city and its’ ceaseless “hustle and bustle” vibe. I will officially say that I am proud to call myself a fellow “Torontonian” but refuse to ever be a Maple Leafs fan!

I graduated from Queen’s University with a BAH in English Language and Literature. As soon as I graduated, I left the country to embark upon an adventure of a lifetime in South Korea where I was an ESL teacher for two years.

Clayton Gouin - Student Event Coordinator

Alberta born and prairie raised, I came to Calgary to study Education at Mount Royal University. My experience of Calgary allowed me to meet interesting people from around the world and I soon found myself seeking more understanding of languages and different culture.

I moved to British Columbia and obtained a TESOL Diploma from Selkirk College in Castlegar, and returned to Calgary to work with ESL children. A mother of one of the children I worked with got me in touch with International House Calgary, and starting in September I found myself inside the doors of IH.

The school and work environment are exceptional. I am able to continue furthering my own education about world languages and cultures while making friends and having fun, and getting a chance to share the culture of Calgary, Alberta and Canada with the numerous people who pass through IH Calgary. From snowboarding and skiing in the Rocky Mountains, to art shows, live music, hiking and more, I have the opportunity to show off all of my favourite things to do in Calgary to everyone who comes here to learn.

When I am not at IH, I spend my time working as a lifeguard, writing and playing music, skateboarding and snowboarding, filming and doing sound production and editing with an independent film company here in Calgary.

Lisa Osis - Registrar

I manage registration and all other matters relating to payment, inquiries and other administrative issues.
I enjoy working with people from different cultures. I like restaurants, art, music, theaters, movies and everything else that a big city like Toronto has to offer.

Kitty Zhang - Accounting

I have been working in the accounting industry for a long time and I am working towards to my CGA designation now. I enjoy working with students at International House Sol Schools.

In my spare time, I love hiking and exploring nature.