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Meet Our Team!
Agnar & Heidi Jo Hannisdal
Founders
Heidi: Managing Director & Principal
Hello! We are Agnar and Heidi Jo Hannisdal, the founders of Discovery International School. Agnar is the Chairman of the Board and Heidi is the Managing Director and acting principal. We have two young daughters, Madelene and Kate, two older children, and a puppy named Watson. Recently, we also became grandparents and feel a bit older (and hopefully wiser)!!!
Our backgrounds are very different from one another, but that is part of what makes us a good team. Agnar is from the west coast of Norway, so he is able to switch easily between Nynorsk and Bokmål (much to his wife's dismay). He became part of the Norwegian Military at an early age, and has spent most of his civilian career in the defense industry. Recently, he officially retired from the military and has been consulting on defense projects using tools like Lean and Six Sigma, for which he has a black belt. Agnar will also be pursuing a Masters of Operational Excellence degree!
Heidi is from the USA, has dual-citizenship with Germany and her Great Grandmother is actually from Sandnes, so she feels really "back to her roots" here in Norway. She holds several degrees: a Bachelor's in business, specializing in process management and consulting with an emphasis on international finance from William and Mary in Virginia. She also just earned a Master's degree and the title of Siviløkonom from the Inland
University of Applied Sciences in Lillehammer. Since taking an active role leading the school, she has also embarked on a Master's degree in Education. Heidi is an entrepreneur and is always coming up with new ideas (which, much to her hubby's dismay, are excitedly forged at about 11 pm when he is ready to sleep). She also has a love for making sweet treats and owns Heidi's Cakery. The school has kept her rather busy, so the sweet treats have had to be put on the shelf for a bit. Outside of business, she loves to sing, read, write, draw, paint, and enjoy the outdoors.
We also bucked the tradition of dressing up for Christmas this year, and instead wore Christmas pajamas! It was so much fun and nice and laid back--exactly what we needed (even Tarkus was happy)!
Nellie Hill
Hello! My name is Nellie Hill, and I am originally from Kansas in the United States. I have worked in education for more than 20 years, both in the U.S. and Norway, teaching students across primary and middle school. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Education from Kansas Wesleyan University, as well as Master's degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education (Gifted and Talented Education) from Emporia State University.
What I love most about teaching is helping students build confidence, curiosity, and strong thinking skills. I believe learning should be meaningful, engaging, and supportive, while still encouraging students to challenge themselves and grow. Just as I encourage students to be lifelong learners, I strive to model that mindset myself. Throughout my career, I have continued to pursue professional learning, with a particular focus on educational technology, international education, and the philosophy and practices of the IB. These experiences continue to shape my approach to creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.
Outside of school, I enjoy writing, reading, photography, traveling, and spending time outdoors. I am always collecting stories, ideas, and inspiration from the people and places around me. With family and connections across two continents, my life is rich in perspective, learning, and adventure.
Living internationally has taught me that more than one place can feel like home, and I am excited to call the Discovery International School community home!
Head of Staff
PYP Coordinator
PYP Teacher (Grades 3-5)
MYP English
Liam Stead
MYP Coordinator &
Physical Education Teacher
Hello! My name is Liam. Originally from England, I have dedicated my career to education since leaving university. My journey as an educator has been a true adventure, taking me from classrooms in England to schools in the Middle East, and finally here to Norway. Along the way, working with such diverse groups of students and teachers has taught me that while cultures may change, the core of great education remains the same everywhere.
For me, the absolute best part of teaching goes far beyond textbooks and lesson plans. I love helping students not only expand their knowledge but also grow as people, discover their unique strengths, and figure out who they want to be. There is nothing quite like the moment a student suddenly connects with a topic and realizes they are capable of much more than they thought. My goal is to spark that curiosity so they leave my classroom as independent, lifelong learners.
Away from school, I am a very active person and a bit of a sports fanatic who thrives on being busy. Rugby has been a massive part of my life. I played for many years and eventually had the privilege of coaching the Norwegian national team.
These days, a lot of my favorite adventures happen closer to home, spending quality time with my young family and exploring all Norway has to offer.
Discovery International School is such an exciting place to be, not just for the students but also for me as an educator, looking to collaborate and grow alongside them.
Kenna Calinogan
Hello, my name is Kenna Calinogan. I have a bachelor´s degree in elementary and early childhood education. I have approximately 9 years of in class teaching experience across Singapore, Philippines and Norway.
I love children and am so passionate about teaching the little ones! Seeing them learn and explore the world around them while discovering new things is such a joy!
As a teacher, my first step is always to get to know my students so that I can know how they think, what they are good at and what they are interested in. I want children to comfortably be themselves while freely and confidently expressing their thoughts in the classroom. This brings safety to their environment and allows for authentic inquiry.
Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about Asian cuisine..lol (I adore fiery heat and aromatic spices)! Although I am a newer mom, which keeps me closer to home these days, travel is s passion for me! My advice to you is: Don’t let your blank passport pages stop you! Explore the World! Navigate unfamiliar territories to embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity.
PYP Homeroom Teacher
Grades 1-2
Anna Holt
MYP Mathematics and Science Teacher
Head of Design Technology
Hi, I'm Anna!
I'm originally from Belarus and have lived in Norway for several years. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Physics and a Master's degree in Computational Physics. I also recently completed my Norwegian teacher education (PPU) in Science. I've always loved working with young people and helping them discover the joy of learning.
I'm passionate about science, mathematics, and technology, but even more, I love helping students build confidence in themselves. I believe children learn best when they feel safe and supported, free to ask questions, explore new ideas, make mistakes, learn from them, and grow.
Before joining Discovery, I led a children's coding club where students explored programming, robotics, and creative problem-solving. I enjoy designing hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom learning to the real world.
When I'm not at school, you'll often find me paddleboarding on a lake, hiking, or playing squash. I also enjoy working on science and technology projects, spending time with family and friends, and exploring everything Norway has to offer.
I'm excited to be part of the Discovery community and look forward to getting to know our students and their families!
Igor Hollemans
Hei! My name is Igor Hollemans and I am from the Netherlands. I have an educational bachelor's degree in history and I had the opportunity to study in Belfast, Northern Ireland as part of my minor.
In the past I was a professional track cyclist. To this day my passion for cycling still lives on. I try to watch every big event in cycling and really enjoy talking about it.
In the Netherlands I worked for seven years at secondary schools as a history teacher. I am very passionate about history and how societies evolved over time. Every day I try to learn something new, which makes history so much fun.
In my free time I like to spend time with my family. Especially in nature or during fun activities. A museum counts as a fun activity too! And of course cycling or participating in any other sports!
MYP Individuals and Societies Teacher
Music Teacher
Hello! I’m Jonas Sørli Essaih, a musician/music producer. I started playing classical guitar when I was seven, and over the years progressed to playing the piano, taking vocal lessons and band rehersal at Kulturskolen for 10 years.
I kept on studying music at Ringerike videregående (Music, dance & drama). Then I went to the University in Agder where I got my bachelor in rhythmic music production, specialized in electronic music. I have a deep passion for music, and loves to share it with whoever wants to learn. I’ve both worked as a private teacher and at Hov ungdomsskole earlier.
Now I have a music production company, where I both produce for myself and other artist, as well as teaching music at Discovery. Beside music, I’m passionate about fitness, especially calisthenics, traveling and photography.
Hello, Hallo, Bonjour, Hei! My name is Floortje Verwulgen. I'm from Belgium.
Since I was a little girl I loved classical music. At the Belgian cultural school I played the violin
for several years. Additionally I studied the piano some years, another year the guitar,...
I was a member of a choir and an orchestra. I was lucky on a few concert tours with these
ensembles.
I studied music theory and writing at the conservatory of Antwerp and Brussels. After obtaining
my bachelor's and master's degree, I successfully completed my teacher training.
I have a varied teaching background. My youngest pupils were 1,5 years old and the oldest
students I taught were following the teacher training program themselves. I love being able to contribute to the student’s process of wonder. This wonder allows them to grow, brings joy, insight, and self-confidence!
When I'm not working, I like to spend time with my family ( I have 4 children and a husband). Usually you can find us outside. Walking, boxing, and swimming are my favorite sports. On a long evening, I like to play board games or make music. On a short evening I read and study.
If you go to a classical concert, the opera, a theater or dance performance and you need
some company, you can call me!
I am looking forward to meeting you all!
Floortje
Floortje Verwulgen
Classical Music &
Arts Teacher
Tanya Yatel
Norwegian Teacher
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Hello everyone! My name is Tanya Yatel. I am originally from Ukraine, from the beautiful city of Dnipro. I studied at the Pedagogical College with a specialization in Primary education and a focus on teaching English.
In Ukraine, I worked as an English teacher for four years. I also earned a degree from a Pedagogical University — also specializing in English. I came to Norway in 2005 through the Au-Pair program. Two years later, I studied at the USN University, where I completed a bachelor’s degree in English and Norwegian language and literature. From 2013 to 2017, I worked as a teacher of all subjects in a small private Norwegian school (1st-10th grade). From 2017 to 2025, I was teaching Norwegian to adult immigrants from all over the world.
In my spare time, I enjoy:
• traveling (I have visited more than 40 countries. Traveling enriches my life and helps me to see the beauty of different cultures and people)
• photography of people and nature
• singing in a choir (have been doing that for 30 years) both in Ukraine and in Norway
• reading books on pedagogy and psychology, understanding the challenges different people face, and having the opportunity to help them where I can
• spending time with my child
• being outdoors — hiking in the mountains, skiing, skating, swimming, cycling, going on camping trips, and sleeping in a tent