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Student well-being specialist Hanna Ahola

Hi there, I’m Hanna and I work as the student well-being specialist at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. In my work I meet students who need support in individual and specific questions concerning study well-being. My areas of expertise include, for example,

• challenges related to executive functions
• life management, career planning, and working life issues
• challenges related to stress, coping and time management.

I also act as the contact person for substance abuse issues and for the prevention of bullying and harassment faced by students. I’m actively involved in supporting the invidual study arrangements of the students, and I act as an expert for the student health meetings. In addition to offering guidance and counselling, I teach students wellness skills and train the staff in higher education institutions on topics related to supporting ability to study. Additionally, I’m in charge of the activities of the Goodies at our University.

My family consists of my common-law husband, two children and three dogs. In my spare time, I like to exercise and keep myself busy with different canine activities. The newest addition to our family, our labrador Hippo, naturally keeps us busy both at home and outside the home, so free time goes by sometimes quite fast.

Project Researcher and psychologist Panajiota Räsänen

Hello! My name is Panajiota, and I work as a project researcher on student well-being at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. I provide support as an enhanced guidance psychologist, for example, in the following areas:

• mental and study well-being
• problems related to studying and learning, such as motivational problems, coping and study burnout, low self-esteem linked to studying, anxiety and challenges related to everyday life and time management.

In addition, my job description includes developing and researching technology solutions that promote the well-being of students. is a programme I have been in charge of since 2011. My job also includes teaching and training staff. Additionally, I coordinate our Student Life activities for our international students.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students leave guidance sessions mentally stronger and having the courage to continue their own journey in spite of obstacles. Working for and with students is inspiring, as it easy to commit to it wholeheartedly.

Special Education Expert Juha Kontinen

Hey there, I’m Juha and work as a special education expert of enhanced guidance. I offer support and guidance for, for example,

• challenges related to executive functions
• academic study skills and challenges related to studying
• learning difficulties and their assessments

In addition to counselling, my job description includes training the personnel, for example, taking into consideration learning challenges and supporting study skills. In addition, I’m involved in developing the Study Skills Map and its related activities.

My family consists of my wife and three primary-school age children. In my spare time, I play both padel and badminton, go to the gym, and mountain bike whenever possible. During the summers, I’m also an enthusiastic (novice) rapids fisherman! During the summer holidays, a lot of time is spent wading through the rapids of the Jänisjoki in Eastern Finland.

Student Well-being Expert Minna Karhunen

Hi! I'm Minna and I work as an expert in student well-being. From my background I'm a special education teacher and a student counsellor. 

In enhances guidance I offer support in themes such as:

• learning difficulties (for example dyslexia)
• academic study skills 
• executive functions (systematic studying, time management)
• stress, coping and loneliness
• education and career reflection

In addition to enhanced guidance, I'm involved in organizing staff training on for example study skills. It is also important for me to aim at promoting equality, accessibility and communal ways of working.

My family consists of my husband and a lively miniature schnauzer, Onni-Olavi. In my freetime I do outdoor exercise with my dog and very much enjoy being outdoors. On the other hand, I also feel refreshed in for example art exhibitions and other culture events. Moreover, I want to regularly let my knowledge-work-doing brain to breathe trying all sorts of new and interesting things. Therefore, during the last few years I have spent time, even as a surprise to myself, for example ice swimming and at horse stables.

Other support

In addition to Hanna, Panajiota, Juha and Minna, there are many different people at the University who work to support the well-being and study ability of the students.

Goodies

The student well-being advisers (the goodies) are university employees and have been trained in supporting the well-being of students. They offer you support in matters related to student well-being and help you proactively get help throughout your education path. The goodies also know how to refer you to the services of Hanna, Panajiota, Juha or Minna if necessary.

• Goodies – Student Well-being Advisers

University Chaplain

The University Chaplain provides support to everyone, regardless of their worldview, and with the University Chaplain you can discuss anything and everything you can think of. The areas of expertise include, for example, questions concerning coping, anxiety, relationships, values, meaning of life and religious life.

• The University Chaplain of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥

For the contact details of Student Life experts and operators, go to the University’s website:

• Student Life Experts and Contact Information