About ONNI Education
We make the world a better place for children by educating adults.
We believe that every child deserves adults who understand how children learn, grow and thrive.
That's why we partner with early childhood education providers and families to turn pedagogical ideas into everyday practice through Finnish-inspired pedagogy, teacher development and parent education.
Our approach
Great pedagogy is not built through one training session or one curriculum.
It grows through everyday interactions, confident educators, strong leadership and meaningful collaboration with families.
The ONNI Program brings these elements together into one practical, research-informed pedagogical partnership.
Meet the team behind ONNI
Behind every training, every lesson plan and every idea is a team with extensive experience in Finnish early childhood education, educational leadership, research, parent education, communication and international collaboration.
Although our expertise comes from different fields, we are united by one shared belief:
Children thrive when the adults around them learn, grow and work together.
Olli Kamunen
Founder, CEO & Pedagogy
Olli believes that meaningful change in early childhood education begins with a shared vision, inspired educators, and a strong commitment on children's well-being.
With more than twenty years of experience in Finnish early childhood education, he has worked as an early childhood teacher, centre director, teacher educator and educational leader. Alongside his practical experience, Olli is a doctoral researcher focusing on teacher motivation and professional identity. He believes that when educators share a clear pedagogical vision and feel motivated in their work, children experience more meaningful learning every day.
At ONNI, Olli leads the company's strategic and pedagogical development. He works closely with early childhood education leaders and partners to strengthen pedagogy through long-term collaboration, practical solutions and Finnish educational expertise.
Mervi Turpeinen
Co-founder & Head of Pedagogy
Mervi believes that great pedagogy comes to life in everyday moments. By empowering educators with practical tools, encouragement and confidence, she helps create learning environments where children can truly thrive.
With more than ten years of experience in education and early childhood education, Mervi has worked as a lead teacher, kindergarten manager, pedagogical leader, consultant and international trainer. Throughout her career, she has supported educational organisations in strengthening pedagogical quality, developing leadership and creating positive learning environments inspired by the Finnish education model.
At ONNI, Mervi leads the development of the company's pedagogical content and teacher training. She works closely with partners to turn educational research and Finnish best practices into practical, inspiring solutions that educators can confidently apply in their own classrooms.
Reetta Uitto
Co-founder & Head of Parent Education
Reetta believes that every child deserves to be understood as a unique individual. She is passionate about helping adults recognise children's strengths and create environments where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
As one of ONNI's co-founders, Reetta brings more than thirteen years of experience in early childhood and primary education. Her expertise includes temperament, individualized learning, and supporting children with neurodevelopmental differences. Alongside her classroom experience, she has trained both educators and parents, helping adults better understand children's needs and strengthen the relationships that support healthy development.
At ONNI, Reetta leads the development of parent education programmes that strengthen the partnership between families and educators. She believes that when adults learn together, children are given the strongest possible foundation for learning, wellbeing, and lifelong happiness.
Hanna Suomi
Co-founder & Brand Director
Hanna believes that lasting change begins with shared understanding among the adults who shape children's lives. Through her work in communications and youth wellbeing, she has seen how early relationships, supportive communities and meaningful experiences shape people's lives. These experiences have strengthened her belief that by helping adults better understand what supports children's wellbeing, we can create lasting positive change for children, families and communities.
As one of ONNI's co-founders, Hanna leads the company's brand and communications. With a Master's degree in Cultural Anthropology, she combines communication, research and cultural understanding to build trust, create shared understanding and help people see early childhood from new perspectives.
At ONNI, Hanna helps build bridges between Finnish early childhood education and the people who bring it to life around the world.
Trusted by partners around the world
Over the years, ONNI has supported educators, leaders and parents in different countries by helping them strengthen pedagogy in ways that respect local cultures while building on Finnish educational expertise.
Every partnership teaches us something new—and strengthens our belief that meaningful change happens through long-term collaboration.
Finnish Pedagogical Expertise
Built on research. Proven in practice. Shared globally.
Our work is grounded in Finnish early childhood education, educational research and years of practical experience supporting educators, leaders and families around the world.
Official member of Education Finland.
The members of Education Finland represent the best of Finland from all aspects of education – following the principle of lifelong learning. To become a member, companies must meet our high standards.
From Finland to the World
Sharing Finnish Early Childhood Education Expertise Globally
ONNI Education is rooted in Finland's globally renowned early childhood and primary education system. We combine Finland's educational excellence with cutting-edge research on childhood development to provide impactful solutions for parents and educators worldwide.
For years, we have trained teachers and parents across the globe. No matter where we go, similar concerns arise: How do we raise confident, resilient, and happy children? While cultures and societies differ, children share universal needs: love, care, safety, and the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Explore More: Links to Finnish Early Childhood Education
Discover comprehensive insights into Finnish early childhood education and its globally recognized approach to fostering children's well-being, development, and happiness.
Finnish national agency for education
Ministry of Education and Culture
University of Jyväskylä - Early Childhood Education Research
Our Story: How ONNI Education Began
"What should I do when my child is shy?"
"How can I help my child manage frustration?"
"Am I raising my child the right way?"
These are just a few of the questions we encountered while training educators worldwide. Over time, we realized that parents—alongside teachers—were searching for reliable, research-based answers about parenting. Educators who were also parents wanted reassurance and knowledge about raising their children.
This realization inspired us to expand our focus beyond educators to include parents. With insights from postgraduate research at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, and a successful pilot program in Vietnam, ONNI Education was born to bridge this gap and empower families globally.
Our Mission
We aim to empower parents and educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to support children's growth and development. By fostering happier childhoods worldwide, we create a brighter future for all.
At ONNI Education, we champion:
- The intrinsic value of childhood.
- The importance of child well-being and happiness.
- Collaboration between parents and educators.
- Easy access to reliable, practical information.
Join us in creating a world where every child has the best possible start in life.
With love,
The ONNI Team
P.S. Did you know that "onni" means happiness in Finnish?
