Meet Kätlin: Leading kood/Jõhvi’s Mission of Inclusive Tech Education

We are thrilled to introduce Kätlin Merisalu as the new Head of the Learning Centre at kood/Jõhvi. Who is Kätlin, why did she join kood/Jõhvi, what are her focuses for the school, and what advice does she have for our students? We asked all these questions in a brief introductory interview.

Kätlin, tell us about your background. What did you do before joining kood/Jõhvi? 

My experience so far comes mainly from youth work, education, and culture. Over the years, I have been actively involved in various roles such as CEO, youth participation development manager, head of studies, project leader, and Estonian folk dance teacher, where I have successfully combined my creativity and leadership skills to make a meaningful impact at local, national, and international levels. I have varied experience working with and leading teams, ranging from small groups of four people to large teams of more than 1,300 members, including national and international teams, to achieve common goals. Continuous lifelong learning is a priority for me, and I have pursued various professional qualifications and training to further enhance my skills.

Why did you decide to join kood/Jõhvi? 

To be honest, I was initially a little hesitant, but after getting to know kood/Jõhvi through the eyes of alumni, students, and the team, I realised that I am deeply aligned with the school’s mission of providing modern and inclusive education opportunities to adults seeking self-development or retraining. The innovative and international approach of kood/Jõhvi resonates with my passion for lifelong learning and empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. I believe that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or background, and kood/Jõhvi’s commitment to this vision is something I am excited to be a part of.

Are there new opportunities you are particularly excited to explore in your new role? 

Oh, yes! I am particularly excited about the opportunity to build a strong and supportive community at kood/Jõhvi and in Ida-Võlumaa. Creating a vibrant network where students, alumni, and our partners can connect, collaborate, and grow together will be a key focus of mine in this new role. This community will not only enhance the learning experience but also contribute to the broader development of the region. I’m also really excited to focus on empowering peer-to-peer learning in our education system and supporting women entering the tech world. There are so many talented women who can make a significant impact in the tech world, and helping to bridge the gap and support women in their tech careers is important for fostering diversity and innovation in the field.

Who is Kätlin Merisalu? 

Kätlin is a vibrant, adventurous, and creative person who brings energy and a new perspective to everything she does. She enjoys pushing boundaries, both personally and professionally, and has a deep appreciation for diverse experiences.

Outside of education, what are your passions or hobbies, and how do they impact your professional life? 

My hobbies and passions – which are numerous – really boost my professional life because they help me stay balanced and bring fresh perspectives to my work. For example, dancing (especially Estonian folk dance) teaches me discipline and teamwork. Reading keeps my mind sharp and helps in problem-solving. Travelling provides cultural insights and adaptability. Photography enhances my creativity and attention to detail, while writing improves my communication skills. Learning to play the drums improves my rhythm and coordination and totally brings me out of my comfort zone. Extreme sports build resilience and are also good for stress management. I also love trying new things because I really enjoy the learning process.

From your life experience, what advice would you give to kood/Jõhvi students? 

Based on my own journey, I’d like to share three key principles that have guided me throughout my life:

• Don’t underestimate the power of building strong relationships during your studies. The connections you make at kood/Jõhvi can lead to future job opportunities, collaborations, and even lifelong friendships. Engage in peer-to-peer learning with an open mind, share your knowledge generously, and be willing to learn from others. Building a strong network is as important as developing technical skills.
• Don’t fear failure. Whether it’s a project that doesn’t go as planned or a concept that’s difficult to grasp, don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Keep in mind that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Overcoming challenges will help you grow.
• Commit to lifelong learning. The world is constantly changing, so it’s important to keep learning throughout your career. Stay curious, seek out new challenges, and never stop expanding your knowledge and skills. This will keep you adaptable and relevant, also in the tech industry.

Are you not a kood/Jõhvi student yet? Join us now!