Mentoring – new insights and support for your career path

Mentoring is beneficial for both parties – the mentor and you, the mentee (also called the actor). As a mentee, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your skills, strengths and direction. A mentor can help you identify what you’re good at, clarify your career goals, or even support you in developing your own business.

Through conversations with your mentor, you’ll gain new perspectives, encouragement and constructive feedback. With their support, you can strengthen your professional self-awareness and confidence.

How to join the mentoring programme

On this page, you’ll find a list of mentors participating in the programme.

  • Take your time to read through the mentor profiles
  • Choose a mentor whose background and approach feel like a good match for you
  • Send them an email introducing yourself briefly and sharing what you hope to gain from the mentoring

The mentor will reply to you, and together you can agree on how to move forward and arrange meetings.

Page updated on 7 January 2026.

Find your mentor here:

Elina Kiviaho

Are you looking for a new direction in your career or wondering how to put your skills into words? My own career path has been very diverse and full of different phases, with a strong focus on recognizing, developing, and applying my skills in various roles. I’m sure my career story can offer inspiration for you as well!

I hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science and a qualification as a vocational teacher. Currently, I work as a Project Manager in the Work and Family in Kainuu development project at Kajaani UAS. In addition, I work part-time as a lecturer at Savonia UAS, where I teach Wellness Business students about wellbeing technology. I’ve also taught specimen collection to biomedical laboratory science students at Oulu UAS, worked as a continuous learning education planner at Kajaani UAS, and served as a product specialist in the health technology field.

As a mentor, I want to offer coaching and support to you if you:
• are looking for a new direction in your career or wondering where your skills could take you,
• want to learn how to express your skills and strengths, for example in job applications or career planning,
• are interested in teaching, education, or development work and want support in growing toward those roles,
• would like to discuss lifelong learning, competence development, or balancing work and studies.

I live in Kuopio but commute to Kajaani for work. My family includes my husband and three (pre)teen children. In my free time, I enjoy personal development, choir singing, reading, and handicrafts. I’m currently studying adult education science at the University of Eastern Finland, with a particular interest in sustainable careers, responsible human resource management, and career self-management.

As a person, I’m approachable and easygoing, and I enjoy meeting new people. I have previously participated as a mentor in the mentoring program for universities in Eastern Finland. For me, mentoring is about mutual learning — exchanging ideas, gaining insights, and finding direction together — and it can even be the beginning of a lifelong friendship!

Remote mentoring would suit me best, though I also visit Kajaani in person from time to time.

Contact information: 
Elina Kiviaho, puh. +358 40 182 3308, elina.kiviaho@kamk.fi

Pia Kuittinen

Hi! I’m Pia Kuittinen, and I work as a Senior Lecturer in Business Administration at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences. I hold a Master’s degree in Economics as well as a qualification as a solution-focused brief therapist. I enjoy creativity, bold solutions, and quick action. I am convinced that clear, concrete goals and action plans help you get where you want to go. And when we do something, we should do it BIG.

As a mentor, I can offer my expertise in the field of business administration as well as an understanding of how the human mind works. I am also ready to provide practical advice. I am interested in many things, but especially in human interaction and personal development.

Previously, I have been a mentor in the Codes for Women’s Entrepreneurship project and in the Future Entrepreneurs from Kainuu project in spring 2025. I still meet regularly with the mentee I was matched with in that pilot programme. I am able to mentor several mentees in English and in Finnish.

Contact information:
Pia Kuittinen, +358 4 184 2446, pia.kuittinen@kamk.fi

Olli-Pekka Leinonen

Financial administration, business, digitalization

I work at Kainuu Vocational College (KAO) in the field of business. In my work, I focus on teaching, guidance and counselling. My expertise and education are centered around different areas of accounting and financial management. Alongside my work, I actively follow economic trends and developments in the business world. For me, the most important thing in mentoring is to approach matters practically and find solutions tailored specifically to your needs. Whether it’s clarifying financial matters or mastering digital tools (such as M365 or Google applications), I support with a relaxed and accommodating attitude. 

Contact information: 
Olli-Pekka Leinonen, +358 40 356 3121, olli-pekka.leinonen@kao.fi

Heli Mylly

Hi, I’m Heli Mylly. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and the opportunities it brings, which is why I want to help you.

I teach entrepreneurship and sustainable development at Kainuu Vocational College. I have also studied entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship development more extensively at LUT University. This education has given me extensive knowledge of the early stages of entrepreneurship and the development of companies and organizations. In addition, I am very interested in circular economy and sustainable development issues through my minor studies and my current teaching work.

My expertise includes innovation, new product development, business plan preparation, financing and cost calculations, profitability analysis, and business forms. I can also help you leverage your expertise and strengths. I have a network around me that can provide information and assistance from further afield if necessary.

I previously worked at KAO as a vocational teacher in the interior design and surface treatment fields for several years. I still pursue these interests through my own part-time business. My hobbies include photography. I have previously been involved in the KAO student cooperative, so I also have expertise in cooperatives, from start to finish.

I have been able to guide and mentor NYT companies run by students in many different fields, as well as assist students in developing and starting up existing businesses.

If you are considering entrepreneurship or already have a budding business idea, I can help you move forward. Supporting and accompanying aspiring entrepreneurs and those in the early stages of starting a business is particularly close to my heart.

Feel free to contact me!

Contact information:
Heli Mylly, +358 44 797 4651, heli.mylly@kao.fi

Marjo Remes

Hi! I am Marjo Remes, a service designer and design thinker. I work as a Project Specialist in the Moninainen Kainuu -project at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, and I also work part-time as an entrepreneur in my own small company, which offers design consulting and visual design services. I have extensive professional experience as an entrepreneur, project manager, and service designer in the chemical industry as well as in the Parks & Wildlife Finland unit of Metsähallitus.

In my current role as a Project Specialist, I have the opportunity to research and develop factors that influence the attractiveness and retention of the Kainuu region, particularly from the perspective of female professionals. My core competencies include customer insight, customer experience development, service journey design, and facilitating co-creation (e.g., workshops). I am passionate about human-centered development and strongly believe in the power and benefits of co-creation. I am available as a mentor for entrepreneurs or professionals who wish to develop these areas in their own work.

In my free time, I enjoy cultural activities, drawing, and horseback riding.
I am available to mentor one mentee.

Feel free to get in touch!

Contact information:
Marjo Remes, puh. +358 40 484 3817, marjo.remes@kamk.fi

Helena Steinberg-Nivalainen

I am Helena Steinberg-Nivalainen, a project specialist and business advisor. I’m passionate about supporting people in developing their business ideas, recognizing their strengths, and building confidence. I enjoy working in multicultural environments and helping individuals and teams find practical solutions and new ways to reach their goals.

I can mentor in Finnish and Estonian.

Contact information:
Helena Steinberg-Nivalainen, puh. +358 40 581 6538, helena.steinbergnivalainen@kamk.fi