About us
Future-proof & inspiring education
Wijs was founded in 2022 by Ilse Gooren, stemming from her desire for future-proof and inspiring education for her own children, as well as from the shared ambition of countless parents to innovate the education system in the Netherlands.
Since then, a team of experienced professionals has joined this initiative, strengthening the foundation of Wijs. In response to the needs of parents, a small group of six children started with a teacher in a temporary practice space in North Limburg, as a first step to implement the concept in practice.
Once the municipal approval regarding spatial planning is obtained, we will officially open our first owned location of Wijs. Here, we will be able to offer our full concept and provide space for 70 children.
Team
Ilse Gooren
Founder & Director Director
As the founder and beating heart of Wise, my mission is to form a setting in which a holistic vision of education forms the core and harmoniously connects to school.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, I like to keep control and tirelessly focus on achieving my mission.
Our 2 beautiful children are my motivation to realize Wijs. So that all children can discover their unique talents.
My motto:
– What is pure should be kept pure -
Wout Weghorst
Founder & Director
As a co-founder of Wise and above all dad of 3 beautiful daughters, I have a mission: to integrate a holistic approach in education, where children can discover their unique talents in a playful way.
Every child is unique & pure and this in combination of being in good connection with your environment is important to achieve the goal.
It can be worn by everyone together: the parents, the children and the coaches.
My motto:
- If you want something, everything is possible -
Peter Berg
Strategic & Commercial Director
My job is to ensure a long-term setting where I work as a Strategic & Commercial Director. I am responsible for stimulating the growth of the organisation to develop and implement the commercial strategy, an all-round professional with a strong affinity for marketing and communication. Above all, I support the Wise initiative with a warm heart.
My motto:
– The happiest people don't have the best of all. But they make the best of everything –
Francesco Farinelli
Manager Academy
With my expertise in the field of personal development, I enjoy sharing my insights and experiences with the coaches of Wise. My role includes carefully designing a training program that not only prepares them for their current tasks, but also challenges them to learn and grow continuously. I believe that the quality of our coaches directly influences the development of the children at Wise.
My motto:
– Remember: when you forgive, you heal and when you let go you grow -
Maud Cuijpers – Dekkers
Manager Health
Within Heel Wijs I am responsible for designing extensive health programs, specifically tailored to the unique needs of children, coaches and parents. Together with them, we focus on their personal requests for help, taking a natural and holistic approach to improve their well-being. For example, child, coach and parent are a healthy citizen of the world in his or her own strength.
My motto:
– You don't have to know where you're going, as long as you're on the road –
Ken in ‘t Zandt
Teacher in experiential primary education.
Samen met Lea draag ik de taak om het educatieve programma van Wijs vorm te geven. Het is een zorgvuldig samengesteld programma dat zich richt op holistische zelfzorg, met de nadruk op aarden en het onderhouden van een diepe, betekenisvolle connectie met jezelf en de wereld om je heen.
My motto:
- Everything is love, love is everything -
Lea Thijssen
40 years of experience as a primary school teacher in the lower grades.
Together with Ken I carry the task to shape the educational program of Wise. With more than four decades under my belt as a primary school professional, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience with me. At Wise I use my expertise to create an environment in which we tailor to the needs of today's children.
Mijn motto:
– From heart to heart –
Jos Ewalts
38 years of experience as an English teacher in secondary education.
At Wise I step into the role of a friendly, neutral sparring partner. My job is to brainstorm with our team about the best ways to grow as we take on challenges and discover new opportunities. Together we work on strategies that will help us achieve our goal: Making all of Wise bloom, first here at home and finally all over the world.
Erick Daems photography – www.erikdaems.nl
