The team
We are part of the people behind OffenRaum – at least as far as the initiative, organization and administration are concerned. However, there is a much larger team behind the mission – namely all of us! You and many many more who will find their mountain and revolutionize teacher training.
Our team of scientists, therapists, long-time meditators and certified trainers will accompany you on your path to inner expansiveness. We continue with passion. For you.
Tim Unger
I lead the OffenRaum team and the Chair of Education and Professionalization at RWTH Aachen University. The focus of my work at OffenRaum is on seminars and retreats as well as essential psychotherapy.
![Maren_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Maren_Profil.png)
Kristina Lind
“We wonʻt forget each other, right?”
I stand up for and with people, especially with regard to more warmth of heart, genuine encounters and solidarity.
I am a research assistant in the OffenRaum team. My work focuses on seminars and consulting services, especially in relation to the SEE Learning® program.
After graduating in educational science with a degree in curative education in Cologne, she completed further training in systemic family-oriented counseling, Certified SEE Learning© Facilitator and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I lived and worked in the UK for many years and felt very comfortable there.
Now, however, I have returned to my home base in Aachen and am doing my doctorate on the qualification of teachers and the sustainable implementation of emotional education. I am allowed to do pioneering work here: practical support for teachers at the Fourth Aachen Comprehensive School.
![Thomas_Profile_](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Thomas_Profil_.png)
Miriam Fontes
“Life is what you make it“
I am convinced that you have the choice of what you do with your life. That’s why I approach challenges with an open heart and a drive to make a difference, or at least to meet the challenge with as much compassion as possible. I have been working as a research assistant for the OffenRaum team since January 2023. I am assisting with the planning of the Nepal excursion for 2024 and am involved in the development of OffenRaum’s educational programs.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences in 2022. At the end of 2022, I completed the one-year training in MTTC (Mindfulness Teacher Training Course with Christopher Titmuss). In October 2022 I started the Master in Theology and Global Development at RWTH Aachen University
![Ricarda_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ricarda_Profil.png)
Max Kassau
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” -Ernest Hemingway
For me, life experiences play an important role in my life. They are like building blocks that expand my understanding of life and shape my perspective. For me, gaining a variety of experiences is an ongoing process of learning and growing. These experiences not only teach me, but also help me to show mindfulness and respect towards my fellow human beings. For me, this means appreciating the uniqueness of each person and learning from the diversity of perspectives that surround us. I have been part of the team as a research assistant since June 2023 and mainly support the planning of the Nepal excursion.
In 2018, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in Hanover. After that, I spent three years in the professional world. In 2022, I decided to study again. Since then I have been living in Aachen and am studying for a Master’s degree in teaching at vocational colleges.
![Diana_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Diana_Rahmen.jpg)
![Tim_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tim_Profil.png)
Maren Sauvant
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Bringing mindfulness and compassion-based methods into educational contexts and into my everyday life gives me great pleasure. On this shared adventure, I see myself as a learner who is grateful to everyone from whom she has been allowed and privileged to learn.
I am wholeheartedly an innovative project developer, bridge builder and international networker. My work as a research assistant in the OffenRaum team focuses on seminars and retreats, a meditation group, excursions to India/Nepal and essential psychotherapy.
When I was at school and studying German and sociology in Aachen and Tübingen, I would have liked to have had an offer like OffenRaum. Fortunately, I discovered yoga in theory and practice at RWTH Aachen University in the early 1990s and had my first experience of meditation. This was followed by an examination of Asian wisdom teachings and practice in various traditions: Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, socially committed Buddhism and social activism based on the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi in India.
Since 1996 I have been working in the fields of German as a foreign language and intercultural communication as well as in international education and cultural management (e.g. for the Robert Bosch Stiftung, the Goethe-Institut, Trakya Universitesi in Edirne, Turkey and RWTH Aachen University) with a focus on Turkey, India and more recently Nepal.
I have been enthusiastically using SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning, Emory University, USA) since 2018, am a teacher of MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Institute for Mindfulness) and am currently training in Essential Psychotherapy (with Wolfgang Erhardt and Tilmann Borghardt, among others).
![Kristina_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kristina_Profil.png)
Thomas Kleynen
“If you don’t want to think, you’re out – yourself” (Joseph Beuys)
In an environment that is perceived as very stressful, such as school, many people act in a way that they don’t actually want to and realize that it’s not good for them. I am a seconded lecturer at the Chair of Education and Professionalization at RWTH Aachen University and see the focus of my work in OffenRaum in seminar offerings that pursue the goal of making schools and the people involved in them more aware of each other.
people can develop for the benefit of all. I have trained as a facilitator for the educational program ‘Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning’ (SEE Learning®) at the University Emory Atlanta and am involved in the training concept ‘Essential Psychotherapy for Teachers’.
After studying education and art in Siegen, Cologne and Wuppertal, I worked at the University of Siegen. Since then, in addition to my work at RWTH Aachen University, I have also been a teacher at a comprehensive school in Herzogenrath and have worked for the Cologne district government in teacher training.
I came to meditation about 10 years ago out of pure curiosity and I remain curious.
![Miriam_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Miriam_Profil.png)
Ricarda Peters
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.“ Brené Brown
I believe that the ability to be authentic and vulnerable with others as well as with ourselves is one of the most healing qualities we can learn as human beings. Because only those who allow themselves to look inwards and accept their shortcomings and merits can treat their fellow human beings with compassion. And this applies not only, but in my opinion especially, to all those involved in the school environment.
I am a research assistant at the Chair of Education and Professionalization at the RWTH Aachen University and am researching the educational program SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning) in a camera-ethnographic study. After completing my teaching degree in English and history, I also started working as a substitute teacher at the Vierte Aachener Gesamtschule in fall 2022. Since then, I have been able to experience the colorful everyday school life with all its joys and challenges and see how teachers are committed to their students on a daily basis and how school is lived and developed together with all those involved.
It is very important to me to help shape and spread the visions of OffenRaum, not least because I know from my own experience how good it is to create a space for meeting people where you can be vulnerable and build the foundations for a good, happy life.
![Max_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Max_Rahmen.jpg)
Diana Goldmund
“The way to everything great is through silence.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
I work at the Chair of Education and Professionalization as an administrative assistant in the secretariat. Since December 2021, I have been helping the OffenRaum team in the background with organizational and administrative tasks.
![Tim_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tim_Profil.png)
Tim Unger
“The next little good thing“
I think that every moment is actually new territory. We have much more freedom of choice to make something meaningful out of a moment than we initially think – and: People can learn to trust uncharted territory.
I lead the OffenRaum team and the Chair of Education and Professionalization at RWTH Aachen University. The focus of my work at OffenRaum is on seminars and retreats as well as essential psychotherapy.
![Maren_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Maren_Profil.png)
Maren Sauvant
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Bringing mindfulness and compassion-based methods into educational contexts and into my everyday life gives me great pleasure. On this shared adventure, I see myself as a learner who is grateful to everyone from whom she has been allowed and privileged to learn.
I am wholeheartedly an innovative project developer, bridge builder and international networker. My work as a research assistant in the OffenRaum team focuses on seminars and retreats, a meditation group, excursions to India/Nepal and essential psychotherapy.
When I was at school and studying German and sociology in Aachen and Tübingen, I would have liked to have had an offer like OffenRaum. Fortunately, I discovered yoga in theory and practice at RWTH Aachen University in the early 1990s and had my first experience of meditation. This was followed by an examination of Asian wisdom teachings and practice in various traditions: Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, socially committed Buddhism and social activism based on the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi in India.
Since 1996 I have been working in the fields of German as a foreign language and intercultural communication as well as in international education and cultural management (e.g. for the Robert Bosch Stiftung, the Goethe-Institut, Trakya Universitesi in Edirne, Turkey and RWTH Aachen University) with a focus on Turkey, India and more recently Nepal.
I have been enthusiastically using SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning, Emory University, USA) since 2018, am a teacher of MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Institute for Mindfulness) and am currently training in Essential Psychotherapy (with Wolfgang Erhardt and Tilmann Borghardt, among others).
![Kristina_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kristina_Profil.png)
Kristina Lind
“We wonʻt forget each other, right?”
I stand up for and with people, especially with regard to more warmth of heart, genuine encounters and solidarity.
I am a research assistant in the OffenRaum team. My work focuses on seminars and consulting services, especially in relation to the SEE Learning® program.
After graduating in educational science with a degree in curative education in Cologne, she completed further training in systemic family-oriented counseling, Certified SEE Learning© Facilitator and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I lived and worked in the UK for many years and felt very comfortable there.
Now, however, I have returned to my home base in Aachen and am doing my doctorate on the qualification of teachers and the sustainable implementation of emotional education. I am allowed to do pioneering work here: practical support for teachers at the Fourth Aachen Comprehensive School.
![Thomas_Profile_](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Thomas_Profil_.png)
Thomas Kleynen
“If you don’t want to think, you’re out – yourself” (Joseph Beuys)
In an environment that is perceived as very stressful, such as school, many people act in a way that they don’t actually want to and realize that it’s not good for them. I am a seconded lecturer at the Chair of Education and Professionalization at RWTH Aachen University and see the focus of my work in OffenRaum in seminar offerings that pursue the goal of making schools and the people involved in them more aware of each other.
people can develop for the benefit of all. I have trained as a facilitator for the educational program ‘Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning’ (SEE Learning®) at the University Emory Atlanta and am involved in the training concept ‘Essential Psychotherapy for Teachers’.
After studying education and art in Siegen, Cologne and Wuppertal, I worked at the University of Siegen. Since then, in addition to my work at RWTH Aachen University, I have also been a teacher at a comprehensive school in Herzogenrath and have worked for the Cologne district government in teacher training.
I came to meditation about 10 years ago out of pure curiosity and I remain curious.
![Miriam_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Miriam_Profil.png)
Miriam Fontes
“Life is what you make it“
I am convinced that you have the choice of what you do with your life. That’s why I approach challenges with an open heart and a drive to make a difference, or at least to meet the challenge with as much compassion as possible. I have been working as a research assistant for the OffenRaum team since January 2023. I am assisting with the planning of the Nepal excursion for 2024 and am involved in the development of OffenRaum’s educational programs.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences in 2022. At the end of 2022, I completed the one-year training in MTTC (Mindfulness Teacher Training Course with Christopher Titmuss). In October 2022 I started the Master in Theology and Global Development at RWTH Aachen University
![Ricarda_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ricarda_Profil.png)
Ricarda Peters
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.“ Brené Brown
I believe that the ability to be authentic and vulnerable with others as well as with ourselves is one of the most healing qualities we can learn as human beings. Because only those who allow themselves to look inwards and accept their shortcomings and merits can treat their fellow human beings with compassion. And this applies not only, but in my opinion especially, to all those involved in the school environment.
I am a research assistant at the Chair of Education and Professionalization at the RWTH Aachen University and am researching the educational program SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning) in a camera-ethnographic study. After completing my teaching degree in English and history, I also started working as a substitute teacher at the Vierte Aachener Gesamtschule in fall 2022. Since then, I have been able to experience the colorful everyday school life with all its joys and challenges and see how teachers are committed to their students on a daily basis and how school is lived and developed together with all those involved.
It is very important to me to help shape and spread the visions of OffenRaum, not least because I know from my own experience how good it is to create a space for meeting people where you can be vulnerable and build the foundations for a good, happy life.
![Max_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Max_Rahmen.jpg)
Max Kassau
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” -Ernest Hemingway
For me, life experiences play an important role in my life. They are like building blocks that expand my understanding of life and shape my perspective. For me, gaining a variety of experiences is an ongoing process of learning and growing. These experiences not only teach me, but also help me to show mindfulness and respect towards my fellow human beings. For me, this means appreciating the uniqueness of each person and learning from the diversity of perspectives that surround us. I have been part of the team as a research assistant since June 2023 and mainly support the planning of the Nepal excursion.
In 2018, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in Hanover. After that, I spent three years in the professional world. In 2022, I decided to study again. Since then I have been living in Aachen and am studying for a Master’s degree in teaching at vocational colleges.
![Diana_Profile](https://www.offenraum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Diana_Rahmen.jpg)
Diana Goldmund
“The way to everything great is through silence.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
I work at the Chair of Education and Professionalization as an administrative assistant in the secretariat. Since December 2021, I have been helping the OffenRaum team in the background with organizational and administrative tasks.
Where you can find us
RWTH Aachen University
Chair of Education and Professionalization
Eilfschornsteinstrasse 7
52056 Aachen