Suggestions
Monna McDiarmid
International school counselor and writer - Helping people live more joyfully
Monna McDiarmid is a Canadian writer, life coach, and educator currently serving as a High School Counsellor and academic advisor at Yokohama International School (YIS) in Japan.12 She returned to YIS in 2022 after previously working there from 2011 to 2017.1 In her current role, she works with students in grades 10 to 12, teaches Wellness in grades 9 and 10, and teaches the Theory of Knowledge course in the Diploma Programme.1
Monna has extensive international experience, having worked at schools in Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, and Japan.3 She is dedicated to the personal and academic success of high school students. At YIS, she also guides the High School Student Council alongside Secondary English teacher Tina Post.1
Outside of her work in education, Monna is a writer and has lived in various countries.24 She currently splits her time between a tiny apartment in Yokohama, Japan, and an old, wooden house in Nova Scotia.2 Monna is known for her ability to find wonder in everyday experiences, particularly in Japan.1
Her partner, Damian Pitter, also worked as a counsellor at YIS during Monna's previous tenure at the school.1
