Leadership Spotlight: Annie Olson-Reiners
Annie Olson-Reiners
ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Elementary Principal search for The International School Nido de Águilas in Santiago, Chile. Congratulations to Annie Olson-Reiners for accepting the position, beginning July 2026! Annie currently serves as the Elementary Principal at Colegio Jorge Washington (COJOWA).
Annie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from St. Olaf College and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Hamline University.
She has previously served as the Assistant Principal of the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and the Elementary Principal of Keewatin Elementary in Keewatin, Minnesota.
In this feature, read about Annie’s passion for education, commitment to fostering global citizenship, and how her diverse experiences — both personal and professional — shape her approach to education and leadership.
What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?
I was drawn to education because I believe schools have the power to shape both learning and belonging. Early in my career, I saw how strong relationships, thoughtful instruction, and inclusive environments could change a child’s experience and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
International education, in particular, allows us to focus even more intentionally on the whole child. In international schools, we are not only supporting academic growth, but also proactively helping students to develop empathy, adaptability, and a sense of responsibility beyond borders. Working in these communities has shown me how powerful it is when students grow up learning to navigate difference with confidence and grace. I am inspired by schools that prepare students not just for the next stage of learning, but to become thoughtful, capable leaders in our interconnected world.
Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can The International School Nido de Águilas community expect?
I believe that students (and adult learners) thrive when they feel safe, known, and challenged. I believe learning is both academic and human work, and that strong relationships, inclusive practices, and high expectations belong together.
As a leader, I am relational, reflective, and collaborative. I work alongside teachers to support thoughtful instruction, responsive systems, and continuous growth, always keeping student well-being at the center. I value clear communication, shared responsibility, and decision-making informed by data and professional expertise.
I am a leader who listens deeply, acts with integrity, and partners with families and staff to build a joyful, equitable learning environment where every child and adult is supported to grow. All kids are our kids!
Annie presenting an award to a 5th grader.
Congratulations on your upcoming role at The International School Nido de Águilas! What are you excited about in this new role?
I’m so excited to join Nido de Águilas! The school’s energy, international spirit, and commitment to helping students Connect, Explore, and Act align beautifully with what I value most as a leader, educator, and parent. I’m eager to be part of a community where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow as thinkers, inquirers, designers, and changemakers.
My family and I are also thrilled to embrace life in Chile—to enjoy the seasons, the mountains, and the rich cultural life we’ve heard so much about. It feels like the perfect place for us to learn, explore, and belong.
My hope is to bring warmth, curiosity, and collaboration to Nido, and to help create an Elementary School experience filled with joy, connection, and possibility for every child.
What is an interesting fact or story about you that you would like to share?
I’m a proud Minnesotan. In Minnesota, winters are long, the forests are fantastic, and summers spent on the water shaped my belief that learning happens everywhere—especially outside—and that joy and curiosity are powerful teachers. I spent my early adulthood as a camp counselor, leading kids on hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and on canoeing adventures, which is where I first fell in love with nurturing children’s growth.
At the same time, I was immersed in the arts—children’s theater productions and choir performances. Those experiences taught me how creativity builds confidence, connection, and community, and they still influence my leadership today.
That early blend of the outdoors, imagination, and joyful learning makes Chile feel like a perfect fit for my family. It’s also why I’m so excited to join Nido—a community that values exploration, creativity, and the wonder children bring to our world.
Visiting Annie’s office at school.
Many thanks to Annie Olson-Reiners for sharing her insights, experiences, and vision for education. We wish her and the vibrant community at The International School Nido de Águilas the best in this new chapter ahead!
If you’re interested in pursuing a school leadership position, please check out our current leadership searches or get in touch with the ISS Leadership Search Team.