Heidi LaVine

Executive Director

heidi@ihouseri.org

401.421.7181

Heidi LaVine joined the International House community in 2024 after nearly twenty-three years in college and university classrooms, twelve years directing an Honors Program full of international and domestic students, and two decades of experience designing curricula, and working with international communities.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Heidi moved to Missouri in 2009, where she taught courses in Caribbean, African Diasporic, and Postcolonial literature at a small liberal arts college nestled in the midst of soybean fields. As Director of the Honors Program, she took great joy in hosting meals and coffee chats at her home, and in working with colleagues to bring speakers of global cultural import to her tiny campus. She looks forward to cooking, conversing, and collaborating with IHRI’s vibrant community.

After completing her B.A. at St. Olaf College, Heidi earned an M.A. and PhD in English from the University of Iowa. She lives in Providence with her wonderful partner and their feline menace.

John Walker

Director of Operations

john@ihouseri.org

401.421.7181

John Walker first started working at International House of Rhode Island in October of 2015 as the Development and Financial Manager.  John is now the Director of Operations and oversees key organizational operations including financial management and building operations.

 Before joining International House, John was involved with starting the nonprofit Insight Vision Center in San Diego, CA.  Insight Vision Center provided vision examination and vision therapy to low-income children with learning related vision problems.  John was also a board member of the San Marcos Arts Council for several years promoting public art and arts education around the city of San Marcos, CA.

 John received a B.A. in Kinesiology / Exercise Science from California State University Northridge.  He lives in Fairhaven, MA with his wife and two sons.