Valerie was studying to become a nursery nurse when she first encountered MRA as it was in 1963. Two years later when she was working at Fulham Hospital, London, she decided to put the idea of having a quiet time into practice for a month “to see if it worked”. The change in the children was visible especially to their mothers so beginning the day in silence became a daily routine ever since.
Valerie worked fulltime with MRA in London and Tirley Garth for 13 years. She married Antero Tikkanen in 1976 and they both continued to work full time mainly in India and Caux but based in Sweden. After Antero decided to work in industry, they settled in Gothenburg, Sweden. Valerie learnt Swedish and began to work with children again and later in office management.
Valerie joined the board of IofC Sweden in 2000 and served on the board as treasurer until 2021 with a short break of two years. During this time she did the accounts and all the money transfers. She now sits on the board of the Foundation for Spiritual and Moral Renewal.
Since she retired Valerie has been active with Creators of Peace doing peace circles in Swedish. Valerie has two children and two grandchildren.
