Meet the Team
The NYA faculty are passionate experts, dedicated to advancing each child’s unique talents and gifts. Our mentors come from India and all over the world. They bring their unique global experiences to nurture happy and engaged learners. Every member of our team considers themselves a ‘Lifelong Learner’ and as such, we are committed to ongoing professional and personal self-development every year. This allows them to model best practice, build positive self-worth, and be positive role models. Every member of our team sees themself as a Lifelong Learner..
Leadership
Pioneering Educational Excellence
Apoorva Saini
Principal
Apoorva Saini
Principal
A school leader with over 17 years of experience in international education across Canada, India, and the UAE, Ms. Saini has served in leadership roles in reputed schools offering the IB and Cambridge curricula. Throughout her career, she has been known for building strong learning communities where academic excellence is matched by student wellbeing, innovation, and meaningful relationships. Before joining New York Academy, Ms. Saini led Bangalore International School as Head of School, following several years of senior leadership with GEMS Education in the UAE and leadership positions at Indus International School, Bangalore. She has successfully guided schools through international accreditation and inspections, championed innovative teaching practices, strengthened professional learning for teachers, and worked closely with parents to create positive partnerships that support every child's growth.
Academic Coordinators
Handling Participant Academic Queries
Sandeep Mondru
Academic Coordinator
Sandeep Mondru
Academic Coordinator
Mr. Sandeep Mondru serves as the Academic Coordinator at New York Academy. Now in his fourth year at NYA, he has contributed as a Mathematics and Science Facilitator and Mathematics Instructional Coach, supporting student learning and development. With over 14 years of experience across IB, Cambridge, and national curricula, Mr. Sandeep brings expertise in curriculum planning, standards alignment, and inquiry-based learning. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and is passionate about connecting classroom learning with real-world applications. In his role as Academic Coordinator, he is committed to promoting academic excellence, strengthening teaching practices, and fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student can grow with confidence, curiosity, and purpose.
Mona Balchandani
Pre School Coordinator
Mona Balchandani
Pre School Coordinator
Ms. Mona Balchandani is an accomplished educator with over a decade of experience in international education as an IB PYP Educator, Program Mentor, and Early Years Education Specialist. Having spent more than seven years at Indus International School, she has developed expertise in inquiry-based learning, curriculum design, student agency, and early literacy, while championing inclusive and engaging learning experiences for young learners. Throughout her career, Ms. Balchandani has been recognised for her commitment to high-quality teaching, teacher mentorship, and collaborative learning communities. She has completed several IB professional development programmes, including Play-Based Learning, Student Agency, and Making the PYP Happen, reflecting her dedication to continuous growth and innovative educational practice. With a Postgraduate Certificate in International Education and a Master's degree in Finance, she brings a unique blend of educational expertise and strategic thinking to academic leadership, with a strong focus on fostering curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
Preschool
Nurturing Young Minds
Misbah Siddiqui
Lead Facilitator
Misbah Siddiqui
Lead Facilitator
A passionate and caring individual with a strong interest in early childhood education. Recently completed MBA in Human Resources. She is committed to working collaboratively with the team to provide exceptional care and education, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and valued to create a safe, joyful, and engaging learning environment. She finds herself eager to support children’s growth through creative and age-appropriate activities.
Joan Jacqline Dausi
Lead Facilitator
Joan Jacqline Dausi
Lead Facilitator
“The children you may teach may not remember you when they get older, but they will always have a part of you inside them.” This quote by Marylin Applebaum has been the driving force for Ms Joan who has been teaching the toddlers, creating the most memorable experience, and helping them with the right kind of foundation in the growing years for the past 18 years in the best of schools. The experience of teaching hundreds of toddlers and enjoying it through the years has helped her look at life on the brighter side, and this has enhanced her endeavor every year to equip her kids with the best of academics accompanied with various activities. Her favourite pastime is good music and is a fanatic of home decor and DIY.
Samiyah Taher
Co-Lead Facilitator
Samiyah Taher
Co - Lead Facilitator
Hi, I’m Samiyah Taher, an MBA graduate passionate about early childhood education. I have been a proud part of the NYA family for the past two years. I am dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom. I believe every child is unique and deserves patience, kindness, and support. I strive to create a safe space where children feel valued and confident. I encourage curiosity, independence, creativity, and a love for learning. My goal is to celebrate every child’s individuality, strengths, and achievements.
Nusrath Sultana
Lead Facilitator
Nusrath Sultana
Lead Facilitator
Ms. Nusrath is a dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. She is pursuing her masters in Psychology and has over 9 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Likewise, she believes that every child is unique and believes in creating a fun learning environment through which she helps students develop emotionally, physically, mentally and socially. Furthermore, she thrives on challenges and loves to upgrade herself to be the best version for her students.
Shehnaz
Co-Lead Facilitator
Shehnaz
Co - Lead Facilitator
“The greatest gifts we can give children are roots to grow and wings to explore.”
The early years of a child’s life are filled with wonder, curiosity, and discovery. I believe that a nurturing and joyful environment plays an important role in helping children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love for learning.
With a deep passion for working with young children, I have spent the past 14 years working with preschoolers, supporting them through their early stages of learning and development. I have also completed an Assistant Montessori Course, which has strengthened my understanding of child-centered and hands-on learning.
For me, teaching young children is more than a profession. It is an opportunity to nurture little minds, celebrate their individuality, and be part of their first steps towards a bright future.
Sahitya Sanam
Lead Facilitator
Sahitya Sanam
Lead Facilitator
I am Sahitya Sanam, dedicated educator with 7 years of valuable teaching experience. I’m pretty creative and skilled in art, craft, sculpting, calligraphy, and various painting styles. Known for my passion and compassionate teaching approach, I am dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. My commitment to creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment sets me apart as a teacher who truly cares about the holistic development of my students.
Pranita Thappetla
Co-Lead Facilitator
Pranita Thappetla
Co - Lead Facilitator
Ms. Pranita pairs an Engineering background with foundational teaching experience supporting kindergarten learners in Germany, bringing an analytical yet deeply empathetic mindset to early childhood education. As an active faculty member at New York Academy, they champion inclusive pedagogy that meets diverse developmental needs. Ms. Pranita is committed to fostering an interactive, growth-oriented space where students feel seen, valued, and motivated to achieve their personal best every day.
Vyshnavi Ganjam
Lead Facilitator
Vyshnavi Ganjam
Lead Facilitator
I’m Vyshnavi, an educator currently in my second year at New York Academy, where I also serve as a co-facilitator. With a passion for fostering learning and growth, I bring both professional dedication and personal experience as a mother to a toddler, blending compassion and expertise work with students.
Elementary
Building Strong Foundations
Neetu Nangalia
Lead Facilitator
Neetu Nangalia
Lead Facilitator
A certified montessorian having 11 years of teaching experience I believe that each child is unique and can truly reach their highest potential with support and guidance. Making the Children’s learning journey is fun and exciting is the key to self-motivation. Creating an environment which enables each child to explore, analyze, reason and evaluate can turn them into thinkers and life-long learners. I also strongly believe that caring and nurturing from an early age can create confident people who positively impact society.
Puja Sharma
Lead Facilitator
Puja Sharma
Lead Facilitator
B.Com, M.Com, NTT, B.ED
Greetings to all. I’m Puja; I have the ability to work with others with integrity and respect since I am a quick learner, passionate, driven, and enthusiastic team member. I hold a master’s degree in commerce and have been an instructor at the IB PYP school in Hyderabad for more than six years.
I have a strong belief in empowering students to become lifelong learners who are empathetic, future-ready, and exhibit the abilities and qualities of the learner profile. Giving kids a voice, a choice, and a sense of ownership that encourages student agency is one of my goals for an inquiry-led classroom. I enjoy making changes and experimenting with different concepts and methods for both teaching and learning.
I love to work with the learners as mentors and facilitators to assist them in developing their abilities, enhancing their self-esteem, and instilling social responsibility. Ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of every kid is my first priority.
Kiran Joyshree Rajah
Lead Facilitator
Kiran Joyshree Rajah
Lead Facilitator
Kiran has 15 years of experience in Administration but developed the passion towards teaching so moved on to the education field in the last 6 years. She was associated with IB school and is extremely passionate about inspiring young minds to think deeply about the subject matter, play with ideas and take on more challenging work. In her free time she’s fond of singing and dancing which keeps her energy levels up.
Hiranmaie Godavarthi
Co-Lead Facilitator
Hiranmaie Godavarthi
Co - Lead Facilitator
Ms. Hiranmaie is a passionate educator with over 8 years of experience in early childhood education, dedicated to creating a safe, caring, and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired to learn. She is a Montessori-trained educator from IMTC, a Commerce graduate, and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and Management. Prior to joining New York Academy, she served as a Directress at Taraporewalla Montessori – House of Children, guiding children through hands-on learning experiences that fostered independence, confidence, and a love for learning. She believes every child learns in their own unique way and is committed to nurturing curiosity, essential life skills, kindness, and responsibility while building strong partnerships with families to support each child's holistic growth and development.
Dr. Preeti Sohni
World Language Facilitator
Dr. Preeti Sohni
World Language Facilitator
Dr.Preeti Sohni, Professional Language Facilitator, with 22 years of experience, She believes that Hindi is much more than a Language.
It is a bridge to our Culture, Values and Heritage. Her goal is to help students develop strong communication skills, Creativity and a genuine appreciation for the Hindi Language. She has an excellent and reputed methodology for different age group students. Her students are from age 6 to 60 years. She adapts various classroom programs for teaching and adapts different curriculam by giving the clear and focused vision of all lessons, units and projects by developing creativity among the students.
She has an amazing Education qualification of MA HINDI, MA ENGLISH, M.Phil, Ph.D with extra diplomas in PGDCAIL PGDT & COUNSELING all from Central University of Hyderabad.
Specialists
Transforming Education Through Expertise
Kouassi Saturnin Kouadio
World Language Facilitator
Kouassi Saturnin Kouadio
World Language Facilitator
Kouassi Saturnin Kouadio, Professional language facilitator is passionate for learning and has over 6 years of experience in various education environments in India. Having qualified in PGDM from WE SCHOOL in Mumbai, he is skilled in different aspects of classroom operation and curriculum development along with appropriate teaching programs to optimize the learning process with elementary and secondary level students. He has an exceptional passion for kids; willing to adjust teaching methods to adapt and meet students’ varying needs and interests, and instructs students individually and in groups. Establishing a clear objective for all lessons, units, and projects, motivating and developing creativity and critical-thinking strategy in the classroom has been his strengths.
Dinesh Pimple
Visual Arts Facilitator
Dinesh Pimple
Visual Arts Facilitator
Mr. Dinesh Pimple has completed his Master of Fine Arts from Sir, J J School of Art in Mumbai 2006. He has 10 years of teaching experience. He has done more than 30 group exhibition and 2 Solo exhibition all across India. He has won Camlin Award in professional category at National level in 2011. He has got scholarship and Junior fellowship from Ministry of culture, Govt. of India, New Delhi.
Julie Metz
Music Instructional Facilitator
Julie Metz
Music Instructional Facilitator
BA Music Education, Summa Cum Laude; California teaching credentials in Music and Multiple Subject
Happy to meet you! Inspired by what research shows about the impact of music training on the development of children’s brains, I built music programs and curriculums for several top-ranking schools in California. I also co-authored the charter and helped establish one of the first charter schools in California, Sherman Thomas Charter School, where the music and Kindergarten programs I formed, grew to waiting-list-only admissions. Through the years, I have also founded several music schools and coached beginner to professional level musicians. It’s a joy to be here now, serving the children of NYA!
Chris Vincent Darla
Music Facilitator
Chris Vincent Darla
Music Facilitator
Chris Vincent Darla brings over five years of experience in teaching and mentoring students in music. In addition to being an accomplished educator, he is also a skilled music producer, having collaborated with various artists and prominent production houses. Widely recognized as a worship leader and vocalist across South India, he brings passion and versatility to his role.
His work with reputed schools and students of all age groups has equipped him with the ability to adapt his teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs. He inspires students to experience music not just as a subject, but as a way of life.
Disha Harshad Purohit
Special Needs Facilitator
Disha Harshad Purohit
Special Needs Facilitator
I hold a BA and MA in Psychology, with specializations and experience in child education, therapies, counseling, psycho-oncology and teaching.
Hello, I am a passionate special educator at our school and a lifelong learner in the field of psychology. My journey into psychology stems from my fascination with the infinite possibilities of perspective around us, and a deep commitment to bridging the gap between knowledge and empathy. I am from Mumbai and have been in Hyderabad from almost a year now. I am trying to learn telugu by watching movies, and I can ask if you’ve had food in telugu- a question close to my heart, as food is my love language. I cherish the time spent in the cafeteria, where I have the most beautiful conversations with kids around me. If you spot a short person with big glasses around school, not wearing a uniform, it’s probably me. I lead Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes for students from KGA to grades 7 & 8. And work closely with our SEN kids, supporting their unique learning journeys. Every day, I am inspired by the learning that comes from each person I meet, growing and learning alongside all of you.
Administrative Staff
Organizing Success Behind the Scenes
G. Sreekanth
Admin Manager