Umme Salma

Principal

M.Ed. Educational Leadership – Santa Clara University, California

Director Certification/Training – Foothill College & Stanford University, California

Umme has over 14 years of teaching and administrative experience from the Bay Area in California. Her education and training are from Santa Clara University and Stanford University, California. She is the founding Principal of New York Academy and is also an Adjunct Instructor at Notre Dame de Namur University, California. She is a dynamic instructional leader with an enduring passion to help children reach their full potential not just academically, but also socially, emotionally, and physically. Umme believes that teaching and learning are irrevocably connected and effective teachers inspire and support students to develop 21st Century Skills that are critical to their success in this ever changing world. She has been instrumental in bringing a world class teacher training program from Notre Dame de Namur University, California to New York Academy.

A lifelong learner at heart, she is always encouraged to stay current with the best practices in education in areas like brain-compatible learning, project-based learning, differentiated instruction, emotional intelligence, and constructivism. Umme is a bibliophile of sorts with a passion for traveling.

Alice Whitt

Assistant Principal & Lead Teacher Language Arts

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Master’s degree in Special Education, Sonoma State University

Master’s degree in Education Administration, San Francisco State University.

Alice has over thirteen years of credentialed teaching experience working in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has been teaching English Language Arts for grade levels K-8 since 2005. She uses a variety of strategies including phonics-based instruction, academic vocabulary programs, writers’ workshop, project-based learning, and more whole-language style instructional practices. She specializes in working with children with unique learning challenges such as autism, ADHD, and specific learning disabilities. She has extensive experience designing effective academic interventions (RTI Response to Intervention) for students spanning grade levels Pre-K to 8th grade. She loves instruction that includes project-based learning, differentiated instruction, art, technology, science, music, and field trips.

Her hobbies include painting and drawing, grant writing, learning about history, travel, live comedy, and attending music events.

Mamta Govil

PYP Coordinator

Mamta Govil is a passionate educator with a vast experience of decade and a half as IB PYP Facilitator, Head of PYP and PYP Coordinator. Her association with premier international schools has bloomed her into being the leader and her core strengths lies in being a team worker, sharing strategies to cater to every students needs and mentoring facilitators/teachers to give their best to the students. Developing curriculum and guiding facilitators to achieve its implementation at higher level and association with the parents has received applauds from the stake holders. Being a learner at heart she has attended many IB Workshops to enrich the pedagogy and extended it to the community at large.

Dorcas Geddam

Head of Human Resources

B.A. Hotel Management Academic & HR – Osmania University

M.B.A. Human Resource Management & Information Technology – ISBM University

Ms. Geddam brings to the table her vast repertoire of running and managing highly successful corporate companies and has more than 16+ years experience in human resource management & administration. She is responsible for coordinating the hiring of our faculty and staff, as well as the performance of staff.  She oversees all management operations.

Her passions are music (keyboards and composing), drawing, crafts, and writing blogs about her experience to share her ideas to inspire women. She believes that “creativity requires an idea to be realistic, possible, and yet still different.”

Joshua Malli

Office Manager & HR Specialist

MBA Finance & HR from Osmania University.

Joshua Malli is our HR Specialist, bringing more than 9 years of diverse human resources experience to the team. His areas of subject matter expertise include recruiting, employee relations, employee life cycle management, HR compliance & administration.

His passion is to help people gain awareness in regards to financial literacy for them to attain financial freedom and he also likes to explore and learn new things.

Geetika

Admissions Coordinator

Masters of Business Administration – JNVU

Executive Management Program – IIM Lucknow

Geetika comes with over 6 years of managerial experience in the field of print media. After a solid stay in the black and white world of prints, she pursued a Management program from IIM Lucknow. During the course she reflected that there exists a mutual connection between the quality of life we live and the work that we take up. Considering this she decided to take a leap of faith and diverted towards the education sector that mirrored her interests. She began her next journey as Administration Manager with Klay Schools. She loves meeting new people, travelling and reading mythological fiction.

E Sreedhar

Admin Manager

Sreedhar, Admin Manager of NYA comes with 29 years of extensive experience in different fields of administration such as office manager, accounts in charge, MIS, faculty coordinator etc. His experience is an added asset to the organisation. He is self-motivated and highly capable of achieving deadlines. He easily adapts to the new environment and latest technological trends. His team describes him as confident, balanced, hardworking and an excellent decision maker. He provides secretarial support to management, supervises and ensures proper work flow.

Jerusha Nelson

Homeroom Facilitator

B.Sc. Biotechnology from Osmania University India

Diploma in French from Alliance Française 

“Teaching children is one of the best choices I have ever made” says Jerusha. They boost her energy levels up and give her challenges which helps her reflect and learn every day. She’s trained in early childhood and primary school education and has worked with young adults for 6 years and 4 years with preadolescence. She enjoys working with children of all ages which makes her feel young and energetic. It has taught her to be patient, compassionate, sincere, and open-minded. Her belief is that every child is unique and there is so much to facilitate them which keeps her excited to give her best. She is passionate about her profession as she gets to experience unconditional love that is pure and innocent. She loves to bake and listen to music that helps her mind to stay focused.

Fabin

Spanish & Coding Facilitator

Mr Fabián has over 5 years of experience developing technology in different countries and industries. His passion for teaching came from his strong belief that education is the first step to create a better world. His focus is in the learning of languages and technology. He is a Spanish expert and creator of multimedia experiences to improve the ways between technology and learning through play. He loves art, painting and poetry.

Desiree Anurag Samuel

Homeroom Facilitator

3Desiree is fueled by her passion for teaching and imparting her knowledge with others. An engaging and enthusiastic facilitator with more than 13 years of experience in the field of education has served in various esteemed educational institutions across India as a Facilitator, Team Lead and Coordinator. She is a risk taker who likes to explore new ideas and strategies in her teaching and learning. She even welcomes and respects everyone’s opinions and is open to others perspectives.

She considers herself a “Forever Student” who is always eager to unlearn, learn and relearn. She believes that every child is unique and learns at his/her own pace, just an opportunity is needed to learn through their own learning style. She is thrilled to work at NYA which allows her opportunities to support and encourage NYA students.

Saba

Homeroom Facilitator

Graduated as an English literature teacher, Saba, our expat facilitator highly believes in all the new teaching methods that take care of the students psychology and emotions along with academic knowledge. She believes that every single student has his/her own intelligence and his/her own way to express it. Her motive towards the students is ”Your I can is more important than your IQ”. According to her, every student is special and unique and it needs a very passionate teacher to distinguish that and make them a  better version of themselves. Including students to all types of activities is her way to go in teaching; students should study with all their senses in order to learn better. Along with English, Saba speaks Arabic and French fluently, and is worldwide humanitarian.

She has 5 years of experience in social and charity work with international associations such as Rotaract and AIESEC which makes her a world leader. Her hobbies include reading, painting, hiking, horse riding and swimming.

Noel D’Souza

Music and Drama Facilitator

Noel D’souza has 15years of teaching experience in IB board ranging  from Parent Toddlers to higher secondary students. Noel has a vision that all age group children should learn and experience music in their regular activities as music is always been considered to be a healer and growth subject in students. He has always been interactive and enhancing music skills for all age group. Noel seamlessly plays most of the major instruments such as Guitar, Piano, Drums, Violin, percussion. Noel will continue to share the experience and knowledge that he has discovered over the years with all the student for them to experience the beauty of music.

Anjum Fatima

Homeroom Facilitator

B.S., B.Ed.  Mathematics/Physical Science – Osmania University

M.A. Early Childhood Education – Bharti Vidyalaya College of Education and Training

Advance Diploma in Montessori Infant/Toddler – American Montessori Society

Certification of Teacher Education in Methodologies and Pedagogy of Teaching, Educational Psychology, Inclusion-Special Needs and Building a PLC-Professional Learning Community from NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR, California, U.S.A –Facilitated by EDPODIUM.

Mrs. Anjum is a charismatic Nursery lead teacher. She has a special way with this great age group that balances the learning and fun. She has been in the child development field for more than 10 years. Her artistic side remains an integral part of her teaching. She strongly believes in “learning through play,” which makes her class child centered, creative and fun. She is thrilled to be able to live out her passion at New York Academy.  In her free time, her passions are dance, travel, and spending time with her family and friends.

Carla Perez Ruiz

Spanish Facilitator

Infant Education Degree – University of Navarra
Pedagogy Degree – University of Navarra

Ms. Carla has 4 years of experience teaching in Spain and at international schools in India.  She has worked with students ranging from elementary through the university level.  Her experience and training include special needs education, including autism and ADHD. Her passion towards education is to bring a healthy and positive classroom environment where the students feel confident and motivated to learn. She loves to watch children develop their knowledge and skills connecting with different cultures.

Kouassi Saturin Kouadio

French Facilitator

Kouadio kouassi Saturnin, 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.

Monika Sardana

Multiple Subject Facilitator

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Delhi University

Monika comes with 21+ years of experience including international experience in UK and Singapore. Her international experiences include teaching and planning in schools to deliver the IB and Cambridge curriculum. She holds IBDP Maths certification, Cambridge Secondary 1  Science and Maths (1113), Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625), Cambridge Assessment International Education, and CIDTT (Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching and Learning). She was also part of Primary and Lower Secondary Global Perspective Pilot Program of Cambridge. She is pursuing certification in design thinking and innovation from IITD (Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

She is a strong believer in experiential learning, which helps students to apply the concepts in the real world. She celebrates uniqueness in each child and achieves “Learning through Fun”. She believes that students need to collaborate with the teacher in their quest for knowledge.

Her interests include traveling, exploring, and studying different cultures.

Tahoora Ahsan (Sofie)

Homeroom Facilitator

Montessori Certification – American Montessori Society

Ms. Tahoora has 11 years of experience in early childhood education. She started her journey at Vivero International, Hyderabad before joining New York Academy. Ms. Tahoora is a dedicated, ambitious educator who stimulates and develops intellectual, physical and emotional growth and ensures students security and well-being. She’s passionate to guide the students to shape a better world by empowering them with knowledge which is backed by her enthusiastic personality, exuberant sense of humour, and an ability to enhance student performance.

Sakina Razvi

Homeroom Facilitator

Educational Assistant Diploma Program – Sheridan College, Canada

Certificate of Teachers Education – Notre Dame de Namur University

Sakina Razvi is a passionate and seasoned educator, with 15+ years of teaching experience, primarily in Canada and India. She has extensive experience in teaching elementary school grades. Additionally, she has also worked with children with special needs and learning challenges, that has equipped her with skills and insights to effectively differentiate and individualize instruction, guiding each child at their appropriate level. This enables her to successfully bring some kids up to speed, whilst challenging those that are ready for more. Sakina prides herself in her ability to plan in-depth, while bringing together concepts from different schools of learning, in an interesting and creative way.  This enables her  to effectively engage students, by incorporating the best practices of different pedagogies. Her gentle yet firm style of teaching fosters confidence in her students. She believes in teaching through play, as well as providing hands-on learning experience, that engages and empowers her students. She loves sharing her experiences about Canada and aims at developing her students into curious, caring, thinking, articulating and empathetic global citizens.

Sanubar

Homeroom Facilitator

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Sanubar has over 7 years of experience and holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She was a part of the toastmasters club in Saudi Arabia. Sanubar is passionate about teaching and has a genuine love for children and helps them develop to their full potential.  She comes from a family of teachers and takes it as a blessing passed down from her Grandmother to her mother and now to her. She possesses strong creative and language skills and works towards inculcating the same in her students. Her interests include music, art and movies.”

Anjum Zia

Homeroom Facilitator

B.A. Education – Osmania University

Early Childhood Educator Certification – Setwin

Certification of teacher education by NORTE DAME DE NAMUR, CALIFORNIA, USA. (2018-2019)

Anjum is a well-organized and qualified Pre-Primary teacher with 14 years of teaching experience who has worked with a diverse group of children and has passion for teaching. Her experience and training includes Montessori and progressive education. Her vision towards education is to bring the best and most innovative practices to the classroom and keep abreast of new technology and new teaching techniques. She loves to watch children learn, develop, and progress holistically along with the leadership skills.

Suganya Devinsha G

Arts and Special Education Facilitator

M.Phil Microbiology from Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore

Suganya Devinsha comes with 7 years of experience as Medical Microbiologist in India and Kuwait, and 6 years into teaching in India and Malaysia which comprise of being a teacher, Special Educator and an Art Educator. She has worked with different age groups from middle school to university level. Her interests include road trips, travelling and exploring different cultures and cuisines. She enjoys reading and writing short stories and poetry. She is a certified Scuba diver and is also a professional artist. She is passionate about learning and acquires new skills continuously.

Oumayma

Homeroom Facilitator

Diploma in English Language, Literature, and Civilization.

Oumayma has a Master of Arts in cultural studies and a diploma in teaching English through games. She worked with students from all levels in an international school following the English National curriculum. Oumayma endeavours to make students learn through playing by making lessons interesting and engaging through interactive games and activities. She can speak three languages fluently which are English, French and Arabic. Oumayma is passionate about reading and writing because they enable a person to discover uncharted worlds.

Swati B

Homeroom Facilitator

Swati has been in the education field for more than 19 years and has worked in various international schools in Hyderabad and Delhi. She has worked as Senior Subject Matter Expert and has played an instrumental role in School Teacher Empowerment Project in an international school. She has experience of content development in esteemed educational institutes and has significantly involved in setting up a preschool in Hyderabad. She believes that each child blossoms at their own pace and we as facilitators need to nurture their growth.

Kiran

Homeroom 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.

Sara Mirza

Homeroom Facilitator

MSc in Biotechnology and BSc in Microbiology- Osmania University.

She was born & raised in Saudi Arabia, which helped her gain perspective of different cultures and languages, She discovered the joy of teaching while working on the wonders of science in different workshops and conferences with children of all age groups. She strongly believes in learning, unlearning and relearning nuances of education and is determined to instill the quality of public speaking and develop the skill of extempore in children. Her motto at NYA is to have patience and provide a personalized mode of education for each child. Other than these she is a voracious reader and a passionate soccer fan.

Manisha

Homeroom Facilitator

A post graduate in computer science, Ms Manisha comes with 2 years of teaching and learning experience. Before getting into teaching, she explored all the fields possible but every time in her heart a little voice reminded her of the cute teacher she used to pretend-play when she was little. The one thing she learned as a teacher is that the kids are as mature, as smart, as independent as adults and we should always let them make mistakes because that is what makes them kids who are always open to try new things and learn from it. She strongly believes that making mistakes is the step towards learning and improvising which will lead to an open-minded student who doesn’t fear failure and is always prepared to face the challenges.

Priyanka

Homeroom Facilitator

Priyanka has over 3 years of experience in Architecture and teaching. For her teaching has been an integral part of her life as her parents are also educationists who have owned a school for the underprivileged. Her education in Architecture brings out her artistic side which she ensures to incorporate in teaching and learning to develop the love for learning among  the kids. Her strongest trait is attention to detail which has helped her tremendously in her fields of work.

Pragati Rande

Multiple Subject Facilitator

Pragati’s students describe her as a passionate, well organized and good motivator. She chose to be a teacher as she believes in unravelling students potential and facilitating them for their holistic development. For her unlocking each learner’s potential means identifying what they are good at and helping them to stay motivated in the journey of learning. Creating an environment to apply the Math concepts in real life is her strength.

Mary Jenniffer M

Physical & Health Education Facilitator

Ms Jennifer has 4 years of experience as an educator. She has coached soccer and PE related activities. She has worked with students ranging from different levels, and is a trained First Aid Giver approved by Manipal Hospital and many other medical fields. Her strength lies in bringing the best practice to develop the fine motor skills and game specific skills through fun activities and games. Her passion towards sports brings the best out of each student. Her other hobbies are art, craft, dancing, cooking and travelling.

Jomin P Johny

Physical and Health Education Facilitator

Graduated from Calicut University, an under-19 District Cricket player and also certified in Kerala Cricket Association State panel match scorer, Jomin has been coaching cricket, volleyball for school students and  academy level players. His experience also includes being associated with Decathlon Sports India Pvt Ltd in the capacity of trekking and adventurous sports department. He believes that every student should be part of sports and must practice at least one game in their daily life for their better health and fitness. His hobbies are travelling, crafts, and reading books.

Joan Jacqline Dausi

Homeroom 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.