Leadership
Principal
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.
Faculty
Assistant Pre-School Coordinator
Homeroom Facilitator
Homeroom Facilitator
Home Room Facilitator
Co Lead Facilitator
Homeroom Facilitator
Home Room Facilitator
Home Room Facilitator
Co-Facilitator
Maths & Science Instructional Coach
Kindergarten Co-Facilitator
Co-facilitator
Nursery B Lead Facilitator
Home Room Teacher Pre K3
Co Teacher Pre K3
Homeroom Teacher Pre K3
Pre K 4 Co-Facilitator
Co-teacher PT/PG
Anjum Fatima
Assistant Pre-School Coordinator
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.
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.
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.
Sakina Razvi
Home Room 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.
Lubna Sadaf
Homeroom Facilitator
Ms. Lubna is a trained PYP homeroom teacher and has three years of experience. She has worked with students from grades 1–5. She aspires to have an inquiry-led classroom and promotes student agency by giving her children a voice, choice, and ownership. To welcome diversity and value viewpoints, Ms. Lubna works to foster in her students an international mindset.
Kiran Joyshree Rajah
Co 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.
Desiree Anurag Samuel
Home Room 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.
Jerusha Nelson
Home Room 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.
Sara Fatima
Co-Facilitator
Ms. Sara comes with 2 years of experience in teaching elementary school grades which helped her gain insight into, how a nurturing environment is created for young learners. She is passionate and instills confidence and promotes growth mindset in students. She believes mistakes are a proof that you are trying and it helps us understand our short comings. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking and travelling.
Sandeep
Maths & Science Instructional Coach
Mr. Sandeep is an accomplished educator with extensive experience teaching diverse international and national curricula. Holding a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching endeavours.
His passion lies in igniting the love for maths and science in his students, and firmly believes that making real-life connections and integrating technology into these subjects is the key to nurturing a deep appreciation for them.
As a curious and lifelong learner, Mr. Sandeep is dedicated to promoting critical thinking and cultivating a genuine love for learning among his students, thereby empowering them to reach their fullest potential.
Shruti Kenkare
Kindergarten Co-Facilitator
Shruti is an accomplished professional with a strong academic background, holding an M.A. in English from SNDT Mumbai and a bachelor’s degree in Education. With over 2 years of work experience, she exhibits an unwavering commitment to educating and motivating young minds.
Her curiosity and love for travel enrich her perspective, making her an open-minded and adaptable individual. Shruti is poised to make a significant impact in her field, constantly evolving to embrace new challenges.
Nema Wahab Khan
Co-facilitator
Nema Wahab Khan has completed her Graduation in Psychology and would characterize herself as an ambitious, warm and enthusiastic educator who loves forging relationships with children, with an aim to help them grow as learners and become the best version of themselves while being their safe space and hopes to bring a positive impact on young minds and lives.
Nusrath Sultana
Nursery B 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.
Ms. Razeeka Thamjigar
Home Room Teacher Pre K3
Ms. Razeeka Thamjigar holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology. She has worked at the International School in Belgium as a teacher and student counselor. Furthermore, she believes education should be holistic and should provide opportunities to explore and experiment. As a teacher, she is passionate and uses growth-mindset in her teaching methodology.
Alekhya
Co Teacher Pre K3
Ms. Alekhya, coming from a corporate background, finds the transition to the teaching profession truly inspiring. It offers a unique opportunity to apply her diverse skills and experiences, positively impacting the lives of young learners. Embracing this new role as a mentor, role model, and educator, she believes that her distinctive background brings a fresh and valuable perspective to the field of education. Passionate and dedicated, Ms. Alekhya is committed to nurturing a love of learning in every student. Her firm belief in the potential of each child to excel drives her teaching philosophy. As an educator, she takes on the responsibility of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. With a focus on building strong relationships and engaging teaching methods, she aims to inspire her students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
Ms. Nupur
Homeroom Teacher Pre K3
Ms. Nupur has graduated in English (Hons.) followed by post-graduation in Mass Communication from Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication. She also has a certificate degree in Teacher Education from Notre Dame De Namur, California, USA. She firmly believes that the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement is reading to children. Ms.Nupur has over 8 years of teaching experience in international schools, including New York Academy.
Vyshnavi Ganjam
Pre K 4 Co-Facilitator
Ms.Vyshnavi holds a Graduation in Education degree and her passion towards education has led her to choose the teaching profession. She believes to inculcate joy & fun in her teaching methods and strives to bring out the best in her students.
Aditi Mukherjee
Co-teacher PT/PG
Ms.Aditi holds a master’s degree in English Literature with an experience of 6 years and has worked in CBSE schools in U.P. She is passionate about being an educator and encourages creativity and higher-order thinking in a way that increases students’ performance. She believes,”Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.”
Specialists
Music Facilitator
Foreign Language Facilitator
Co-Lead PHE Facilitator
Visual Arts Facilitator
Clementharyson Manuka
Music Facilitator
Clement is a music instructor based in Hyderabad. Soon after completing his graduation in Psychology, He discovered his passion for music. He has 9 years of professional experience in teaching music to all age groups. Clement has specialized in teaching keyboard and guitar and has developed methods to make students understand and learn musical theory in more fun and easier way.
Kouassi Saturnin Kouadio
Foreign Language 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.
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.
Ms. D.R. Jacqueline Rebecca
Co-Lead PHE Facilitator
‘Kids go where there is excitement, they stay where there is love’. D.R. Jacqueline Rebecca holds a bachelor degree from Mount Carmel Autonomous College and my Sports degree along with a diploma in counselling. She has 2 years experience and aims to make sure that every student has a positive learning experience while developing their sports skills. With her optimistic, she tends to be calm and focused and as a Physical Education Teacher, she believes it is important to continually evaluate self performance.
Administrative Staff
Admin Manager
Parent Relationship Manager & Admissions Coordinator
Front Desk Administrator
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.
Niharika Singhvi
Parent Relationship Manager & Admissions Coordinator
Ms.Niharika was a part of risk advisory team with Ernst & Young earlier in her career. While working with numbers she developed an interest in the marketing sector. To take this interest further, she joined Vivero International pre-schools as a parent relationship manager. She has been in the education sector for more than 3 years because of her love towards children and the educational industry. She is a keen learner, loves to travel, dance and spend time reading books of various genres. Ms. Niharika has completed her degree in Msc. Finance and has done Bachelors of Management from Osmania University.
Ms. Manisha
Front Desk Administrator
MS. Manisha has procured a Bachelors in Management studies & Masters in Finance. She has been a part of the administration for prominent entities for more than 4 years. With a zeal for perfection, she ensures organized and seamless functioning of the admin department.