Leadership
Principal
Head Human Resources
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.
Santoshi Medisetty
Head Human Resources
MBA in HR and Operations Management with a certification in Career Guidance Counselling from GCC.
Ms.Santoshi is our Head for HR Dept bringing more than 23 years of diverse experience to the team. Her areas of expertise include Management of Human resources, Professional development, Employee Welfare and relations, Employee grievances, recruitment, Compliance, Statutory & Administration.
Throughout her career, Ms. Santoshi has successfully led HR initiatives in sectors ranging from education, manufacturing and technology; demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and excel in different environments. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of talent management, employee engagement, organisational development, and operations.
She believes that a strong, motivated, and well-supported team is the foundation of an outstanding learning experience. She will be pivotal at NYA in shaping our HR strategies, driving recruitment excellence, and fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Her leadership will ensure that we continue to attract and retain profound talent, while also providing our staff with promising career opportunities.
Faculty
Assistant Pre-School Coordinator
Homeroom Facilitator
Nursery-B Lead Facilitator
Homeroom Facilitator
Kindergarten Homeroom Facilitator
Homeroom Facilitator
Homeroom Facilitator
Home Room Facilitator
Homeroom Facilitator
MYP Math & Science Facilitator
PYP Facilitator
Co-facilitator KG-B
Homeroom Facilitator
Home Room Teacher Pre K3
Co lead Facilitator-Pre-K 3
Homeroom Teacher
Pre K 4 Co-Facilitator
Pre-K 3 Co Lead Facilitator
Co facilitator
Nursery-B-Co-Lead Facilitator
PK3 Co- Facilitator
PT/PG Co-Lead Facilitator
PK3 Co- Facilitator
Pre-K 4 Lead Facilitator
PYP Facilitator
Grade 1 Facilitator
KG Co-Facilitator
Co lead Facilitator-Nursery
Special Educator
Associate PYP Coordinator, Homeroom facilitator 5&6
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.
Anjum Zia
Nursery-B Lead Facilitator
B.A, B.Ed, Early Childhood Education, Norte Dame De Namur University-California Teaching Programme
Hi, I am Anjum, your child’s homeroom teacher for this academic year. I have more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, and dealing with curriculums like American, British and IB.
I have done my B.ED and teaching program from California University. I believe learning through play can develop social and cognitive skills, emotionally and gain the self confidence for the little minds, to be independent.
Tahoora Ahsan
Homeroom Facilitator
B.A., Early Childhood Education, Norte Dame De Namur University-California Teaching Programme and Montessorie Certification IMTTI
I bring 11 years of experience in early childhood education, having started my career at Vivero International in Hyderabad before joining New York Academy. I am a dedicated and driven educator who nurtures the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of my students, all while ensuring their safety and well-being. I’m passionate about guiding students to shape a better world by empowering them with knowledge. With an enthusiastic personality, a vibrant sense of humor, and a strong ability to enhance student performance, I strive to create a positive and impactful learning environment.
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
Kindergarten Homeroom Facilitator
Educational Assistant Diploma Program – Sheridan College, Canada
Certificate of Teachers Education – Notre Dame de Namur University
B.A English Literature, Political Science and History – Osmania 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, which 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
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.
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.
Sara Fatima
Homeroom 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.
Mondru Sandeep
MYP Math & Science Facilitator
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 Rajesh Kenkare
PYP 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 KG-B
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
Homeroom 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 lead Facilitator-Pre-K 3
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
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
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 brings both professional dedication and personal experience as a mother to a toddler, blending compassion and expertise work with students.
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
Pre-K 3 Co Lead Facilitator
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.”
Afra Parveen
Co facilitator
B.ed , B.com , diploma in fashion designing and certification in TESOL AND TOFEL
I am a passionate educator at Newyork Academy with a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment for my students. I hold a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and have completed a TESOL certification, equipping me with the skills to effectively teach English as a second language.
In addition to my teaching credentials, I have a diploma in Fashion Designing, which allows me to bring creativity and innovation into my classroom. My diverse educational background also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Home Science, enabling me to incorporate practical life skills into my teaching approach.
I believe that education is a powerful tool for personal and academic growth, and I am dedicated to inspiring my students to achieve their full potential. I look forward to making a meaningful impact in their lives through my teaching”
Rashmi Sujith
Nursery-B-Co-Lead Facilitator
B.Sc, IB-Cat-1 certified, Pre-school experience
Hi, I am Ms.Rashmi your child’s co-lead teacher for this academic year . With 8 years of experience across various corporate industries, I transitioned into teaching as a Home Room Teacher for nursery at an IB school, where I discovered my true passion. I am a trained classical dancer and a creative individual. I enjoy narrating stories to children. I believe in supporting each child’s emotional, social, and cognitive skills, recognizing their individuality and need for personal space and choice. As an experienced preschool facilitator, I am dedicated to providing a safe and creative environment that fosters the holistic growth of young learners and also help my young learners explore and develop their unique potential.
Sahitya Sanam
PK3 Co- 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.
Reem Abdul Wasey
PT/PG Co-Lead Facilitator
MBA in Finance, certified in Jolly phonics
I am Reem Abdul Wasey, a classroom discipliner holding an experience of 4 years in primary teaching with different curriculums like IB, Cambridge and American. I am surely a promising teacher whose solely dedicated to my children and work every year. I belive its not just the children who learn and grow every year but a teacher does too. Learning never ends for a teacher.
Suha
PK3 Co- Facilitator
B.Ed ,BA Psychology.
Hi, I am Suha, a passionate teacher with a B.Ed and BA in Psychology. I love helping young minds grow and thrive. I believe that “A child is a beam of sunlight from the Infinite and Eternal, with possibilities of virtue and vice, but as yet unstained.” I strive to unlock each student’s potential, nurturing their curiosity, compassion, and individuality. With patience, empathy, and creativity, I create a supportive learning environment that fosters social, emotional, and academic growth. I am committed to making a positive impact on my students’ lives and helping them become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
Shamsi Munawar
Pre-K 4 Lead Facilitator
B.A., Early Childhood Education, Norte Dame De Namur University-California Teaching Programme
With nearly a decade of experience in preschool education, I have developed a profound passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. The joy of witnessing children’s growth and development has been the driving force behind my journey as a teacher, with each day offering new opportunities for discovery and learning. Throughout the years, I have consistently adapted and refined my teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of early childhood education, ensuring that my approach remains dynamic and effective. My strengths include creating a warm and inclusive classroom environment, employing creative and engaging learning activities, and instilling a love for learning in every child. I excel at identifying individual learning styles and needs, allowing me to tailor my instruction to support each child’s unique developmental path. Through my commitment and expertise, I am dedicated to providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning, and empowering my students to become confident, curious, and capable learners.
Ms Puja
PYP Facilitator
B.Com, M.Com, NTT, B.ED
Greetings to all. I’m Ms. 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 holds 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.
Nuzhath Jehan
Grade 1 Facilitator
B.com , MBA , B.ed
Hello! I’m Nuzhath Jehan, With nine years of experience in the IB sector, my passion for teaching stems from a deep love for children. My priority is to instill a sense of responsibility in my students, empowering them to become empathetic, future-ready learners who embody the qualities of the learner profile. I believe in giving children a voice, choice, and a sense of ownership, which fosters student agency in an inquiry-led classroom. Every child is a capable learner, and I see myself as a lifelong learner alongside them. Through my commitment and expertise, I strive to provide a solid foundation for lifelong learning, nurturing my students to become confident, curious, and capable individuals.
My goal as a teacher or educator is to create a positive classroom environment
Rehnaaz
KG Co-Facilitator
BA Psychology and Literature . I have done a diploma course in NLP
I’m Rehnaaz. Ive completed my schooling from BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL, Nilgiris Ooty. I’m a content writer by profession having 5 years of content writing experience. I have experience in marketing as well dealing with international trade. I diverted into the field of education having about 2 years of teaching experience. I have a flexible style of teaching which caters to all students and their abilities. My goal is to create a positive classroom environment where every student feels encouraged to do their best.
Hiranmaie Godavarthi
Co lead Facilitator-Nursery
Disha Harshad Purohit
Special Educator
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.
Prasobha Prabhakaran
Associate PYP Coordinator, Homeroom facilitator 5&6
B.Com, M.Com, MBA, B.Ed
An innovative and dedicated educational professional with extensive experience and a deep passion for children’s education through diverse learning approaches. Skilled in team collaboration, highly organized, and adept at problem-solving to ensure optimal outcomes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Enthusiastic about traveling and a devoted music lover.
Specialists
Foreign Language Facilitator
Co-Lead PHE Facilitator
Visual Arts Facilitator
Music Instructional Coach
Hindi Language Facilitator
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.
Julie Metz
Music Instructional Coach
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 beginnner to professional level musicians. It’s a joy to be here now, serving the children of NYA!503
Renu Sharma
Hindi Language Facilitator
B.Com, M.A. (Economics), N.T.T, B.Ed., Diploma in Fine Arts
Meet Renu Sharma, a passionate Hindi teacher dedicated to fostering a love for the Hindi language and its rich cultural heritage. She believes that Hindi is more than just a means of communication, it serves as a gateway to understanding the vibrant shade of Indian traditions, literature, and values. She has inspired countless students over her impressive 10+ years of teaching experience. Renu holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), a Master’s in Economics (MA), and has further enriched her qualifications with a Nursery Teacher Training (NTT), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and a Diploma in Fine Arts. In Renu’s classroom, every lesson is an adventure. Students explore everything from classic poetry to modern prose and dive into the essence of traditional festivals and contemporary cinema. Her goal is to enhance language skills while instilling a deep appreciation for the diverse culture that Hindi embodies.
Join her for an exciting year of learning and growth!
Administrative Staff
Admin Manager
Academic Coordinator
Marketing Manager & EA
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.
Lynda Mandam
Academic Coordinator
Masters in Arts, Associate Montessori Internationale (AMI) from Netherlands, Early Child Education from Canada,
My passion to build and shape young minds has led me into this noble profession. My desire to foster and accommodate the individual needs of children has gravitated me toward the Pedagogy of Montessori. I am a strong believer in supporting and nurturing the development of a holistic child; physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.
My experience with teaching is more than 20 years. I have worked in Canada for over a decade and the remaining years of my experience from in India. My love, respect, compassion and patience for children is immense and I am highly enthusiastic and motivated to be a part of children’s journey of life. I have learned and grown from just being around these children; learning is a continuous, consistent and integral part of my life.
Currently in India, at NYA. I am looking forward to bridging the gap between the child, parent and teacher, as we all have to collaborate to work together toward building holistic children; citizens of the future!
Romana Adil Khan
Marketing Manager & EA
BBA, MBA (Marketing) & PGDM in Special Education & Counselling
A passionate Marketing Manager & Executive Assistant to the Head of the School with a proven track record of driving brand growth and revenue through strategic campaigns and innovations. Her experience of 8+ years demonstrates a history of working in the hospitality and education industry. Her skills sprawl in the fields of marketing, content writing, administration, social media management and providing learning assistance for children with ADHD.