Teachers
Kenche Uma Shankar
Founder, Samagna Montessori
Educational Qualifications: B.Sc. Home Science, M.A. Telugu, B.Ed., PG Diploma in Child Psychology
Montessori Training: Primary, Elementary & Adolescent Montessori Diplomas; Toddler Assistant Course; Extra Lesson Training
Experience: Working in the field of education since 1993
Uma Shankar began her journey in education in 1993, supporting Montessori environments and working alongside experienced Montessori educators. Her growing interest in Montessori education led her to pursue formal Montessori training and remain closely connected with the Montessori community.
In 1998, she founded Samagna Montessori, with a vision of creating an environment rooted in Montessori principles and respectful of each child’s individual development. Since then, she has been closely involved in nurturing the school community, supporting educators and guiding its growth.
Her work extends beyond Samagna through her involvement in educational and community initiatives. She has been an IMF Trust member since 2023 and has volunteered with Satya Sai Vidya Vahini as a lesson planner. She has also contributed to ESF voluntary initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, including Guntur.
Interests: Montessori education, child development, teacher development and community initiatives.
Shahini Akula
Elementary Directress
Qualifications: M.A. English, B.Ed.
Montessori Training: Elementary Montessori Diploma, Montessori Adolescent Diploma
Additional Training: Extra Lesson Practitioner – Rudolf Steiner Australian Diploma
Experience: Working in education since 2003
Shahini began her journey as an English teacher and later developed a strong interest in Montessori education. She has been associated with Montessori education for several years, guiding children in the Elementary community.
Her strengths include caring for and guiding children, supporting English and Mathematics activities, handling challenging situations with sensitivity, and working closely with parents and school administration.
She has also served as an Elementary Examiner for the Montessori Elementary Diploma Course in Hyderabad under Mr. Greg MacDonald.
Interests: Montessori education, English, Mathematics, child development and supporting individual learning journeys.
Lavanya Madiveni
Primary Montessori Directress
Montessori Training: Primary Montessori Diploma – School Scape, 2024
Experience: Joined Samagna Montessori in 2017 as a Montessori Assistant
Lavanya Madiveni joined Samagna Montessori in 2017 as a Montessori Assistant and later pursued her Primary Montessori Diploma from School Scape in 2024. She is polite, respectful and gentle in her interactions with children, and handles challenging behaviour with patience and sensitivity.
Creative by nature, she brings imaginative ideas through art and craft and is always open to learning, adapting and implementing new ideas in the environment.
Strengths: Gentle and respectful with children, patient in handling challenging situations, creative and receptive to learning.
Interests: Art, craft and exploring creative ideas.
Vijaya Kumari
Montessori Directress
Qualifications: B.A.
Montessori Training: AMI Montessori Diploma
Experience: Joined Samagna Montessori in 2002
Vijaya Kumari began her Montessori journey with Samagna Montessori in 2002
and worked with the school until 2007. She then gained diverse experience in
different educational environments, including the International School of
Hyderabad (2007–2016), China Sunshine Montessori School (2017–2020), and
Niths Dale School (2021–2023).
She rejoined Samagna Montessori in 2023, bringing with her rich experience in
Montessori and school education.
Interests: Gardening, stitching, reading and crafts.
Keerthi Kalva
Assistant Primary Educator
Qualifications: B.Tech IT
Experience: Worked as an IT professional for 15 years. Now been working as a
Montessori Educator.
Keerthi Kalva started her journey as an IT employee. Now she been into
Educator from 2024.
Her strengths include crucial role in supporting the children. Primary objective is to protect the children’s independent focus and maintain the harmony of the prepared environment.
Interests: Preparing environment. Material maintenance, observing the child. Providing grace and curiosity. Working with children individually
Jyothi Gouru
Montessori Assistant
Montessori Training: AMI Assistant Montessori Course – Telugu, 2025
Experience at Samagna Montessori: Joined as an assistant and support adult
Jyothi Gouri joined Samagna Montessori as a parent and gradually became part of the school community as an assistant to the main adult. Her growing interest and passion for working with young children inspired her to pursue the AMI Assistant Montessori Course in Telugu in 2025.
She is soft-spoken, warm and attentive, and enjoys supporting children in their everyday routines. She also assists with receiving and sending children safely at the school gate and supports the smooth functioning of the environment.
Strengths: Gentle and caring, attentive to children, responsible and supportive.
Interests: Working with young children and supporting their development.
Pathan Mumtaz Begum
Hindi Guide
Educational Qualification: Vidwan (Hindi Pandit)
Experience: Working in education since 2001
Mumtaz Begum is a caring and patient educator who enjoys spending time with children and supporting them in their learning and development. She guides children with patience and empathy and is attentive to their individual needs.
Strengths: Caring, patient, empathetic and supportive with children.
Interests: Spending time with children and guiding them in their learning journey.
Pasham Vijaya Laxmi
School Support & Montessori Assistant
Experience: 18 years of dedicated service at Samagna Montessori
Montessori Training: Assistant Primary Montessori Course – Telugu
For 18 years, Vijaya Laxmi has been a valued and dedicated member of the Samagna Montessori community, contributing wholeheartedly to the care of children and the smooth functioning of the school.
Calm, composed and warm in her approach, she is always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Her natural care and sensitivity towards children inspired her to pursue the Assistant Primary Montessori Course in Telugu, deepening her understanding of children and their needs.
She also oversees the school’s support staff and services, playing an important role in maintaining a welcoming, well-cared-for environment. Her reliability, warmth and willingness to help make her an integral part of the Samagna community.
Interests: Stitching, cooking, caring for plants and supporting the school community.
Janaki Bakarapu
Telugu Educator & Elementary Assistant
Qualifications: B.Ed.
Montessori Training: Assistant Primary Montessori Course
Experience: Working in education since 2002; associated with Samagna Montessori for 8 years
Janaki Bakarapu has been part of Samagna Montessori for the past 8 years. She began her teaching journey as a Telugu teacher in Primary environments in 2002 and brings extensive experience in supporting children’s language development.
At Samagna, she works as a Telugu Educator and Assistant, supporting children in the Elementary community. She also takes responsibility for maintaining attendance registers and other school records, contributing to the smooth functioning of the school.
Her interest in understanding children’s needs and the Montessori approach led her to pursue an Assistant Primary Montessori Course.
Strengths: Supporting children’s learning, Telugu language development, maintaining school records and assisting the Elementary community.
The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.
- Dr. Maria Montessori
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