
ABOUT OUR FOUNDERS
SUSAN SANTOSH JOHN
Susan Santosh John is a peoples’ person and especially interested in working with and mentoring children. She completed her MBA with specialization in Human resources from IMT Ghaziabad and has worked in large MNCs, heading the Human Resource function. To pursue her interest in the field of psychology and counseling she bid adieu to the corporate world and completed her Diploma in counseling from TISS, Mumbai and was the proud recipient of the “Best Student” award for the batch of 2012-13. She has also completed short term courses in career guidance and art therapy. Subsequently she has worked in the counseling divisions of YMCA and ACT, mumbai where she has done extensive work with children from under privileged schools and Government Shelter Homes. Susan is currently associated with Our Lady of Perpetual Succour School (Primary Section) Pioneering the Mentoring Champs programme which aims at mentoring children and supporting children with Learning Difficulties.
JACQUELINE JOSEPH
Jacqueline has always harboured a close connection with advancing the talents of children and youth. Having trained in Counselling under YMCA Counselling Centre and Institute, Jacqueline got an opportunity to work amongst teenagers in Municipal Schools in Navi Mumbai. She further attained a certification by Ben Rivers in psycho-drama and also a diploma in counselling and psychotherapies. Jacqueline’s desire to learn more led to her completing courses in subjects like couple and family enrichment, cognitive and positive psychology and career guidance. Jacqueline is currently associated with Our Lady of Perpetual Succour School (Primary Section) Pioneering the Mentoring Champs programme.
LENNY PRATAP
Lenny carries a great blend of having insight and using the heart connection to execute the insight. Armed with an MBA in Finance and experience in esteemed financial positions, Lenny chanced upon Teaching when given an opportunity in Junior College and she never looked back! Having a desire to use her drive to help the society, Lenny undertook certification courses with Leap Ahead Assessment and Learning Centre in Play and Art Therapy and Understanding Child Sexual Abuse and Personal Safety Education Programme by Arpan and LifeSkiils Course at Prafulta. Lenny is currently associated with Our Lady of Perpetual Succour School (Primary Section) Pioneering the Mentoring Champs programme. She is also pursuing MA in psychology to delve into deeper workings of psychology.
MEET THE TEAM
REENU MATHEW
Reenu holds a masters degree in Clinical Psychology and specialises in psychometric tool customisation, behavious analysis and modification techniques. She belives that given the right tools, every person can champion their own emotional fitness, and so she often teaches her clients to work with customised resources to help them to catalogue and evaluate their emotions. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychology, teaching at both the bachelor's and master's levels and pursuing her Ph.D. in Psychology. She is also an avid follower of psychological journals and seminars and likes to keep abreast of the latest tools and therapies. Before she discovered her calling as a psychologist, Reenu worked in Information Technology for 15 years, travelling extensively and dealing with people of various ages and ethnicities. She holds a master's degree in Computer Science and Applications and uses her IT experience to create effective presentations for workshops. She is passionate about enabling people to overcome their emotional obstacles and achieve their true potential.
RUCHIKA SINDHKAR
Ruchika Sindhkar is a seasoned academician and child counselor with 25+ years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and kids. She believes in 3Ps – Purpose, Potential, and Performance, to be the cornerstones of counseling. Her method entails: assessment, developing an individualized plan, and educating family members on how to respond to certain behaviors. A Mumbai University and SNDT alumnus, she is a regular speaker in school, where she emphasizes on the "need for timely counseling" and the "importance of it on child's mental health."
Janhavi Naik
Janhavi holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and works as a School Counsellor and Psychologist. She uses trauma-informed care, expressive arts, and somatic modalities, believing deeply in the power of human connection and the therapeutic relationship.Janhavi is passionate about making psychological support accessible and meaningful, whether in one-on-one sessions, group facilitation, or through training and workshops for adults. She believes that every individual carries within them the capacity for growth, and that the right environment- safe, playful, and relational — can make that growth possible.
Sakshi Gholap
Sakshi holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and has experience working with children and adolescents in both educational and therapeutic settings. Having worked as a Consultant Psychologist and through her independent practice, she supports children, adults, and families through emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges using evidence based approaches. She is passionate about creating spaces where children feel safe enough to express themselves, understood without judgment, and empowered to embrace their strengths. Sakshi believes that every child carries an innate capacity for growth, and that when met with acceptance, compassion, and genuine connection, they develop the confidence and resilience to thrive both within and beyond the classroom.
Charista Coelho
A Psychology graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, with a minor in Sociology and a Diploma in Forensic Science and Criminal Law, Charista has extensive experience mentoring children through NGOs and orphanages. Passionate about child development and education, she creates supportive learning environments that encourage growth and confidence. Charista is fluent in Spanish, enjoys learning languages, and is a trained vocalist.
Mahek Fazal
Mahek Fazal is a Counselling Psychologist and mental health professional dedicated to promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and holistic personal growth across diverse age groups. With experience in school counselling, child and adolescent mental health, psychological assessments, and therapeutic interventions, she has worked in educational and community-based settings supporting individuals through emotional, behavioral, and personal challenges. She is passionate about creating safe, empathetic, and supportive spaces that empower individuals to develop self-awareness, build healthier coping strategies, and navigate life with confidence. Her approach combines compassion, evidence-based practice, and a strong commitment to accessible, client-centered mental health care.
AMANDA FERNANDES
Amanda carries a rich experience in the field of psychology and counselling. Armed with an academic background of M.A. in Applied Psychology (Clinical) from Mumbai and on-field practise in hospitals and schools, Amanda embodies a perfect blend of skill and experience. She uses her learnings in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Art based Therapy to help students navigate through their emotional challenges. Her astute insight and clear headed thinking makes her a valuable contributor at Anugrah.
SHIVANI AMIN
Shivani Amin is a practicing psychologist with a Master's in clinical psychology. She offers therapy to adult clients through her private practice. Additionally, she is a visiting faculty at Ramnarain Ruia autonomous college, Matunga, where she teaches psychology to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is also a junior psychologist with Catalysts, where she works as a mental health trainer and content developer. She has been associated with Anugrah since February 2024










