Meet The Team

Deepti Nirmal is a passionate Montessorian and visionary educator dedicated to transforming the learning experience for children, parents, and teachers. She is the founder and director of Kalpagam Centre for Experiential Learning. Her Montessori journey spans from Infancy to Adolescence, holding AMI Diplomas for the 0–3 age group (trained by Julia Hilson in Bangalore) and 12–18 years (trained by Jenny Höglund and Lesley-Anne Patrick in Kodaikanal), as well as Primary and Elementary Diplomas from the Indian Montessori Centre, Chennai, where she trained under Shobana Vaidhyanathan, Uma Shanker, and Kavitha Gunasekaran. Since 2014, Deepti has also served as a mentor and trainer in association with NCVRT, nurturing future educators with a steadfast commitment to authentic Montessori practice.

Susheela Nirmal, a retired English professor from Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, and former faculty member at Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Chennai, brings with her a lifelong dedication to education and language. With decades of academic experience, she has been a guiding force and source of wisdom. Since the inception of Kalpagam, she has been a steadfast pillar of support to her daughter Deepti, offering both encouragement and active involvement. As head of the Teacher Training Program at Kalpagam, Susheela brings quiet strength, intellectual depth, and unwavering belief in its vision, continually guiding and inspiring aspiring educators while enriching the community with her warmth and dedication to excellence in education.

Sunitha has been a part of Kalpagam for a decade now and deeply values its approach to education. After completing the Diploma in Montessori Teacher Training (NCVRT), she gained a clear understanding of the method and appreciates how it supports children's natural development. Currently, Sunitha serves as the HR Lead and Training at the Centre. In this role, she draws on her strong people skills and experience to mentor and support others. She finds joy in the meaningful interactions it fosters and believes it builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Nisha has been with Kalpagam for over ten years now, beginning her journey as a Primary Directress before moving into the Elementary environment. Initially unfamiliar with the Montessori method, she gained a clear and meaningful understanding by completing the Diploma in Montessori Teacher Training (NCVRT) under the guidance of Susheela Nirmal and Deepti Nirmal. Over the years, she has continued to grow, drawing on her strengths in creativity and interpersonal skills to become the PR Lead and Head of Admissions. Nisha maintains strong relationships with parents and stakeholders and takes pride in being a trained Montessori educator, dedicated to supporting each child’s unique learning journey.

Jeni, one of the longest-serving staff at Kalpagam, has been with the institution for ten years, witnessing its growth from a single environment to four. She holds an M.Sc and B.Ed in Chemistry, along with a Diploma in Montessori Teacher Training. With a passion for arithmetic, she enjoys teaching Mathematics and finds great fulfillment in working with children. Previously a traditional school teacher, her Montessori training gave her a deeper understanding of child development and the power of observation. Having seen children move through different planes of development, including her own two kids, Jeni firmly believes in the effectiveness of the Montessori method and hopes to see it reach even more children.

Aswathy is a dedicated Montessori directress with over six years of experience in the elementary environment. She holds a PG Diploma in Montessori Teacher Training (NCVRT), B.Sc. and B.Ed. in Physical Science. Aswathy guides children through hands-on experiences that foster academic growth and essential life skills such as concentration, coordination, and independence. Her calm, observant nature allows her to support each child's individual journey while promoting independence and problem-solving skills. She encourages peer learning and leadership while creating a respectful, structured environment where children feel safe, motivated, and confident to explore and grow independently.

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Beena has been working as an Elementary adult at Kalpagam Centre for Experiential Learning in Marthandam since 2019. She holds a Diploma in Montessori teacher training, with specialization Primary and PG Diploma in Lower Elementary levels from NCVRT. Her training and hands-on experience have equipped her with practical tools, deep insight into Montessori philosophy, and a profound understanding of the inner needs of the child.

Priscy is a dedicated Montessori directress with a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a B.Ed. in Mathematics. Her passion for holistic education led her to complete a Diploma in Primary Montessori Education and a PG Diploma in Lower Elementary Montessori Education (NCVRT). Since joining Kalpagam Centre for Experiential Learning, she has gained hands-on experience in both the Toddler and Elementary Environments. These experiences have deepened her understanding of child development and strengthened her practice of Montessori principles. Priscy is committed to nurturing each child’s individuality, fostering curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Sobika began her Montessori journey by enrolling in the Diploma in Montessori Teacher Training (NCVRT), initially unaware of what Montessori education truly entailed. As she delved deeper into the course, she was deeply moved by its child-centric and child-driven philosophy. Captivated by the emphasis on respect for all—children, adults, and even the environment—she felt an instant connection with the approach. Soon after, she was recruited as a Directress in the Primary Environment at Kalpagam, where she has now been working for five years. Sobika strongly believes that every child around the world deserves the opportunity to experience Montessori education. In addition to her qualifications as a trained Montessorian, she brings joy and creativity into the classroom through her love for singing and dancing.