Become An Educator at H3LF

Waldorf Mentor & Sciences

P. Jayesh

Jayesh has been associated with Waldorf schools in India since 2000, initially as a parent volunteer and later as an organizer of teacher education and student/teacher exchanges across 4 continents. He has also been involved in helping the Anthroposophic Medical movement in India, during the initial years from 2003-2006.

​

He started teaching high school students various outdoor lessons such as Surveying / Oceanography in 2012. Teaching sciences for grades 6,7,8 trigonometry for grade 9/10 students and other outdoor lessons such as the Engines & Boats, began later from 2015 onwards.

Founder & Technology

Paras

With over 25 years of entrepreneurial excellence, Paras stands at the helm of two transformative ventures: a pioneering non-profit education institute and a flourishing software business. His passion for education and technology forms the cornerstone of his mission to empower individuals and create solutions that inspire positive change.

​

In the field of education, he is a visionary dedicated to shaping futures by fostering curiosity, offering quality learning opportunities, and nurturing a lifelong love for knowledge. His commitment to innovation extends to the tech industry, where he leads the development of cutting-edge software that addresses complex challenges and accelerates business growth.

As a dynamic leader, Paras blends strategic thinking, visionary insights, and a deep commitment to social impact. By bridging the worlds of education and technology, he envisions a brighter, more inclusive future for the next generation.

School Guardian & Administrator

Sonali

Sonali has been associated with the Waldorf pedagogy for many years and has contributed to multiple roles including high school coordinator following the pedagogy in letter and spirit.

​

Sonali did her post-graduation in computer science and worked in that field for over 15 years, before transitioning to Waldorf education.

​

She is currently pursuing an additional degree in Education and likes to take the children for outdoor experiences.

Movement & Languages

Shilpa Bhide

Shilpa, after her initial training in Indore, was trained under Guru Pandita Shama Bhate, where she captured all the nuances and depth of her dance form. She has a bright inquisitive mind and ably applies that to her understanding of education in general.

​

Thus, she got a rounded knowledge by which she is able to theorize her dance knowledge analytically. Shilpa has a flair for writing and can express herself very well in Marathi, her mother tongue, Hindi, English, and French.

​

Shilpa was a teacher at Nadroop for over nine years and was very popular among young students. She has been a part of all the group compositions and choreographies that were presented by Shama Bhate.

Educator and Coach for Personal Growth

Sumana Sethuraman

As a former IT professional turned passionate educator and growth coach, I've dedicated the past seven years to exploring the transformative realm of education. Rooted in my love for life, humanity, and continuous growth, my journey began with a conscious leap into an alternative and humane education when my son commenced his kindergarten years.

​

My quest for an educational philosophy that resonated with my values led me to the Waldorf pedagogy. Both my son and I embarked on a holistic learning journey that addresses the entirety of the human being — the head, heart, and hands. Through teaching middle school since 2017, I discovered the profound synergy between academic learning and self-discovery.

​

My personal evolution continues to unfold as I unravel life's miracles through academic pursuits and personal growth. The realization that education extends beyond imparting knowledge to fostering a mindset for growth fuels my commitment to guiding young minds on their unique journeys of self-discovery.

Artist & Humanities

Indrani Banerjee

Indrani’s love for language, stories, human mind, and movement led her to the world of alternative education. Her background in Comparative World Literature and Jungian Psychology (Indian Society for Applied Behavioral Science) met Indic healing narratives (Classical OdissiRitambhara and Hatha School of Yoga, Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore) under the tutelage of her mentors.

​

She has been a practitioner of Authentic Movement and Theatre for Education since 2017 before beginning her journey as a Waldorf teacher (Literature and Social Sciences in 2020). Her research is currently encircling the nervous and emotional regulation of adolescence through Expressive Arts Therapy and Story-Telling.

Literature & Story Teller

Vaishali Kulkarni

In the summer of 2006, Vaishali began her journey as a passionate storyteller on the streets of Pune. This love for storytelling took her places, and she gained formal education as A TEFL trainer and a certified Reading Facilitator.

​

With experience in Therapeutic storytelling, Vaishali works as a faculty member and a trainer for institutes that teach Arts in Therapy. She also facilitates Book Clubs for all ages & trains children to write their stories and subsequently help in publishing them.

​

She is the Founder of Pune's First children's literary center, THE STORY STATION.

Waldorf Music, Creative Design

Hardik Vaghela

Hardik is a creator, songwriter, music producer, filmmaker, educator, and entrepreneur.

​

He is also the co-founder of music services company - Muziclub (www.muziclub.com), which in its 12 years of existence has trained over 15000 students, and has 3 centers in Pune and one in London.

​

He began his musical journey in 2003 and has 20 years of experience under his belt in the Indian Independent music circuit and music education field.

Biology and Natural Birthing

Shivani Sharma

Shivani is a passionate educator and natural birthing coach. Her special focus is on teaching Human Biology to high school students and adolescents.

​

She has been a natural birthing coach for many years and helped numerous young mothers through their birthing journey.

​

Shivani did her graduation in information technology & science and worked in that field for few years before transitioning to Waldorf education.

Ph.D. (Education) | Literature, Fine Arts

Aparna Kulkarni

Aparna has over 15 years of experience as a school and college teacher/lecturer for language and Art. Eight years experience in Waldorf art and language teaching.

​

She has worked on teaching-learning material and educational games for preschool and primary sections. Also developed educational material and games that encourage happy learning in schools and home environments.

Currently, she is working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. Illustration and graphic design is her passion.

Handwork

Vimeeka Varshinee

With a background in engineering, Vimeeka has channeled her passion for education into becoming an educator. She served as a class teacher in a Waldorf school for five enriching years, where she shared in the joy of discovery, learning, and wonder alongside her students. 

​

With a deep appreciation for various art forms, Vimeeka found herself drawn to working with her hands, channeling her creativity into crafting handmade art forms.

​

While her love for handwork fulfills her artistic nature, it also provides a gateway for Vimeeka to reconnect with her passion for working with children. Combining her expertise in Waldorf education with her artistic talents, she embraces the opportunity to inspire and nurture young minds through the world of handmade art.

Maths & Administration

Juili Joshi

Juili began her professional journey with a degree in computer engineering and a brief stint in IT. However, her true calling lay in teaching. She initially taught Mathematics at coaching institutes like Mahesh Tutorials in Mumbai, followed by a role in a conventional school in Pune.

​

Despite her experience, Juili felt that education needed a more holistic approach to truly nurture children. This realization led her to discover Waldorf pedagogy in 2019, where she found a philosophy that aligned with her vision for education.

As an assistant teacher in the Waldorf system, Juili has explored teaching beyond Mathematics, delving into subjects like Physics, History, and Geology. Her journey has been a testament to how subjects can come alive in a dynamic and meaningful way for children, creating a truly enriching learning environment.

Hand Crafts & Art

Zehra Shinde

Zehra has a background in the hospitality sector and its academics, marketing. She has conducted classes at a theatre academy, worked as content analyzer for an e-book company, did network marketing, pre-school administration,  and managing a real estate commercial project in her latest adventure. 

Along the way, with motherhood, she discovered the Waldorf pedagogy and loved the holistic development it offered.

​

An ardent believer in the head, heart, hands concept and its overall development, she experienced the will development that happened with the different forms of handwork and taken it to children of various age groups.

​

She has a strong intention of seeing handwork get its due respect in a society driven by head activities and help individuals strengthen their will by making it a part of the daily routine. She also envisages a society where the predominant alternative way of education is followed by the majority and the conventional way becomes the minority.

Handwork

Seema Pawar

Seema is a multifaceted professional with a rich and diverse career. With a degree in Physics, she spent 12 years in the airline industry, gaining extensive experience in operations and customer service.

​

Seeking a more holistic approach to learning, Seema transitioned into education, joining a Waldorf school. She embraced creative teaching methodologies and created an imaginative learning space for primary-grade students. Her seven years of experience in Waldorf education allowed her to profoundly impact young minds, emphasizing creativity and critical thinking.

​

Seema's varied career, from corporate industry to education and entrepreneurship, demonstrates her adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, making significant impacts in each of her professional endeavors.

Artist & Educator

Dipti Dakhane

Dipti is an artist and educator at heart. Software Engineer by profession and having worked with Swadhaa for a year, she has been exploring more of her interests.

​

She often engages in learning, painting, nature walks, and poetry. Her first collection of poems "Leisure" was published by Story Mirror. She has translated a book God and Four Spirits and a few stories for Tears of Liberation. She was the voice artist for the first time and has adorned "Krushnarang", an annual performance of Bharatnatyam with her two poems and sweet voice. Her first song "Ganesha - Jeevan Sphurti" is receiving applause and appreciation widely.

Dipti embraces every day with wide arms and sunshine in her eyes for many more beginnings to come.

Health Educator

Ritu Chhibber

Ritu is a vibrant health educator and yoga expert whose classes sparkle with warmth, curiosity, and joy. She blends science-backed wellness with soulful movement, whether she’s guiding learners through grounding breathwork or breaking down yogasanas in playful, relatable ways. She loves to work with children.

She holds a masters degree in Yoga and has been a practitioner herself since 2017.

Over the years, she has participated in and been a part of conducting various international and national yoga programmes and events. She has held transformative spaces for a wide spectrum of society such as school children, army personnel, juveniles and the elderly.

Waldorf Maths & Sciences

Vasant Shembekar

Vasant brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for teaching to our Waldorf middle school. With over 15 years of professional experience in the IT industry, including roles as a Scrum Master and Technical Manager, he has honed his skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership.

​

As a Waldorf educator, he inspires students to think critically and creatively in mathematics, integrating his deep analytical skills with a compassionate and student-centered teaching approach. Beyond the classroom, his rich background in agile methodologies and technical leadership makes him a dynamic mentor, encouraging young minds to explore new perspectives.

Vasant's dedication to lifelong learning and his ability to connect with students ensures a vibrant and meaningful mathematical journey for every child he teaches.

Waldorf Maths & Sciences

Mayur Gangawane

Mayur is a mechanical engineering graduate who found his true calling not in machines, but in minds—young, curious minds eager to understand the world around them.

With over five years of industrial experience and three years in alternative education, he brings both technical insight and heartfelt passion to his classrooms. He has worked with two alternative schools so far, and continues to evolve as an educator.

For Mayur, teaching is not about transferring knowledge, but about creating spaces of love, trust, and acceptance, where children feel free to explore, question, and grow. Rather than a conventional teacher, he sees himself as a facilitator, walking alongside learners on their journey.

​

His educational approach is inspired by timeless books like Totto-chan, Divaswapna, and Summerhill, which echo his belief in child-led learning and joyful discovery.

Games & Bothmer

Kabiir Shinde

Kabiir is our vibrant and multi-talented Games Teacher. At a very young age, he has already achieved a certification in Bothmer Gymnastics, a specialized movement practice deeply rooted in Waldorf education. His passion for nurturing physical activity and play is evident as he skillfully guides students across various grades in their games and movement lessons.

​

Beyond his expertise in games, Kabiir is a creative force with a remarkable talent for string art and other intricate hand-based crafts. He often shares this artistic flair with younger children through engaging workshops that inspire creativity and dexterity.

​

A true enthusiast of learning and sharing, Kabiir brings energy, curiosity, and an innovative spirit to every lesson, ensuring students enjoy a holistic and joyful learning experience.

Class Teacher & DMT Practitioner

Pallavi Malshe

Pallavi is a Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) practitioner, dancer, and an engineering graduate. With personal motive to find purposeful life, she took diverse experiences starting with Nirman’s  fellowship, for social change-making, later continued using her DMT skills  for various populations. Recently she has been working with neurodiverse children, focusing on their holistic development and wellness; and she has been working with Bilvaani school of dance in a dance based language learning project for past two years. Her interests in arts, poetry, dance and fondness for children inspires her to explore alternate education systems as a way of harmonious life!

Music

Anu Jayaraman

Anu grew up in a small town in the US, where she played the Celtic harp and sang in choirs and ensembles throughout her early life. She completed her bachelor's and master's degrees in speech-language pathology, working with individuals across the age spectrum on communication disorders related to speech, language, feeding, swallowing, and nonverbal communication.

​

She moved to India in her mid-30s with her Goan-Puneri husband and two young sons. In Pune, she worked in cutting tool manufacturing and AI content writing. She discovered H3LF through their community singing sessions, which sparked an interest in H3's way of learning and Waldorf education. She is thrilled to be able to share the joy, challenge, and community of music with students.