Our Team
DR. BUDHENDRA DOOBAY - PRESIDENT OF VISHNU MANDIR
The inspiration behind the foundation of VOV Academy was a dream realized by Dr. BhudhendraDoobay, the President of Vishnu Mandir. His primary focus was to provide a safe, secure, and a nurturing environment for children; a place where parents felt a deep sense of trust and comfort when they dropped off their children at school. His vision for the children was for them to be in an environment where they can excel in the Ontario curriculum and also learn about the rich cultural heritage which revolved around the Hindu religion. VOV Academy was officially opened in September 2006. The school is fully licensed in accordance with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, exceeding all regulatory requirements set out by the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).
ROBIN DOOBAY - DIRECTOR OF VOICE OF VEDAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Robin Doobay was a lecturer and the Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Technology at the University of Guyana. Currently, Mr. Doobay is the Director and oversees the operation of VOV Montessori School. Teaching has always been his passion. Mr. Doobay has found his way to pursue his line of teaching by providing lectures at the Value Education Classes, catering to the Hindu religion for school age students at Voice of Vedas Bal-Vihaar program. Bal-Vihaar is a weekend program for children ages five-sixteen, within the Vishnu Mandir organization.
The education and care of young children demand a high level of personal and professional integrity and enthusiasm. At VOV, our professionals are trained in Early Childhood Montessori Education/Registered Early Childhood Education (RECE) or are working towards this goal. RECE teachers are registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators. Having RECEs’ in the program confirms that its’ graduates recognize the social, cognitive, emotional, physical, and creative needs of children (twelve and under). They have the knowledge and skills necessary for planning and execution of programming which optimizes individual development for toddlers and preschool age children.
These teachers are well-informed about how to:
- Provide a physically safe, mentally healthy, and intellectually stimulating environment for children six and under, by understanding psychological, sociological, and developmental theories and principles.
- Observe and interpret children’s developmental levels and reactions to situations by assessing and analyzing children’s emotion and behavior.
- Implement a flexible curriculum which will meet the needs of individual children within the group and implement a combination of the children’s ideas along with the ideas taught in the curriculum so that children can expand their learning through exploration.
- Communicate effectively and purposefully with children, parents, and other community partners.
DINA JAIPERSAUD, BCD, RECE (Hon), Triple P Practitioner
School of Early Childhood Education; BACHELOR OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEGREE (Seneca College), RECE (HON-Humber College), TRIPLE P PRACTITIONER (University of Queensland Australia)
“Co-constructing pedagogical relationship for a future of infinite possibilities”. – Loris Malaguzzi
I am an experienced pedagogue working with children, empowering families and collaborating with community professionals. My love for children and a strong passion for quality education, led me to pursue a career in Education.
I have had extensive opportunities teaching children of different ages, highlighting various skill sets in diverse learning environments. During my many years of experience in the field of education, I have learned the importance of engaging students in the curriculum with a strong determination to inspire them to strive to achieve their optimum learning potential both inside and outside of the classroom as they become active members of society.
My many years of knowledge and experience in areas of studies such as pedagogy, andragogy, psychology, brain development, early childhood education, research techniques and facilitating workshop for adults will further enhance our program at VOV Academy. I believe that establishing a strong foundation will offer skills necessary to support critical thinking and coping strategies vital to building resilience in young children while simultaneously enhancing adult-child relationship.
Our team at VOV Academy works in collaboration with community partners such as Early Intervention Services of York Region, Speech and Language, Positive Parenting Program and other community resources to further enhance our program and align with the Ministry of Education vision for quality learning and VOV’s mission in maintaining our rich cultural heritage.
In my role as Supervisor at VOV Academy, I look forward to working with you, as we become partners in your child’s journey towards success.
AMI DALAL - MONTESSORI TEACHER
I hold a Master’s Degree in Economics from South Gujarat University. Being interested in the growth and development of young children, I chose to pursue my Early Childhood Montessori Diploma from the Toronto Montessori Institute. My specialization, focussed on the Montessori methodology. I have over 10 years of experience in tutoring young children. Prior to joining VOV Academy as Head Teacher of CASA 1; I was a Co-Head teacher with Scholar Montessori Academy. I strongly believe that young learners are competent, capable and enthusiastic explorers. Teaching is my passion and it brings me great pleasure to work with children and guide them to achieve their full potential.
“Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future.” ― Maria Montessori
PRIYA SETHI - REGISTERED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator in Casa 1. I have completed my two-year Diploma in Early Childhood Education from George Brown College. I have been in this field for over 8 years and joined VOV Academy for the past five years. Along with being a RECE, I am professionally trained in Bollywood, Bhangra and Kathak Dance forms and share this passion with the children at VOV school. Apart from being a RECE, I also teach French to the children. I am excited to bring my expertise of dance and my love for working with children to VOV. I have volunteered at the Play Park with the Women’s Auxiliary at the Hospital for Sick Children for many years. I look forward to working with you and your child in their journey towards success.
“Reach for the stars. Dance like no one is watching”. – Anonymous
SONYA RAMPRATAP KAUSHAL - REGISTERED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
My diverse and strong educational background has led me to the path of teaching alongside many years of experience as a medical supervisor. A world where children are filled with imagination and curiosity, therefore I am fortunate to use my skill sets to guide them through their development in their early years. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator, I have had the opportunity to join the VOV team in CASA 1 as of January 2018. Every child is unique and I am here to inspire them to blossom into beautiful human beings in mind, body, and spirit. I look forward to joining hands with you along your Childs’ educational journeyinto reaching their highest potential, and helping them achieve in all the milestones of their development.
Sonya Rampratap Kaushal: B.A. PSYCHOLOGY (York University), RECE (Hon-Seneca College),CERTIFIED YOGA TEACHER, BROADCAST JOURNALIST (Seneca College), Fluency in English, Hindi, and Punjabi
“By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child; body, mind and spirit.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
JANAKI SETH - REGISTERED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator. After working for over 20 years in this field, I retired from my full-time position in September 2015. I joined VOV Academy of Learning team in September 2016. I am grateful for the opportunity and feel blessed to be able to serve my community by teaching Hindi to the children enrolled in Casa 1 and Casa 2 programs. I am well versed in English, Hindi and Punjabi languages; however, every day brings new learning opportunities not just for the children but for the teachers as well.
I strongly believe that each child is unique with special talents. Teaching is my passion and it brings me great pleasure to work with your children and help them to succeed in all areas of their growth and development.
AKSHITA TEJAS KAPADIA - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
I am Akshita Tejas Kapadia and I am an Early Childhood Educator Assistant per specialization in fine arts. I have graduated from South Gujarat University with a Bachelor of Commerce. Previously, I have worked as an arts and aerobics teacher at the Ryan International School. As an art teacher, it amuses me to see the children’s imagination at play through their expression of art. I have been in the teaching profession for over 14 years. VOV Academy has provided with the opportunity to work in Casa 1 for the last eight years.
DHARA PATEL - REGISTERED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator in the Toddler classroom and I am excited to be working with this remarkable age range. I have completed my two-year Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Seneca College. I have many years of experiences working with the children of different age groups within different field placement experiences. I have been at VOV Academy for the last 15 years. The toddlers’ sense of curiosity and imagination intrigues me to encourage their growth and development at this stage in learning.
SUCHITA SINGH - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
I hold a Bachelor Degree in Commerce from Delhi University. I have completed the Early Childhood Assistant program from Yorkdale Adult School. I am currently enrolled in Seneca College apprenticeship program to acquire my Early Childhood Education Diploma. I have gained much experience working with children in the school age setting. Currently, I am working with the toddler age group. I plan to continually learn from the children and assist in the facilitation of their learning.
PREETHI JAYASINGHE - MONTESSORI TEACHER & REGISTERED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
My name is Preethi Jayasinghe and I am a mother of two wonderful children. I am excited to join the staff of V.O.V Montessori School. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Open University of Sri Lanka. My children grew up in a Montessori environment and I was inspired by them to learn the Montessori methodology in depth. Thus, I became a Montessori Directress. I also hold diplomas in Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary education from the Canadian Montessori Teacher Training Institute. Through my academic and practical experience, I wanted to understand more about Child development and behaviour in their early ages/stages. I recently graduated as an Early Childhood Educator from Seneca. I enjoy working with children and I am passionate about books.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.”- Maria Montessori
KEERTHANA SELVARAJAH - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
My name is Keerthana and I am an Early Childhood Educator Assistant. I am currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Educator program at Seneca College. I have been working at VOV Academy for the past 5 years. I previously worked with Big Hearts Child Care Centre in their preschool room. I enjoy seeing the children in their play and I am motivated to enrich their learning experiences based on their unique talents and interests.
