Our team comprises of professionals who are variously qualified as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, developmental psychologists, occupational therapists and consultants.Some of them are dually qualified as arts based therapists, expressive arts and movement therapist and family therapists .
Many have also done trainings and certifications in techniques like Sensory Integration Therapy, Oral Placement Therapy, Narrative Therapies, Solution Focussed therapies etc.
We are ably supported by an administrative team and support staff at both centres.
Dr Shelja Sen
Narrative Therapist, Writer, Co-founder Children First. MA, MPhil, DClinPsych and Masters in Narrative Therapy & Community Work
Delhi
Dr Shelja Sen
Dr Shelja Sen is a narrative therapist, writer, co-founder of Children First. Shelja is a TED speaker and a columnist Indian Express, and author of three critically acclaimed books – All You Need is Love, Imagine and Reclaim Your Life. She is Clinical Tutor at the University of Melbourne and international faculty at Dulwich Centre Foundation, Adelaide, Australia. She is a curator of the unique skills, expertise and know-how of children and youth she has the honour of working with.
Ankita Khanna
A child of the mountains, Ankita holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Delhi, with a specialisation in Clinical Psychology. After finishing her masters in Psychology, she worked as a School Counsellor at The Shri Ram School, Moulsari, Gurgaon, for four years, before moving into full time work at Children First. Ankita currently heads the Neurodiversity Hub at Children First and now has more than fifteen years of experience in assessments, psychotherapy, teacher training, building communities, and group work. She also practices as a certified Arts-Based Therapist and considers herself a lifelong student of the yoga and healing traditions. Her current focus is on looking beyond the mind-body dichotomy in therapy, and exploring meaningful ways to use the creative arts and body in the process of healing.
Sandra Jose
Counselling Psychologist, Narrative and Arts-based Therapist, Head of Mental Health Services
Delhi
Sandra Jose
Sandra is a counselling psychologist. She not only loves being around children but is also passionate about working with them. She ardently believes that each child is wired and inspired differently and hopes to focus greatly on building a safe therapeutic relationship with each child and family she meets with. Her zeal and inclination towards using different expressive modalities in therapeutic work with children has motivated her to complete a course in Arts-based Therapy. Sandra is a major fan of all things Bollywood be it Bollywood music, movies and drama. And a good cup of chai, day-dreaming, lots of sunlight, shopping are just some other things that make her happy and sparks joy!
Soumya Jagatdeb
Psychologist and Narrative Practitioner, Coordinator of Mental Health Services and Schools That Care
Delhi
Soumya Jagatdeb
Soumya is a psychologist who finds meaning in engaging with young people to co-create a safe therapeutic space which is respectful of their concerns, hopes, interests and skills, alongside exploring the pertinent role of society and culture in them. She likes to work with different socio-emotional concerns ranging from anxiety, body image issues to trauma, instances of violence and other adverse events. She is also interested in community mental health, training, research and in taking some time out for reading, writing and learning Odissi classical dance form. She holds an Honors degree in Psychology from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi and a Master's degree in Applied Psychology (Specialization in Clinical Psychology) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She also holds a Diploma in Narrative Therapy and Community Work from the Dulwich Centre, Adelaide.
Thwisha Bajpai
Psychologist and Narrative Practitioner, Coordinator of Neurodiversity Hub and Schools That Care
Gurgaon
Thwisha Bajpai
Thwisha Bajpai (she/her) is a psychologist who has always been inquisitive about human behaviour and likes to learn and explore diverse methods to understand its dynamic nature. She believes that spaces where each individual has an opportunity to express and nurture their needs and unique skill sets are building blocks for a pathway to a safe, inclusive, healthy and collective community. She holds an endeavor to integrate nuances of neurodiversity, gender, social and cultural diversities and lived experiences in the framework of her therapeutic work, through collaborative learning with the young people she works with. She enjoys reading, travelling, photography and identifies as a dog lover! She holds a degree in M.Sc Psychology (specialisation in Clinical Psychology) from Christ University, Bengaluru and a Diploma in Narrative Therapy and Community Work from The Dulwich Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
Priya Ahluwalia
Priya Ahluwalia holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She enjoys working with young people and fervently believes that for them to become our future they need to have the opportunity to develop a healthy, happy and fulfilling present. As a psychologist, she uses an eclectic approach and endeavors to create a safe therapeutic space for her clients which invites them to rediscover and author the best versions of themselves. She has previously worked with victims of sexual violence and holds experience of victim assistance, as well as community based counseling. Currently, she is hoping to be a co-facilitator in young people's journey as they explore their experiences of living with emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, self esteem, body image, among others. At the same time she remains open and curious to explore more avenues with her clients. Outside of work you can find her doodling away in empty notebooks and singing along to Taylor Swift because she remembers the lyrics all too well.
Annmariya Joy
Annmariya Joy is a Counselling Psychologist who firmly believes that the best thing we can do for ourselves is to never let our childlike sense of wonder and awe ever get sullied. Through her work she wishes to protect and facilitate the same in her clients. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology Honours from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University and a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore. She further holds a Diploma on promoting psychosocial well-being through multi-arts and play. Her experience and interest lie in the area of Neurodevelopmental Functioning and ADHD. While her nature of therapeutic collaboration includes building and expanding on awareness, acceptance, advocacy, and skills.
Tanvi Chatterjee
Tanvi Chatterjee draws the philosophy of her therapy from this quote from The Little Prince: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." She loves remembering the child that she once was when she is working with kids and their families. She has done her M. Phil in Clinical Psychology from NFSU, Gujarat and her Master's in Psycho-Social Clinical Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi. Away from work, she loves talking about ice hockey, Formula 1, food shows, and random trivia, like the Emu wars.
Samreen Rehman
Samreen is a psychologist, researcher, photographer, designer and everything else that helps her thrive. With a Master’s in Applied Psychology (Specialisation in Clinical Psychology) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, her work as a psychologist focuses on enabling others to become thriving and healthy individuals. She focuses on seeing and cherishing people in their wholeness, as they come with their shades of struggles and competencies. An inclination toward community mental health, group work and developmental perspective continue to inform her practice. A mix of chai, sunset and KDramas make up her perfect leisure time.
Shubhanshi Gupta
Shubhanshi is a graduate from Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University and has completed her Master's in Applied Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She believes that therapists and clients are fellow travelers in the process of therapy, and facilitates a collaborative space for holistic growth. Shubhanshi has experience of working with young adults, and follows a client-centered approach in her practice with integration of narrative ideas. Outside work, you can find her intently watching Disney movies or curled up with a good book.
Ashna Agarwal
Ashna is a counselling psychologist and has specialised in expressive art therapy from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. She adores children and believes in tapping into imagination, play, and various artistic modalities in a person-centered manner to build meaningful resources for them. She works towards supporting, exploring, and navigating issues relating interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges, low moods, anxiety, stress related difficulties as well as adverse childhood experiences. A good cup of chai, music to match her mood and, being amid nature and wildlife helps her recharge.
Zenia Yadav
Zenia is a mental health social worker with specialisation in counselling and research. She is trained in therapeutic approaches such as narrative therapy, mindfulness and embodied presence, SFBT amongst others. She enjoys weaving together her learnings to provide support, in careful consideration of the young person's social-cultural context and emotional needs. Keeping the therapeutic alliance at the centre of her work, Zenia works across the age span of 8-25 years, covering a wide range of challenges. She resonates with the Narrative Therapy principle that people are not passive recipients of hardships and feels moved by the glimmers and resilience she observes in each young person she works with. Zenia began her journey as a mental health professional several years ago at The Banyan (Chennai) where she worked at the intersections of homelessness, gender, poverty and the resulting psychosocial distress and disability. She has also previously worked with government schools, artists and the Delhi government to integrate creative arts into school education. In her free time, she runs, swims and experiments with food!
Stanzin Dolma
Stanzin (she/her) is a clinical psychologist who holds the areas of child and adolescent mental health very close to her heart. She believes that early years are crucial for any individual and provides ample opportunities for intervention which can prevent a lot of future sufferings. Stanzin has completed her M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from NIMHANS Bengaluru and M.A in Applied Psychology (Specialization in Clinical Psychology) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She has also previously worked with children from distressed populations who have undergone experiences of trauma. She follows an eclectic approach in therapy. Currently with her work she aims to create safe therapeutic spaces for children and help them overcome their difficulties so that they can go on and be their wonderful selves! Stanzin also believes its equally important to balance work and play. In her free time, she loves to make colorful embroidery, reading, singing, travelling and photography. She identifies as a big foodie and loves trying new cuisines. Although belonging to the mountains she secretly loves the sea. And she cannot decide if she is a dog person or a cat person!
Madhavi Harikumar
Madhavi is a psychologist who holds a degree in Psychosocial Clinical Studies from Ambedkar University Delhi. She believes in creating spaces of potential, wherein the client and therapist weave out their own story. Madhavi believes that children are layered beings who hold multitudes within and deeply cherish each of the intricacies they come with. She holds Winnicott's quote “It is a joy to be hidden, and a disaster not to be found” close to her heart, and wishes to make the tiresome task of unravelling easier for her clients. Her previous work with children from marginalized communities and refugee populations residing in Delhi colours her practice today, and she takes a client-centred intersectional approach. In her free time, you can find her wandering into an art gallery, watching Ghibli movies, or listening to the latest Bangtan release.
Mehak Bawa
Mehak is a psychologist who is deeply passionate about mental health care. She has always been interested in both the application as well as research sides of psychology: her research interest enables her to keep up with the latest literature and integrate the finest evidence-based treatments into her practice. A client entrusting her to assist them with their difficulties is a great honor and a task she undertakes with utmost sincerity. Her approach is to build a space that is free of judgment and criticism, and is instead full of compassion, empathy and positive regard. Whether it be interpersonal conflicts, daily life stressors or more serious challenges, she is committed to devoting all her time and energy in providing clients with the right resources. Human beings are remarkable creatures, each capable of scaling great heights - yet we all need help from time to time, and that help can end up being the most empowering thing of all. The ultimate destination of the therapeutic journey will be to achieve goals set in therapy and enhance clients’ quality of life such that they can become their own greatest sources of strength and live happier, healthier lives. She endeavors to work from an eclectic framework, combining the best ideas from different schools of thoughts to appropriately curate interventions specific to each client's needs.
Ridhima Rampal
Ridhima is a child psychologist who holds double masters with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the UK (Birmingham and London). She has a particular interest in how parenting can impact the emotional, physical and interpersonal experiences of individuals beyond childhood. Over the years working with people across different age-groups and backgrounds she found her niche in working with children struggling to understand their emotions. She is working towards creating a safe space for children and adolescents to be able to make them more emotionally capable and help them recognize their strengths and difficulties. Ridhima also has a special interest in mindfulness and hopes to integrate it in her sessions. She intends to listen to the issues, apprehensions and goals and be a support to those in need. A lovely cup of tea and painting makes up a perfect ‘me time’ for her.
Aakanksha Singh
Aakanksha is a psychologist who views the world through the lens of 'Unconditional Positive Regard', which simply translates to expressing empathy, support, and acceptance to people, regardless of what they say or do. Her interest lies in working with children and families within the therapeutic space and she primarily uses a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. Her educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Manipal University Jaipur, following which she pursued her Masters in Applied Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She is an avid reader of all things fictional, enjoys writing poems, spending time with animals, and watching documentaries on nature.
Nishita Srivastava
Nishita is a dedicated and compassionate clinical psychologist with special interest in children and young adult population. With a wealth of experience in assessing and treating children's mental health issues, Nishita is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care to each young client. She has a deep understanding of the unique challenges children face and have developed innovative therapeutic approaches to address them. Her warm and empathetic demeanor creates a safe space for children to express themselves freely, fostering trust and facilitating healing. In addition to their clinical work, she is actively involved in advocacy efforts aimed at improving mental health services for children. She is passionate about promoting awareness and understanding of childhood mental health issues within the community and regularly contribute to educational initiatives. Away from work, she likes to spend her time cooking , playing with furry babies or wandering in museums
Monica Gangmei
Driven by a passion for psychology from an early age, Monica is a dedicated clinical psychologist and therapist committed to advancing mental health. She finds deep satisfaction and fulfilment in connecting on a deeper level and exploring the complexities of emotional and mental health with her clients. She has done her MPhil in Clinical Psychology from Dr. RML Hospital and Master’s in Applied Psychology (Specialization in Counselling psychology) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). With over three years of practice, Monica has worked with a diverse range of clients, utilizing various therapeutic modalities. She employs an eclectic, client-centered approach, tailoring interventions to each individual's needs. Outside of work, Monica is a food enthusiast and nature lover.
Ria Mittal
Ria Mittal is a mental health professional deeply committed to social justice, empowerment, and education within the context of psychotherapy and beyond. With a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Bachelor's in Psychology from New York University, and a wealth of wide-ranging professional experiences, she brings a deep understanding of the intricacies of human behaviour, especially within diverse cultural contexts. Her academic journey has been marked by numerous research projects focusing on topics ranging from grief among Indian women to the interplay of socio-cultural factors in the development of eating disorders among young Indian women. Ria has actively engaged in volunteer initiatives, demonstrating a hands-on commitment to community well-being. Whether leading virtual community-building events during the COVID-19 pandemic or curating resources to improve prison literacy, she is deeply invested in using her skills to create safe, inclusive, and healing spaces. Overall, she aims to leverage her robust academic background, diverse work experiences, research and writing skills, and passion for mental health and social justice to contribute to the incredible work being done at Children First.
Ananya Sharma
Ananya is a client-centric psychologist trying to meet people ‘where they are.’ Drawing from strength-based practices, she believes that therapy is a collaborative space prioritizing client autonomy. She integrates the socio-cultural contexts of her clients into her approach, believing that therapy is most effective when it respects and reflects their unique backgrounds. She is interested in community mental health and wants to bring a positive change in society, no matter how small the step. She has completed her Honours degree in Psychology from Delhi University and Masters in Applied Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Mumbai). With a diverse experience of working with individuals during her fieldwork settings, she brings in different perspectives to the table. Outside of work, she is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and likes to play badminton. She also loves exploring new places, is a big time foodie and all things fun.
Shivani Jain
Shivani is a psychologist who in their practice endeavours to work with a strength-based lens and abundance of curiosity to notice the unnoticed and unseen. They are enthusiastic about bringing changes at a grassroot level using community care and advocacy to invite people to join-in the constant process to question values and assimilate inclusive ones with empathy and sensitivity. They feel grateful to witness the beautiful journey of young people and their families and how they navigate situations. In addition to gardening, they like hiking nature trails and capturing flights of the magnificent species found in the secluded areas of the city or hills.
Lavina Nanda
Developmental Psychologist and Therapeutic Play Practitioner, Head of Developmental Centre
Delhi
Lavina Nanda
Lavina feels blessed that she can make some of her loved interests like toys, stories, music, art, jumping and laughing, a part of her work. While she feels development and healing is a life long process, she also believes in the magic of ‘early intervention’. Through her work, she hopes to create safe zones for children, young people and parents to explore their strengths and work on their difficulties. She enjoys travelling and has an appetite to experiment with everything edible!
Ashima Kandwal
Ashima is a developmental psychologist with a background in counselling psychology. Ashima tries to embody a balance of quiet self discipline along with a calm, reassuring presence. Her style of intervention is effortlessly intuitive and described aptly by her team as “she just gets it without us having to explain it”. Add to this her ability to speak with undeterred authenticity and objectivity. A true mountain girl at heart, she loves long walks and treks and is a badminton player!
Sukarma Dawer
Sukarma is a Developmental Psychologist who joined the team with experience in child assessments and adult counselling. However, it was her core belief in the power of intervention that steered her towards becoming a developmental therapist. As an interventionist, Sukarma brings in the perfect balance of groundedness and playfulness, seriousness and giggles, and an infectious presence that makes children naturally gravitate towards her. She balances this beautifully with being able to take a systemic perspective with children and families. She is a peace loving soul who is highly creative, loves beach trips, singing and all things pink and pretty!
Akansha Rastogi
Akansha is a developmental psychologist who finds joy in working with kids. She has a background in counselling psychology and 3 years experience working with children and adolescents in school setting. She loves reading, traveling and is an adrenaline junkie. She finds spending time around children energising, and attributes it to their innocence and free spirit. Her goal is to be able to provide safe spaces for children where they can just be. Akansha is passionate and takes pride in her work. She has a positive outlook towards things and is a keen learner.
Mallika Narang
Mallika is a mental health professional who doesn't like to be limited to her professional designation. She did her post graduation from AUD and then worked at ACE for a year and a half. She is fascinated by language both verbally expressive and the one that goes beyond words and sentences. It marvels her to see the variety of ways kids play and the impact playing has on one's growth. She likes music, car rides, food and everything freshly made from books to food to babies.
Tarang Kaur
A psychologist and a member of the Developmental Team, Tarang is living out her dream of working with kids. (Sometimes, they make more sense than adults!) She graduated with her Master's in Psychology from Delhi University, following a BA (Hons) in the subject from Lady Shri Ram College. Currently, she is also pursuing a Diploma in Narrative Therapy and Community Work. She feels passionately about narrative practices, community mental health, and the importance of early intervention. Tarang loves good food, bad movies, and terrible jokes. These days, you'll find Tarang trying to reread her entire bookshelf, making ambitious vision boards, and dreaming of someday adopting a cat.
Vandana Jain
Vandana is a developmental psychologist who wholeheartedly embraces the transformative power of working with children. With an unwavering passion for understanding and nurturing young minds, Vandana finds immense joy and fulfilment in witnessing the incredible growth and development of the children she serves. Beyond her professional endeavours, She embarks on exhilarating adventures and explores the wonders of the world, finding inspiration in every corner. By immersing herself in different cultures and embracing the thrill of new experiences, she cultivates a broader perspective that enriches her work.
Avni Jain
Avni is a developmental psychologist with a deep passion for working with and for children. Her experience in child counseling and play therapy has taught her that connecting with a child goes beyond language; it's about genuine, empathetic interaction. Her work in intervention planning has led her to create personalised strategies to support each child's unique needs. Outside of work, Avni loves reading, visiting museums and staying current with research. Avni's commitment to both professional growth and her work with children fuels her enthusiasm and dedication in every aspect of her practice.
Neha Barik
Neha is a developmental therapist who strives to create a safe space for the child and let them be their true self. She believes in early intervention and is often amazed at the curiosity children bring to different spaces. She strives in bridging the gaps in the developmental space and helping the community come together. When she's not musing over ways to be creative with children, you'll find her curled up trying to finish a book (or buying one) or exploring new cuisines.
Shubhika Sharma
Shubhika Sharma works as a developmental therapist and expressive arts therapist, with a background of two years of experience working with individuals of different age groups, including children and the elderly. She holds the belief that one's childhood experiences significantly shape their perspective towards life. Shubhika advocates for providing children with a nurturing environment that encourages creativity and self-expression. In her free time, she enjoys visiting new destinations, with a particular fondness for beaches, and cherishes the opportunity to interact with people and offer them a supportive and secure space. She loves trying different cuisines and believes that every individual has a unique story and a different perspective to share.
Sanjana Pahwa
Sanjana is a passionate developmental psychologist with a Master's degree in counselling psychology. Her love for psychology began at first sight, and since then, she has been driven to learn more about the subject. She has extensive experience working with kids and young adolescents, as well as in community work. She is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and is always seeking new ways to help them reach their full potential. Along with her work, she is also a social worker. In her free time, she indulges in her hobbies of painting and cooking. She finds these activities to be a great way to unwind and express her creativity. She is a traveller and a big-time foodie, always on the lookout for new culinary experiences.
Shambhavi Sati
Shambhavi is a psychodynamically oriented professional with 2 years of work experience. She adopts a holistic development lens towards her practice which means that she believes development doesn't occur in isolation - the multiple contexts within which children live inform how their minds and bodies evolve over time. Trained to see depth and be with ambiguity, she hopes to enable children to be their full selves through her work and to learn about human-ness and experience wonder with them. Her work is grounded in the intra-personal and relational schools of thought; and she aims to integrate those with CF's unique intervention based approach to nurture kids in an environment where they feel safe. She is also a solo travel and adventure sport enthusiast and loves being a jack of many trades.
Anushree Nandi
Anushree is a developmental therapist, she is an RCI licensed rehabilitation counselor who completed her bachelors and masters from University of Delhi. She comes with a mindset that if you are lucky enough to be different, don't ever change. She loves to embrace the child in herself and the greatness in every child. She enjoys reading, art, music and collecting stars by the pocketful. She loves to take the moment and taste it and lives for the hope of it all.
Sheetal
Sheetal is a RCI licensed rehabilitation counsellor who completed her Masters from Ambedkar University Delhi. She is an empathetic mental health professional who cherishes the uniqueness of each child. She believes that each child should be heard, seen and valued. You can find her clicking pictures of nature, and she never asks for rain to go away. Sheetal carries immense love for her friends, family and food.
Sakshi Agrawal
Sakshi is a RCI licensed rehabilitation counsellor, who has worked with children and adolescents with varied life experience. She loves children and often finds herself amazed by the magic that they lay out through their play. She firmly believes in the power of early and earliest possible intervention for all. She also advocates for the individuality of all children, which when nourished, she feels, leads to the blooming of independent young beings. Thus, she lends great importance to the opinions and choices of all children, regardless of their age. She finds joy in literature, art and a nice, comforting meal with loving company. She enjoys exploring a variety of new hobbies and learning about the culture and ways of new places. She finds beauty in the way a community's culture carries with it - an essence of lives blooming - in ways human and similar to one's own and yet equally unique. An interplay of similarity and uniqueness that she feels is also very beautifully exhibited by each child as well.
Muskan Tikoo
Muskan is an RCI Licensed Child and Adolescent Psychologist, when she started training and working with children- she found her calling. She is an alum of LSR, TISS and NIPCCD. As a dedicated psychologist, her core mission is to provide ethical services. She is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and confidential environment. Outside work, she enjoys coffee, watching movies, and spending time with her dog.
Vidushi Joshi
Vidushi Joshi is a Developmental Psychologist at Children First. Being born and brought up in the lush green valley of Dehradun, she believes in the magic of connecting with nature and draws a lot of learnings and inspiration from it. She has completed her Bachelor's degree as well as her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the state university of Dehradun, Doon University. She has interned at various Government and Private Hospitals including National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disability (NIEPVD), Mandala Clinic and at Latika, a school for children with special needs. She has previously worked at SKF Dehradun and Asha Hai, extending her services as a Counsellor as well as an Developmental Therapist. She believes that each child has their own superpowers and aims at identifying and fostering them. At leisure you will find Vidushi taking strolls, reading books, clicking pictures and hiking to the nearest riversides.
Ritika Gogia
Ritika is an occupational therapist. She completed her Masters in paediatrics from Jamia Hamdard University. She loves to work with children of all age groups. She believes every child is unique and all they need is little more love, care and happiness. She is industrious, caring and creative. She loves to travel, explore new places is a complete foodie!
Pulkit Chaudhry
Occupational Therapist, Associate Coordinator Developmental Therapy programmes
Gurgaon
Pulkit Chaudhry
Pulkit is an Occupational Therapist with multiple years of experience at Children First. Working with varied developmental profiles and stories of children and their families have helped Pulkit define his role as an early interventionist while keeping independence and functionality as the cornerstone of his philosophy. Within therapeutic spaces his inner child reflects the importance of play as a key component of sensorimotor, cognitive, social and emotional development. Through his work, he wants to empower children and families navigate the ever growing demands of a neurotypical world.
Harshita Gusain
Harshita is an Occupational Therapist , completed her masters specialised in neurology from Indian spinal injuries center. When it comes to showing her creative side, Harshita is always ready as she is fond of art & craft, for her its her stress buster. Believing "you always have something to sing about" helped her to find new interest in singing also. Being a Pahadi girl she have a never ending love for mountains. Her mantra of life is keep smiling & spread happiness around. she feels extremely grateful & blessed to work with little ones, for her children are like fountain of joy.
Sonali Sharma
Sonali is an occupational therapist with a keen interest in mental health. She is committed to helping her clients achieve their goals and improve their overall wellbeing. With a special interest in working with children, Sonali finds great joy in helping them develop the skills they need to thrive. A perpetual learner, she consistently seeks out opportunities to expand her knowledge and remain at the forefront of her field. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sonali finds joy in exploring new destinations, as travel ignites her spirit of adventure and broadens her outlook on life. Additionally, she thrives on engaging with others and cherishes the connections she builds through socializing.
Mohammad Saif
Saif is an occupational therapist who earned his bachelor's degree from Jamia Hamdard University. With a strong interest in science and technology, he stays up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for cricket and basketball, and enjoys playing them in his free time. As a therapist, Saif uses his knowledge and expertise to help children overcome a range of developmental challenges. He is skilled in designing and implementing personalised therapy plans that meet the unique needs of each child. He is deeply committed to his work and takes great pride in seeing his clients make progress under his care. Saif firmly believes that every child has the potential to achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life, and he works tirelessly to help them unlock that potential by providing the necessary support and guidance.
Sheetal Garg
Sheetal is an Occupational Therapist, she is all about happiness, warmth and love. Her love for children attracted her towards this noble profession where empathy, kindness and compassion are prerequisites. She is very dedicated towards her occupation with sensory integration being her area of interest. She always promotes vulnerability without being embarassed about it. She loves to dance, make digital art, and record all the special moments of her life. She loves to make new connections and has an amiable nature.
Deepali Khurana
Deepali is an occupational therapist with a burning passion for helping children unlock their boundless potential. After graduating from Indian Spinal Injuries Center, she believes in empowering little hearts to soar. She is a wanderlust soul forever seeking new adventures and finding solace in the embrace of nature. When not in nature, you'll find her lost in the books or dancing through life's rhythms.
Amarpreet Kaur
Amarpreet Kaur, a graduate of Jamia Hamdard University, holds a master's degree. She boasts three years of professional experience, primarily focused on working with children. Amarpreet has a deep affection for interacting with children, believing them to possess the purest souls. This interaction brings healing to her own soul, and she considers herself fortunate to assist them while also gaining valuable insights from their perspective. Beyond her passion for working with children, Amarpreet has a profound love for mountains and the natural world.
Mukul Vij
Mukul is an Occupational Therapist with a witty sense of humour. He is flexible and understands professional roles and boundaries. He has completed his Bachelor's degree from the National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (NIPPD) and his master's degree from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC). He is a music lover and likes to sing and play guitar. He is our own in-house guitarist! Kids love when Mukul sings to them and they are able to connect with him so easily. He is playful and adventurous. He is also a foodie and has a big sweet tooth.
Yamini Sharma
Yamini is an occupational therapist who previously held positions at Listening Ears, a Starkey initiative, and the District Resource Centre operated by Orkids in partnership with DOE. She possesses extensive experience in serving the pediatric demographic and exhibits a profound passion for working with children with special needs. Yamini's core belief centers around advocating for the inclusion of every child, aiming to support and empower special needs children in contributing to a diverse and vibrant world. Their professional mission involves providing specialized care to these children, taking into account their physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional developmental needs.
Khushbu Chauhan
Khushbu is an occupational therapist who completed her master's in paediatric OT from Jaipur University. She has years of experience in this field dealing with different kinds of needy individuals especially children and their families to help them in every possible way. She loves to be surrounded by kids and believes that every child deserves a barrier-free community for their optimal growth and development. She loves to travel around the world and explore it.
Priyanka
Priyanka is a dedicated occupational therapist, driven by the mission of empowering small hands achieve big things. She has completed her bachelor of occupational therapy from Indian Spinal Injuries centre. Outside of work she indulges in hobbies such as makeup, dancing, singing and collecting adorable items. Being immersed in the world of children brings her immense joy, as it allows her to reconnect with her inner child and find fulfilment in nurturing young minds.
Phalguni Chatterjee
Phalguni Chatterjee is an accomplished occupational therapist with a passion for enhancing the lives of children across various age groups. With three years of invaluable experience, Phalguni has dedicated herself to serving the pediatric population in diverse neurological and mental health settings. Her expertise lies in crafting tailored interventions to support children in reaching their fullest potential. Beyond her professional endeavours, Phalguni is a multifaceted individual with a love for exploration and creativity. She finds solace in the pages of books, indulging her curiosity through the exploration of diverse narratives and ideas. Additionally, Phalguni channels her creativity into hobbies such as singing and drawing, finding joy and self-expression in these artistic pursuits.
Dolly Manchanda
Dolly is a pragmatic occupational therapist who has the calibre to better understand and create a positive impact in the lives of individuals with special needs through the best occupational therapy services. She has rightly leveraged her way of dealing with clients across all disciplines. She is a strategic thinker with a knack for creativity who seeks to bring this expertise to a forward-thinking team and always keeps an eye on grasping opportunities that help her grow in her respective field. Out of her professional life, her penchants are painting, travelling, and exploring different places, which helps her maintain a well-rounded and balanced life.
Sheetal Goel
As an Occupational Therapist at Children First, I’m deeply committed to helping children with ASD and ADHD, and their families, thrive. I believe in creating a warm, supportive environment where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Dr Amit Sen
Director, Senior Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. MD, MRCPsych, CCST in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Delhi
Dr Amit Sen
Dr Sen is a co-founder of Children First and has been practicing child psychiatry for over 25 years. He proudly believes that he has ADHD. As a child, Dr. Sen started by wanting to become a bus driver, changed to a doctor at an epiphanous moment, was driven to become a footballer through adolescent years, dreamt of being a rock star during medical college days till he realized that he had no talent for it, and finally reconciled to become a doctor after all. After finishing medicine from AFMC Pune, he went to NIMHANS Bangalore for an MD in Psychiatry and had a blast for the next 3 years. A longish stint in Newcastle UK made him serious about life and proud of his country. Besides growing his family, he managed to get another 2 qualifications, one of them being in child and adolescent psychiatry. Working with children, the football and rock music, dreams and aspirations, have all come together for him. Through the myriads of magical and fulfilling experiences, Dr Sen feels that he has developed empathy over the years and can connect to children and their families. In doing so, he hopes to make a difference, however little, in their lives.
Dr Kavita Arora
Kavita is a co-founder of Children First and loves to connect with children and young people.She is of the firm belief that youngsters today are far smarter and quicker to learn and evolve than previous generations! She is curious about new perspectives, and prefers a question to an answer. She happens to be qualified as a psychiatrist, but would prefer to be a DIY guru. She loves the ‘web’, reading, movies, travelling , photography and most of all ,a good joke!
Dr Sonia Malhotra
Dr. Sonia Malhotra lived her dream when she did her medical graduation and post graduation in psychiatry from top reputed government medical colleges in the country. Being a child at heart herself, she has always loved being amidst children and understood their point of views about life and world better. Practicing child and adolescent psychiatry became her area of special interest and expertise, allowing her to gain different perspectives and grow, not only professionally, but also as a person. Her easy going and warm nature makes it easy to open up to her and approach her, not only with behavioral and educational issues of children and adolescents but also with other emotional, psychological and relationship issues of families (and parents, siblings in particular) that need attention. Her humorous and playful self connects very easily with kids, making it a pleasure to be at work with her "little tribe". When not at work, she enjoys baking, travelling and making new friends.
Dr Ritwik Ghosh
Dr Ritwik Ghosh (MBBS, MD) is a trauma informed Psychiatrist and has an experience of 4 years in the field of mental health. He completed his MBBS from Kasturba Medical college, Mangalore in 2018 and M.D (Psychiatry) with gold medal for his academic achievement from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India in 2022. He is a member of World Professional association for Transgender health and Indian Association of Private Psychiatry. His areas of interest include trauma and child and adolescent mental health. He is a strong proponent of holistic mental health care and believes in providing not just pharmacological but also psychological and systemic support to the individual to facilitate the restoration of optimal mental wellbeing.
Dr Jeetinder Singh
Jeetinder is a passionate psychiatrist with a deep love for sports. With an MD in Psychiatry from GMCH Chandigarh, he combines his expertise in mental health with his enthusiasm for sports to promote overall well-being and resilience in individuals. He had the opportunity to work at IIT Roorkee, where he furthered his expertise in the realm of mental health and gained valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by young individuals, especially in highly competitive academic environments. His approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and evidence-based practices. In addition to his passion for sports, he is a devoted pet lover. His dog, who he affectionately considers his therapist, holds a special place in his heart. Furthermore, he values the connections he shares with family, friends, and the community, as they contribute to his overall happiness and well-being. Driven by his passion for mental health and love for sports, he remains devoted to making a positive impact in the lives of others. He envisions a world where mental well-being is prioritized and believes that every individual deserves compassionate care and support on their journey to a fulfilling life.
Pooja Jain
Pooja has an MBA in Healthcare Administration and handling the post of the manager. She is our go-to person in time of need as she has solutions for every possible situation. Managing clients and families in a hassle-free manner, while staying cool and calm, is her unique quality. Pooja is a DIY lover and adds her creative touches to any work she does. She is quite fond of food and looks forward to exploring different cuisines as well as loves to travel.
Sunil Rastogi
Sunil is an accountant with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, as well as small and large businesses, assisting them with their financial, accounting, and tax needs. He's been with CF since its conception! Always ready for a party and a good laugh, Sunil lives in Delhi with his wife and a lovely daughter.
Kavita Karki
Kavita manages the front desk and appointments at Children First, Delhi. She is a post-graduate in Commerce from Bharti Vidyapeeth University. She has been working in medical and healthcare industry for more than 5 years. Her support includes scheduling appointments, answering phones, billing, resolving issues/complaints, checking in visitors, and maintaining visitor logs—while driving the achievement of business goals in front desk support roles with Children First. She loves travelling to new places and is fond of dancing. The joyful spark and charm on her face disseminate positivity in every aspect.
Rakhi
Rakhi oversees various administrative functions, including office logistics, resource management, and internal communications. Her primary objective is to cultivate a conducive work environment conducive to individual growth and task efficiency. With a degree from Kamla Nehru College and nine years of experience in administration, Rakhi brings a combination of strategic vision and practical implementation to her position. She advocates for a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, emphasizing the value of every voice and idea. Outside of work, Rakhi enjoys traveling, listening to music, and playing cricket, further enriching her life beyond her professional endeavors.
Ravi Kohli
Ravi has joined Children First in October as Front Desk & Admin. He has done B. Com from Delhi University. He has 4 years of work experience with different NGOs and Trust. Ravi loves to play sports, clicking pictures and designing.
Shilpa
Shilpa manages the front desk admin and appointments at Children First, Gurgaon. She is a graduate of Delhi University and has more than 7 years of experience in front desk and administration. Her support includes scheduling appointments, answering phones, billing, managing clients and families and addressing their concerns daily. She is the mother of a two-year-old daughter. She loves travelling and is fond of cooking.
Chehak Dhingra
Chehak has joined us as a community outreach and training coordinator. Holding a 7 years experience in different fields, she is someone who can adapt anywhere! As an ex air hostess, sales team lead and a soft skill trainer she made sure that she is as good as anything wherever she goes! She is also a baker (runs her own bakery), a writer who writes about magical realism and also a classical dancer. She believes that writing, dancing and cooking allows her to look within and create magic. She loves to upcycle and decorate spaces and live in her own metaphors of life!
Akhilesh Nair
Akhilesh leads the People & Culture aspect of Children First. He is part of Amaha & Children First's Human Resource team. Akhilesh does active mental health advocacy as a passion project for his NGO called You're Wonderful Project; He has over 8 years of experience in the Social Impact sector as well as the Business sector. You'd often find him cracking jokes and making puns with lots of tv shows and movie references!
Chitra
Chitra has recently joined Children First as Front Desk Admin Executive at Gurugram. She is graduate of Delhi University and has 2 years of experience in Administration. She is a travel enthusiast and mountain lover. She loves reading novels, shopaholic, skincare junkie and a binge watcher. She has a curious habit of keeping things in a proper organised way. A kind and empathetic person always ready to help others.
Kayenat Jauhar
Kayenat joined us as an executive assistant to Dr. Amit Sen, Director - Children First. She is a graduate of Delhi University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Sociology from IGNOU. She has more than 2 years of experience in different fields. She is skilled in effectively handling appointments, calendars, and client relations. She is the cornerstone of everyday operations, ensuring smooth coordination and assisting the director to concentrate on expanding projects related to mental health for children and adolescents. She loves nature and children and is very enthusiastic about music, cooking, and digital design. A beautiful fusion of kindness, compassion, and creativity.
Deepak
Deepak is an accountant with over 16 years of experience working with individuals, as well as small and large businesses, assisting them with their financial, accounting, and tax needs. Always ready for a party and a good laugh, Deepak lives in Delhi with his wife and a lovely Son.
Rimjhim Sharma
Rimjhim is a dedicated professional with a profound commitment to child and adolescent development. Holding a master’s degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Delhi, she brings extensive experience in research, program coordination, and leadership to her role as Development Centre Coordinator at Children First. Her journey, driven by a deep interest in holistic child development, led her to create gender sensitization modules and sustainable toys that promote social-emotional and cognitive growth in young minds. She believes every child deserves a nurturing environment to thrive. When she’s not coordinating services, she enjoys caring for neighbourhood dogs and expressing her creativity through painting in various mediums.
Vanshika Arora
Vanshika Arora is a recent graduate in Healthcare Management from the University of Delhi. During her academic career, She gained valuable experience through various internships that have helped to shape her career as a professional. She is confident that her academic achievements, coupled with her experience, have ensured her to be a valued member of the team. Outside of work, Vanshika enjoys travelling and photography and has a keen interest in reading fictional short stories.
Kalpna
Kalpna manages the Front Desk and Appointments at Children First, Delhi. She has done her graduation from the University of Delhi and she has 3 years of experience in the front desk and 3 years of experience in other fields and administration. Her support includes scheduling appointments, answering phones, billing, managing clients and families and addressing their concerns daily.
Aaron Abraham
Aaron possesses a degree in Social Work from Bangalore City University. He has previously gained experience as an intern at various organizations, including Nielsen India, Sparsh Hospitals, Magic Bus India Foundation, ESAF Foundation, Holy Family Hospital, and Christian International Ministries. This experience has provided him with valuable insights into organizational dynamics, leadership, and effective communication. The combination of his social work knowledge and corporate experience offers him a distinctive perspective, allowing him to address complex challenges with empathy, strategic thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to his professional endeavours, Aaron is also a part-time eSports athlete. He is deeply rooted in spirituality and is committed to social work, environmental conservation, sustainable development, and fitness. In his leisure time, he enjoys listening to music and watching cricket, anime, series, and movies. Currently, Aaron is venturing into cooking, exploring new creative outlets that resonate with his holistic approach to life and personal growth.
Pranjali Agarwal
Pranjali is a Mental Health Care Facilitator who holds a master's degree in social work with a specialization in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work. With over four years of experience in the development sector, she has worked closely with sexual violence survivors and the queer community in roles such as Mental Health Counselor and Gender and Sexuality Trainer. Pranjali believes that the intersectionalities of individuals profoundly shape their lived experiences and is committed to fostering inclusivity and empowerment through her work. An introvert by nature, Pranjali enjoys art that explores social realities, particularly through plays and cinema. In addition to her professional pursuits, she enjoys singing and exploring new musical instruments. She is currently learning to play the ukulele, bringing harmony to her personal and professional endeavours.
Asha Singh
A universal favourite at CF, she has been with us for three years now, although how we managed before that, we have no idea! Innately caring and motherly with an eye for detail, she has a connect with each and every CF member and child, and helps us keep things neat, clean and orderly even in the midst of chaos.
Mahesh Saini
The superhero at CF, Mahesh Ji has been with us for several years now! Mahesh Ji helps manage and support the teams at CF with anything and everything! He has the ability to solve any kind of problem at CF and ensures that our team has no hurdles to deal with at the clinic.