Consultant
Clinical Psychologist, Founder Director of Julian Day New Mission, an Inclusive school, Kolkata. Dr. Anindita Chatterjee is a Clinical Psychologist, working in various capacities for the last 22 years. For the past ten years, she has also been a Consultant Psychologist at the Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata. She is also the coordinator of Child Guidance Clinic in Peerless Hospital and B.K Roy Institute, Kolkata. She was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Roehampton University, London and Fontys University, Netherlands.
She holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Applied Psychology, and has studied autism as part of her Ph.D. at Kolkata University. Prior to her current position, she has been a Consultant Psychologist at the Spastic Children Association of Selangor & Federal Territory, Malaysia and a Counsellor at the Lady Irwin College, Department of Special Assistance, India, among other roles. She has vast experience in teaching and research in the field of learning disabilities. She has undergone professional training on PECS Picture Exchange Communication System) to overcome communication difficulties at Milton Keynes, London and Audiblox (developmental program to overcome learning disability) in Singapore.

Special Educator
Mrs. Saswati Roy, a Special Educator, specialized in teaching children with special needs. She teaches at Sushila Birla Girls’ School, Kolkata for the past twelve years, previously worked in Asha Eastern Command Special School, Fort William, Kolkata and is now associated with Ummeed Counselling Centre as a Special Educator Consultant. Passed Nursery Teachers Training Programme from Bharitia Shiksha Parishad (Lucknow). Passed B.ED in Special Education with Specialisation in Mental Retardation from National Institute of Mental Health (RCI).
She has received the Pearson Teaching Award in 2013 for Outstanding Contribution to Special Learners and was awarded by the British Council for Global Teacher Accreditation Research Project in 2014.

• She has attended several workshops on Learning Disability, Autisim and Inclusive Education.
• Several workshops on Learning Difficulty and Child Psychology including seminar on Specific Learning Disability conducted by ANTARA in 2008
• Training in Formative assessment conducted by HLS India in 2010 Conference on Child & Adolescent Mental Health in 2011 organised by Mental Health Foundation, Kolkata
• International Conference on “Global Commitments Towards Inclusive Development of Persons with Disabilities” in 2012 at New Delhi
• Learning Disability in the Primary Classroom conducted by Maharashtra Dyslexia Association in 2012. Workshop on Autisim by ADDLIFE in 2012 at Saturday Club, Kolkata
• Four days conference at Jadavpur University on Autism and Learning Difficulties by West Bengal Autism Society. ‘Identifying Children With Dyslexia’ A Pearson Clinical Assessment Workshop' 2014
• Attended, “Core Skills for All: Access and Engagement for Children with Special Educational Needs”, International Conference at New Delhi organized by ‘The UK British Council’.

Working as a Clinical Psycologist at a school for under-priviledged children has been a most rewarding experience. I have worked with both adults and children of varying ages and cultural backgrounds, presenting with a diverse range of complaints and conditions.
This includes working with children who were displaying behavioural difficulties. My recent work with the school and other hospitals has included interventions such as counselling, behaviour modification, cognitive behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy.
I hope to continue learning through experience and observartion. I aim to not only bring further insight and clarity to the field of Psycology, but also change misconstrued perceptions about this field

Professional Experience

• Dakshini Prayash (School for underprivileged children) June 2016 present
  Primarily engaged in behavioral management of children with various difficulties such as defiance, conduct disorder, anxiety and depression. Implemented token system for group behavioral management and motivation of middle school students.
• Medica Superspecialty Hospital From October 2016
  Perform psychometric testing and interviews to determine mental status of client. Worked with other doctors and family members to devise the most appropriate management plan for each client.
• Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata- December 2016-present
  Assessment, counseling and management of pre and post surgical patients admitted in the hospital in addition to psychometric testing and therapy of clients on an Out Patient Department Basis.

Educational Qualifications

• M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology, West Bengal University of Health Sciences (Institute of Psychiatry (2015)
  • Completed M.Phil. with 62.2% marks in the aggregate.
  • Authored a dissertation comparing Cognitive functions among males with Conduct Disorder and Depression under the guidance of Dr. Bidita Bhattacharya.
• M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, Christ University (2013)
  • Completed M.Sc. with 69.4% marks in the aggregate.
  • Authored a dissertation titled “Exploring the Emotional Experience of Surrogate Mothers: From Signing the Contract to Post Delivery” under the guidance of Mr. Jini K. Gopinath, as part of the M.Sc. curriculum.
• B.A. in Psychology, with Education and English, University of Calcutta (2011)
  • Completed B.A. with 67.8% aggregate marks. Consistently secured first rank in College.
  • Presented the Honours gold medal for academic excellence.
• Foundation in Finance (2008)
  Completed the foundation course in finance in University of Manchester, UK.

Acheivements

• Successfully completed internships at
  • Mental Health Foundation, April 2013.
  • Institute of Psychiatry, April 2012 - May, 2013.
  • St. Martha’s Hospital, Bangalore, October 2012 - March 2013.
• Attended and completed a National Workshop on “Clinical hypnotherapy: Foundations and Applications” conducted by the Indian Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis in 2014.
• Presented a paper in the Annual Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches to Social Responsibilities; Empirical Evidences of Best Practices in 2013.
• Completed the Transactional Analysis 101 Course under The International Transactional Analysis Association.
• Participated in the National Conference on Clinical Hypnosis in 2012.
• Participated in the Second International Conference on Counselling, Psychotherapy and Wellness and the Third Congress of the Society for Integrating Traditional Healing into Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychiatry in 2012.
• Participated in a seminar called "Psychoanalysis: A Journey from Classical to Contemporary Perspectives", Kolkata (2016), organized by West Bengal State University.
• Participated in a Workshop on Psychosocial Management of Dementia and Cancer, Kolkata (2016), organised by Songs of Mind Foundation.
• Participated in the XXII Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAoP) India, Bangalore (2012).

Additional Information

I held the post of President of the Psychology Society at College level. During my term, I was instrumental in initiating and organizing "Kalakruti", a social event for differently abled children.
I have experience with tutoring students at the school and college level, including underprivileged students at various Non Governmental Organizations. In my free time, I like to read, listen to some music or head out for a game of golf.

Associate Counsellor
Purnima Sahai is a Senior Counselling Psychologist with over 18 years of exceptional experience. She is an Executive Committee member of the IACBT (Indian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy). She has been associated with Dr.Sanjay Chugh’s Psychiatric Clinic for over 15 years. She now runs her own Counseling Center in Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi called AnamCara. She has extensive experience of working with psychological issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and addictions. She has conducted trainings of professionals including psychologists on issues such as anger management, stress management, team building, enhancing communication, suicide prevention, and increasing personal effectiveness.

Associate Counsellor
She is a dynamic and data-driven school counselor with demonstrated ability to work effectively with children individually and in groups. She completed her Post graduation, Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling Fellows Program from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Currently working as a counsellor at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS).
She has the experience of -

• School Counselor Intern, Roland Park Elementary/ Middle School, Baltimore, MD, USA
• Practicum in School Counseling, Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy, Baltimore, MD USA
• Special Education Intern S.P.J Sadhana School, Mumbai, MH, India
• Counseling Volunteer, Bhopal Central Jail, Bhopal, MP, India
• Teacher Assistant, Aadhar, center for Child development and Psychological Counseling, Bhopal, MP, India .

• Human Development and Counseling
• Counseling Techniques
• Counseling Theory and Practice
• The Foundations of School Counseling
• Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling
• Career/Life Development and Planning
• Group Counseling and Group Experience
• Practicum in School Counseling
• Appraisal and Testing for Counselors
• Diagnosis in Counseling
• School Counseling Leadership and Consultation
• Research and Evaluation for Counselors
• Counseling Adolescents
• Introduction to Children and Youth with Exceptionalities

• Member of American Counseling Association.
• Member of American School Counseling Association.
• Founding Member of International Society for Research and Evaluation in School-Based Counseling

Working as an English teacher, at the High School level at St Joseph’s Convent School, Rourkela, since 2000.

• North East Times, Guwahati, Assam
• Sonapur College, (near Guwahati), Assam
• Masters in social work from Rabindrabharti University in the year 2012
• Desouza School,Rourkela
• DPS, Rourkela

Academic background:

• MA English (Special paper-language), Guwahati University, 1995
• MA English (Literature), Delhi University, 1992
• BA (Hons) English, Cotton College, Guwahati, 1988

Strongly believes that a non judgemental, rational and empathetic understanding of basic human nature, individual disposition and circumstances will make this world a better place to live in.

Professional Courses to her credit: -

• B Ed. Annamalai University, 1996
• PG Diploma in Educational Technology, IGNOU, 2012
• Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, NCERT, 2015
• Basic Couselling Skills, Ummeed Positive Living Initiatives, Kolkata, 2016
• Basic Couselling Skills, Ummeed Positive Living Initiatives, Kolkata, 2016
• 3rd year, Hindustani Classical Music (Sitar), Gandharva Mahavidyalaya

I am a M.Phil (Econ). B.Ed. I was a senior school Co-ordinator with over 23 years of administrative experience and teaching Economics to students from Classes IX through XII in Sushila Birla Girls’ School, Kolkata.

I am a seasoned and experienced professional with significant experience in leading the provision of highest quality of educational services in the school. I have been involved in the provision of workshops and training modules to teachers in Kolkata and other parts of Eastern India.

I have sought to constantly update my skills and seek professional improvement through trainings and fellowships including the Basic Counselling Skills at Ummeed.

I have got the Teaching Achievement & Excellence Award Fellowship 2008 administered by US Department of State and implemented by Fulbright Commission.

At present I am working as Assistant Professor in the MBA Department of Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata.

Educational Qualifications:

• ISC (Senior Cambridge) - Loreto Convent, Shillong - 1974
• P.U., B.Sc, M.Sc.(Chemistry) - Gawahati University
• B.Ed - 1999 - Tripura University - Gold medalist
• M.Ed - IGNOU

Hobby:

• Reading books, understanding people, writing articles and poems

Extra Curricular Activities:

• Created a Quiz group, organised quiz competitions in school and the first inter school Quiz show of the school in town.
• Organised science exhibitions in school and participated in science seminars with students in the national level.

Suneeta Virmani is an accomplished educator with demonstrated abilities to teach, motivate, and direct individuals. With over 32 years of teaching experience.

She provides counseling for children, adolescents and adults by conducting life skill classes, group therapy and various other workshops to empower them.

She is a self motivated individual who is also a social worker and entrepreneur.

Counsellor

• M. Sc from University of Calcutta with specialization in clinical psychology.
• Ph.D from University of Calcutta.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from Stonebridge associated colleges, U.K.
• Over 2 years experience providing counselling and psychotherapy to the patients with Substance Abuse Disorder at The Calcutta Samaritans.
• 2.5 years research experience on clinical psychology at University of Calcutta, funded by ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science and research).
• Associated as a Counsellor with Hariyana Vidya Mandir, Ek-Prayaas, Ek Tara and Jyotirmoy.

Completed M.A. Applied Psychology with specialization in Clinical Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai in May, 2016

• 
  Nutan Vidya Mandir School, Mumbai - Worked with children and conducted psychometric assessment as well.
• 
  Rajawadi Hospital, Mumbai - Worked with children, adolescents and adults mainly with mood, substance use and psychotic disorders as well as conducted psychometric assessment.
• Family Court, Bandra, Mumbai - Worked with couples seeking divorce or separation as well as involved with the children’s complex.
• 
  Psychologist in VIMHANS, Delhi - worked in the day care, in-patient and out-patient departments and conducted therapy with adults.
• Internship in Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata - conducted therapy sessions as well as psychometric assessment with children and geriatric population.
• Psychologist under the supervision of Dr. Uday Choudhury (Belle Vue Clinic and Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan).
• Has experience of working with a varied client population and have been trained in crisis management, suicide prevention, child sexual abuse as well as expressive arts therapy, along with conventional therapy modules.

Counsellor

• MSc. in Counseling Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore
• Worked with Iswar Sankalp as a Rehabilitation Officer in their Urban Mental Health Programme.
• Interned at Kripa Revival Centre and Winds O' Change in Bangalore and Addlife Caring Minds, Kolkata.
• Certified in Basic Counseling Skills from Hyderabad Academy of Psychology, Secunderabad, Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy Level - I and Cognitive Analytical Training Level - I

Anju Chirimar is a Post Graduate from Calcutta University. She has completed Certificate Course in Basic Counselling as well as Certificate course in Advanced Counselling. She has been practicing one to one counseling for the last 12 years. Ms. Chirimar has a diverse work experience – she has immense experience in dealing with Marital issues, Child Behaviour, Family Therapy, dealing with trauma and rehabilitation of sex workers and Addicts. She has been associated as a counsellor with institutions like JD Birla, I Lead Colleges, and Park English School.
While dealing with the gamut of adolescent concerns, she has conducted various lifeskills workshops on Study Skills, Memory, Accepting Differences, Peer Adjustment and Acceptance, Relationships, and Respect. Ms. Chirimar is also an experienced Trainer to Counsellors. At Ummeed, she has been associated as a counsellor, with The Heritage School. Presently co-conducts many Pastoral Guide Trainings in Sunbeam Group of Institutions, Varanasi, St. Pauls Rourkella and Frank Anthony Public School Kolkata, South Point High School, Kolkata and is the representative counsellor for Bhawanipur Gujarati Education Society.

Mentor, Counsellor and Trainer

• M.A. in Applied Psychology with the specialization in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behaviour and Development.
• M.Phil in HRM from West Bengal University of Technology.
• Currently she is a faculty at Maharani Kasiswari College.
• Presently teaching post graduate students in the Psychology Department of West Bengal State University, Barasat.
• Representing Ummeed as school Counsellor at LGMV Calcutta and St. Agnes Kharagpur.
• Presently pursuing PhD from University of Calcutta.

Mentor, Counsellor and Trainer

• M.Sc in Applied Psychology with the specialization in Stress Management and Community Psychology.
• M.Phil in HRM from West Bengal University of Technology.
• Guest Lecturer in the Department of Psychology in Jogomaya Devi College and Seth Anandaram Jaypuria College.
• Pursuing Ph.D from University of Calcutta.
• Associated with Holy Family as a School Counsellor, and trainer for BCS, Sunbeam and Coantai.

Counsellor, Life Skill Trainer

• B.A. from J.D BIRLA institute with specialization in Human Development.
• Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Indian Board Of Alternative Medicines.
• Course in Counselling for women in distress from Calcutta University.
• Associated with Contai Public School as a Counsellor and been part of interventions at Bahal, A.G.Church Durgapur & several institutions.

Head Trainings & Social Projects

• M.Sc in Biochemistry and M.A. in Sociology.
• Ten years of work experience with National and International NGOs.
• Conducted several training and capacity building sessions for children, adolescents, women’s and mothers group.
• Worked with several social research teams and also a part of disaster relief teams.
• Passionate about child/adolescent issues, gender issues and women’s empowerment.

Counsellor and Life Skills Trainer

• M.Sc in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Women’s Christian College, Chennai.
• 
  Has interned at several instituitions like Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Aashiana Psychiatric Care Hospital, American Field Services, National Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy and Prayatna - Centre for Educational Assessment and Intervention.
• Associated as a school Counsellor in National Gems Higher Secondary School.

Counsellor

• M.Sc in Psychology, with specialization in Clinical Psychology.
• Work experience with SNEH, and CINI on individual counselling and group counselling sessions.
• Associated as a School Counsellor at Frank Anthony Public School, Kolkata, BRCM group of Institutions, Bahal, The Heritage School life skills.

Lifeskills Trainer and Counsellor
Pinky has completed her graduation from Calcutta University and Psychiatric Counselling course from Indian Psycho Analytical Society. She has an experience of 7 years working as a psychiatric Counsellor at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute and Mood Society. At Ummeed she enables Adolescents in schools - Mount Litera Zee School, Maheshtala and Lions Calcutta Greater Vidya Mandir, Shanti Rani Primary School and Suryoday, through lifeskills and counselling.

Trainee Counsellor

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Psychology Honours from Gokhale Memorial Girls’ Collage, Calcutta University.
• Masters in Applied Psychology, with specialization in Clinical Psychology.
• Project on: Locus of Control, Aggression and Depression of Adolescents: A Correlational Study.
• Practical Training program from N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital which includes History taking & mental status examination (adult & child). Psycho- Social intervention of chronic and acute psychiatric patients.
• Participated in Psycholinguistic experiment conducted by University of Oxford.
• Participated in English Communication & Basic Corporate Etiquette under Affirmative Action Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
• Completed 1st Degree of Comprehensive Hand Writing Analysis Course, Mind Zone.
• Successfully completed a workshop on: Dance Therapy Movement by Dr. Mitul Sengupta.
• Worked as an intern at N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Kolkata.
• Have been working at Ummeed from March 2015.
• Facilitated many life skill sessions, empowering educators’ session and also art of parenting session held at main stream schools as well as non formal schools.

Assisted in individual and group counselling in the following schools:

• Contai Public School
• Lions Calcutta Greater Vidya Mandir
• Suryodaya &
• Shantirani Rainbow Home