Counselling and Special Education Unit

Kaveri Group of Institutes (KGI) has been a pioneer in initiating significant steps in the field of schools and establishing caring systems. The Kaveri Counselling Unit is one such step which was started in 1994. It has been 28 years and the counselling team has been expanding into smaller units like the special education and remedial team, and lately into gifted education as well. We are proud that our establishment has truly strived to be equitable towards delivering services for students well-being in a school.

Main Objectives :

 

1. Enhancing the Psychological well-being of each student, teachers and parents of KGI.
2. Conducting assessments and interventions for students who have behavioral issues.
3. Handling issues related to
– Managing academic and school related stress.
– Bullying and peer pressures.
– Introducing better coping strategies to handle the socio-emotional issues of the student.
4. Prevention – Generating awareness to avert future problems, like media addiction.

We at KGI believe in striving towards academic excellence in the learning process that is interactive, application-oriented and joyous.
Some of the regular programs conducted for the schools are:

Enriching Minds Program

Enriching Minds Programme is a mental health awareness program conducted in all our institutes to ensure the emotional, social and cognitive well being among our students, teachers and parents.

Know and Grow

This is a unique program where experts address the issues of puberty for both sexes and discuss the emotional issues related to physiological growth.

Compassionate week

Bringing forth the need to observe being compassionate with fellow classmates and others in the community.

Kaveri Counselling team

Dr. Devasena Desai

Dr. Devasena Desai, a doctorate in psychology from Jnana Prabodhini’s Institute of Psychology. She has been a consultant psychologist at the Kaveri Gifted Center since 2014 and is currently the Associate Director for Kaveri Counselling, Empowerment, and Gifted Center. Dr. Desai works towards creating systems for the counselling unit and facilitates in enhancing the work of school Counselors and Special Educators. She has 27 years of experience as a private practitioner, a master trainer in parenting, and teaching methods, and about 9 years in gifted counselling and education. She has several research papers to her credit and is the author of three books as well. Currently working on creating policies for incorporating giftedness in schools.

Mrs. Shubhada Karnik

Mrs. Shubhada Karnik has her masters in Clinical Psychology and PG. Dip School Psychology and B.Ed in Special Education. She is working as a Senior School Counselor for the past 15 years with Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Secondary Section, Ganesh Nagar. Shubhada has been conducting regular training programs for parents in parenting, handling adolescent behaviour issues and managing academic performances. She has also conducted workshops for students on study skills and stress management. She has been handling tough counseling cases of adolescent bullying, behaviour problems and defiant behaviour of students. She has published articles in newspapers on various topics such as language development, parenting styles and disciplining techniques.

Ms. Sampada Deshpande

An avid reader and learner at heart Ms. Sampada Deshpande is a Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She strongly believes in building resilience and expression in children to ensure an emotionally healthy life. With three years of clinical experience, she is currently building her expertise in CBT, EFT and Trauma Informed approaches.

Ms. Rasika Sahasrabudhe

Rasika Sahasrabudhe is a Trauma-Informed Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and 3 years of enriched experience in school counseling. She brings expertise in emotion regulation and adolescent mental health. Her compassionate and empathetic nature makes her highly approachable to students navigating challenges such as anxiety, puberty-related transitions, and turbulent home environments. Rasika is passionate about nurturing emotional awareness and resilience among students. Her creative approach, rooted in insight, empowers young minds to understand and manage their emotions effectively. She actively collaborates with teachers and parents to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters the overall well-being and growth of every student.

Sanika Natu

Sanika Natu is committed to supporting the holistic well-being of all our students. Holding a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, Sanika brings a comprehensive understanding of adolescent development and mental health to her role. With a warm and compassionate approach, she creates a safe and confidential space where students can explore their thoughts and feelings. As a trauma-informed counselor, Sanika understands the profound impact that past experiences can have on a student's emotional and academic life. She is skilled in supporting students through a wide range of concerns, including grief and loss, anxiety, stress, peer relationships, academic pressures, identity development, and other challenges commonly faced by high school students. Sanika believes in fostering a supportive environment where every student feels heard, valued, and understood.

Kaveri Empowerment Centre

Special Education in KGI started from 2008-09 with a view to support and guide children facing academic challenges in the areas of Reading, Writing, Spellings, Comprehension and Math. The Special Educators’ team is motivated and dedicated to bring a change in students’ learning styles by trying to encourage them to adapt to their educational needs, strengths and weaknesses by utilising various evidence-based strategies.

 

The team undergoes a training and continuous professional development by the renowned Anjali Morris Foundation in Pune. We hugely rely on the Problem-Solving Method during the intervention sessions.
The accommodations and modifications are planned as per the severity and requirements of the individual students. Special Education is looked upon as a very sensitive and critical department by the management with the Associate Director Dr. Devasena Desai’s guidance. Inputs from the Principles of various Units and the inspiring leadership of Mrs. Malati Kalmadi we strive to work towards ensuring every child is entitled towards equal support and guidance in schools.

Kaveri Special Educators’ team

Dr. Devasena Desai

Dr. Devasena Desai, doctorate in psychology from Jnana Prabodhini’s Institute of Psychology. She has been a consultant psychologist at the Kaveri Gifted center since 2014 and currently the Associate director for Kaveri Counselling, Empowerment, and Gifted Center. Dr. Desai works towards creating systems for the counselling unit and facilitates in enhancing the work of school Counselors and special educators. She has 27years of experience as a master trainer in parenting, teaching methods and about 9 years in gifted counselling and education.

Ms. Bhairavi Kulkarni

With over 10 years of experience across India and Australia, Ms. Bhairavi Kulkarni is a dedicated Special Educator. She holds a Masters degree in Psychology and is trained in ABA therapy. She has worked as a remedial educator and behaviour therapist, helping children with autism, LD and other developmental difficulties. Her approach is rooted in empathy, individualized support and a strong belief in every child’s potential. At our institute she designs personalized support plans, and works closely with teachers and families to help children thrive.

Ms. Madhura Pawar

Ms. Madhura Pawar has been working in the field of Special Education for the past 4 years. She has completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology. She has experience of working as remedial educator and behavioural therapists with children of 4 to 16 years. She has also worked with children having Autism, ADHD, LD, and Down syndrome etc. She is currently catering students from 5th to 8th standard. She is committed to create supportive learning environment which will help students to overcome academic difficulties and reach up to their potential.