Key People
Committed to the Cause
Nandgaonkar Hemant
President
Hemant is a founder President of Association of Neonatal Therapists. His vision is to make ultra early intervention services are available to all the babies in India at the earliest. He is focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity.
Hemant is a Mumbai based Occupational Therapist. He is presently working as Assistant Professor at Occupational Therapy School and Centre, Seth G. S. medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai; Post graduate teacher for developmental disabilities at Maharashtra University of Health Sciences; Consultant at Ace Children's Hospital, Dombivli. In addition, he is Certified in Ayres Sensory Integration, Kinesiotaping and Certified Instructor of Thera-Band® Academy. He has presented various innovative equipments and tests in national and international conferences and received Youth Talent Award, Best Scientific paper, Best Adaptive Device at the National level conferences of All India Occupational Therapists Association. Recently, he received International Scholarship of National Association of Neonatal Therapy 2013. In his career as an Occupational Therapist, Hemant has several publications at his credit in the field of hand therapy, pediatrics, early intervention, ethics and neonatal therapy. Hemant is the founder president of Society for Hand Therapy, India. Apart from his immense love for continuous give and take of knowledge, he is also fond of photography and travelling.
Sanika Gawade
Vice President
Treasurer
Sanika is an occupational therapy professional residing in Mumbai, India. She has pioneered in implementing the concepts of neonatal therapy in the institute where she works full time as an clinical occupational therapist. Sanika works in KEM hospital Parel Mumbai & has keen interest & vast clinical experience in treating neonates. She has done Masters in Occupational therapy from Mumbai University & OTRL (USA). Sanika has presented papers & splint in national conference of All India Occupational therapy Association & has received Best splint award. Apart from her liking for patient care & communication, she is interested in travelling distances & reading.
Usha Kasar
Secretary
Usha Bhojane-Kasar is a Mumbai based Occupational Therapist and has been working in the field of Pediatric Rehabilitation & Neonatalology since the past 18 years. She is presently working as Assistant Professor at Occupational Therapy School and Centre, Seth G. S. medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, post graduate teacher for developmental disabilities at Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. She is Certified in Ayres Sensory Integration, Kinesiotaping and trained in Handwriting Without Tears, Myofascial Release Technique and has attended numerous workshops and trainings in NDT. She has presented various research papers in national conferences and received Youth Talent Award, Best Scientific paper at the National level conferences of All India Occupational Therapists Association. In her career as an Occupational Therapist, Usha has also been involved in community awareness and education of teachers and parents.
Sneha Sanap Pol
Joint Secretary
Sneha Sanap Pol, is a responsive and a compassionate Mumbai based Occupational Therapist, committed to provide holistic care from the therapeutic, emotional and family centric services to the paediatric population of our country. Her vision is to look beyond the special needs of these children and tap the unexplored potential to bridge the gap between disability and ability for their successful life.
She has completed her graduation and post graduation from Seth G.S. Medical College & K.E.M. Hospital and stood 1st in the University. She conscientiously performed a study on the neonatal population and realised her passion and enthusiasm for serving the smallest human personalities.
She has attended various workshops and seminars to enhance her knowledge pertaining to the paediatric group and is also certified to practice kinesiotaping and myofascial realise techniques.
Presently she is practising at B-Verve centre, P D' Mello Road and SRCC Hospital by Narayana Health.
She has received the best student award during her undergraduate years for her assertive and resourceful participation and continues to serve the society with the same solicitude.
Priya Rai
Treasurer
Priya is currently doing her Masters of Occupational Therapy Developmental disabilities at Seth G.S.Medical College and KEMH.She has around 3 years of experience working in Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre.She is pursuing her research on NICU infants.
She stood first twice in her undergraduation days in college and was a Maharashtra university topper in the final year.She is very much interested in topics related to NICU.She frequently attends seminars,workshops and conferences related to OT topics.Apart from this,she volunteered in health camps related to Antenatal Care in rural area.She has participated in intercollege poster and paper presentations and won prizes for the same.
She has good leadership qualities and is much fond of dancing and travelling.
Sheetal Tatar
Joint Treasurer
Sheetal is an occupational therapist pursuing her Master's degree in Developmental Disabilities at Seth G.S.M.C and KEM hospital.
She loves her profession and has 2 years of experience in paediatric rehabilitation setup.
Currently she is doing her research on preterm infants.she has attended many seminars, workshops and conferences and applies those knowledge in her OT practice.
Apart from that she has voluntered health camp organised for pregnant women regarding antenatal care and exercises and also was part of BURNS survival children camp organised by Plastic Surgery dept KEM hospital.
She was awarded with best student of the year in her undergraduate degree.
Apart from professional life she loves traveling and enjoys singing songs.
Disha Sanghvi
Committee Member
Disha is a dedicated member of this association. She shows keen interest in dealing with neonates and is working towards making the services available to a large population.
Disha is a young occupational therapist with masters degree in developmental disabilities. Presently she is working at SRCC Children's Hospital by Narayana Health. She has served an NGO (ASTHA Centre) for 3 years in recent past and has achieved great exposure to deal with peadiatric population. She was also linked with multi rehab clinics.
Disha has presented papers and posters in national conferences along with indulging herself in various research studies related to early intervention services. She is curious to flourish herself as an OT professional by attending many seminars, workshops & conferences and strives to add on to her knowledge of evidence based practice of the newer therapies and technologies. She is fond of creative art and loves travelling.
Jyoti Saini
Committee Member
Jyoti Saini is an enthusiastic Mumbai based freelance Occupational Therapist with a master’s degree in Developmental Disabilities. She has worked for Multiple Sclerosis Society of India and in Paediatric home health care setup. She has certified training in Myofascial Release and Taping, Kinesiotaping, Pilates, Aqua-aerobics, Graphology, Reiki and Pranic Healing. She continues to learn various different modalities to empower her to achieve high level of professional competence. Jyoti advocates use of latest technologies in paediatric OT and has worked in bringing Telemedicine in OT Early Intervention Services in Maharashtra. She also has interests in Neonate Therapy and latest evidenced based research. Her non-professional interests include reading fiction and listening to Indian music.
Rohit Shenvi
Committee Member
Rohit is an occupational therapist from Mumbai. Presently, he is pursuing his masters in developmental disabilities at Seth G.S. medical college and KEMH. He has experience of working in paediatric rehabilitation centre. "Massage in neonates" is his area of interest in NICU care. He continues to widen his horizon by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences related to NICU. He is involved in one of the important aspect of ANT i.e. membership. He is also fond of playing indoor and outdoor games, and loves travelling.
Sonal Sharma
Membership Manager
Historian
Sonal is Occupational Therapist from Mumbai. Presently she is pursuing her masters in Developmental disabilities at Seth G.S.Medical College and KEM Hospital . She has experience of working in Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre. 'Positioning the neonate' is her area of interest in NICU care. She continues to widen her horizon by attending seminars,workshops and conferences related to NICU. She is involved in one of the important aspects of ANT i.e. Membership. She is also fond of dancing and drawing.
Ashlesha Koli
Communication Manger
Committee Member
Ashlesha Koli is an Occupational Therapist from Thane. Presently she is pursuing her masters in Developmental disabilities at Seth G.S.Medical College and KEM Hospital . She is attached with 'Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre' and is working on refining her therapy skills.
'Handling the neonates' is her area of interest in NICU care. Her loving and caring nature suits her passion for early intervention. Her understanding for the need of organized efforts in neonatal therapy is reflected through the logo of our association: ANT.
Besides her professional interest she enjoys dancing and reading books.
Dr Geetika Sood
Executive Committee Member (Co opted)
•23 years of experience in Rehabilitation services.
•held various positions including the Chief of Rehab Services, Head of Occupational Therapy in Vydehi Hospital
Presently working as Consultant – Neonatal Therapist, Ped. Occupational Therapist & Developmental Specialist at Apollo Cradle , Motherhood, Bangalore.
•A University topper in Masters in OTh from University of Mumbai
•Certified Neonatal Therapist (NTNCB –USA)
•Certified Early Interventionist from CSU, USA & PG in Hospital Administration
•Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), Certified SET provider
•Certified in Drama Therapy (Autism), HWT
•Speaker in various scientific conferences like IACP, IAP and AIOTA
•Won AIOTA trophy for best paper in EMCON 2009.
•
Deepa Sundereswaran
EC Member (Co opted)
Deepa joined Association of Neonatal Therapists (ANT) with the vision and drive to improve upon our Non-Profit Organization, and focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity.
Principal, College of Occupational Therapy, MAHER, Chennai.
Primary Organisation: Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research
She has completed her Fellowship in research: University of Kansas, United States, Masters in Occupational Therapy
(Advance Occupational Therapy in Mental health) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. She has also acquired her Certification in sensory integration by the University of Southern California, and undergone training in “Psychological Counseling”.
She has more than two decades of professional experience in the field of occupational therapy. Has presented many research papers in various national and international conferences. She has also been a resource person &guest speaker and coordinator for various scientific programmes both at National and International level.
She has been the convener and scientific committee incharge for various conferences and Continuing Medical Education and Continuing Occupational Therapy Education.
Special areas of Professional Interest:
Sensory Processing, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, School based occupational therapy, Neuro Psychiatry, Neuro Rehabilitation, Palliative care and Group Therapy.
Key People
Committed to the Cause
Nandgaonkar Hemant
President
Hemant is a founder President of Association of Neonatal Therapists. His vision is to make ultra early intervention services are available to all the babies in India at the earliest. He is focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity.
Hemant is a Mumbai based Occupational Therapist. He is presently working as Assistant Professor at Occupational Therapy School and Centre, Seth G. S. medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai; Post graduate teacher for developmental disabilities at Maharashtra University of Health Sciences; Consultant at Ace Children's Hospital, Dombivli. In addition, he is Certified in Ayres Sensory Integration, Kinesiotaping and Certified Instructor of Thera-Band® Academy. He has presented various innovative equipments and tests in national and international conferences and received Youth Talent Award, Best Scientific paper, Best Adaptive Device at the National level conferences of All India Occupational Therapists Association. Recently, he received International Scholarship of National Association of Neonatal Therapy 2013. In his career as an Occupational Therapist, Hemant has several publications at his credit in the field of hand therapy, pediatrics, early intervention, ethics and neonatal therapy. Hemant is the founder president of Society for Hand Therapy, India. Apart from his immense love for continuous give and take of knowledge, he is also fond of photography and travelling.
Sanika Gawade
Vice President
Sanika is an occupational therapy professional residing in Mumbai, India. She has pioneered in implementing the concepts of neonatal therapy in the institute where she works full time as an clinical occupational therapist. Sanika works in KEM hospital Parel Mumbai & has keen interest & vast clinical experience in treating neonates. She has done Masters in Occupational therapy from Mumbai University & OTRL (USA). Sanika has presented papers & splint in national conference of All India Occupational therapy Association & has received Best splint award. Apart from her liking for patient care & communication, she is interested in travelling distances & reading.
Usha Kasar
Secretary
Usha Bhojane-Kasar is a Mumbai based Occupational Therapist and has been working in the field of Pediatric Rehabilitation & Neonatalology since the past 18 years. She is presently working as Assistant Professor at Occupational Therapy School and Centre, Seth G. S. medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, post graduate teacher for developmental disabilities at Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. She is Certified in Ayres Sensory Integration, Kinesiotaping and trained in Handwriting Without Tears, Myofascial Release Technique and has attended numerous workshops and trainings in NDT. She has presented various research papers in national conferences and received Youth Talent Award, Best Scientific paper at the National level conferences of All India Occupational Therapists Association. In her career as an Occupational Therapist, Usha has also been involved in community awareness and education of teachers and parents.
Sneha Sanap Pol
Joint Secretary
Sneha Sanap Pol, is a responsive and a compassionate Mumbai based Occupational Therapist, committed to provide holistic care from the therapeutic, emotional and family centric services to the paediatric population of our country. Her vision is to look beyond the special needs of these children and tap the unexplored potential to bridge the gap between disability and ability for their successful life.
She has completed her graduation and post graduation from Seth G.S. Medical College & K.E.M. Hospital and stood 1st in the University. She conscientiously performed a study on the neonatal population and realised her passion and enthusiasm for serving the smallest human personalities.
She has attended various workshops and seminars to enhance her knowledge pertaining to the paediatric group and is also certified to practice kinesiotaping and myofascial realise techniques.
Presently she is practising at B-Verve centre, P D' Mello Road and SRCC Hospital by Narayana Health.
She has received the best student award during her undergraduate years for her assertive and resourceful participation and continues to serve the society with the same solicitude.
Priya Rai
Treasurer
Priya is currently doing her Masters of Occupational Therapy Developmental disabilities at Seth G.S.Medical College and KEMH.She has around 3 years of experience working in Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre.She is pursuing her research on NICU infants.
She stood first twice in her undergraduation days in college and was a Maharashtra university topper in the final year.She is very much interested in topics related to NICU.She frequently attends seminars,workshops and conferences related to OT topics.Apart from this,she volunteered in health camps related to Antenatal Care in rural area.She has participated in intercollege poster and paper presentations and won prizes for the same.
She has good leadership qualities and is much fond of dancing and travelling.
Sheetal Tatar
Joint Treasurer
Sheetal is an occupational therapist pursuing her Master's degree in Developmental Disabilities at Seth G.S.M.C and KEM hospital.
She loves her profession and has 2 years of experience in paediatric rehabilitation setup.
Currently she is doing her research on preterm infants.she has attended many seminars, workshops and conferences and applies those knowledge in her OT practice.
Apart from that she has voluntered health camp organised for pregnant women regarding antenatal care and exercises and also was part of BURNS survival children camp organised by Plastic Surgery dept KEM hospital.
She was awarded with best student of the year in her undergraduate degree.
Apart from professional life she loves traveling and enjoys singing songs.
Disha Sanghvi
Committee Member
Disha is a dedicated member of this association. She shows keen interest in dealing with neonates and is working towards making the services available to a large population.
Disha is a young occupational therapist with masters degree in developmental disabilities. Presently she is working at SRCC Children's Hospital by Narayana Health. She has served an NGO (ASTHA Centre) for 3 years in recent past and has achieved great exposure to deal with peadiatric population. She was also linked with multi rehab clinics.
Disha has presented papers and posters in national conferences along with indulging herself in various research studies related to early intervention services. She is curious to flourish herself as an OT professional by attending many seminars, workshops & conferences and strives to add on to her knowledge of evidence based practice of the newer therapies and technologies. She is fond of creative art and loves travelling.
Jyoti Saini
Committee Member
Jyoti Saini is an enthusiastic Mumbai based freelance Occupational Therapist with a master’s degree in Developmental Disabilities. She has worked for Multiple Sclerosis Society of India and in Paediatric home health care setup. She has certified training in Myofascial Release and Taping, Kinesiotaping, Pilates, Aqua-aerobics, Graphology, Reiki and Pranic Healing. She continues to learn various different modalities to empower her to achieve high level of professional competence. Jyoti advocates use of latest technologies in paediatric OT and has worked in bringing Telemedicine in OT Early Intervention Services in Maharashtra. She also has interests in Neonate Therapy and latest evidenced based research. Her non-professional interests include reading fiction and listening to Indian music.
Rohit Shenvi
Committee Member
Rohit is an occupational therapist from Mumbai. Presently, he is pursuing his masters in developmental disabilities at Seth G.S. medical college and KEMH. He has experience of working in paediatric rehabilitation centre. "Massage in neonates" is his area of interest in NICU care. He continues to widen his horizon by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences related to NICU. He is involved in one of the important aspect of ANT i.e. membership. He is also fond of playing indoor and outdoor games, and loves travelling.
Sonal Sharma
Membership Manager
Historian
Sonal is Occupational Therapist from Mumbai. Presently she is pursuing her masters in Developmental disabilities at Seth G.S.Medical College and KEM Hospital . She has experience of working in Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre. 'Positioning the neonate' is her area of interest in NICU care. She continues to widen her horizon by attending seminars,workshops and conferences related to NICU. She is involved in one of the important aspects of ANT i.e. Membership. She is also fond of dancing and drawing.
Ashlesha Koli
Communication Manger
Committee Member
Ashlesha Koli is an Occupational Therapist from Thane. Presently she is pursuing her masters in Developmental disabilities at Seth G.S.Medical College and KEM Hospital . She is attached with 'Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre' and is working on refining her therapy skills.
'Handling the neonates' is her area of interest in NICU care. Her loving and caring nature suits her passion for early intervention. Her understanding for the need of organized efforts in neonatal therapy is reflected through the logo of our association: ANT.
Besides her professional interest she enjoys dancing and reading books.
