The Team
Nikita Viswanath
Nikita Viswanath is the visionary founder of The Little Caterpillar Playschool, bringing over a decade of experience as an art teacher to her role. Having worked with children aged four and older, Nikita developed a deep understanding of early childhood development through her time at Global Art and her own independent art classes. Her teaching journey also includes a stint at a renowned Montessori school, where she further refined her approach to creative education.
Inspired by her personal experiences as a mother seeking the best playschool for her son, Nikita was driven to create a space that blends creativity, independence, and exploration. Her passion for early childhood education, combined with the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, culminated in the creation of The Little Caterpillar Playschool. This unique learning environment fosters a love for learning in every child, encouraging them to express themselves and grow at their own pace.
Nikita’s vision for The Little Caterpillar Playschool is deeply rooted in her belief that education should be a joyful and enriching experience. She has carefully crafted an environment where young children can thrive, supported by a nurturing team of educators who share her commitment to excellence.
Beyond her role as an educator, Nikita is a creative soul who enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with her family. As a dedicated mother, she understands the importance of providing a strong foundation for children in their early years. With her leadership, The Little Caterpillar Playschool aims to be a place where children feel safe, inspired, and ready to take on the world.
Dr Vasudha Prakash
Dr. Vasudha Prakash, a seasoned educator and social entrepreneur with over 34 years of experience in education is an advisor at The Little Caterpillar Playschool.
Dr. Vasudha Prakash is an educator, social entrepreneur, and academician with over 34 years of experience in education. After returning from the US, where she was a faculty member at Kean University, she founded an NGO called the V-Excel Educational Trust in Chennai which now has over ten centres across Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Dr. Prakash focuses on teacher training and conducts workshops across schools, universities, and the corporate sector. She is also a Certified Independent Director, often appearing in the media to advocate for special education. Her work has earned her various awards, including the Princess Haya Award for Special Education (2017) and Indian Achiever’s Award (2017). In addition, she is a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, helping people, particularly adolescents, with emotional challenges. Dr. Prakash enjoys singing, tarot reading, palmistry, and travel in her free time.
Akshaya Gautham
Akshaya Gautham, the curriculum advisor at The Little Caterpillar Playschool, brings both professional expertise and personal experience as a mother to her role. She brings a wealth of experience and global insight to her role. A former teacher at a renowned school, Akshaya’s academic journey took her to the National University of Singapore, where she honed her skills before returning to India to pursue her passion for teaching.
Her expertise in child development and education has been vital in designing the playschool’s curriculum. Akshaya ensures that The Little Caterpillar Playschool provides a balanced and enriching experience, blending Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches with a focus on creativity and independence. Her dedication to early childhood education helps create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and grow.
With Akshaya’s guidance, the curriculum at The Little Caterpillar Playschool is thoughtfully designed to foster a love for learning, laying a strong foundation for every child’s future.
