About Anu
I grew up in India and moved to the US more than 25 years ago. After the move, I was starved for authentic Indian experiences and community and devoured anything that came my way: film festivals, exhibits, book readings etc. Once I became a mother, the lack of quality and authentic Indian programs and classes became even more evident. I am an active parent and believe an awareness of one’s heritage, culture and language is key for children to become self-aware and confident individuals. I also recognize the immense benefits of being bilingual.
A as a cultural educator, I am looking forward to providing children with authentic, immersive and inspiring experiences. Through classes and events, we can offer cross-cultural exposure that can help shape knowledgeable, open-minded and respectful individuals.
The Culture Tree continues to expand. Although initially language was our primary focus, we have now expanded to cultural events and cooking classes, and building a sense of community. We are also partnering with organizations and museums to bring South Asian culture and languages to the forefront.
I also write children's books that celebrate Indian culture, I re-tell lost stories of my childhood, that will make children re-live mythological stories and experiences of life in India. My books include:
I am a Lotus, a diverse picture book on mindfulness, meditation and reflection to become a lotus in mind and body.
My First Hindi Words, an essential book for introductory Hindi learners. Gujarati books launching in Fall 2024.
Kahaani Rangeeli, a Hindi book on Holi that tells the story of Krishna and teaches kindness.
Kahaani Chamkeeli, a Hindi book on Raksha Bandhan that tells the story of Ganesha and Manasa Devi and their bond and friendship. Launch in July 2024.
Phalon Ka Raja AAM is a bilingual Hindi-English picture book that introduces young readers to the Hindi language and vibrant Indian culture through the beloved mango.
Sonia Amjad
Sandhya Rajkumar
Sandhya Rajkumar
Sonia was born in England and raised in Lahore. She has studies Applied Social Sciences at the University of Lincoln in North Lincolnshire in England. She has studied the Montessori education system and has been teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten for the past 7 years. She has also been teaching urdu to children for the past few years.
Sandhya Rajkumar
Sandhya Rajkumar
Sandhya Rajkumar
Sandhya is an accomplished architect and Bharatanatyam dancer currently pursuing a Master's in Architecture in New York. Originally from Chennai, she performed her Arangetram in 2012 under the guidance of her guru, A.G. Narthana, and has since performed in numerous prestigious Sabhas. Her impressive performance repertoire includes notabl
Sandhya is an accomplished architect and Bharatanatyam dancer currently pursuing a Master's in Architecture in New York. Originally from Chennai, she performed her Arangetram in 2012 under the guidance of her guru, A.G. Narthana, and has since performed in numerous prestigious Sabhas. Her impressive performance repertoire includes notable events such as Natyanjali, Margazhi Utsav, Doordarshan, solo recitals, and performances at the Fine Arts College of Singapore.
Sandhya has been teaching dance since 2015 and derives great joy from sharing her art with others.
Rachna Khanna
Sandhya Rajkumar
Rachna Khanna
Rachna is a native Hindi speaker and she is our head Hindi teacher. She is a mother of twins, who speak Hindi fluently and are strongly grounded in the Indian culture. Her passion is to teach Hindi to other children, her teaching style is gentle and fun.
Our Teachers
Shivani Solanki
Shivani Solanki
Shivani Solanki
Shivani Solanki grew up in Mumbai and is proficient in communicating in three languages, English, Gujarati and Hindi. She has BA in Economics, Diploma in Early Childhood, Care & Education and an Early Childhood Montessori. She has experience teaching elementary school and preschool kids. She loves to teach kids and loves to make sessions
Shivani Solanki grew up in Mumbai and is proficient in communicating in three languages, English, Gujarati and Hindi. She has BA in Economics, Diploma in Early Childhood, Care & Education and an Early Childhood Montessori. She has experience teaching elementary school and preschool kids. She loves to teach kids and loves to make sessions fun and relevant, while focusing on developing personalities, and instilling virtuous values in young children.
Rohini Sandhu
Shivani Solanki
Shivani Solanki
Rohini Sandhu grew up in Punjab, India and is a native Hindi and Punjabi speaker. She did her schooling in Punjab and higher education in New Delhi. She has been teaching in NYC DOE for 5 years. She works with immigrant students, teaching them English as second language in GED program. She got certification in teaching Hindi as foreign la
Rohini Sandhu grew up in Punjab, India and is a native Hindi and Punjabi speaker. She did her schooling in Punjab and higher education in New Delhi. She has been teaching in NYC DOE for 5 years. She works with immigrant students, teaching them English as second language in GED program. She got certification in teaching Hindi as foreign language at NYU. She has also taught Hindi in NYU's Summer Hindi Program. She likes to learn other languages and cultures. She respects diversity and multiculturalism while teaching in her classroom. Teaching is her passion and she loves to help students to meet their academic standards and goals.
Rathi Varma
Apanavi Pareek
Apanavi Pareek
Rathi has trained under Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts and The Danceworx in Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary. Since 2019, she’s had the opportunity to perform with various choreographers. Apart from being a company member with Treehouse Shakers, TimeLapse Dance and Matthew Westerby Company, Rathi is a lead Teaching Artist with DMF Youth Inc.
Apanavi Pareek
Apanavi Pareek
Apanavi Pareek
Apnavi is our creative art partner. She comes with vast experience in creating thematic and sensory sessions for children. She uses storytelling, arts & crafts, and STEM activities to curate an immersive experience. Her ‘cultural exploration’ sessions delve deep into Indian culture and are derived from different art forms of India.