School Council
Arvind Mishra, Co-founder
The desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is a goal which can drive you to accomplish something great, and that is the case with Arvind. He is very much aware of the need to give children a good head start in life. That led him to envision a vibrant preschool based on the principles of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", which means “One world - One family”.
Arvind traveled to the USA and the U.K. and spent more than a year learning about early-childhood education methodologies. Because of this research work he has been able to conceptualize and develop Apples n Cherries Preschool in India.
Apples n Cherries Preschool is an outgrowth of his love for children and his commitment to set up an exemplary institution which not only imparts excellent education, but which also works tirelessly in developing universal, human values in its students.
Arvind is an alumni of IIM Calcutta with more than 12 years of professional experience in marketing. Arvind worked with 3M for over 6 years at various sales & marketing managerial positions. Later, Arvind worked with Herbalife India as Head of sales & marketing.
William Laforge, Director
Please call me Bill. I'm a research engineer and a citizen of the USA, though I've been employed in India as a Staff Engineer at Sun Microsystems and as the Director of Engineering at Fiorano in India. I have also had the honor of serving on a U.S. presidential commission and have co-authored several books.
I am a happy and gentle person by nature and believe that execution and maintenance are at least as important as any grand plan, so my attention is often on the small things so critical for safety and good health. My hobbies include science fiction, cooking, open source and walking. My passion is for excellence, and I am very excited about being a part of Apples 'n Cherries Preschool. It is an opportunity to make a big difference in people's lives.
Trupti Hattangady - Director of Education
Trupti is passionate about creating environments which are bubbling with energy, stimulating and provide opportunities for both for the children and the adults in the learning process. Trained in Early Childhood Care and Education, Montessori Method and having studied the various schools of philosophy in the Early childhood Education, she designs a holistic curriculum which is a happy blend and amalgamation of theory and the needs of today’s children.
A highly experienced educator, she has worked in pre-school environments for the past 18 years, teaching in some of the best schools - Podar Blossoms in Mumbai and Mallya Aditi, NAFL, Vidya Sagar, Sophia high school, St.Anns, Shishu-lok and Kara in Bangalore. She has worked extensively with children from ages 6 months to 10 years and develops hands on methodologies for all round development in children. She is also involved in creating content and designing workbooks for children from ages 2 to 10 years.
