Learners-in-chief | Strawberry Fields High School

Atul Khanna

Director

Atul Khanna has, for as long as he remembers, been a part of the education scene. Accompanying his grandfather, the Late Shri Durga Das Khanna, freedom fighter and Chairman of the Punjab Legislative Council, to several social development projects run for the underprivileged, he realised how education can be a life-changer for people living on the periphery and who could, with its help, change their destinies. From seeding the idea of a kindergarten in the mid 80’s to working with educationists, teachers and experts, while being guided by members of the Board, he has been very closely involved with growing the institution. Today, the Strawberry Fields Playschool and High School may be fortunate in earning accolades and figuring on several regional and national lists but for him, it is still a work in progress. Backed by a competent and committed team, he believes they are one big family that works towards a common cause. Along the way, he hopes to strengthen the institution’s collective efforts to integrate and mainstream those with lesser opportunities and resources.

Angelina Singh

Deputy Director Durga Das Foundation

Angelina Singh joined the School in 2004 as its first Coordinator and gracefully served as the interface between parents and the management during its crucial initial years. She facilitated the establishment of the administrative infrastructure and contributed towards creating the unique caring, and collaborative culture of the institution. In her current capacity as the Deputy Director of the Durga Das Foundation, she is engaged in the organization of significant social and cultural events, including theatre presentations. She is a member of the school management, where she brings forth her vast experience as a former Principal to provide insightful perspective to educational and infrastructural development. With a degree in law and a Master’s degree in English Literature, she thoroughly relishes the learning process in all its forms.

Nisha Kaul

Principal

Nisha Kaul, studied Engineering and Business at the University of Pennsylvania, for which she has been an admissions reader and alumni interviewer. Committed to empowering others, upon graduation, she served as a Teach For India Fellow at a low-income government school in New Delhi. She was awarded the prestigious Young India Fellowship from Ashoka University and has consulted extensively at McKinsey & Company as part of their social practice. She remains committed to mentoring students through the college application process, while she aspires to strengthen the alignment of school practices to international standards in education, safety and wellbeing, and professional development.

Shabnam Singha

Vice Principal

Shabnam Singha has been with us for over fifteen years, having been a part of various verticals of the school. She has worked as the High School Coordinator at Strawberry Fields for over 10 years and has mentored the High School since its very inception. Guiding students from the first batch of the ISC, she has been a part of their journey through these crucial years. She holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Delhi University and has a Bachelors in Education. With a work experience of over 22 years, Shabnam has previously worked in the corporate sector as an Advertising and Corporate Communication team member at Usha International Pvt. Ltd, an enterprise of the Shriram Group.
She demonstrates the ability to balance creativity with logic and reason, qualities that allow her to promote harmony and productivity at school. Perceptive and conscious about the needs of the individual student, she has always mindfully infused authority with empathy.

Monika Trigotra

High School Coordinator, SFHS

With a teaching experience of 21 years, Monika Trigotra has been associated as a Mathematics educator with Strawberry Fields High School since 2014. She holds Masters degrees in Mathematics and Education from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Empowered with a quiet resolve and resilient dignity she has worked as an integral part of the Math Department in addition to being an ICSE examiner for the Board. She is committed to creating learning opportunities for students to explore their logical and critical thinking skills while catering to all kinds of learners. Extremely conscientious and systematic in her approach she undertakes assignments with strategic planning and a clear sense of purpose.

Kanika Chawla

IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, SFHS

Kanika Chawla is an accomplished educator of Psychology, with over 13 years of experience teaching ISC, and a decade of expertise in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). As an educator, a mentor, and Extended Essay Coordinator, she brings extensive experience in curriculum development, academic mentoring, assessment, research, and the holistic development of students. Her commitment to nurturing critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, academic integrity, and independent learning, reflects the core values of the IB. With her strong understanding of the IB framework and proven leadership in academic coordination, she now takes on the role of IBDP Coordinator, committed to academic excellence, tempered with the hallmark Strawberry Fields capacity for fostering a vibrant, caring and compassionate space for a student-centered learning community.

Manpreet Kaur

Middle School Coordinator, SFHS

Manpreet Kaur has a Master’s degree in health sciences and graduated with a gold medal in Bachelor of Education from Panjab University. She worked as an Educator for seven years in the Junior School and the next seven years as an English educator in the Middle School. With the right blend of compassion and leadership, she has not only mentored the students successfully, but also built a warm association with her colleagues, built on mutual trust and synergy of purpose. As the Middle School Coordinator, she radiates a sense of calm and acceptance, which puts students at ease, allowing them to freely express themselves within an environment of mutual respect.

Deepshikha Pargal

Junior School Coordinator, SFHS

Deepshikha Pargal has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, beginning her journey in kindergarten classrooms at Strawberry Fields. She brings warmth, dedication, and joy to her work, as she continues to teach, remaining closely connected to the young learners and their evolving needs.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in Commerce and Education, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. Her innovative approach to teaching was recognised nationally when she won The Education Prize – Creative Classrooms, organised by The Global Education & Leadership Foundation (tGELF).

As the IB PYP Coordinator, she strives to create an environment where children and educators feel valued, supported, and inspired. She firmly believes that ‘when we grow together, we thrive together’.

Teena Duggal

Head, Human Resources

Teena Duggal has vast experience in the field of education, including a twelve-year long, enriching and rewarding tenure with the Sanskriti School, New Delhi. Her career, associated with frequent relocations to army stations across the country, has instilled in her the values of flexibility, resilience and adaptability in handling diverse and unique challenges.

As an educator and Class Representative, she has worked closely with students, parents, and school communities, fostering meaningful communication and strong relationships. Her experience in education gives her a people-centric perspective and a deep understanding of the values that shape a thriving school environment.

She brings a wholesome perspective with empathy and professionalism and a collaborative approach to nurture a positive and inclusive workplace culture to her role as HR Head of Strawberry Fields Schools.

Tina Singh Bajwa

Principal – Junior School, SFNC

Tina Singh Bajwa has a challenging group of young ones in her care. Demonstrating compassion at all times, she works closely with her staff to ensure that classrooms and play areas are dynamic spaces that nurture creativity, encourage students to express themselves, and equip them with inputs that allow them to take their first steps towards formal schooling.