Instructor Fellows

Sarah Andrea Lobo is a first-year student pursuing her B.Ed. degree specialising in the pedagogy of History and Geography, at Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho-Panjim, Goa. Sarah lives in Margao, Goa. She graduated with a double major in English and History. Driven by her fascination with the overlooked dimensions of Goan history and the lived practice of Catholicism in Goa, she went on to pursue her Master’s in History at Goa University. In a world with unrealistic expectations, she believes that success is doing your absolute best at anything you do, something she carries into her teaching philosophy as well. A fun fact about Sarah is that her mother always dreamt that her daughter would be a pianist. Sarah plays no instruments.

Maryann Gracious is a second year student pursuing a dual degree in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education. She hails from the serene coastal village of Varca and carries with her a deep sense of connectivity to her roots and community. As an aspiring educator, she is passionate about shaping young minds and believes in the power of education to bring meaningful change. She believes in the ideology of Faith over Fear and strives to face life with courage, patience, and purpose. Creative at heart, she holds a special fondness for canvas painting and embroidery, using art as a form of expression. A unique and personal side of her creativity is reflected in her love for poetry. She writes only when she is sad, using words as her escape and emotional refuge. With a blend of faith, creativity, sensitivity, and determination, Maryann continues to grow both personally and academically.

Nandini Naik is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education, an integrated course at Vidya Prabodhini College, Parvari, Goa. She lives in Ponda, a taluka situated between North Goa and South Goa. She has completed internships in seven schools as a trainee teacher and loves connecting with new students while exploring her own varied personality. She takes pleasure in experimenting with new recipes and riding in and around her hometown. A fun fact about Nandini is that she enjoys reading novels but can’t recall the author or the book name later.

Shaurya Shantaram Bandekar is a dedicated education trainee, a third year student currently pursuing her B.A.B.Ed at Vidya Prabodhini College of Commerce, Education, Computer and Management, Alto - Parvati, Goa. She enjoys creating positive, engaging spaces for young learners and hopes to inspire them through patience, creativity, and care. Her experiences at the International Purple Fest and various college events have helped her grow in confidence, teamwork, and management. She has also explored her interests through national cultural programs and state-level sports activities. Outside her academic life, she finds joy reading, cooking for her family and friends, baking, and painting, little things that keep her grounded and inspired. With her thoughtful nature and steady determination, she continues to shape herself into a teacher who leads with understanding and warmth.

Simon Agnelo Fernandes is a first-year student at Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho Panaji, pursuing his Bachelor of Education. Before stepping into the world of teaching, he completed my Bachelor of Science in Physics (Honours) at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa. His academic journey hasn’t always been smooth, but has shaped him into someone who values peace, purpose, and steady growth. As a person, he is active, curious, and always looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged. Music is one of the biggest parts of who Simon is. He sings and also plays the violin, which he often turns to as a way to de-stress, reconnect with himself, and bring a little beauty into his routine. Whether it’s performing at events or practising quietly, music keeps him grounded. He is someone who enjoys simple, genuine moments like spending time with close friends, having thoughtful conversations, and creating an environment that feels calm and welcoming. In the long run, his goal is to grow as an educator, find joy in the work he does, and build a life that balances learning, creativity, and peace.