Ms. Amritha

Program Director

K Amritha is the Managing Director of Stepping Stones Center, a school for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities in Bangalore. She is a gold medallist from Anna University and holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Computer Science and Engineering. She has worked as a software developer with iNautix Technologies a group company of Bank of New York Mellon – a leading financial services provider for 3 years. Amritha’s passion and calling in the field of education is what brought her to start Stepping Stones Center in the year 2013.

Amritha has recently graduated from Goldman Sac’s 10K Women Entrepreneurship Program conducted at IIM- Bangalore. Since she believes that “Everyone is good at something” and all children should be given equal opportunities, she is a strong promoter of Inclusive Education in mainstream schools.

Dr. Parvathi Vaidyanathan

Clinical Director

Since 2005, Dr. V. Parvathi has been dedicated to improving the lives of children through her expertise as a certified counseling psychologist. Specializing in boosting self-confidence and guiding children through life's challenges, she treats with a focus on self-help and support. Dr. Parvathi holds a post-graduate MS in Counseling and Psychotherapy from IPMS Mumbai and a Doctoral degree from Bharathiar University. She is clinically trained in psychosexual counseling and is adept at behavioral modification for children with neurodivergent needs. A sought-after speaker on “positive parenting” and “early intervention skills,” Dr. Parvathi is also trained in fertility and antenatal counseling and is a certified lactation counselor. She has successfully counseled over 3,000 executives and delivered more than 200 talks and 350 workshops on mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Parvathi has been actively addressing psychological issues, offering compassionate care and interventions across age groups. Her dedication to helping children and their families navigate mental health challenges makes her a highly regarded therapist.

Vijaita Mahendra

Head of ABA Services

Vijaita Mahendra has a background in Clinical Psychology, having certified and worked as  a Clinical Psychologist in India before moving to the US. She worked in a research setting at Temple University’ Adult Anxiety Clinic, before returning to her favorite clientele, small children, in an early intervention set-up.

Vijaita then worked towards gaining an RBT and subsequently her BCBA certification. She thoroughly enjoyed supporting kids in a center set-up focusing on skill building, social interactions and behavior reduction goals. Vijaita then transitioned to working in a school setting as a consultant Behavior Analyst, working with cases requiring frequent crisis intervention. She helped the school staff, with support from Behavior Technicians, manage and reduce extreme behaviors so as to better integrate kids in a school setting.      Since her move to India, Vijaita is helping organizations in the ABA field, train Behavior Analytic staff and streamline their services so as to better serve our kids on the spectrum.

Neethu Mol S

Head of Inclusive Education

Neethu Mol S has M.Phil. from Jain University and Master’s degree in Psychology specialized in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from St. Agnes College, Mangalore. Currently, she is also pursuing her B.Ed. in Special Education. She has received vast training and experience in working with different Organizations as a professor, department head, counsellor and special educator. Holding 10+ years of experience in practicing counselling, being a special educator and trainer, she has also received the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Life Time Achievement National Award for achievements in the field of teaching, research & publications organized by International Institute for Social and Economic Reforms (R), Bengaluru. With excellent leadership and communication skills, she is currently the Head of Inclusive Education at the Stepping Stones Center’s Inclusion Program at Saandeepani Academy for Excellence.