Dr. Sharanya Anil (formerly Saranya Srinivasan), Founder-Director, DIRECT, is a Cognitive Specialist, Educational Specialist and a Neurodiversity-Affirming Counselling Therapist. She has been in the field of child development, mental health, and inclusive education since 1997. She graduated with her PhD from Purdue University, USA; with a focus on neurocognitive deficits caused as a secondary effect of psychoactive drugs. She is a registered member of the prestigious American Psychological Association (APA 11942164), as well as the American Counseling Association (ACA 6612036). She has received several awards in recognition of her outstanding work in these fields both from USA and India.

While at Purdue she has also worked extensively with the Gifted Education Resource Institute, where she worked with enrichment programs for gifted youth, psychology of giftedness, and creativity. Prior to this, she completed an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree from the University of Virginia, USA and has a Master’s and double Bachelor’s degrees’ from India. She is a licensed and recognised Fellow in Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychology Counseling from NHCA Singapore (76008344426).

She aims to uphold the concept of Sarva Siksha Abhayam (Education for all) and break down the barriers to education. Her areas of work and specialty include assessments, neurocognitive development and diagnostics, cognitive training, behaviour disorders, behavioural interventions, Adult, Child & Adolescent Counseling, early augmentative and alternative communication, and childhood special education.

She currently conducts post-graduate training programs at DIRECT in the areas of cognitive sciences, behaviour, educational therapies. and counseling. She is passionate about research and firmly believes that good research is essential to best practices.

Aside from her passion for work, she is an avid reader, enjoys travel, connecting with nature, adventure and the arts. She is energized by a morning run or a bike ride and enjoys solving crosswords and other mental puzzles. She tends to see life through new lenses and enjoys the experiences each day brings. She de-stresses through yoga, cooking and watching movies.

Anil S Bajaj, Business and Financial Advisor, focusses on the business and financial development and has a vested interest in the growth of the institute. He is backed by an MBA and has over 20 years of experience in the field of finance, marketing and advertising. He currently also has his own company, Portfolio Ventures, which provides financial and property consultations. His company has seeded the growth of DIRECT.

He enjoys sports and is a fervent golfer. He likes to travel to new places and experience the local cuisines and culture. In his spare time, he likes to engage in the culinary arts to whip something new.

Reshma Mohamed Shabeer, Admin-Accounts, has completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Diploma in Taxation. She is currently pursuing a MBA in Financial Management via Distance Education. She believes that working at Direct brings her enthusiasm and peace. She firmly believes that whatever the work she takes on, it should satisfy her inner self. She has done an internship in data analysis with LUDIFU and was a finance intern at SSPDL. She has been awarded by the Madras Lions Club as the best performer in education. She also has an avid interest in playing table tennis and has won at the zonal level in Tamil Nadu.

Ummusalma, Admin-Coordination, earned her Bachelor’s degree in commerce from Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women in Teynampet. After completing her degree, she gained valuable experience in financial management and accounting, which further fuelled her passion for the business world. This foundation has helped her excel in her current role, where she continues to make significant contributions to the organization. She enjoys her downtime watching interesting movies and listening to nature.

Jesse Jeffrey is a Counseling Psychologist/Psychothrapist and a Cognitive Trainer and Behaviour Therapist based out of Bangalore, India. Against her name, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.

As a working professional, Jesse is passionate about empowering individuals to live life to its fullest potential. She values and prioritizes empathy, genuineness and unconditional support for everyone she works with.

Her zeal for mental health comes from fighting her own personal battles which helped her realize early on in life that prioritizing one’s state of mind can be transformational. Interestingly, Jesse is constantly intrigued by the workings of the human brain and is an astute believer in evidence-based practices. Her areas of expertise include: Neurodiversity, Cognitive Therapy, Behaviour Therapy & Interventions, Counseling for Children, Adolescents & Young Adults, Solution-focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Early Intervention and Parent Skills Training, etc.

Outside of work, Jesse loves listening to music, singing and playing the guitar. She also likes spending time with her family, going for long walks, reading Victorian-era literature and putting together an epic meal or two.

Apoorva Sriram, Research Associate and Cognitive  Trainer/ Behaviour Therapist, has completed her under graduation in Psychology from the Madras School of Social Work, Chennai. She went on to complete her master’s in M.Sc. Psychology from Montfort College (Affiliated to Bangalore University), Bangalore. Venturing into psychology was a major step towards finding the reason behind existence for her. While working at a pre-school with inclusion, she found her life’s purpose. She is constantly fascinated by the unique ways in which children with special needs perceive the world and she believes that there is exceptional beauty and a reservoir of potential in them. Her love for children and her purpose of being a medium of making a difference in their lives, is what makes her passionate. She finds working with children has helped her find and experience happiness at its true state.

She strongly believes that learning and up-skilling are continuous processes. Over the years, she has produced crucial research in the areas of social cognition and Theory of Mind development among children with autism in India, leading to publication in scientific journal. At Direct, she is working on a research project understanding the impact of COVID-19 on practicing psychologists in India.  She has been awarded the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship and is currently pursuing her PhD studies at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. She is interested in understanding how caregiver-child interactions support autistic children’s social understanding and aims to develop effective support programs to aid these interactions among caregivers and their autistic children in India.

When she takes time off from being professionally driven, she loves to go on long hikes and explore new places on foot. She absolutely enjoys cooking and loves to create her own recipes by experimenting with ingredients.  She is a writer and she loves indulging in music as much as she can. She always finds a way to use her creativity by being crafty when she is up for new projects which include making new activities and materials. She hopes for a world where everyone is appreciated and accepted for their uniqueness and for who they are.

Manisha Roy, Cognitive Trainer and Behaviour Therapist, is an amiable person and is driven by her passion to understand the human mind. She completed her Under graduation in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. She has worked with children in an Inclusive School where she recognized the limitless potential among children with varying abilities. On her journey of self-discovery, she realized that working with children brings happiness, gratification and meaning to her life. Her zeal to work with children with special needs stems from her firm belief that the brain can be trained for ‘anything’ and that every child has the capacity to learn and grow in their own unique way. She also believes that creating a safe environment for children by nurturing them with love, care and support promotes holistic development of a child. The purpose of her life is to heal and inspire many more lives.

She loves connecting with nature and various forms of art. She enjoys listening to music, singing, reading as well as meeting and interacting with new people.

Aadhila Farhath is a Cognitive trainer and Behavior therapist. Her journey to being an advocate for mental health well-being began when she started volunteering to help neurodiverse populations during her college days. Following her graduation, she worked as a consultant counseling psychologist in schools and corporate organisations, and played a key role in creating awareness on mental well-being and help seeking behavior. The opportunity to work with different age groups and people from diverse backgrounds as well as her own experiences of life led her to understand that rendering psychological help at any time in life can be immensely beneficial, but, the support extended at the earliest for a person, gives them an edge to bring out their best game in the nature vs nurture battle.

The realization and curiosity of mind’s boundless capacity fuels her passion for professional growth and to help young minds acquire resources to meet psychological well-being.

Her key areas of interest lies in psychosocial development  and neurocognitive science.
She is an outdoor person and enjoys adventure, sports, and nature.

Shruti Hari, Research Associate and Cognitive Trainer/ Behaviour Therapist, has completed her undergraduate degree in psychology (honours) and then pursued a masters in child development from University College London. She has also completed a post graduate diploma in special education and a post graduate diploma in counselling and family therapy.

Shruti is extremely passionate about working with children and believes that each child has their own unique set of strengths and areas of development and it is our duty to cater to their individual needs while providing parents and families with the support they need. She has supported parents and cares in parenting programs as well as had training in applied behaviour analysis specialising in early intervention. She is creative in her approach of working with children and ensures that they enjoy the process.

Apart from working with children, Shruti has a keen interest in research and believes that research informs practise. She has completed two independent dissertation employing qualitative and meta-analysis methods to add to literature in the field of autism. She has presented in international conferences and is currently working on a grounded theory project with DIRECT exploring the impact of COVID on the field of psychology and psychologists in India.

As an individual, she is calm, patient and an active listener. In her time off, she enjoys travelling and exploring new cities; road trips and hiking. She dabbles in watercolour and calligraphy and finds it to be relaxing.

Kirthika Natarajan, Cognitive Trainer and Behaviour Therapist, is a passionate professional with a strong educational background and practical experience in the field of psychology. She is driven by enthusiasm, dedicated hard work, a deep sense of empathy, and a naturally friendly disposition. Her life’s journey is marked by a passionate and energetic approach to everything she does. She embraces challenges with unwavering enthusiasm, believing that each experience is an opportunity for growth and learning. Her fascination with the human mind and behaviour led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During this foundational phase of her academic journey, she cultivated a deep understanding of the intricacies of human cognition, emotions, and behaviour. It was during this time that she realized the profound impact psychological insights could have on people’s lives. Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, she pursued a Master’s degree with a specialization in Counseling Psychology. This advanced program equipped her with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide effective guidance and support to individuals facing a variety of challenges. In her role as a Cognitive Trainer and Behaviour Therapist, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives. She considers it a privilege to be part of their journeys towards self-discovery, growth, and well-being. She believes that DIRECT is the right platform to achieve her goals and for her professional development.

She is an individual who finds solace and joy in the creative realms of life. Writing Tamil poetry, doodling intricate designs, and painting vibrant canvases are not just hobbies but expressions of her inner world. The strokes of her brush and the verses she weaves carry the essence of her thoughts and emotions, allowing her to communicate in ways that words alone cannot capture. Beyond her creative pursuits, she is an avid explorer of cityscapes, finding inspiration in the bustling streets, hidden alleys, and diverse cultures. For her, life is a canvas waiting to be filled with experiences, and the colours of human interaction paint the most beautiful pictures.

Varsha Prabakaran, Cognitive Trainer and Behaviour Therapist, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. After completing her Master’s, she worked in a child development organisation, where she learned to see strengths in children with varying abilities that often go unnoticed. That experience sparked an even greater passion for pursuing meaningful work in the field and reinforced her belief that every individual has unique potential waiting to be nurtured. The idea of working with people in any area of mental health has always fascinated her, and she remains deeply curious about the complexity and resilience of the human mind. She now combines cognitive training, behaviour therapy, and parent psychoeducation to help children thrive and families feel supported.

She is deeply empathetic and sensitive by nature and approaches each child and family with patience, understanding, and a keen sense of observation. Her passion for psychology stems from a belief that every small step forward matters, whether it’s a child reaching a milestone or a parent gaining new confidence in supporting their child’s journey.

Away from her professional role, she finds grounding in creativity and exploration. Pottery gives her the satisfaction of shaping something with her own hands, while painting allows her to capture emotions in colour and texture. She loves immersing herself in new cultures, whether through travel, traditions, or conversations, and has an enduring affection for dogs, whose loyalty and warmth inspire her daily. To her, life is an evolving journey, one best lived with curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Subashri Srinivasan, Cognitive Trainer and Behaviour Therapist, holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. She is passionate about pathology, research, and psychotherapy, with a keen interest in mental health and neuropsychology. Her professional journey includes experience in behavioural therapy.

This blend of academic and practical knowledge enables her to tailor interventions that are both empathetic and scientifically grounded. Balancing analytical precision with empathy, she works to connect clinical practice with scientific inquiry, aiming to improve individual outcomes, mental health and research.

Outside of work, she enjoys painting, pottery,  and baking, which she believes foster mindfulness, inspire fresh ideas, and bring balance between her professional focus and personal wellbeing.

Devasena Shiphrah, Educational Therapist,  completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, FSM & Dietetics at Women’s Christian College and a Master’s in Child Development and Child Nutrition at JBAS college for women.She is currently working part-time as a Dietitian at Pink Fitness Studio, Kodambakkam and also a member of an NGO called “Happy2Help(H2H)” involved in social work that include conducting events for orphan kids, social issues, etc. Her keen interest to pursue her future with children led her to choose a career that’s children-oriented. Knowing Dr. Sharanya Anil, through her University lectures, and DIRECT’s work towards ensuring healthcare and therapies for children for their overall development motivated to start her work in this field with DIRECT. She believes this is her big dream-come-true career and a great opportunity to render her services. She believes that when educational services are provided appropriately to special children it helps them gain confidence and hope in life, at large. She intends to work towards basic and due care, education and nutrition for all children so they enjoy a holistic childhood. She is fascinated by her work and believes DIRECT to be the right platform for such goals.

She is also a passionate throw-ball player, athlete and dancer.  She enjoys babysitting and pampering babies and children. She is also interested in spending time gardening, fish-keeping, enjoying nature’s scenic beauty, traveling, with people and to be physically active and fit always. She is a staunch believer that the Almighty Lord is in control of everything in life!

S. Sahana Lakshmi, Expressive Arts Therapist, is backed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy. She is currently an expressive arts therapist at DIRECT while simultaneously pursuing her M.A. in Psychology.

After pursuing her passion for art, she wanted to test her newly flaring urge to work with children. This was fueled by her work with children in Adrian school, Karur, as she nurtured her skills for the same. Her personal experience with people with special needs was an added impetus and made her determined to work with them.  She witnessed that having unwavering faith in them and investing resources in their progress could bring a positive difference to their entire life structure. Expressive arts therapies opened up doors for her to use the arts and her own creativity to bring about this change that she was growing so passionate about. Art is eclectic and its use universal and she employs these powerful tools to impact a child’s learning.  She further urges that a paintbrush is a more powerful and creative tool to write a simple ‘A’ than the mundane pencil! Outside these walls, she is a voracious reader, a writer and artist, whose space is always filled with music.

Nisha, Expressive Arts Therapist, is passionate about providing psychological and emotional support to every individual. She has completed her Master’s degree in Applied Psychology with a specialization in counselling. Her educational background indicates a deep understanding of psychology and counselling techniques, making her well–equipped to support individuals in need. Furthermore, her experience includes internships in art therapy, showcasing her dedication to holistic and creative approaches to mental health and well–being. Art therapy is a powerful method for helping people express themselves and address emotional challenges through artistic expression.

She loves working with children and reflects a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on young lives. Children often require special care and attention when it comes to counselling and therapy, and her compassionate nature makes her well–suited to connect with and support them. She is a qualified and compassionate professional in counselling and art therapy and has a strong dedication to working with children to help them navigate their emotional and psychological challenges. She is a firm believer in the power of determination and perseverance. She holds the conviction that nothing is impossible when one sets their mind to it. This belief fuels her drive to tackle even the most challenging issues facing society, with the unwavering belief that positive change is attainable.

Sirisha G, Counseling Psychologist/ Psychotherapist by passion, describes herself as a patient, respectful, and understanding person with a curiosity to learn new things. She began to understand the impact of mental health on a person’s daily life even before she knew the term ‘mental health’, which led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Followed by pursuing her Masters degree in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Counseling and Psychotherapy. Becoming a mental health professional began with the intention of understanding herself in relation to self and the world. As her education and training progressed, she began to understand the significance of a safe space for an individual to thrive and grow.

As a therapist, she strives to provide an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and safe environment for her clients to achieve their goals, desires, and wishes in life. She believes that each person is a unique individual with distinct abilities, and as they traverse life through their frame of reference, so are their needs and challenges. She incorporates this idea into her therapeutic practice and takes an eclectic and assimilative approach that helps her formulate and adapt the treatment strategies and techniques to best suit the client.

The multi-modal approach is based on a client-centered approach that advocates the experience of being understood and valued, giving us the freedom to grow, and uses elements and techniques from other therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, narrative techniques, and mindfulness with a solution-focused lens. She is a trauma-informed, queer, and neurodivergent affirmative therapist. She is primarily a homebody, but she tries her hand at different activities based on her varied interests.

Pratibha Khicha, Counseling Psychologist/ Psychotherapist, has always been fascinated by stories—the ones people tell, the ones they hold within, and the ones waiting to unfold. This love for listening and understanding drew her to psychology during her college years, where she discovered the profound impact of being truly heard.

She holds a B.Sc. in Psychology and an M.Sc. in Psychological Counseling from Montfort College, and has further trained in Expressive Arts Therapy and Couple Counseling. Over time, she has found her calling in working with adolescents and children, believing these years to be both the most challenging and the most formative in shaping who we become.

Beyond her professional role, Pratibha delights in the small joys of life—reading, watching movies, slow cooking, long walks, café hopping, and exploring new places. Yoga fascinates her as another way of connecting inwardly. She continues to weave creativity, curiosity, and compassion into both her personal and professional journey.

Riya Jobson is a Counseling Psychologist/ Psychotherapist at DIRECT with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a specialized Master’s in Clinical Psychology. With her growing body of research and current pursuit of Doctoral studies, she brings a blend of clinical expertise, academic depth, and heartfelt presence to the therapeutic space.

Her journey into psychology began with personal turning points that illuminated the power of mental health care and transformed it into a calling. She now works primarily with the adult population, supporting individuals through emotional turbulence, identity struggles, and psychological distress with  therapeutic approaches and intuitive attunement.

Riya’s approach to life is guided by strong values: transparency, morality, and a deeply rooted sense of spirituality. She believes psychological safety is the cornerstone of healing, where clients can be truly seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. Her clinical interests span affective and meaning-centered approaches to therapy.

Beyond the consulting room, Riya finds solace in music, writing, and the cinematic world. A firm believer in soulful reflection and creative expression, she sees stories, in both therapy and art—as powerful vessels for transformation.

At DIRECT, Riya brings a unique blend of clinical clarity, research-oriented thinking, and human warmth. She holds space not just for change; but for discovery, connection, and inner growth.