STAFF
Nilai 8 Teacher
Kathiravan Periasamy
Contact: kathiravanp@yahoo.com
Education: 4-year college degree in Engineering
Occupation: Leader in IT Department managing over 250 resources at Florida Blue
Volunteering: Since 2012
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamil Nadu. After exploring several parts of the country for job, I have been currently working in Florida Blue (USA). I am involved with a variety of volunteering activities, mainly with the children from Cathedral Arts Program, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Daniel Kids and I am still an active mentor at Windy Hill Elementary School. Teaching, guiding and improving a child’s life is a passion for me and this job of running the Tamil Palli well suited my passion.
Education: 4-year college degree in Engineering
Occupation: Leader in IT Department managing over 250 resources at Florida Blue
Volunteering: Since 2012
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamil Nadu. After exploring several parts of the country for job, I have been currently working in Florida Blue (USA). I am involved with a variety of volunteering activities, mainly with the children from Cathedral Arts Program, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Daniel Kids and I am still an active mentor at Windy Hill Elementary School. Teaching, guiding and improving a child’s life is a passion for me and this job of running the Tamil Palli well suited my passion.
Nilai 7 Teacher
Logapradeepa Ragupathi
Education: Masters in Business Administration
Occupation: Sr Operations Analyst
Volunteering: Since 2012
About me: I am a proud mother of two little princess. We came to USA ten years ago. After exploring California, Rhode Island and Texas settled in Jacksonville. I always wanted my daughters to learn my mother tongue Tamil. Tamil palli provided right opportunity for them to learn and me to teach children our mother tongue.
Occupation: Sr Operations Analyst
Volunteering: Since 2012
About me: I am a proud mother of two little princess. We came to USA ten years ago. After exploring California, Rhode Island and Texas settled in Jacksonville. I always wanted my daughters to learn my mother tongue Tamil. Tamil palli provided right opportunity for them to learn and me to teach children our mother tongue.
Nilai 6 Teacher
Karthikeyan Velliangiri
Education:
Occupation:
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamilnadu, India and I am a software engineer by profession. I have been teaching the Tamil language since 2017 in different Tamil schools in the Greater Washington DC area and in Jacksonville Tamil Palli now.
Occupation:
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamilnadu, India and I am a software engineer by profession. I have been teaching the Tamil language since 2017 in different Tamil schools in the Greater Washington DC area and in Jacksonville Tamil Palli now.
Nilai 5 Teachers
Srinivasan Kalyanasundaram
Education: Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics
Occupation: Program Manager in Tata Consultancy Services
About me: Completed schooling in Neyveli, a small township in Tamilnadu most likely known for it’s living ambience more than it’s power plants. With no exception from any other Gen X person, spent most of my playtime outside the house. After completing masters, have been employed with Tata Consultancy Services for the past 14 years. Married for 9 years and have two little girls to laugh, smile and share happiness with. With great admiration for Tamil literature, I love to learn and share the classical past, cultural heritage that has developed over 2000 years ago and still continues to flourish.
Occupation: Program Manager in Tata Consultancy Services
About me: Completed schooling in Neyveli, a small township in Tamilnadu most likely known for it’s living ambience more than it’s power plants. With no exception from any other Gen X person, spent most of my playtime outside the house. After completing masters, have been employed with Tata Consultancy Services for the past 14 years. Married for 9 years and have two little girls to laugh, smile and share happiness with. With great admiration for Tamil literature, I love to learn and share the classical past, cultural heritage that has developed over 2000 years ago and still continues to flourish.
Nilai 4 Teachers
Nirmala Ganesan (Rajasekar)
Education: BA- 3 years Degree in Accounting
Occupation: Accountant
About me: I was born and brought up in Chennai, India and did all my school and college there. I have a degree in Accountancy from India. I got married in 1995 and moved to USA in 1996.I have lived in Jacksonville since 2000. I have been working in my current job as an Accountant with a Non-Profit organization since 2011 and have been working in other capacities since 1999.I was involved in the formation of the Tamizh Mandram in Jacksonville. I am a very avid reader and love reading books in my mother tongue which is Tamizh. I am very passionate about it and wanted to ensure that my daughter learns it too and it doesn’t die with me. This led me to get involved with teaching the same to other kids. I have a wonderful Husband and a Daughter who support me in this endeavor. It makes me so proud to see the kids’ reading, writing and conversing in Tamizh. I sincerely hope all the teachers’ efforts and the excellent parents support we get to keep our culture and language going will succeed for future generations.
Occupation: Accountant
About me: I was born and brought up in Chennai, India and did all my school and college there. I have a degree in Accountancy from India. I got married in 1995 and moved to USA in 1996.I have lived in Jacksonville since 2000. I have been working in my current job as an Accountant with a Non-Profit organization since 2011 and have been working in other capacities since 1999.I was involved in the formation of the Tamizh Mandram in Jacksonville. I am a very avid reader and love reading books in my mother tongue which is Tamizh. I am very passionate about it and wanted to ensure that my daughter learns it too and it doesn’t die with me. This led me to get involved with teaching the same to other kids. I have a wonderful Husband and a Daughter who support me in this endeavor. It makes me so proud to see the kids’ reading, writing and conversing in Tamizh. I sincerely hope all the teachers’ efforts and the excellent parents support we get to keep our culture and language going will succeed for future generations.
Anila Mathias
Education:
Occupation:
About me: My name is Ms. Anila and I come from Tamil Nadu. Having grown up surrounded by the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu, I have always been inspired to share this beautiful language with others. With a particular fondness for teaching children, I find great joy in nurturing young minds and helping them connect with their linguistic roots.
Occupation:
About me: My name is Ms. Anila and I come from Tamil Nadu. Having grown up surrounded by the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu, I have always been inspired to share this beautiful language with others. With a particular fondness for teaching children, I find great joy in nurturing young minds and helping them connect with their linguistic roots.
Nilai 3 Teachers
Meenatchi Kumar (Meena Kumar)
Education: MBA
Occupation: Senior Quality Assurance Engineer(AVP)
About me: I am an information technology professional, recently moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Jacksonville. I live in Saint Johns area with my husband and two daughters.
We have lived in the USA for 15 years. I want to make sure my daughters and children with Tamil background learn our native language (mother tongue) Tamil. I wish to lend my assistance in every possible way to ensure our rich culture and classical language is passed on to many more generations to come. My emphasis is that our kids should speak fluently in Tamil in addition being proficient in reading and writing. It’s our duty and responsibility to help our kids stay connected to their roots.
Occupation: Senior Quality Assurance Engineer(AVP)
About me: I am an information technology professional, recently moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Jacksonville. I live in Saint Johns area with my husband and two daughters.
We have lived in the USA for 15 years. I want to make sure my daughters and children with Tamil background learn our native language (mother tongue) Tamil. I wish to lend my assistance in every possible way to ensure our rich culture and classical language is passed on to many more generations to come. My emphasis is that our kids should speak fluently in Tamil in addition being proficient in reading and writing. It’s our duty and responsibility to help our kids stay connected to their roots.
Dr. Amirtharaj Gnanasambandam
Education: M.Sc., (Medical Physics), Ph.D.
Occupation:
Volunteering: Since 2023
About me: Medical Physicist and Radiation safety officer in Radiation Oncology department. Having 17 years of professional experience. Born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India. Moved to Jacksonville on January 2023. Married to Dr. Hemalatha Priyadarsini V, a fellow medical professional who shares my values and commitment to service. We have two children, 12-year-old Hamsadhvani and 7-year-old Siva Sarang, who inspire us to make a positive impact on our community. We have volunteered our time and resources to support rural children’s education and nutrition. Recognizing the importance of access to knowledge, we are currently helping the field volunteers on setting up library and giving career guidance for kids in a rural areas of Tamil Nadu. Continuing with the love and passion towards Tamil language, I joined JTM Tamil palli as substitute teacher and doing my best to spread the greatness of my mother tongue to the future generation.
Occupation:
Volunteering: Since 2023
About me: Medical Physicist and Radiation safety officer in Radiation Oncology department. Having 17 years of professional experience. Born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India. Moved to Jacksonville on January 2023. Married to Dr. Hemalatha Priyadarsini V, a fellow medical professional who shares my values and commitment to service. We have two children, 12-year-old Hamsadhvani and 7-year-old Siva Sarang, who inspire us to make a positive impact on our community. We have volunteered our time and resources to support rural children’s education and nutrition. Recognizing the importance of access to knowledge, we are currently helping the field volunteers on setting up library and giving career guidance for kids in a rural areas of Tamil Nadu. Continuing with the love and passion towards Tamil language, I joined JTM Tamil palli as substitute teacher and doing my best to spread the greatness of my mother tongue to the future generation.
Suba Thomas
Education:
Occupation:
Volunteering: Since 2024
About me:I am a mom of 3 kids and love to socialise with people. Have a passion to teach Tamil for next generation.
Occupation:
Volunteering: Since 2024
About me:I am a mom of 3 kids and love to socialise with people. Have a passion to teach Tamil for next generation.
Nilai 2 Teachers
Meena S Kathiravan
Education: 3yrs College degree in Economics
Occupation: Homemaker
About me: I have completed my Economics degree in 1998 and never planned to go to work. My interest was to run a baby care center and take care of the babies and teach them how to grow in this world to be a better person. That ambition has not happened yet and hence I utilized this Tamil Palli opportunity to teach the children about the importance and need of the ancient language and its culture. I am a stay at home mother with two beautiful teenagers in high school. I love to teach my children and other children to be a good person in the society to help improve the community we live in.
Occupation: Homemaker
About me: I have completed my Economics degree in 1998 and never planned to go to work. My interest was to run a baby care center and take care of the babies and teach them how to grow in this world to be a better person. That ambition has not happened yet and hence I utilized this Tamil Palli opportunity to teach the children about the importance and need of the ancient language and its culture. I am a stay at home mother with two beautiful teenagers in high school. I love to teach my children and other children to be a good person in the society to help improve the community we live in.
Oviya Ragupathi
Education: 12th Grade, Stanton College Prep
Occupation:Student
Volunteering: Since 2022
About me: I have been learning Tamil with the Jacksonville Tamil Palli for 8 years and this is my second year as a teacher. I am currently a Junior at Stanton College Prep and in the IB Program. After learning Tamil for 8 years and graduating from Jacksonville Tamil Palli, I want to pass on the tamil language and culture as a teacher to future generations!
Occupation:Student
Volunteering: Since 2022
About me: I have been learning Tamil with the Jacksonville Tamil Palli for 8 years and this is my second year as a teacher. I am currently a Junior at Stanton College Prep and in the IB Program. After learning Tamil for 8 years and graduating from Jacksonville Tamil Palli, I want to pass on the tamil language and culture as a teacher to future generations!
Shruthi Karthik
Education: 11th Grade,Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts
Occupation:Student
About me: I am a sophomore at Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts. My hometown is Erode, Tamilnadu, India. We moved to US five years ago, and have been in Jacksonville for over 2 years. I grew up learning and speaking in tamil. Tamil is a fascinating language, and I feel language is the prime element that connects us to our roots. I love teaching tamil to the next generation of children, and am able to do that as an assistant teacher for Nilai 2 at Jacksonville Tamil Palli.
Occupation:Student
About me: I am a sophomore at Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts. My hometown is Erode, Tamilnadu, India. We moved to US five years ago, and have been in Jacksonville for over 2 years. I grew up learning and speaking in tamil. Tamil is a fascinating language, and I feel language is the prime element that connects us to our roots. I love teaching tamil to the next generation of children, and am able to do that as an assistant teacher for Nilai 2 at Jacksonville Tamil Palli.
Subha Suresh Kumar
Education:
Occupation:
About me: My name is Suba Suresh Kumar and I come from Tamil Nadu. I have learned Tamil during my 12 years of schooling. I was always wanted to stay in close touch with Tamil as a language and its rich culture. I am very happy to be part of this noble cause for the Jacksonville community and the next generation to pass on our heritage.
Occupation:
About me: My name is Suba Suresh Kumar and I come from Tamil Nadu. I have learned Tamil during my 12 years of schooling. I was always wanted to stay in close touch with Tamil as a language and its rich culture. I am very happy to be part of this noble cause for the Jacksonville community and the next generation to pass on our heritage.
Nilai 1 Teachers
Ambika Sujilatha Ganapathy
Education: BHMS
Occupation: Homemaker
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamilnadu, India. After my marriage, I moved to USA with my husband. Now, I am a mom of two adorable sons, elder is 5 years old and the little kiddo is 15 months. My long-time passion is to pursue teaching profession. The valuable opportunity came through Tamil school. And I am fortunate enough to grab this chance to fulfill my desire. I feel proud and honored to be part of Tamil palli, delivering the value and rich heritage of my soul language “Tamizh” to the younger generation.
Occupation: Homemaker
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamilnadu, India. After my marriage, I moved to USA with my husband. Now, I am a mom of two adorable sons, elder is 5 years old and the little kiddo is 15 months. My long-time passion is to pursue teaching profession. The valuable opportunity came through Tamil school. And I am fortunate enough to grab this chance to fulfill my desire. I feel proud and honored to be part of Tamil palli, delivering the value and rich heritage of my soul language “Tamizh” to the younger generation.
Sreevidya Iyengar
Education: CELTA, M.Phil(Linguistics and ESL), MA(Hindi)
Occupation: Teacher
About me: I was born and raised in India. Right from my childhood, I had a passion for languages and tried to learn languages as and when I got a chance some formally and some informally. During my high school, I assisted my teacher in imparting Hindi language training to her students and thus began my interest in teaching. During the course of my graduation in English, I developed an interest in Linguistics and pursued my M.Phil in Linguistics with special focus on Phonological difficulties in kids with Dyslexia from a bilingual background. I have taught students at undergraduate level and imparted English language training to candidates appearing for various competitive tests in India. In 2008, I moved to Melbourne, Australia and completed my CELTA and began teaching English as a second Language for various international students. I volunteered to teach at Tamil school there. We have recently moved to the U.S and I have two daughters in elementary school and currently helping them and ourselves in settling into the new country and the system. In the near future, I intend to get back into active classroom with prime focus on kids with varying exceptionalities.
Occupation: Teacher
About me: I was born and raised in India. Right from my childhood, I had a passion for languages and tried to learn languages as and when I got a chance some formally and some informally. During my high school, I assisted my teacher in imparting Hindi language training to her students and thus began my interest in teaching. During the course of my graduation in English, I developed an interest in Linguistics and pursued my M.Phil in Linguistics with special focus on Phonological difficulties in kids with Dyslexia from a bilingual background. I have taught students at undergraduate level and imparted English language training to candidates appearing for various competitive tests in India. In 2008, I moved to Melbourne, Australia and completed my CELTA and began teaching English as a second Language for various international students. I volunteered to teach at Tamil school there. We have recently moved to the U.S and I have two daughters in elementary school and currently helping them and ourselves in settling into the new country and the system. In the near future, I intend to get back into active classroom with prime focus on kids with varying exceptionalities.
Sandhya Kumar
Education:
Occupation:Student
Volunteering: Since 2024
About me: I am a pre-IB sophomore at NEASE High School and graduated from Tamil School in May of 2024. I have completed all the Nilaigal at American Tamil Academy. I have always wanted to teach Tamil to ensure the next generation learns Tamil and spread our culture, and I have this incredible opportunity to do so.
Occupation:Student
Volunteering: Since 2024
About me: I am a pre-IB sophomore at NEASE High School and graduated from Tamil School in May of 2024. I have completed all the Nilaigal at American Tamil Academy. I have always wanted to teach Tamil to ensure the next generation learns Tamil and spread our culture, and I have this incredible opportunity to do so.
Mazhalai Teachers
Vanathi Samy
Education: Masters in Business Administration , M.phil
Occupation: Sr. System Engineer
About me: I was born and bought up in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. I have completed my Masters in Business Administration and Master of Philosophy in Finance. I was working as a Financial Analyst in a financial sector in India also was teaching undergraduate students as a guest lecturer. After my marriage I settled down in Jacksonville, Florida in 2009. I have been working as a senior system engineer in TIAA-CREF, NC for 3 years. I am a mother of two little children and am very happy in bringing them up by teaching our culture, language and also learning from them many newer creative thoughts. I always had a love towards Tamil and read lots of books. Tamil Palli has given me an opportunity to spread the love of Tamil language and Tamil Culture to our future generation.
Occupation: Sr. System Engineer
About me: I was born and bought up in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. I have completed my Masters in Business Administration and Master of Philosophy in Finance. I was working as a Financial Analyst in a financial sector in India also was teaching undergraduate students as a guest lecturer. After my marriage I settled down in Jacksonville, Florida in 2009. I have been working as a senior system engineer in TIAA-CREF, NC for 3 years. I am a mother of two little children and am very happy in bringing them up by teaching our culture, language and also learning from them many newer creative thoughts. I always had a love towards Tamil and read lots of books. Tamil Palli has given me an opportunity to spread the love of Tamil language and Tamil Culture to our future generation.
Mun Mazhalai Teachers
Subha Karthik
Education: Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Occupation: Physical Therapist Assistant @ Life Care Center of Jacksonville, Physical Therapist Assistant @ Acare Connection, Adjunct Professor @ Florida State College of Jacksonville for Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Clinical Site Reviewer for CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education).
About me: I was born and raised in Madurai, TamilNadu. I have been married for almost 18 years and mother of two children. My passions include dancing, gardening and choreography. I love teaching and have been a Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapist Assistant students from FSCJ, Keiser University and Concord Career Institute. I am also a guest lecturer for Parkinson’s disease at Florida State College of Jacksonville for Physical Therapist Assistant Program. I can read and write 4 languages – Tamil, English, Hindi and Sanskrit.
Occupation: Physical Therapist Assistant @ Life Care Center of Jacksonville, Physical Therapist Assistant @ Acare Connection, Adjunct Professor @ Florida State College of Jacksonville for Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Clinical Site Reviewer for CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education).
About me: I was born and raised in Madurai, TamilNadu. I have been married for almost 18 years and mother of two children. My passions include dancing, gardening and choreography. I love teaching and have been a Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapist Assistant students from FSCJ, Keiser University and Concord Career Institute. I am also a guest lecturer for Parkinson’s disease at Florida State College of Jacksonville for Physical Therapist Assistant Program. I can read and write 4 languages – Tamil, English, Hindi and Sanskrit.
PE Teacher
Bala Jeyaraj
Education: M.E.
Occupation: Senior IT Developer @ Florida Blue
About me: I was born in Tuticorin inTamil Nadu, India. I did my Masters from Anna University in India. I am currently working as a consultant to Florida Blue for the past 2 years. I am always passionate towards sports. I had represented my school, colleges and client in various sports activities. Currently I actively participate in various local volleyball tournaments in an around Jacksonville, Florida. I do like running. I have completed 3 Half Marathons and 1 Full Marathon. I love engaging with kids and teaching the sports to the kids.
Occupation: Senior IT Developer @ Florida Blue
About me: I was born in Tuticorin inTamil Nadu, India. I did my Masters from Anna University in India. I am currently working as a consultant to Florida Blue for the past 2 years. I am always passionate towards sports. I had represented my school, colleges and client in various sports activities. Currently I actively participate in various local volleyball tournaments in an around Jacksonville, Florida. I do like running. I have completed 3 Half Marathons and 1 Full Marathon. I love engaging with kids and teaching the sports to the kids.
Substitute Teachers
Sreedhar Varahan Thirucherai
Education:
Occupation:
About me:I am a chartered accountant . I learned tamil till my graduation. My interest is reading tamil literature from tirukural to agananuru. But I am not in touch with that for more than 25 years. Now with lot of time here my son suggested to me to be a teacher in your school. Now, I don’t have a driving license here. So I opt to to be a substitute teacher for the time being and see how it goes in future.
Occupation:
About me:I am a chartered accountant . I learned tamil till my graduation. My interest is reading tamil literature from tirukural to agananuru. But I am not in touch with that for more than 25 years. Now with lot of time here my son suggested to me to be a teacher in your school. Now, I don’t have a driving license here. So I opt to to be a substitute teacher for the time being and see how it goes in future.
Perundevivadivu Nedungkilli (AKA) Devi Ramesh
Education: 3-year degree in Hotel Management and catering technology
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
About me: I hail from a beautiful village near Salem in India. Went to Chennai for my Collage studies and worked in Taj Group of hotels for three years as Management Supervisor. Got married to the man whom I fell in love with and came to US in 1999. Now I am a mother of two adorable children and a Cat. Never went for work and always been a proud home maker. Couple of years back I Started my business as Real Estate Agent and running it successfully I enjoy being with children. In the past 13 years I have staged many children by choreographing their dance. Love and thrive to my very own ancient language made me get involved in this Thamizh palli since the day it was started.
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
About me: I hail from a beautiful village near Salem in India. Went to Chennai for my Collage studies and worked in Taj Group of hotels for three years as Management Supervisor. Got married to the man whom I fell in love with and came to US in 1999. Now I am a mother of two adorable children and a Cat. Never went for work and always been a proud home maker. Couple of years back I Started my business as Real Estate Agent and running it successfully I enjoy being with children. In the past 13 years I have staged many children by choreographing their dance. Love and thrive to my very own ancient language made me get involved in this Thamizh palli since the day it was started.
Kalpana Raja
Education: Master of Commerce and Bachelor of Education in Teaching
Occupation: Worked as a Teacher in India
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamilnadu. After my marriage got settled down in Chennai. Started my career as Teacher, worked as Teacher in Chennai and Trivandrum.Currently living in Jacksonville, USA with my family for past 3 years. From my childhood I am passionate in teaching. I am able to speak Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam & English.I am always on time for organized events, work & otherwise. I like sports, a good team player in School & College. I love being with kids and children.I am happy that my daughter learning Tamil from Tamil Palli. I am happy that I am part of Tamil Palli.
Occupation: Worked as a Teacher in India
About me: I was born and brought up in Tamilnadu. After my marriage got settled down in Chennai. Started my career as Teacher, worked as Teacher in Chennai and Trivandrum.Currently living in Jacksonville, USA with my family for past 3 years. From my childhood I am passionate in teaching. I am able to speak Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam & English.I am always on time for organized events, work & otherwise. I like sports, a good team player in School & College. I love being with kids and children.I am happy that my daughter learning Tamil from Tamil Palli. I am happy that I am part of Tamil Palli.
Gayathri Ashwini Balaganesh
Education:4 years college degree in Nursing
Occupation: Registered Nurse
About me: I am proud to say that I was born and brought up in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu which is a land with great cultural heritage. Migrated to the US 15 years ago. I am happily married to my wonderful husband for 13 years now and blessed with two amazing and beautiful kids, “Family is my greatest strength”. I work as registered nurse, and I am passionate about my profession. I love the challenges I face every day in my job and able to make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. I believe that learning Tamil language is essential for the kids so they can better understand the Tamil culture. I am happy to be a part of Jacksonville Tamil school in teaching the next generation one of the ancient languages.
Occupation: Registered Nurse
About me: I am proud to say that I was born and brought up in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu which is a land with great cultural heritage. Migrated to the US 15 years ago. I am happily married to my wonderful husband for 13 years now and blessed with two amazing and beautiful kids, “Family is my greatest strength”. I work as registered nurse, and I am passionate about my profession. I love the challenges I face every day in my job and able to make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. I believe that learning Tamil language is essential for the kids so they can better understand the Tamil culture. I am happy to be a part of Jacksonville Tamil school in teaching the next generation one of the ancient languages.