Late Dr. Marie Mignon Mascarenhas, Founder of the Department of Community Medicine in St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore, studied at Grant Medical College, Mumbai, in 1959 and Public Health in London University, in 1962. She represented India at United Nations & other World Conferences on Family Health and Women; and directed a W.H.O. Research Study. She wrote several excellent books and received several Awards, including a medallion by Pope John Paul II for Prolife. Conducted lectures in five Continents particularly on youth, women, family health and counselling. She participated in the U.N. Women's conferences in Copenhagen and Nairobi. She believed that a strong family is the nation's greatest resource. She commenced her social work under the nomenclature of CREST in 1977 in Bangalore and formally registered the institution in 1982. Her tremendous knowledge and network with institutions and people in India and across the world nurtured the growth of CREST into an eminent social work organization in Bangalore.
Mrs. Rhoda Rodrigues started exploring in the field of education as a young girl of 18. She volunteered with children with special needs and began to be interested in understanding how they learn. On her visit to schools in the UK she observed classroom practices and assessment programs. She then continued to graduate from the National Institute for Special needs in Secunderabad and this powered her with the passion to look at every child as being a unique learner. She then joined Aditi school, when at the age of 25 years old and retired at 55. In the 30 years she worked with young learners who had specific learning difficulties and over the years found herself steering towards the early reception years. She further trained through Oxford University which made her a more reflective, organized, creative teacher that recognized the ways children learn and how as a teacher she can facilitate and support their learning. Creating an emotionally safe space for children to learn in is to her the most effective environment for meaningful learning. She is passionate about sharing good teaching practices with other teachers which she does through teacher training sessions.
Mrs. Nisha Mascarenhas Printer is a Rehabilitation Specialist and Certified Counsellor, 27 years of work experience in the field of Disability and Rehabilitation ranging from Infants to the Elderly in the Health and Social Sectors.
Ms. Helen Shukla is a Technical Communications professional with over 36 years of experience with leading MNCs. She is the Co-founder of TWB - a Technical Communication Training & Documentation Services organization (since 2005).
She began her career in software development before moving into the Technical Communication space. Her key areas of expertise are Knowledge Management that include Technical Writing, Information Design, Process Management, related Technologies, Building and Managing teams.
Prior to opening her own company, she was the Knowledge Manager of SAP Labs India. Helen is an active member of the CREST team; She supports our programs for Web site Maintenance, Knowledge Management, Education and Vocational training.
Ms. Asha Pereira – Projects Coordinator & Administrator, she has coordinated many of CREST's activities, correspondence, is the liaison between many organizations, chronicler of many events in CREST through her long association with CREST.
Ms. Sowmya CK– Projects Campaigner & Estate Supervisor, has been overseeing day to day operations at CREST, supervises housekeeping staff and campaigns for candidates for the training programs, in the communities.
Ms. Bernadeen Maria Suares – Lead Trainer, experienced in creating suitable program modules for targeted groups (children and youth) to enable learning values and responsibilities in a fun way in national and international arenas.
Mr. Nigel Viviliyem A – Office Assistant, has successfully completed a Vocational training program on Life Skills and Industry Skills with Smart Technology. Ensures the smooth operation of daily tasks, manages inventory and coordinating with tasks in every aspect of our office environment.
Ms. Vijaya Thilakam– Operations - CSR & Partner Acquisition Projects. She has over two decades of experience in the Social Sector; has worked with six NGOs in various capacities. She is highly dedicated and motivated in uplifting the less privileged children and empowering women for equality in opportunity and leadership. She has done her B.E. and M.S.W. She is passionate about transforming the lives of young girls, making a difference at the grassroots level.