Why we started
When a child is diagnosed, families are handed a flood of information, much of it frightening, commercial or out of date. Saarthi offers something different: a small, careful list of places to start, written in plain words.
Our logo and its meaning
Our logo is a peacock feather. No two feathers are alike, and each one shines with its own colours, just like every autistic child.
In Indian tradition, the peacock feather is linked with Krishna, the saarthi who guided with wisdom, patience and love. Its blues, greens and gold also echo the rainbow of the autism spectrum. Together, they stand for what we hope to be: a gentle guide that sees the beauty in every child.
Our founder
Founder & Director
Mrs. Preeti Kumar
Virginia Licensed TeacherGifted Education Certification, UVAVirginia Certified Educational Technology Coach
FCPS Cares RecipientOutstanding New Teacher Award
Mrs. Kumar is a Virginia-licensed gifted education teacher who earned her gifted education certification at the University of Virginia (UVA). She is also a Virginia-certified educational technology coach. She brings a solid background in gifted education, built in public school classrooms.
She is passionate about working with students of all abilities, helping each one reach their full potential by creating opportunities and giving them the hope to discover their hidden talents. Her honours include FCPS Cares recognition and the Outstanding New Teacher Award, which she received when she entered the profession.
What we believe
- Autistic and disabled children deserve to grow up feeling respected, understood and safe.
- Families deserve honest information and support, without guilt or false hope.
- Autistic and disabled adults are experts on their own lives, and their voices belong at the centre.
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