Brentwood Teaching Team

Mrs. Akhila Sowmya Rao is a native Kannada speaker who holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University. She worked as a software engineer for five years before pursuing her passion for baking and establishing herself as a professional baker.
From 2024 to 2026, Akhila volunteered as a teacher with Kannada Kali, dedicating her time to helping children learn the Kannada language while fostering an appreciation for its rich culture and traditions. She firmly believes that language serves as a bridge to cultural identity and takes pride in encouraging younger generations to stay connected to and proud of their roots.
Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Akhila enjoys gardening, baking, and cooking. She loves bringing people together through creativity, culture, and food.

Mrs. Chaithra Nagaraju completed her schooling in the Kannada medium, which helped her develop a deep love, respect, and strong connection to the Kannada language and culture. She later earned her Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electronics and Communication Engineering.
For Chaithra, Kannada is not just a language it is a beautiful emotion that reflects a rich culture, traditions, literature, and values passed down through generations. She strongly believes that preserving and teaching Kannada to young minds helps keep her heritage alive and strengthens cultural identity among future generations.
Currently, she serves as a teacher at Namma Kannada KalikeKaryakrama (Brentwood) in Brentwood and has been teaching Kannada since 2023 through other programs as well. In her teaching, she is committed to passing on the Kannada language, values, and cultural heritage in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Working with children and witnessing their enthusiasm for learning Kannada brings her immense joy and satisfaction.

Mrs. Lakshmi Chakra currently serves as the Principal of Namma Kannada KalikeKaaryakrama (Brentwood). She has been an integral part of Kannada Kali since 2019, first as a teacher and later as Vice Principal. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning is most effective when it is meaningful, relevant, and connected to students’ everyday lives.
Mrs. Lakshmi holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from California State University, East Bay, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Massachusetts. She also possesses an Early Childhood Education Preschool Site Supervisor Credential and an Associate Teacher Certification.
Her professional background includes ten years in the IT industry, over eight years of experience supporting children with disabilities, and five years as a teacher trainer with The Teacher Foundation. She continues to support individuals with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation services. Outside of work, Lakshmi enjoys gardening and exploring Indian heritage as well as world traditions.

Mrs. Shobitha Kalluraya serves as a dedicated Kannada teacher at Namma Kannada KalikeKaaryakrama (Brentwood) in Brentwood. She has been a part of Kannada Kali since 2023, inspiring young learners through her passion for the Kannada language and culture.
Having completed her schooling in the Kannada medium, she carries a deep love and respect for the language and takes great joy in sharing that enthusiasm with her students. She holds a master’s degree in Finance from Besant Women’s College, Mangaluru, and brings 2.5 years of teaching experience from a Government Degree College.
Shobitha believes that learning Kannada should be interactive, enjoyable, and deeply connected to culture. In addition to teaching language skills, she has trained students in dance, skits, and drama performances for community events. She is committed to nurturing confidence in young learners and fostering a strong appreciation for Kannada language, literature, and cultural heritage.

Mrs. Vidyashree Venkatesh is a native Kannada speaker who takes pride in staying connected to her roots and contributing to the Kannada community through teaching. Her passion for the Kannada language and culture has become an integral part of her identity. She holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Santa Clara University and works as a Senior Data Analyst by profession.
Since 2023, she has been volunteering as a Kannada teacher and currently serves as an instructor at Namma Kannada KalikeKaryakrama (Brentwood) in Brentwood. She is deeply committed to keeping the Kannada language and traditions alive among younger generations and finds great fulfillment in teaching as a way to remain connected to her heritage. She genuinely enjoys interacting with students and supporting them on their Kannada learning journey. Outside of work and volunteering, her interests include gardening and cooking.

Mrs. Vijayashree Channappanavar holds a B.Sc. in IT from the University of Mysore and a Master Teacher certification in Early Childhood Education from California State.
With years of teaching and volunteering experience, she has fostered positive learning environments for young children. Since 2025, she has taught Kannada with Kannada Kali program and volunteered at Chinmaya Mission, inspiring connection to Kannada language and culture.
A native of Gadag with Kannada-medium education, she actively promotes Kannada values. Her child-centered experience has strengthened her communication, patience, teamwork, and organizational skills, and she is eager to apply her educational and tech background, and passion for student growth.

Nirupama Krishnaiah holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from Bangalore University and is a Senior Quality Assurance Engineering Consultant with over a decade of experience in the tech industry.
For the past year, she has been a dedicated assistant teacher at Kannada Kali, combining her passion for the Kannada language with her love for working with children. She skillfully adapts her teaching approach to each child's unique strengths and needs, creating a positive and engaging learning environment.
Outside of work and teaching, Nirupama enjoys gardening, cooking, meditation, nature walks, and actively participating in community service.