MIRI PIRI ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Front Office Manager & Admissions Officer
With more than six years of professional experience spanning diverse sectors, Amandeep Singh has the role of Front Office Manager & Admissions Officer at Miri Piri Academy. His background includes working in positions at leading start-ups and multinational corporations, where he developed expertise in operations, sales and support, reporting, and lead generation.
At MPA, Amandeep oversees admissions processes, ensuring seamless application procedures and actively contributing to enrollment and marketing initiatives. He manages a broad spectrum of responsibilities including calendar organization, meeting coordination, and visa renewals for staff and students. Serving as a crucial liaison between internal stakeholders and external parties, he is the first point-of-contact handling admission inquiries.
Amandeep's desire to join Miri Piri Academy was driven by the school's strong academic reputation. The aspect he loves the most about MPA is communicating with people around the world and offering them the key to an excellent education in a safe, friendly, engaging, and happy environment. He is grateful to be part of a multilingual, multicultural and vibrant community.
Amrit Kaur brings a wealth of educational expertise and a deep personal connection to the SDEI Board. With 14 years of experience as a Montessori teacher in Northern Virginia, she possesses a strong foundation in progressive education principles.
Throughout her time at MPA, Amrit Kaur has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, organizing and leading the junior program for two years. As a lifelong member of the Sikh Dharma community, she deeply understands the transformative power of holistic education.
Having witnessed her own children thrive at MPA, she is committed to ensuring that every student receives a comprehensive and enriching learning experience. Drawing from her family's experiences with boarding schools in India, Amrit Kaur is eager to support MPA's growth with courage and grace, collaborating with the SDEI team to enhance the school's educational offerings.
Dharamjot Kaur brings a dedicated spirit and commitment to community service to her role as a member of the MPA board. She sees her board membership as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully alongside like-minded individuals and to strengthen communication with the Chinese community.
Her love for MPA stems from its unwavering dedication to nurturing the spirit of future generations, recognizing it as one of the most valuable endeavors for humanity.
With a focus on inspiring the Chinese community to learn more about MPA, Dharamjot Kaur is committed to fostering inclusivity and broadening the school's reach. Her passion reflects her dedication to ensuring that all children from different backgrounds have access to the transformative education offered by Miri Piri Academy.
Hari Mandir SIngh, an MPA graduate from the class of 1999, has made significant contributions to the 3HO community around the world. After completing his studies, he dedicated himself to working within Dharmic businesses, upholding the values he acquired at MPA. Hari Mandir has been an MPA board member since 2021.
Actively engaging in community seva, Hari Mandir participates in the preparation of langar at Guru Ram Das Ashram. He actively teaches and serves at Camp Miri Piri, a renowned program hosted worldwide by Sikh Dharma International. Hari Mandir's is a board member for the Farm Program at Hacienda Guru Ram Das Ashram, overseeing the growth and distribution of vegetables through the Khalsa Family Farm.
Harimandir Kaur's journey with Miri Piri Academy began as a student, where she discovered a profound sense of belonging and purpose. After graduating from MPA, she found herself on a mission to keep MPA alumni connected and inspired by the invaluable experiences they shared.
Harimandir Kaur felt compelled to join the SDEI board, deeply moved by the transformative impact that MPA had on her life, as MPA nurtured her personal growth and instilled spiritual values that equipped her with tools for navigating life's challenges.
She admires MPA's commitment to nurturing spiritual development, fostering personal discipline, and fortifying mental resilience in students. She values MPA's inclusive approach, which welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, aligning seamlessly with Sikh philosophy and the school's overarching vision.
Japjeet Kaur is the Head of School and has had a committed career at the school. She joined MPA in 2016 as the Marketing and Fundraising Assistant and then became the Director of Residential Life and in January 2021 became the Head of School.
Focusing on leadership and management, Japjeet oversees all aspects of MPA. She is spearheading the innovation of the boarding school program, introducing day school program and the continuing education department. The learnings from Japjeet's Master's Degree in Private School Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College drives her creative thinking to enhance programming and how MPA curriculum is delivered.
Japjeet connects to the 3HO community members by liaising with sister organizations, board members, parents, guest teachers, staff and students. She loves to serve the students and see their growth.
Job Titles:
- Academic Director
- Academic Principal
Kirandeep Kaur is the Academic Principal with 18 years of experience in the field of teaching and education. Kirandeep uses this experience to guide the conduct and responsibilities of the academic community, including students, teachers, and administrators.
By focusing on the quality of teaching that children receive, Kirandeep has been able to put her bachelor's degree in Business and Education to good use. Over the years, Kirandeep continues to develop her skills by attending 'Making Thinking Visible' and 'Creating Cultures of Thinking' courses offered by Harvard School of Education, USA. She is also a coach for Teachers Supervision and International Curriculum Development at Principal's Training Center (PTC, USA).
Daily interaction with students, taking in their positive energy and watching them transform through the MPA program is what gets Kirandeep up in the morning.
Kulbir Singh is the youngest son of Yogi Bhajan. After attending boarding school in India, he worked to secure land for Miri Piri Academy in the ancestral birthplace of Guru Hargobind and spent five years overseeing its construction. Since then, with his support, MPA has grown in beauty and influence, hosting and inspiring students from over 39 countries.
Navpreet Kaur is the Wellness Coordinator with 15 years of experience in providing healthcare. Specializing in nursing, Navpreet uses her experience to create and implement programs and initiatives that foster physical, mental, and emotional wellness within the school community.
Navpreet has a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Liverpool John Moores University and puts her degree to good use by ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students and staff, which contributes to the overall success of MPA.
Navpreet believe in God and the path of seva simran. As a mother, she understands that children are the future of this world and is continuously inspired to give her best everyday for students at MPA.
Job Titles:
- Counsellor
- School Counsellor and SafeGuarding Coordinator
Noorpreet Kaur, our School Counsellor and SafeGuarding Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience from her roles in NGOs and hospitals, translating psychological principles into practical solutions. With a background in child protection and well-being, Noorpreet assesses potential risks, and implements safeguarding protocols. At MPA, she fosters a confidential haven for students to openly address their feelings and worries.
With an MSc in Clinical Psychology, she uses her education to foster an inclusive and secure environment that caters to the psychological, emotional, and developmental needs of students. Noorpreet aims to be a trustworthy ally, offering a listening ear and constructive advice to help students navigate the challenges of academics, personal growth, and social interactions.
Noorpreet enjoys collaborating with parents, educators, and community leaders at MPA, and contributes to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child's holistic development is valued and prioritized.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Director of Operations at MPA
Ramandeep Singh serves as the Director of Operations at MPA, leveraging his diverse background in Engineering and Management to drive operational excellence. With previous experience in MPA's Front Office and Admissions, Ramandeep has seamlessly transitioned into overseeing a multifaceted role. He spearheads initiatives involving liaison with government agencies and third-party stakeholders, strategically negotiating contracts and fostering collaborative partnerships to optimize operational efficiency.
Drawing upon his expertise, Ramandeep implements cost-optimization measures while ensuring quality standards are upheld across all facets of operations. His focus extends to overseeing preventive and corrective maintenance projects, leveraging his analytical prowess to identify opportunities for process enhancement and risk mitigation. Additionally, Ramandeep leads procurement efforts, meticulously evaluating vendors and implementing streamlined processes to support organizational objectives.
With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's in Product Design, Ramandeep brings a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic vision to his role. His commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement ensures that MPA remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence in its operational endeavors.
Ruby Kaur brings a diverse background and a deep commitment to community engagement to her role as a member of the SDEI board. Born in India into an Indian Sikh family, raised in Canada, and residing in Espanola, New Mexico, Ruby's unique perspective enriches the board's discussions and decisions.
Ruby's love for MPA stems from witnessing the transformation of radiant, strong, and multi-faceted children and young adults returning from MPA in New Mexico. Inspired by the cohesive community they embodied, she is motivated to contribute positively to MPA's mission.
Ruby is committed to working with the dedicated MPA team to ensure a safe environment, provide quality education, and promote the teachings to the next generation of children. Her focus on fostering a nurturing and inclusive educational environment reflects her dedication to MPA's continued success and growth.
Siri Sant Kaur joins the SDEI Board with a commitment to educational advancement and community enrichment. She has a deep-rooted connection to MPA developed during her childrens' time attending the school.
To Siri Sant Kaur and her children, MPA is more than just a school; it's a high-quality home where education extends beyond academics. She recognizes MPA's holistic approach, encompassing moral, physical, and spiritual growth. Siri Sant Kaur emphasizes the transformative impact of MPA's community life, which she sees as a great environment that nurtures students long after they have graduated.
Motivated by a sincere desire to contribute meaningfully, she aims to continue enhancing and improving the MPA experience in meaningful ways for all students.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Continuing Education Director
- Director of Continuing Education
Sukhdev Kaur is the Director of Continuing Education with 15 years of experience helping to train teachers in Kundalini Yoga and Women's Teachings. In the early 2000's Sukhdev founded the Guru Ram Das Ashram and the School of Kundalini Yoga and Humanology in Estonia, hosting several groups a year at the ashram. Specializing in teacher training, Kundalini yoga and Sikh Dharma, Sukhdev uses her experience to provide the highest quality planning, environment, hosting and learning experience to all participants of the continuing education courses at MPA.
Sukhdev is an architect and urban planner having worked at the Estonian Academy of Arts for several years. While at MPA, she continues to share her architecture and ecological building passion with the children and staff.
Sukhdev loves spending her spare time organic gardening and practicing gatka.
Job Titles:
- Account Manager
- Financial Analyst
Suman Arora, our dedicated Account Manager at MPA since 2007. With a wealth of experience in the field of finance, Suman plays a pivotal role in our accounts department, overseeing day-to-day financial operations for the school. Her expertise extends beyond the numbers, as she also serves as a valuable liaison for parents, assisting them with their accounting needs.
With a Masters in Commerce and Masters in Information Technology, Suman is an experienced financial analyst with expertise in financial statement preparation and cash flow management. She also manages our langar program and actively participates in various school projects.
Suman enjoys watching the students grow and mature throughout the school year. She often interacts with them, especially when they approach her for their pocket money needs. She also loves to visit temples and cook for her family.
Yogi Bhajan began the mission of creating teachers when in 1968 he began teaching Kundalini Yoga in the West. Over time, his students gained an interest in the teachings of Sikh Dharma and through his example began to adopt the Sikh way of life. In 1971, in acknowledgement of his extraordinary impact of spreading the universal message of Sikh Dharma, the president of the SGPC (the governing body of Sikh Temples in India), Sant Chanan Singh called him the Siri Singh Sahib, Chief Religious and Administrative Authority for the Western Hemisphere.