About Us
As a student or concerned parent – you want to get the best out of your high school, college and university education. We are a committed team at Lesli – to ensure that you do make the most informed decision about your education and career choice and guide you all the way to the right educational and career pathway.
We have the experience and skill to help you achieve your dream education. When you are seeking admission in the best colleges and universities in USA, Canada, UK, Europe or any other destination including India – trust us to be your reliable partner.
That is Lesli for you – Learning to Excel in School and Life.
Santanu Choudhury
Lesli Founder and Career Counselor
Founding partner – Santanu holds a B.Tech ’84 (IIT Kharagpur) and PGP’86 (IIM Ahmedabad), Santanu quit his corporate work life in 2010 and prior to Lesli founded a very successful skill development institution in 2011. At Lesli he oversees and guides the team on academic and career planning for the students apart from leading the Career Counseling practice. Read More ...
Santanu has 25 years of corporate experience across Banking and Finance, IT – ITES, Telecommunication and Aviation sectors. Keenly interested in Business Economics and Technology – he follows worldwide developments impacting the nature of jobs and employment. He is passionate about career counselling to lead the students towards acquiring the right education and skills.
Dipti Punjabi
Lesli Partner for Study Abroad Services
Dipti along with few others, pioneered the Study Abroad practices in India. Since almost 2 decades, she has been researching this domain and has advised thousands of students. Her students who are studying or graduated from prestigious universities in USA (Columbia University, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University among others), Canada (University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo to name a few), Europe or other geographies – will testify to the plethora of knowledge, dedication and sheer honesty with which she has advised and helped each one.
Shalini Sagar
Lesli Senior Counsellor
“A vocation that is tailormade for me, a job that I enjoy doing” is how Shalini describes what she does as an Academic Counsellor at Lesli India. Her own experience of sending two of her own children to high school in India and two of the best foreign universities – is what inspired her journey to be a counsellor. Working under the overall guidance of the Chief Counsellor she counsels, guides and mentors students preparing to enter college life. Read More ...
Shalini plays an important role in helping students' build their diverse interest and skillsets – so important for children to develop in preparation for their college education, their future career and admission to tier 1 colleges and universities. This entails concerted research to identify summer schools, internships and a range of other activities as suited for each student. She supports the admission application process, extensively researching into the program structure, admission prerequisites and available scholarships - for numerous universities, multiple disciplines, and their programs. This invariably gets her involved in several rounds of discussions, vetting and explanations with the student (and parents), so that he/she can successfully undertake the application process with ease and gain the desired distinctions. Shalini's past experience as a schoolteacher honed her abilities to develop personal connect with the student and parents.
Niloufer Irani
Lesli Essay Coach
A warm smile and an endearing personality, Lesli's Essay Coach, Niloufer not only has a way with words but is also very approachable. Combining her love for teaching and English, she started her career as a Test Prep Verbal Trainer in 2007. Students taught by her for SAT, GRE and GMAT consistently scored high in Verbal section including many in the top 10 percentile. scores. Read More ...
She brings the same passion to Lesli, guiding our students to tap their potential and delve deeper to come up with outstanding Essays. Her brainstorming sessions with the students are engaging, which results in students being able to showcase their unique profile through the Essays and Personal Statements. Her students have been admitted to top schools around the world, including INSEAD, LSE, NYU, ESSEC, IMD and HEC.
Ms Chinu Vasudeva
Lesli Test Prep Mentor
Chinu has more than 14 years of experience in educational counselling and training industry and is one of the finest GMAT coach world-wide. She has immense passion for mentoring and coaching students in finding their dream academic and career destinations. That is why although being a graduate of prestigious colleges of LSR and St. Stephens’ she could have pursued many other lucrative career opportunities, she chose to be a trainer and counsellor. Chinu has played leadership roles in training and counselling for study abroad programs in various organizations such as The Princeton Review, CL Educate, Veritas Prep and Educomp. Read More ...
At Lesli, Chinu leads a team of dedicated and passionate professional trainers. Our trainers backed with upto 20 years of experience in their respective subject area, have also mastered the skill of tailoring their pedagogy as appropriate for a student’s need. This is one of the reasons for our students consistently outperforming themselves in every test. Therefore, whether you are an undergraduate applicant preparing for SAT, ACT, APs, IELTS/TOEFL or a Graduate applicant preparing for GRE or GMAT, you will get the best test prep experience at Lesli. Coaching under our expert trainers will surely contribute to your skills at bettering your score and reaching a step closer to your dream university and career.
Professional experts and student advisors
Kunal Ambasht
Kunal was awarded a full scholarship at Boston University (MBA Class of 2009), based on his demonstrated abilities early in his career. He scored 710 on his GMAT and convinced the universities through his essays why he should be considered not only for admission but also or a scholarship to their MBA program.
In the last 10+ years, his experience and empathy has enabled him to guide more than 400 candidates in building a strong case for their study abroad aspirations.
Kunal is a thought leader in economic & purposeful learning with deep knowledge of India’s complex education landscape. In the recent past, he institutionalised B2B division at Saral Energy for Education, accelerated Life-Skill program development at Shirsa Labs and lead the creation of Central Cell at EGE Global to set up standard operating procedures with team members across India, US, UK, Canada and Europe. Read More ...
He has also completed contractual projects for different clients such as Boston's Children's Museum, Cape Verdean Association, LINC Education, IMS Centre for International Education and Asha for Education.
Payal Sethi
Payal has over 7 years experience as an Essay and Education Counselor, and has worked with study abroad firms in the past. Her strength lies in guiding students on how to express and present themselves when applying to universities abroad. She is an independent filmmaker by profession and studied filmmaking first at Vassar College, and then at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She was a Development Executive at Mira Nair’s Mirabai Films, and a Program Director for the Independent Feature Project and the Tribeca Film Festival.
She made her directorial debut with the short film 'Grant St. Shaving Co.’, which won the best film award at The Smalls Film Festival and the Florence River to River Film Festival, and the Silver Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival. Her last short film, "Leeches" has screened at over 60 film festivals to date, and has won numerous national and international awards, including the National Film Award of India.
Dr. Nikhil Nasta
Being a gold medallist in MBBS from DY Patil College, Dr. Nikhil went on to specialize in Ophthalmology from JNMC, Belgaum. There, he was honoured with a Smt. Chandanmohan Gold Medal for ranking first in College and third in University. His academic honors spread further to two fellowship programs-one in Diabetic Retinopathty and lasers, and the other in Glaucoma diagnostics from Aravind Eye hospital in Madurai. Subsequently, he pursued his passion for teaching with an assignment at K.J. Somaiya College and currently heads the Teacher's Association there. He also takes time out to train DNB PG students and CPS DOMS students and nurses for ophthalmic assistantship. Being an active member of the Bombay Ophthalmologists Association, he has addressed many conferences on this subject in India, Bangkok and Hong Kong. With a long list of publications in reputed academic journals to his credit, Dr. Nikhil has achieved a great deal in a short span of time. Starting off as a Junior Ophthalmic Surgeon at Pramukhswami Eye Hospital he established his own clinic at Shivaji Park. After gathering a considerable amount of experience at various hospitals he set up the successful, ‘I-sight Eye Care and Surgery'. Read More ...
Dr. Nikhil Nasta's clients (patients) include prominent business families, celebrities and international clients from Dubai, U.K., U.S.A and even far off New Zealand. The most sophisticated equipment at ‘I-sight Eye Care and Surgery' ensure highest standard of personalised eye care to their patients. They believe in updating and moving ahead continually in pursuit for excellence.
Mayuri Ketkar
Post completion of her Masters in Computer Science from Pune University, Ms Mayuri Ketkar went on to pursue a career within the hugely sought-after field of Data Science. Having started her career as a Software Engineer with L&T Infotech in Pune, in 2011, she has worked her way through to currently working as a Project Manager with Mindstix Software Labs. Her current role includes guiding a team of data scientists in employing critical thinking to solve dynamic and complex business problems and complementing achievement of results by adopting popular project management techniques such as the Agile methodology.
During her 8-year professional journey, Mayuri's experiences along the way have included working with multiple Business Intelligence tools, Database Designing, MVC Architecture, Development of SAP Java web applications, Predictive Analytics, Implementation of ML Algorithms, and gathering business requirements and conversion of these into BI tools. Her academic certifications in exploratory Data Analysis and Python programming track have been strong catalysts during her career journey so far. Read More ...
In addition, Mayuri also has rich experience in working with popular Data Analytics tools such as Python and R along with various statistical & algebraic techniques including Google API's which facilitate creation of insightful business dashboards supplemented with fascinating visualization techniques.
Adhirath Sethi
Adhirath Sethi graduated from the London School of Economics with a BSc in Economics, and was a Prize Finalist with First Class Honours. A former management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Adhirath took the plunge into the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship.
Since joining Poly Fluoro Ltd. in 2007, he worked to grow the company eight-fold and establish its reputation as one of the leading manufacturers in the field of high-performance polymers.
His time at Poly Fluoro Ltd. has been marked by a significant investment in new capabilities that has allowed the company to grow from a small manufacturer of basic items to a globally recognised player in value-added engineering plastics. State-of-the-art facilities and equipment are seeing the company move further into industries such as aerospace, precision instrumentation, renewable energy, railway, infrastructure and healthcare, with a deep focus on specialised technologies, design and high-performance applications. Read More ...
Adhirath is also Trustee with Agastya International Foundation, which runs one of the largest hands- on science education programs for children and teachers in the world.
In his free time, Adhirath dabbles in his favourite hobby - writing. In May 2015, his first book - The Debt Collector's Due - was published. In 2019, the second book - Where the Hills Hide their Secrets - was released. In addition to this, he is a regular contributor to Arre.co.in, where his articles focus on business satire.
Amruta Kulkarni
Amruta is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a founding partner of A M Kulkarni & Co. Chartered Accountants based out of Pune. Her areas of practice are Auditing & Assurance, Direct Taxation and Financial Advisory.
In addition, Amruta involves herself in mentoring CA aspirant students in successfully clearing the CA course with her brainchild activity of "psychological counselling & mentoring, and designing a customized study plan". She has delivered numerous career counselling programs at high schools and junior colleges on behalf of the Pune branch of ICFAI & the Pune branch of WICASA.
Amruta's paper on "optimizing Intelligence quotient, Emotional Quotient, Physical Quotient and Spiritual Quotient" was selected in the "Top 20 best papers" at the National Conference for Women CA's in Pune during 2016. Read More ...
Amruta is a former visiting faculty for financial services at MBA department, Pune University (PUMBA) and various other leading institutions for Economics - CA-CPT exam. Amruta has recently been selected to the Managing Committee of the Pune branch of WIRC of ICAI for the term 2019-22.
Amruta has also been involved as a motivational speaker at various forums. She has re-told some of the engrossing Akbar-Birbal tales and the age-old Aesop's fables and pointed out the morals involved in such narratives, which remain fresh as ever, that has encouraged students to tackle problems creatively.
Advait Ketkar
Director - Transparency Market Research Pvt Ltd
BE in Electronic and Telecommunication - Mumbai University, MBA - Marketing from IBS, Executive Programme on Business Analytics - IIMC
Advait started his career as Senior Executive in Gaming and has quickly moved up the corporate ladder in a short time, now serving as Director in a Market Research firm.
He has 9+ years of overall experience, both within the technology side and the business side, spanning multiple domains such as Operations, Market Research, Human Resources, Strategy and E-Commerce. Advait has a proven track record in building partnerships with key stakeholders, including vendors, resellers, and distributors to maximize business opportunities and revenues. He also looks after the legal accepts of business contracts along with providing operational and infra support.
Mayuri Nikumbh
Design Director at Elephant
With a master’s degree in Visual Communication from Industrial Design Center, IIT Bombay, Mayuri has more than 15 years’ experience in areas like, branding and communication design, packaging design, digital media & films.
After successful stints at some digital and design firms, she now heads the Visual Communication vertical at Elephant – India’s top independent integrated design consultancy.
AN expert in design strategy, creative direction, deep understanding of culture and consumer behaviour as well as contextual trend-spotting, Mayuri has worked on some of the leading brands like Abbott, Britannia, Eicher Polaris, Epigamia, Fingerlix, Godrej, Heinz, Mars Foods, MTR Foods, Microsoft, Nestle, Nivea, Paperboat, PepsiCo, TATA, Voot and many more. She has led award-winning projects and contributed to the success of startups as well as well established brands. Read More ...
Mayuri has been voted as one of the 40 under Forty go-getters across the country in the creative field (Media, Advertising and Marketing) by Impact magazine. She is one of the few stand-alone women achievers in the prestigious list and the only person from the design industry.
Mayuri has also represented Elephant and India at the Asia-wide collaborative project “Colours of Asia” that culminated in an exhibition and seminar at the Hong Kong Design Institute where she was also a speaker.
Mayuri has been a seminar panellist, speaker and jury member at various design forums, competitions, institutions and print led events. Some of them include PrintWeek, Afaqs-Foxglove, Digipub and Pune Design Festival Awards. Mayuri also regularly mentors and guides young talent. She has recently been invited by Avantika University to join the Advisory Board of Studies for Design.
Her interest lies in the congregation of media & message and she is deeply inspired by cultures around the world as with the Indian culture, which she tries to reflect in her work expressions.
Ketaki Chorage
Entrepreneur – successfully running SEF Fitness Gym
Graduate in Yoga from Yog Vidya Dham in Nasik
Post graduate in Sports Nutrition from SNDT, Pune
Ketaki Chorage is a nutrition and fitness specialist. Her clients have reaped great benefits of the daily work out regime and proper nutrition guidance set by her. She feels a great sense of satisfaction, when people share their success stories on how being physically fit has improved their confidence, enhanced their career, made them more energetic. Also, mothers have shared how their kids have developed positive qualities like patience, tolerance and so on. Ketaki has been seamlessly running her own Gym for 8 years and continues to create a difference in each client’s life.
Dhaval Chorage
Consultant – Gym Management
Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology (DHMCT)
MBA : Certified personal trainer ACE (American Council on Exercise)
Certified Sports Nutritionist : Certification in Sports Swedish Massage Therapy
Dhaval Chorage has been a fitness evangelist right from his early days. With a national level gold awardee father as a role model, Dhaval realised the perks of fitness quickly as a kid and imbibed fitness as a way of life. Having dabbled in various fitness domains such as gym workouts, massage therapies, and nutrition, Dhaval went on to eventually own his own fitness centre in Pune. Read More ...
Dhaval has a single-minded focus – to influence as many human lives to adopt fitness as a culture, leading to an enrichment in mind and body. He has been extremely successful so far with many youngsters who he has coached in cities like Pune, Kolhapur, Nasik and Sangli. He believes that his journey has only just begun and there is much to do in coming years.
Preeti Singh
MBA (Marketing), PGDCAP, B.Ed, Speaker (Beauty and Wellness Expert)
Director - National Real Estate Development Council (MoHUA Government of India)
Preeti Singh has worked with Radio Mirchi, Economic Times, and India Architect and Builders.
She has also volunteered with CRY and OXFAM for child welfare.
With a strong Business Development and Marketing profile at the professional front, she pursued her passion for creating awareness on beauty and wellness - leading workshops and addressing women on different platforms. She shares her knowledge and experience to encourage and motivate women - To be beautiful - Inside Out
Janhvie Khele
Deputy General Manager, Legal & Company Secretary, Tata Cummins Pvt. Ltd.
CS, M.Com, LLB
Ms Janhvie Khele’s experience spans 12+ years in manufacturing industry. Janhvie holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Pune. She is also an Associate Member of Institute of Company Secretaries of India, New Delhi.
Janhvie is currently serving as Deputy General Manager – Legal at Cummins in India providing overall legal, regulatory, corporate secretarial and compliance support to its group company namely Tata Cummins Private Limited. Before joining Cummins, Janhvie was associated with Tata AutoComp Systems Limited since the year 2007. Read More ...
Janhvie believes in contributing and giving back to society which has also led her to participate in various CSR and pro-bono activities in organizations she has been associated with. She has worked towards providing education to under privileged children by associating with Door Step School (DSS) in the teach India initiative.
Heena Sharma
General Manage Brand Management and Communication - DP World Subcontinent
Master’s degree in International Business Management, (Southampton Solent University - UK), BA in Economics (Delhi University), Certificate in Leadership Management (Cranfield School of Management - UK), Strategic Leadership (Harvard Business Publishing), Digital Marketing Training Program (Delhi School of Internet Marketing)
Heena is a marketing professional with wide ranging commercial background. Over the last ten years, she has led and been part of various operations that have made noteworthy contributions to companies in India and overseas. Be it business development, marketing, customer relationship management, or employee training and development, her insights and leadership have strengthened each of these functions. She has used her expertise help the businesses she has worked with, grow manifold.
In a previous role, Heena was instrumental in building and managing a portfolio of over 20 clients, valued at $8 million. She also managed the corporate communications for which she created eye-catching visuals, and winning content copies for websites, promotional materials and newsletters. From 2006 to 2013, Heena was based in the United Kingdom where she gathered invaluable experience working with a number of esteemed international organisations. Read More ...
Heena was also awarded the merit certificate and the L.D Sagar Memorial prize for her outstanding performance in National Income and Accounting. She is currently a member of Bombay Chambers of Commerce’s Young Bombay Forum committee.
Ritu Mishra
Ritu has over 20 years of experience with proven achievements in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, Livelihood skill up-gradation,International Bilateral Trade and Capacity building. As a skilful expert in building partnerships, Ritu was instrumental in implementing and managing developmental projects across multiple geographies with various stakeholders.
During her long career span, Ritu worked with both International and Indian institutions in different capacities with her strength being interpersonal relations, strategic partnerships and project management. Ritu started her career as a Special Educator at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai where she was responsible for clinical and psycho-social assessment, design and develop appropriate interventions for better scholastic achievement, behavioural adjustment and environmental modifications for the child to reach his/her full potential. She was also involved in home-based support through parental guidance and counselling. Read More ...
Thereafter, Ritu worked as Special Educator, Centre for Special Education, Indian School, Muscat. Work involved dealing with problems of behaviour, development/learning disorders and emotional distress. Ritu was part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of clinical psychologist, speech therapist, physiotherapist and counsellors.
As a development professional, Ritu has extensive work experience in working with marginalized communities. She was Program Manager at Action Aid India, an international development organization working in over 40 countries globally. At Action Aid, Ritu's main area of focus was to advocate, influence and engage corporate sector into social development projects in partnership with non-profit organizations on one hand and provide support to NGO partners for strengthening their reach in the targeted area through funding, management resources and functional expertise, on the other.
In a business role, Ritu worked as Regional Manager for North and South India with Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She set up the regional offices in both Delhi and Bangalore and managed all the activities related to promotion of trade, investment, and cross-cultural collaborations between India and Italy through memberships and other promotional events in sectors of strategic interest for the two countries, principally, design, textiles, fashion, and cultural & educational exchanges.
In her last role as India Head of Corporate Responsibility, British Gas,Ritu was instrumental in developing BG's sustainable developmentstrategy involving a focused approach to social investmentsthat are linked to company's reputational and business objectives.
Ritu is a postgraduate in Clinical Psychology from University of Allahabad and has a master's degree in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She was an InternationalFellowin Philanthropy from City University, New York in 2001.