“I want to help them grow.”
 Where are you from and where have you lived?
I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. I then moved to Paris, France in 1988. After 4 years of living there, I moved to Washington D.C.
Did you have a previous career or other interesting jobs before you became a teacher?
No. I was a full time mother and also a child caregiver, but I volunteered at several Montessori schools and libraries in D.C.
What and where did you study?
When I studied in Sri Lanka, I wanted to become a lawyer, but before I could finish my studies I moved to France then D.C. In D.C., I studied Early Childhood Education and earned honors in associate. I have one more year to go to complete my bachelors.
When did you come to Murch and in what capacity?
I had an opportunity to join Murch staff in 2001 as a teacher's aide.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Both my children (Sharmen, 15 and my son, 20) attended Murch. I first became a volunteer at the school. Helping out at Murch made me realize how much I love children, and how much I wanted to help them grow. So I decided to become a part of Murch.
What has been your greatest challenge as a teacher?
Not having enough time is always a challenge. I wish we had more time for teaching so that we can expand our lesson plans.
What is your most memorable classroom moment?
During my second year of teaching, one of the class parents lent us four hermit crabs. One day, we discovered that the hermit crabs were missing. We investigated, and realized that one of our students had tilted a branch that the crabs would climb. The child tilted the branch upward (out of the tank) which helped the hermit crabs climb out and escape. We found them a month later near the entrance of the Kaufman wing door, surprisingly and thankfully still alive.
What would you say is unique about your classroom? Is there a particular project, theme or method you’ve developed for your classes that you’re particularly proud of or that has really made an impact on the students and the way you teach?
In the classrooms I have worked in, I have enjoyed doing many art projects with the children. Many of these art projects relate to the theme we are discussing. In my opinion, by doing these art projects, the children understand the curriculum better than just audio learning.
What enhancements/curriculum would you like to see at Murch?
I would like to see more opportunities for children to be involved in after school clubs and activities. Hopefully I will have an art program in the future.
What hobbies or volunteer activities do you do? What do you do when you’re not at Murch?
My hobbies include cooking, doing needlework, taking walks, meditating, and listening to the radio. Also, I volunteer at my Buddhist temple. If I can find time, I want to be involved in volunteering at another organization.
What special or unusual skills do you feel you bring to the table, which we might not expect – languages, unusual jobs you’ve held, peace corps, flamenco dancing, whatever!
I have a special interest in art and crafts. I also have always had an interest in Indian dance.
Finish this sentence: “If I weren’t a teacher's aide, I’d be a…”
I love my job. I hope to continue working at Murch for as long as I can. But, if I had to change my career, I would want to be a lawyer.
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