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About iSpark

Two decades of Montessori practice,
built by a Montessori educator.

iSpark Montessori House was founded on a simple belief: that children raised with freedom, respect and the right environment will grow into independent, capable individuals — in their own time, not on a fixed schedule.

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Our founder

Manisha Kanoria Lohia

An educator by passion, a Montessorian by purpose, and a holistic practitioner for children.
 

Manisha Kanoria Lohia, an accountancy graduate turned Montessori educator, followed her passion for nurturing young minds. Trained at The London Montessori Centre, she founded Vatsalya Montessori House in Chennai in 2002 and later helped establish Montessori departments in established schools, including Lady Andal Matriculation School.
 

With years of experience and a deep commitment to child-centred education, she founded iSpark Montessori House of Children in Mylapore, creating an environment where children can explore, learn independently, and develop at their own pace.
 

A Kathak dancer, advanced yoga practitioner, and writer, Manisha believes in nurturing the whole child — mind, body, and spirit.
 

Her vision is simple: to create an environment where every child is respected, independence flourishes, and each child’s unique potential unfolds naturally.

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Our Story

The journey from one Montessori to another Montessori House of Children

2002

Manisha founded Vatsalya Montessori House, her first classroom, in Chennai.

2003–2020

Early childhood development work

2025

Recognised as Tamil Nadu's Outstanding Preschool for Holistic Learning.

Today

iSpark Montessori House operates from Mylapore, running Toddler, Primary and Daycare programmes for children 18 months to 6 years.

Our Faculty

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Mrs. M. Thamizh Selvi

Principal – iSpark Montessori House of Children

Mrs. M. Thamizh Selvi is a qualified and experienced Montessori educator with a strong foundation in Montessori philosophy, child development, and educational leadership. Trained at the Indian Montessori Training Centre (IMTC), Chennai, she holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, bringing a deeper understanding of human development and social well-being to her educational practice. As a member of the Indian Montessori community, she is committed to upholding the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, nurturing independence, and the holistic development of every child through purposeful, child-centred learning experiences.

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Mrs. Jeevarani

Toddler Adult

Mrs. Jeevarani holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and brings 15 years of valuable experience working with toddlers and playgroup children. A gentle, nurturing, and passionate educator, she understands the importance of creating a warm, secure, and stimulating environment during the early years of development. Her creativity and enthusiasm for art and craft activities enrich children’s everyday experiences, encouraging exploration, sensory engagement, and joyful learning.

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Mrs. Padmavathi D

Montessori Adult – Primary

Mrs. Padmavathi D is currently pursuing Montessori Teacher Training at the Indian Montessori Training Centre (IMTC), Chennai, with a keen interest in nurturing children’s independence, curiosity, and holistic development through the Montessori philosophy. An MBA graduate with three years of experience in HR and administration, she brings strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to the Montessori environment, fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere for children’s learning and growth.

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Mrs. Gita

Physical Fitness Associators & Trainers

Mrs. Gita is the founder of Maverick Fit Kids and collaborates with iSpark Montessori House of Children to support children’s physical development through structured physical education programmes. Mavericks Fit Kids is recognised by the Government for Children well being. Her approach focuses on creating meaningful movement experiences that nurture physical fitness, coordination, confidence, and holistic development. Through a well-designed and inclusive programme, she aims to empower children, support educators, provide measurable outcomes for schools, and build parents’ confidence in their children’s overall growth and well-being.

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Mrs. Vaishnavi

Dance Associator & Trainer

Mrs. Vaishnavi is an experienced dance educator, administrator, and senior choreographer at Zero-6 Dance and Fitness, one of Chennai’s leading dance schools specialising in professional Hip-Hop training. With extensive experience teaching children and adults, she brings creativity, rhythm, and energy to every session. A certified Zumba instructor since 2014, she is passionate about nurturing children’s confidence, coordination, self-expression, and physical well-being through dance and movement.

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Mrs. Mala Chetri 

Head Nutritionist

Mrs. Mala Chetri is a dedicated clinical nutritionist with 19 years of experience as a senior dietitian. She plays a vital role at iSpark by thoughtfully planning nutritious and balanced meals for children. With a strong understanding of different food groups and their nutritional benefits, she ensures that every meal provides the essential nutrients children need for healthy growth and development. She also emphasizes variety, balance, and wholesome food choices while minimizing junk food, helping children develop healthy eating habits from an early age.

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Mrs. Aqeela Thaseen A. K.

Academics Coordinator

Mrs. Aqeela Thaseen A. K. holds a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics, advanced teacher training, and over 10+ years of experience working with children. Her journey at iSpark started as junior nutritionist, digital person, and now grown as an academic coordinator. Combining her understanding of child development with creativity and innovative thinking, she is committed to enhancing learning experiences and supporting iSpark’s academic growth. Her dedication to continuous learning, creativity, and holistic child development makes her a valuable member of the iSpark team.

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Mr. Charles

Administration

Mr. Charles supports the smooth functioning of iSpark Montessori House of Children through his administrative responsibilities. With a focus on coordination, organisation, and day-to-day operational support, he contributes to maintaining an efficient and well-organised environment for the team, children, and families.

What we stand for

Three ideas behind everything we do

The child leads

A prepared environment exists so the child can choose their own work, at their own pace, rather than follow ours.

Mind, body and spirit together

Movement, nutrition and emotional security are treated as part of learning,
not separate from it.

Independence over instruction

Trained adults observe and guide rather than direct, so a child's confidence comes from their own effort.

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Our Values

  • We believe in nurturing the complete well-being of a child, encompassing their physical, mental, and emotional development. Our programs are designed to cultivate a sense of balance and harmony.

  • We celebrate the innate curiosity of children and ignite sparks of happiness. Our learning experiences are crafted to inspire a love for exploration and discovery.

  • Recognising the uniqueness of each child, we encourage personalised learning experience. We instil a sense of discipline, confidence-building, and self-esteem in the child.

  • Learning should be a joyful experience. We infuse fun into every lesson, activity, and playtime, ensuring children associate the process of learning with happiness and enthusiasm.

  • We celebrate diversity and create a space where every child learns not only from our programs but also from the experiences shared by their peers. Together, we develop a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Achievements

While our biggest reward is seeing a child find their own way, it’s also special when others notice the heart we put into our work.

Montessori Global Award

iSpark was the recipient of the 2025 Montessori Global Award for Community Learning Initiative of the Year. This recognition celebrated our efforts to expand Montessori principles and create positive social change among communities globally.

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Outstanding Preschool for Holistic Learning

In 2025, iSpark was honoured as Tamil Nadu’s Outstanding Preschool for Holistic Learning. To us, this award was a beautiful sign that more people across the country are discovering the power of the Montessori method and choosing a holistic and self-paced learning experience for their child.

+91 88259 70607

044-43570807

iSpark Montessori House of Children.

8/17, 8th Street, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004

Admissions 2026

Come see the environment before you decide

Write in, call, or drop by 8th Street to walk through the Toddler, Primary and Daycare environments and meet our teachers.

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