Meet our Volunteers
Samjhana Gurung Shrestha
Program Lead / Sagarmatha Cluster Teacher, Year 11
Samjhana Gurung Shrestha spearheaded the establishment of Nepali Class Boston, an educational initiative under the aegis of Boston Tamu Samaaj in 2014. Driven by a profound vision to safeguard the language, culture, and heritage of Nepal for future generations, she embarked on this endeavor to ensure that even in a distant land, these cherished traditions remain vibrant and celebrated. With an unwavering commitment to her students, Samjhana places paramount importance on nurturing meaningful relationships within the classroom. Her greatest joy stems from igniting a passion for learning, fostering an environment where curiosity thrives and knowledge flourishes.
Bringing over two decades of teaching experience to the table, Samjhana is a seasoned educator with a solid foundation in both elementary and special education. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from Lesley University, further enriching her pedagogical expertise. Beyond her role as an educator, Samjhana is renowned for her tireless dedication to social work within the Nepalese diaspora community. Her altruistic endeavors, particularly in uplifting the children of Nepali families in Greater Boston, exemplify her compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
In her leisure time, Samjhana finds solace in nature through daily hikes with her beloved German Shepherd, Kaiser. Additionally, she indulges in activities such as solving puzzles and immersing herself in the nostalgic melodies of old Nepali and Hindi songs, reflecting her appreciation for simplicity and cultural heritage.
Kamala Gurung
Bagmati Cluster Teacher, Year 8
Kamala Gurung's journey with Nepali Class Boston is deeply rooted in her desire to ensure her daughters, Sudikshya and Jenna, remain connected to their cultural heritage. From their home in Northborough, Kamala has been dedicated to sending her daughters to NCB since its inception in 2014. Witnessing the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the teachers at NCB deeply inspired her, prompting her to seize the opportunity to officially join the team herself. Now serving as a Lead Teacher of the Bagmati Cluster, Kamala is grateful for the chance to contribute to the organization that has had such a profound impact on her children's lives.
For Kamala, being part of NCB brings immense joy and fulfillment. She observes the positive difference it makes in the lives of the attending children, and she is thankful for the opportunity to both volunteer and be a parent within the organization.
Prabina Rai
Koshi Cluster Teacher, Year 9
Integration Consultant by profession, Prabina Rai is an avid NCB supporter & considers herself fortunate to be part of this family since 2016. She strongly believes in preserving and promoting Nepali culture and language, and teaches one of the Intermediate classes. Like every other NCB member, Prabina shares NCB’s vision of cherishing and celebrating Nepali tradition, culture and language. She finds immense joy in working with kids and watching them learn, flourish and enjoy the process of integrating their current environment with that of their parents. Alumni of UMASS, Boston; Prabina is a strong proponent of giving back to the society in whatever small way she can, and thinks of being part of this initiative as a privilege.
Parashu Ram Phuyal
Mahakali Cluster Teacher, Year 9
Parashu Ram Phuyal, father of two kids Pranawa Phuyal and Parnika Phuyal, lives in Billerica, Massachusetts. He earned his Master of Laws (LLM) from Northeastern University, Boston; Master of Laws (LLM), Bachelor’s Degree in Law (BL), and Proficiency Certificate Level in Law (PCL), from Nepal Law Campus, and Master in Sociology (MA Sociology) from Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University (TU) and High School from Kanti Bhairav High School, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Parashu Ram works as a Service Coordinator (Nepali) in Somerville: Office of Immigrant Affairs, City of Somerville, Massachusetts. He also serves as a Council Member of the Cultural Council of Billerica Town, Massachusetts. He loves to work with the Nepali Community at large. He was/is actively working in various Nepali Community Organizations in the Greater Boston Area including Nepali Class Boston (NCB).
Parashu Ram had worked as a Law Intern in Cambridge Public School (CPS) Legal Counsel for a few months; and had worked as an Advocate (Attorney) for eight-years in Nepal. He had served in other different active roles in the Community. He had served as a School Council Member of Cambridge Public School, and Chairperson of Parent’s Council of Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) HeadStart Policy Council.
Parashu has been, and is, an ardent supporter of the preservation of Nepali language and culture. He has taken a leading role in the NCB team since 2016 and runs Mahakali Cluster.
Kala Aryal
Karnali Cluster Teacher, Year 6
Kala is a mother of two beautiful girls, Ainsley and Aiyana. She loves working with children. When there was an opportunity to join the team, it was a dream come true. She’s a friendly and outgoing person who loves spending quality time with her family. She has a double bachelors in Business Studies and Education from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Prior to moving to the United States, she worked as a banker. Today, she is an Orthodontist Assistant in Waltham.
Uman Gurung
Lumbini Cluster Teacher, Year 3
Uman Gurung is a proud father of two kids, Anushka and Anuj and doting husband to wife, Juguna. His family lives in Northborough. His daughter Anushka has been a student at Nepali Class Boston since 2017. He is motivated to become a volunteer because he believes Nepali Class Boston is the best platform that helps kids to learn Nepali and closely connect with the culture and traditions of Nepal.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physics and a Master's Degree in Sociology from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. He has a decade-long experience working in an international non-profit organization in Nepal. Currently, he works with Bank of America and is the Secretary at Boston Tamu Samaaj.
Narayani Rimal
Gandaki Cluster Teacher, Year 3
Narayani Rimal loves to teach. Back in Nepal, she was a teacher for three years and taught kindergarteners to second graders. In her experience, teaching is never a one-way road; the teacher also learns from the student. Her love for teaching motivated her to be a part of the program. She wants to enrich the children with the beauty of Nepal’s culture. Narayani hopes to stay connected with her own culture while she teaches these young children.
Hira Shrestha
Admin, Year 2
Hira Shrestha (she/her/hers) was born and raised up to her adolescence in Bhojpur Bazaar, Nepal. Hira spent most of her early adulthood in Kathmandu before migrating to the US in 2006 to pursue a degree in American education. While Boston has been herhome for over 7 years now, she spent 8 years in Maine where she completed a Masters degree in Developmental Clinical Psychology. She is a Healthcare clinical researcher by profession but she used to be a teacher for private schools as well as language institutes in Kathmandu for several years that sparked in her a curiosity to learn about the science behind learning and led her to where she is today. So she has a very special place in her heart for this noble profession and a great regard for those who can and choose to teach.
Like many others, she first learned about Nepali Class Boston in an effort to find Nepali children's community for her daughter who is half Nepali. Upon some research, she learned that it is a volunteer-run program with no fees to join which sounded so impressive and almost impossible given the volume of children this program is supporting. So she felt the urge to help out any way she could to support this initiative so that Nepali American children like hers could have a continued opportunity to stay connected to their cultural identity.
Hira loves music, hiking, camping, organizing, and making meaningful connections with people.
Arjun Poudel
Koshi Cluster Teacher, Year 2
Trained as an English major, Arjun Poudel has been teaching for over 30 years now. His teaching career began in Nepal as a primary-level boarding-school teacher. In joining the NCB, he has been motivated by a belief that Boston’s Nepalis should and can have a greatly vibrant community life. Arjun believes that bringing our children together and having them learn our history, language and culture goes a long way towards ensuring such a life for the entire community.
साथीहरु, म अंग्रेजी बिषयको उच्च शिक्षा र बिगत तीस बर्ष देखिको शिक्षण अनुभव सहित नेपाली क्लास बोस्टोनमा संलग्न भएको हुँ। शिक्षण क्षेत्रको मेरो यो यात्रा नेपालमा प्राथमिक तहको एक शिक्षकको रुपमा शुरु भएको थियो। बोस्टोनका नेपालीहरु बीच अत्यन्त गाढा पारस्परिक सम्बन्ध सहितको जनजीवन जरुरी र सम्भव छ भन्ने विश्वासले प्रेरित भएर म नेपाली क्लास बोस्टोनमा सम्मिलित भएको हुँ। हॉम्रा बाबुनानीहरुलाई एकत्र गरी उनीहरुलाई हॉम्रो ईतिहॉस, भाषा र संस्कृति सिकाएर नै यस्तो जनजीवन सुनिश्चित गर्न सकिन्छ भन्ने मेरो विश्वास छ।
Sumitra Atreya Acharya
Sagarmatha Cluster Teacher, Year 2
Sumitra Acharya's dedication to volunteering for Nepali Class Boston reflects her deep commitment to preserving and promoting Nepali culture and language, even in a distant land from her home country. As a mother of two, she understands the significance of passing down cultural values and language to the next generation. By volunteering at Nepali Class, Sumitra aims to contribute to the educational journeys of children, ensuring they have access to resources and support in learning and embracing their Nepali heritage. Her involvement underscores the importance of community involvement and collective efforts in nurturing cultural identity and language proficiency among diaspora communities.
Meet our Youth Volunteers
Reiyana Tuladhar
Gandaki Cluster Youth Volunteer, Year 3
Reiyana is currently a student at Belmont High School. She started at Nepali Class Boston (NCB) as a student in 2017, and became a Youth Volunteer in 2022. At school, Reiyana founded her own club called Nepali Society, where she teaches her peers about the culture, traditions, and food. In her free time, she likes to watch foreign TV shows and try new snacks.
During her six years as a student at NCB, she has gained plenty of knowledge about the Nepali language and culture. She wishes to guide new and returning students through similar explorations into their diverse traditions and beliefs.
Parnika Phuyal
Lumbini Cluster Youth Volunteer, Year 3
Parnika is a senior at Billerica Memorial High School. She lives with her parents, older brother, and grandparents in Billerica, MA.
Parnika has participated in many community events displaying Nepali dance. She has worked in different community events as a volunteer. Parnika’s hobbies are dancing, drawing, and painting.
Parnika was formerly a Nepali Class Boston (NCB) student for eight years. From her experience, she understands the value of learning the language and culture of Nepal. She has been serving as a youth volunteer role in the Nepali Class Boston Team since 2021. She is playing an important role in the cultural performances of Nepali Class Boston. In her volunteer role. Parnika hopes to be able to take what she learned in Nepali class and try her best to help educate the students.
Juli Oli
Mahakali Cluster Youth Volunteer, Year 2
Juli Oli is a junior at Belmont High School. She plays volleyball and loves bike-riding with her friends. She has always loved working with kids and is excited to share her passion for Nepali culture with them. She is ready to build connections, spread values of the Nepali heritage and make an impact in the lives of these youths. Through volunteering at NCB, she hopes to gain more leadership and communication skills.
Mili Oli
Bagmati Cluster Youth Volunteer, Year 2
Mili Oli is an amicable junior at Belmont High School. She is very eager to start her first year as a youth volunteer in Nepali Class Boston. She enjoys reading as well as taking walks in nature. Mili wishes to work with kids in the future, so she is very excited about this opportunity to be able to share her knowledge with the younger kids. Mili hopes that being a part of NCB will help keep the connection between Nepalis and their culture alive and spread the values of Nepali culture.
Kunji Pandey
Gandaki Cluster Youth Volunteer, Year 2
Kunji Pandey is a sophomore at Brookline High School. She joined NCB as a student in 2014 and is excited to be a volunteer now! She enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time with her friends. At NCB, she wants to help students learn more about Nepali language, community, and culture. She finds pride in her cultural identity, and wants Nepali youth to feel the same. She looks forward to joining a passionate team of volunteers, and she’s excited to develop her leadership and social skills along the way.
Sankriti Paneru
Koshi Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 2
Sanskriti Paneru is a junior at Norwood High School. She grew up in America but she was born and raised her first two years in Nepal. She currently lives with her parents, two younger siblings, and grandparents.
Sanskriti’s hobbies include dancing, writing, cooking, listening to music, painting, and running. She currently does track and field, French club, and works as an instructor at Aquatots Swim School.
Her life experiences have shaped her and taught her different skills and abilities and she hopes to further those to make a difference in her Nepali community. She has grown to embrace her unique Nepali culture and hopes the kids living in America may feel the same pride. She believes in the significance of the Nepali language as a major way to connect to family. As a former NCB student of six years, Sanskriti wishes for kids to share the same wonderful experience as she had.
Aadi Pudasaini
Sagarmatha Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 2
This is Aadi Pudasaini’s third year living in the Boston area. He is a sophomore in high school. He likes to go biking, play music, and hang out with friends. He joined Nepali Class Boston because it is an opportunity for him to find new friends while simultaneously learning about Nepali culture.
Aayan
Gandaki Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 1
Aayan is a sophomore in high school. He first joined Nepali Class Boston in 2016 as a student. This time around, he is back in the program as a volunteer. He looks forward to working with the team to help kids learn about their community and culture. In his role as a youth volunteer, he wishes to draw from and build upon the knowledge and values he gained from being a student.
Aayan enjoys reading books, hiking and listening to music in his free time
Aryan Adhikari
Lumbini Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 1
Aryan Adhikari is a junior at Malden High School. He enjoys playing sports and working out with friends. He especially loves biking because it is both relaxing and fun as well as an efficient mode of transportation to commute to work, gym, park, etc. Aryan joined Nepali Class Boston looking for new opportunities and avenues to learn new things.
Suraj Aryal
Koshi Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 1
Suraj Aryal is a freshman at Brookline High School. He started his Nepali Class Boston (NCB) journey in 2016 as a student and is looking forward to being a volunteer. He enjoys playing the piano, tennis, listening to music and hanging out with friends. At NCB, Suraj wants to help kids learn about their cultural heritage and to teach them to appreciate their culture while giving them a wonderful experience such as when he was a student.
Simran Paudyal
Lumbini Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 1
Simran Paudyal is a senior at Belmont High School. She was born in Boston, but spent her early years in Nepal and visits every few years. Constantly moving from city to city growing up, Nepali Class Boston (NCB) is important to Simran as it has kept her strongly connected to her Nepali community and heritage, no matter where she moved. Now, she is excited to give back as a volunteer, helping other students learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys reading, curating playlists, hanging out with friends, and playing games.
Simran’s commitment to service extends beyond NCB. Her involvement with the UNICEF club and the Nepali Club at school has allowed her to develop valuable skills, which she is eager to apply at NCB.
Maya Rimal
Sagarmatha Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 1
Maya Rimal is a freshman at Burlington High School. Maya initially joined Nepali Class Boston (NCB) in its first year when she was just four years old. Now she is excited to return as a youth volunteer! She loves working with kids and wants all of the NCB students to have fun and be proud of their heritage. Maya practices taekwondo and enjoys painting, cooking and the outdoors.
Nirvahn Sharma
Bagmati Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 1
Nirvahn Sharma is very excited to be a volunteer at Nepali Class Boston (NCB). He has been a student of the program for the last four years and has learned so much about our rich culture and made some very good Nepali friends through this program. He is optimistic that this volunteer opportunity will allow him to support students by sharing his student experiences and at the same time, improve his leadership skills.
He is currently a sophomore at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School in Danvers in their Automotive Design and Maintenance program. He is very passionate about cars and hopes to start his own automotive store in the near future. In his free time, Nirvahn likes to travel, listen to music and play video games.
Reva Upadhayay
Karnali Cluster Youth Volunteer - Year 1
Reva Upadhayay is a sophomore at Malden High School. She is a varsity cheerleader, and a member of the "Mindful Minds" club which focuses on mental health. She enjoys reading, writing, spending time with my family, and dining out. Reva loves kids and is excited to share her cultural knowledge while learning alongside others. She is confident these experiences will shape her as a person and help her in the future. Even though she was born and raised in America, she is a firm believer that they, as the new generation, should preserve and embrace our cultural roots and identity.