Meet the Team

The passionate educators and caregivers who make Nurtured Steps a warm, loving home for every child.

Ridwana Ali

Ridwana Ali

With 28 years of experience in education, Ridwana has built a diverse career spanning teaching, academic coordination, school leadership and management. Her journey has included roles as a Teacher, Academic Coordinator, Deputy Head and Head of Elementary. She holds a BBA in Marketing and an MBA in Human Resource Management and has also completed training in the basics of Applied Behaviour Analysis. 

Throughout her career, Ridwana has developed a special connection with children with diverse learning and developmental needs, as well as those who benefit from greater patience, understanding, and individual attention. Becoming a mother in 2006 further deepened her desire to create a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and included. 
As a founder and leader at Nurtured Steps, Ridwana brings together her years of experience in education and school management with her passion for children and inclusive practice. She hopes to create an environment where children are understood as individuals and given the encouragement and support they need to thrive. 
Her vision is to create a joyful and inclusive space where children learn through play, grow in confidence and character, build meaningful relationships, and take every step knowing they are cared for and truly belong.
Mehnaz Karim

Mehnaz Karim

With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics, and a Master’s degree in Global Development, Mehnaz brings a diverse academic background and a strong interest in learning, development, and the experiences that shape children’s early years. Her connection with education began at home, watching her mother dedicate more than 20 years to
teaching and shaping the lives of her students. Growing up around her work gave Mehnaz an early appreciation for the importance of a caring and supportive learning environment. After completing her education, she continued that journey through her own involvement in education, and over the past 10 years, her experience with students has developed into a genuine passion for their learning, confidence, and growth. As Director at Nurtured Steps, Mehnaz brings together her academic background, experience in
education and personal connection to the field to help shape an environment where children feel cared for, encouraged and inspired. She believes that the early years are a time of discovery, confidence-building, and developing a lifelong love for learning. Through Nurtured Steps, she hopes to create a place where children feel cared for, encouraged, and inspired from their earliest years.
Esmat Khan

Esmat Khan

With over 24 years of experience in education, Esmat has built a diverse career spanning teaching, academic leadership, coordination, and school management. Her experience has given her a broad understanding of both education and the different ways children learn and develop. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, reflecting her strong interest in and commitment to the early years. Her understanding of children has also been shaped by her personal journey as a mother of two. Through both her professional experience and motherhood, she has developed a deep appreciation for
the individual needs, personalities, and stages of development of young children. Her passion for the early years has continued to grow through her years of working with children and families.
At Nurtured Steps, Esmat brings together her experience in education, academic leadership and early childhood education to help create meaningful learning experiences for young children. She is passionate about creating an environment where children are encouraged to explore, develop their abilities and grow with confidence.
She believes that the early years provide an important foundation for lifelong learning, character, and emotional well-being. Her vision is to create a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to learn, grow, and flourish. For Esmat, working with young
children is not simply a profession—it is a passion, a purpose, and a privilege.
Debashis Ghosh Shuva

Debashis Ghosh Shuva

With 20 years of experience in education, Debashis Ghosh Shuva brings a diverse background in teaching, music, leadership and working with children. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in English. His professional journey has included teaching, academic responsibilities, event leadership and music education. His journey of working closely with children began in 2018 as a Guitar Instructor through extracurricular
activities. Over the years, his passion for teaching and connecting with young learners grew through his work as a Music teacher and Head of Events for Playgroup to Class 2. These experiences have strengthened his belief in the importance of making learning enjoyable, engaging and meaningful for children. As Head of Operations & Music at Nurtured Steps, Debashis combines his experience in education and leadership with his love for music and creativity. Through guitar, piano, ukulele, singing, and play, he enjoys creating opportunities for children to explore their interests, express themselves and learn with
confidence. He believes children learn when they are happy, encouraged, and given the freedom to express themselves. For Debashis, working with children is a source of joy and purpose, and he hopes to help create a warm, creative and nurturing environment at Nurtured Steps where every child feels comfortable to explore, discover and grow.