Summer Programs

Alison Halford

Visual Artist

Alison is a life long student of the arts, constantly experimenting with new media and techniques.  A visual Art graduate of Southern Oregon University, combined with her experience as a California credentialed teacher, allows her to bridge the gap between professional artistry and effective education.  Having taught  in diverse settings across the state brings a breadth of experience with various ages and types of learners.

Alison specializes in the intimacy of one-on-one teaching and the energy of small group workshops.  She believes that art education is most effective when it is personalized, and takes great pride in sharing technical drawing mastery and refined techniques with those looking to elevate their craft.

When she is not teaching or creating, she is likely indulging her love for herpetology and is eager to share fun facts about her pets.

Kinjal Parikh

Art Instructor

Kinjal Parikh is a qualified Chartered Accountant whose creative spirit finds expression through visual art. With a deep passion for detail and harmony, she specializes in intricate mandala designs, evocative animal sketches, and tranquil landscapes. Kinjal’s work reflects a unique blend of analytical precision and artistic intuition, offering viewers a sense of balance, beauty, and quiet storytelling.

Stephanie Wright-

Art Instructor

Stephanie Wright is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a passionate artist at heart. Mentored by Dr. Nidhi in landscape and still life painting, Stephanie brings creativity, discipline, and heart into every artwork. As a mother of a preschooler, she balances her professional and artistic journeys with grace, drawing inspiration from everyday life and nature.

Dr.Vrushali Dhage – Art Educator & Exhibition Curator

Dr. Vrushali Dhage is an accomplished art historian and exhibition curator based in the SF Bay Area. Her research explores the intersection of artistic practice, public engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration—especially in the context of ecological change and urban development. With a doctorate focused on the impact of economic globalization on contemporary Indian art, Dr. Dhage brings a critical and global perspective to her work. She has taught at the Department of Art History and Aesthetics, MSU Baroda, and delivered lectures across leading institutions in India. Her curatorial projects, residencies, and widely published research contribute richly to the evolving discourse on art and sustainability.

Dr. Nidhi L Sharda – Founder| Scholar | Pedagogue

Dr. Nidhi Sharda embodies a rare synthesis of aesthetic mastery and scientific inquiry. With a career spanning over 25 years—most notably as Professor and Head of Department at the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), India—she has dedicated her life to the rigorous intersection of material science and design excellence.

Her creative philosophy is anchored in a Ph.D. from the University of Delhi (Faculty of Science), where her doctoral research pioneered advancements in sustainable coloration and ecological textile systems. A prolific contributor to the global academic discourse, Dr. Sharda’s findings on natural pigments and environmental responsibility have been curated and presented in leading peer-reviewed international journals and high-level global forums.

For the last decade, Dr. Nidhi Sharda has translated her deep academic expertise into a transformative educational experience at Kalaa Art & Design. More than an art instructor, she cultivates a professional, interdisciplinary temperament in the next generation of creators, bridging the gap between artistic expression and STEM-focused design.

Dr. Sharda’s pedagogy transcends the canvas; she emphasizes the visualization, representation, and articulation of art as essential tools for the future. By integrating digital blogging and reflective inquiry, she empowers students to document and explain their creative process—transforming raw passion into a purposeful, eco-conscious practice. Through this synthesis of ancestral craft and modern innovation, she prepares young minds to stand at the vanguard of environmental ethics and sophisticated, future-ready design.

Saesha Sharda –

Part Time Instructor ( Fashion Design)

Saesha Sharda has trained in Art and Fashion Design at Kalaa Art & Design Academy for over seven years, developing a strong foundation in creativity, design, and artistic expression.

She is currently a Pre-Med student at UC Berkeley majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB). Beyond academics, Saesha is deeply involved in leadership and service—serving as Advocacy Chair for Undergraduate Street Medicine Outreach, Community Engagement Coordinator with the American Red Cross at Cal, and Social Media Manager for Cal Jazz Choir.

She has tutored students globally in SAT Math through Schoolhouse.world, and worked as a Research Scholar at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where her DNA research was published in GenBank (NCBI). Saesha also co-authored and illustrated a children’s book promoting neurodiversity and was a speaker at Stanford’s Neurodiversity Project (SNP-REACH).

Blending art, science, and advocacy, she reflects the multidisciplinary spirit of Kalaa.

Dr. Richa Jakhmola,

Knitting & Crochet Designer

Dr. Richa Jakhmola, a Knitting & Crochet Designer, brings together patience, precision, and creativity through her textile art. A doctor by profession, she has been passionately knitting and crocheting for nearly 20 years, transforming yarn into thoughtful, functional, and artistic creations. What began as a hobby has evolved into a refined craft, reflecting her deep understanding of texture, structure, and detail. Her work celebrates the therapeutic and timeless nature of hand-made fiber art, beautifully blending craftsmanship with creativity.

Capt Parul – Design Mentor

Capt. Parul is a seasoned professional and mentor with a rich background in design thinking and IT strategy. With a disciplined foundation from her military experience, she now guides aspiring creatives and tech professionals through structured, purpose-driven mentorship. Her approach blends analytical insight with creative problem-solving, empowering learners to build meaningful careers in design and technology.

Ms. Neeru

Sub Teacher

Ms. Neeru is a trained elementary and preschool educator with experience working closely with children, including those with special needs. She brings warmth, patience, and a nurturing approach to every learning environment she creates. With a strong understanding of early childhood development, she fosters creativity, confidence, and foundational skills through structured yet engaging activities. Her compassionate teaching style ensures that every child feels supported, valued, and inspired to learn at their own pace.