Bhakti Bhavan Welcome Letter and Supply List

Dear Families,

Hare Krishna and welcome to a new school year in Bhaktivedanta Academy’s Bhakti Bhavan preschool/kindergarten class. 

For those of you who may not already know me, I’d like to tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in California where I feel fortunate to have been brought up in a family that practiced bhakti yoga or Krishna consciousness. I lived in a temple ashrama in Laguna Beach for several years in the early 90’s and took formal spiritual instruction from my guru, Bhakti Charu Swami, who gave me the name ‘Vrindavanesvari devi dasi.’ My experiences early on in life planted the seed of spiritual inquiry and practice that has been a theme throughout my life.

I, along with my husband, Visvambhara Aguilera, Bhaktivedanta Academy’s Head of School, and 3 children have lived in Alachua for the past 13 years. I am credentialed as an Early Childhood (ages 3-6) teacher by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and have worked with children in various capacities for over 15 years; the last 5 of which have been in the Bhakti Bhavan class here at Bhaktivedanta Academy. 

There are several other adults who will be working with your child this year, as well. 

Nataka-candrika Delaney, an experienced teacher of many years, is the school’s reading teacher and she will lead the Kindergarteners in guided reading groups. She will also work with the VPK aged children in beginning developing reading activities. Additionally, she serves as the spiritual curriculum advisor for the entire school.  

Mandie Howard will return for her second year in the class as an assistant teacher. Along with being a dedicated mother to her elementary school aged daughter, Mandie  brings with her an enthusiasm and talent for music and art. Her positive energy and love of children benefit the class as a whole.

Karuna Manna is our newest addition to the team.  She has recently relocated to Alachua with her husband and 2 children from North Carolina. She is a certified yoga and ballet teacher and has taught young children in both of these arts for many years. I am excited to have her in our class as an assistant teacher. 

The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for all but this is especially true for those children and families who are beginning their school experience for the first time. This is a time of much change and growth and I am looking forward to working with you to create a positive beginning to your child’s journey in formal education. I am also excited to welcome back the returning students who were with me last year.

Click here to download the Student Supply List outlining which materials to purchase for your child for the school year. Please let me know if you have any questions concerning this or anything else. I can be reached by e-mail: v.aguilera@bhaktischool.org or through the school office at 386-462-2886.

I look forward to getting to know and working with you and your child and to a successful year together.

Yours,

Vrindavanesvari devi dasi