About
March 16, 2021 2026-01-17 18:40About
About Us
At Gopal’s Garden, our mission is to nurture the hearts and minds of children through an education that harmonizes spiritual wisdom, academic excellence, and connection to the natural world.
Grounded in the principles of Krishna consciousness, our approach helps students discover their true potential while developing strength of character, compassion for all beings, and an abiding love for learning.
History of Gopal’s Garden
Rooted in Srila Prabhupada’s vision, our school offers a well-rounded education centered in the practices of bhakti, or devotion to God. With the support of devoted teachers, families, and well-wishers, we provide Varna-aligned and career-focused instruction, personalized to help each student develop their talents and fulfill their potential — equipping them to contribute meaningfully to the world with spiritual strength and clarity of purpose, and preparing them to pursue opportunities of their choosing in attunement to their God-given nature.
Our Vision
With the support of ISKCON New Vrindaban, ECO Vrindaban, and our broader community, we nurture the spiritual and intellectual growth of every student through well-balanced education focused on bhakti, or devotion to God, leading them to feel confident and encouraged to serve in their fields. We pursue academic excellence and are committed to cultivating the priceless seed of devotion to Krishna in every child’s heart. Graduates from Gopal’s Garden will be self-disciplined, confident leaders who are prepared to serve Krishna, the community, and the world with integrity and purpose.
Our teachers serve not only as educators, but as spiritual role models. They are all practitioners of Krishna consciousness, following the regulative principles of devotional life and engaging in daily spiritual activities (sadhana). Our teachers serve as role models for their students by always conducting themselves in a professional, devotional, and caring manner, and understanding that teaching in a Krishna conscious environment is essential to the successful development of our children as citizens and spiritual beings.
Every teacher at Gopal’s Garden is:
- Passionate and knowledgeable about their subject.
- Capable of inspiring a love of learning.
- Warm, nurturing, and attuned to each student.
- Skilled in classroom management and individualized instruction.
- Committed to active, joyful learning environments.
- Capable of motivating students to reach and surpass learning objectives.
- Able to link academic content with spiritual wisdom and Krishna consciousness.
Teachers spend a large amount of time outside of school hours lesson planning, grading, and developing their learning environment. In addition, teachers meet regularly and consistently to review their lesson plans and discuss successes and challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that methodologies and activities are shared among classrooms and subjects, from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, creating a cohesive and ever-growing educational journey for all.
Tulsi Manjari Devi Dasi
Ms Tulsi Manjari Devi Dasi - Head of School
Teaching Elementary and upwards
I qualified as a dentist (BDS) in 2011 from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London. Since then, I have pursued intensive postgraduate training in paediatric and special care dentistry, earning additional qualifications from the Royal College of Surgeons of London and the University of Kent, including a certified teaching qualification. I hold a Bhakti Sastri qualification, which has been a wonderful guide in both my spiritual and professional journey. During my dental career, I have published articles in regional and international journals and gained valuable experience working internationally. Eventually, my heart led me to New Vrindaban, where I now serve full-time in devotional teaching. I have served for several years on the ISKCON Child Protection Volunteers Team and have extensive child protection training from both my profession and other areas of service. For the past four years, I have run a children’s summer camp in New Vrindaban, which has been a joyful opportunity to inspire young hearts and support their growth. I am deeply grateful to serve the children and families of New Vrindavan and committed to supporting the devotees in fulfilling Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for spiritually grounded education. Nurturing our community with care, devotion, and love is my heartfelt service in dedication to his mission.
Hari Kirtan Devi Dasi
Ms Hari Kirtan Devi Dasi - Child Protection Lead
Teaching Elementary and upwards
I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. I completed my BSc in Biology with Biochemistry at the University of the West Indies and later qualified as a science teacher. I have several years of teaching experience, along with professional work as a laboratory technician at a tertiary-level institution in my home country.
One of my most meaningful teaching experiences was serving as one of the main teachers at the Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha Gurukul, where I worked lovingly with children aged 3 to 10. My affection for teaching and nurturing young hearts has only deepened since becoming a mother to my two wonderful children, Shraddha and Vishvaas.
Alongside my academic and teaching background, I serve as the Child Protection Volunteer Representative for our school and have completed Career Dharma Coaching with certification.
I am grateful for the opportunity to help educate children—both academically and in Kṛṣṇa consciousness—and always look forward to learning from them as well.
Ms Elizabeth Ann Dice
Ms Elizabeth Ann Dice - Pre-K Assistant Teacher
I am a Pre-K assistant teacher at Gopal’s Garden and a mother of three beautiful children. I have lived in New Vrindaban for over 17 years and have served in many capacities—Devotee Care, the high tunnels, front desk reception, and more. But my heart has always been with children. Teaching is my true calling, and that is why I am so passionate about my role at Gopal’s Garden.
I firmly believe that when children are raised in a Krishna conscious environment, they grow into happy, healthy individuals who naturally uplift the world around them. It is my greatest joy and purpose to help nurture that foundation in the lives of our youngest devotees.
Ramkaree
Ramkaree - Pre-K Teacher
I am a mother of three children and was born and raised within devotional life. I have been teaching for nearly three years and find great fulfillment in supporting children’s learning and development in a nurturing and values-centered environment. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and am qualified through the West Virginia STARS program for teaching. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the educational and character development of the children at Gopal’s Garden School.
“A teacher’s greatest joy is to watch each child’s divine potential blossom.”
— Gopal’s Garden Teaching Team
