Meet Our Team
Our Amazing Team
Vivek and his parents have gone through hardships in life, not knowing what hurdles to expect and how to navigate them. There is no awareness about Spina Bifida, and the healthcare givers provided no instructions on what disabilities it will further create and how to counter them medically, mentally and socially. Since 2004, Vivek and his family have been bridging this gap by helping and guiding people with Spina Bifida and their families, on various aspects of this disorder.
At Sasha, our amazing team is dedicated to supporting individuals and parents affected by Spina Bifida. With passion and expertise, we strive to provide strength, wellness, and raise awareness for this condition.
Vivek Bharadwaj
Founder and Director
Vivek Bharadwaj, our Founder and Director, is a true inspiration. Afflicted by Spina Bifida – Myelomeningocele, Vivek is a remarkable example of someone who battled Spina Bifida and emerged victorious. Born with this condition, Vivek has faced and overcome numerous physical and mental challenges and has dedicated his life to helping others facing similar struggles. With unwavering determination and a deep understanding of the condition and what comes with Spina Bifida, Vivek leads our team with compassion and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and parents affected by Spina Bifida.
Usha Sharma
Founder and Director
Usha Sharma, our Founder and Director, is a remarkable mother who has faced the challenges of raising a child with Spina Bifida with unwavering strength and determination. Usha dedicated herself to ensuring her son received the best care and support possible after his diagnosis with Spina Bifida. Despite the numerous obstacles, Usha never gave up. She filled her journey with countless hospital visits, therapies, and advocacy for her son’s needs. Inspired by her experiences, Usha now commits to helping other families navigate similar challenges. She works as a family support specialist, offering guidance, resources, and a compassionate ear to those in need.
Satendra Mohan Sharma
Founder and Advisory Member
Satendra Mohan Sharma, our Founder and Advisory Member, is a dedicated father who has faced the challenges of raising a child with Spina Bifida with remarkable courage and resilience. Satendra committed himself to providing the best possible care and support for his Spina Bifida child. He navigated numerous medical appointments, therapies, and surgeries, always advocating for his child’s needs. Despite the hardships, Satendra’s unwavering love and determination never faltered. Inspired by his journey, he now aims to support other families facing similar challenges. Satendra works tirelessly to raise awareness about Spina Bifida and offers guidance and resources to help others navigate their own journeys.
Shikha Bharadwaj
Sibling Support Officer
Shikha Bharadwaj passionately advocates for sibling support and dedicates herself to making a difference in the lives of those affected by Spina Bifida. Shikha, our sibling support officer, brings our amazing team a wealth of experience and expertise. As Vivek’s sister she has seen the challenges Spina Bifida brings in an individual’s daily life. She first-hand knows and believes how important a sibling’s role is. Shikha raises awareness, advocates for resources, and fosters a community where siblings can find the help and understanding they need. She educates families and advocates for comprehensive care and support from the immediate inner circle.
Dr Mazda Turel
Neurosurgeon and Advisory Member
Dr Mazda K Turel completed his medical degree (MBBS) from Grant Medical College in Mumbai and an MCh degree in Neurosurgery at the prestigious Christian Medical College in Vellore, India. He was awarded the Jacob Chandy Gold Medal at his graduation, a distinction that has only been conferred previously to 4 other recipients since its institution, 35 years ago. He earned a Diploma in Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery from Beijing, China. Working currently at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, as Head of Neurosurgery.
He lectures around the world to spread awareness regarding the advances in modern brain and spine surgery, emphasising its safety and efficacy. His curiosity and incisiveness in finding tangible solutions for his patients’ problems have resulted in the well-being of thousands of families. Compassionate excellence is his motto. In addition, he’s a TEDx speaker and a professional columnist for the Jam-e Jamshed Newspaper as well as the Sunday Mid-Day in which he writes a fortnightly column on neurosurgical anecdotes, enlightening the common man.
Empowering individuals and families affected by Spina Bifida to live their best lives.
