Yuvashishya Gurus
9th-12th Grade

Dr. Chaya Gopalan is a professor of physiology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a passionate advocate for education. She has assumed key leadership roles, including serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate, and has earned prestigious honors such as the Fulbright Scholar Award and the Arthur Guyton Educator Award. Her dedication to empowering youth led her to establish the Hindu Temple Youth Group, where she continues to inspire and mentor future leaders. A respected figure in the community, Dr. Gopalan has made impactful contributions to organizations such as Sangama, the St. Louis Kannada Association, Evergreens, the Indian Retired Community, and the Hindu Temple of St. Louis. Beyond her professional and community commitments, she enjoys cooking, traveling, singing, gardening, swimming, and hiking, reflecting her vibrant and well-rounded approach to life 

I'm an Engineer by profession and volunteer at the Hindu Temple of St Louis for the last 15 years. I'm passionate about all aspects of Hinduism. I am also passionate about teaching. I currently teach Yuvasishyas. 

As a volunteer, I cherish this opportunity to make a positive impact on children's lives, watching them grow and learn. I'm committed to creating engaging and informative experiences that foster intellectual curiosity and cultural appreciation. Teaching allows me to combine my love for education with my enthusiasm for Hindu culture, passing on valuable traditions and values to the next generation. Beyond the classroom, I enjoy strategic thinking through chess and expanding my coding skills. Exploring Indian history fascinates me, as it reveals the richness and diversity of our heritage. 

I have been a teacher at HTYG for almost 3 years. Now a native of St.Louis, I was born and brought up in Chennai but my family is originally from Kerala. At home, my husband and I have 2 daughters and a fur baby. In my free time you will find me relaxing on the couch and watching some of the old classics or in the kitchen trying a new recipe. I am a foodie and I love to try different cuisines. 

Siva Sitaraman has volunteered as a teacher in Chinmaya Mission and in the Hindu Temple at Kansas City. He is interested in learning about Sanatana Dharma, the true Indian history, and sharing what he has learnt