STORIES & TESTIMONIALS
The People
Behind the Work
SAA is supported by a multidisciplinary network of caregivers, therapists, mental health professionals, volunteers, support staff, and community contributors working together toward awareness, rehabilitation, recovery, and inclusion.
Our Services
Support us
STORIES & TESTIMONIALS
Dr. Jagannath Wani
Dr. Jagannath Wani, Professor Emeritus of Statistics & Actuarial Science at the University of Calgary, founded the Schizophrenia Awareness Association after his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife living with schizophrenia. His work focused on creating awareness, establishing rehabilitation services, and building strong support systems for families affected by mental illness.He founded the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta in Canada and actively supported research and awareness initiatives. In India, he established the Schizophrenia Awareness Association in Pune in 1997, developed a rehabilitation centre, produced awareness films, and supported publications related to mental health.
Dr. Wani also founded Maharashtra Seva Samiti Organization (MSSO) and led several development and relief initiatives. He was honored with the Order of Canada in 2013, the country’s highest civilian award, recognizing his contributions to mental health advocacy and community development.
Mental Health Advocacy
Founded organizations supporting persons with schizophrenia and caregivers, and promoted awareness, rehabilitation, and community-based recovery initiatives.
Legacy & Contribution
Established rehabilitation services, supported research, authored memoirs, and contributed to development initiatives in India and internationally.
Books
Dr. Jagannath Wani has authored multiple publications focused on mental health awareness, rehabilitation, caregiving, and recovery-oriented community support.
Leadership & Trustees
SAA’s leadership brings together caregivers, mental health advocates, professionals, and community supporters united by a shared commitment toward rehabilitation, dignity, awareness, and long-term recovery support for Persons with Mental Illness (PMIs) and their families.
Ujwal Kele
President
Ujwal Kele has been actively associated with SAA’s mission of mental health awareness, rehabilitation, and family support. Through his leadership, SAA continues to strengthen its community-driven initiatives focused on recovery, dignity, and long-term support systems for Persons with Mental Illness (PMIs) and caregivers.
Volunteers & Support Team
Our volunteers contribute their time, skills, and expertise to support rehabilitation activities, therapy sessions, and community engagement initiatives.
Yeshwant Oak
Past President
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Hari Athawale
Past Vice President
Haribhau, after a brief stint in Indian Army as a gentleman cadet, join State Bank of India where he worked for 22 years in various assignme
Sushma Datar
Stitching, Painting and Art & Craft
A graduate in psychology and a national level volleyball player, soft spoken Sushama Datar worked as a nursery teacher. A versatile voluntee
Neeta Koparkar
Yoga Therapist
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Sarika Chandak
Psychologist
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Radhika Nagarkar
Stitching
Radhika is a skilfull volunteer, who teaches service users with great dedication, various
Sucheta Joshi
Dance Movement Therapist
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Abhijeet Bartakke
Drum Therapist
Abhijit Bartakke is a promising Tabla player of young generation. He started learning Tabla at the age of six.
Rushikesh Kalel
Psychiatric Social Worker
Rushikesh has done his master’s in medical and psychiatric social work from Tilak Maharastra Vidyapeeth. He has worked in hospitals.
Harshwardhan Shrotri
Theater of Oppressed
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Animal Angels
Animal Assisted Therapy
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Shruti Kanitkar
Music Therapist
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Gauri Kapshikar
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Anita Shrivastav
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
Our Staff
Our team works closely with service users and families, supporting daily rehabilitation activities, administration, and program coordination.
Arti Pandit
Centre In-Charge
Aarti holds an M.Phil in Social Work with specialization in Medical and Psychiatry from Nagpur University. She has worked with hospitals and supports rehabilitation programs and day-to-day centre operations.
Milinda Bhalekar
Office In-Charge
Milinda is the senior-most staff member at the rehabilitation centre. She manages visitors, office administration, accounts including FCRA documentation, and supports daily operational coordination.
Neha Ingawale
Psychologist
Supports rehabilitation planning and caregiver engagement initiatives. Participates in structured program activities.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Support, understanding, and community can make a meaningful difference in the journey toward mental wellness and recovery.