Punam Saxena

B.C. (Before Children)

B.C. (before children), I grew up in rural Georgia where our family was the only Indian family in the community. It was rough. No one spoke like us, dressed like us, or celebrated the same holidays we did. We were the "other." Looking back, there was much learning that occurred. I learned to be strong, resilient, and compassionate and understanding of those who were different. I vowed that no other child should face those challenges.

Naturally, teaching was the path to help children. I was a special education teacher in Georgia and Florida. Over the years, I spent days working with students with autism and profound mental and physical disabilities. Watching them succeed after laboring over their activity and seeing their excitement was one of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching career.

it all started

A.C. (After Children)
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A.C. (after children), I became a perennial volunteer in my four children’s schools. From volunteering for special activities in the classroom, to leading the parent organizations at their schools to working with faculty and administrators to create systemic change for better student outcomes, I was entrenched in their activities and their education. It was most fulfilling when the outcome of our collaboration directly impacted the students and their classroom teachers.

My background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Emory University, a Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida, 20+ years of professional and advocacy experience, and a current doctoral student.

Being a team player in your child’s education is one of the main reasons students succeed. edu-Me works to bridge the gap and foster stronger relationships by empowering parents to engage in their child's school.

  • Punam’s insight into the trials and joys of parenting are uplifting and spot on. Her personal wealth of knowledge from her own experiences have taught me how patience, kindness and understanding go very far in the world of parenting. She is an amazing teacher in life and An even better soul of a human.
    Kristin N., Atlanta, GA
  • This session exceeded all of my expectations. The content was intentional, thought-provoking and insightful. As someone who has just started a career in parent engagement I appreciated learning more about the “why” surrounding my job. Ms. Saxena also took time out of her busy schedule to connect with me and we’re now working to center a professional development day around her presentation at my office.
    Zachary P., Austin, TX
  • I appreciated Punam as a guest speaker in our recent ESL training cohort. Her personal experience as a child of immigrants in rural Georgia was powerful and highlighted how to best engage with families.
    Anonymous
  • Punam Saxena is an exceptional parent impact coach and speaker. I had the privilege of hearing Punam Saxena speak at SXSW EDU and participating in a roundtable discussion facilitated by her, and I must say that she left an indelible impression on me. She is approachable, clear, and relatable, making it easy to connect with her. Her ability to distill complex ideas into actionable steps is remarkable. With her depth of personal and professional experience, she brings authenticity to her speaking and work. I highly recommend Punam for anyone seeking guidance in their parenting or educational journey.
    Dana F., NH
  • Parent Power is an excellent resource for parents and schools alike. Punam draws from her personal experiences to provide timely and practical guidance for families to actively engage with schools and for schools to create environments where families feel welcomed and heard. I recommend this book to campus administrators, educators, and families of students, particularly at the middle school level.
    DeShanna R., Houston, TX
  • Punam is well-versed in all things educational! As a parent of 4, she is an experienced parent with a wealth of knowledge to share and knows many in the educational field to help guide parents to be better informed and active in their children’s education!
    Wendy F., Lakeland, Florida
  • I’m so thankful for the pleasure of this podcast and will utilize the advice I learned with this child as well as my other daughter in ninth grade. It’s all so relevant and I look forward to tuning in for future episodes!
    Pam H., Buffalo, NY
  • [Punam's] profound perspective, and dutiful ‘calls to action’, are timely reminders of the empowerment to be harnessed within collaborative action.
    Roger S., Atlanta, Georgia

    My Amazing Kids

    My children are future leaders. Your children are future leaders. Together, we are raising global citizens that deserve us to become engaged and provide opportunities to reach their ultimate dreams.

    That’s why you and I need to be engaged. My children are my reason. Who are yours?

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