Our Team

Dr Anish K. Joy B Sc, BD, MBS, STL, Ph D

Chief Executive Officer

Founder of BRaIN (Bread and Intuition) | Educational Strategist | Ecumenist | Educator | Community Builder

Dr. Anish K. Joy, the visionary behind BRaIN (Bread and Intuition), hails from the culturally rich town of Fort Kochi, Kerala. A passionate educator and strategist, Dr. Joy’s unwavering commitment to inclusive and transformative education has enabled him to lead impactful initiatives both in India and abroad. With an academic background that spans Mathematics, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Spirituality, and Anthropology, Dr. Joy brings a rare and interdisciplinary depth to every project he undertakes. Since 2010, he has been serving as a Professor at MSOTS, Kerala, where he inspires students and colleagues alike through a holistic approach to learning. Recognised for his leadership in community engagement, multilingual communication, and strategic planning, Dr. Joy has played a pivotal role in designing and advising sustainable educational models, particularly in the fields of literacy and lifelong learning. As an ecumenist, he is deeply involved in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and interfaith collaboration. Dr. Joy is currently the Kerala Chapter Coordinator of the India Peace Centre and chairs the Educational Commission, where he leads initiatives at the intersection of education, peace-building, and cultural harmony. His strategic involvement extends to several national and international platforms, including the Executive Committees of the NCCI and ATTI. In addition, he serves as an adjunct faculty member at various institutions worldwide, nurturing global connections between education, culture, and spirituality. Dr. Anish K. Joy stands as a committed advocate for holistic education and sustainable development, continually seeking to co-create meaningful change through academic and grassroots collaborations.

Mr. Aju K. Joy BSc, MMS, PGDCA

Managing Director

Senior Administrator | Strategic Planner | Operational Excellence Leader

Aju K. Joy is a seasoned professional with over nineteen years of distinguished experience in General Administration, marked by a track record of excellence across diverse functional areas, including Facilities Management, Vendor Coordination, Human Resources, Staffing, Process Optimisation, Quality Management, and Strategic Planning. Backed by a robust academic foundation with certifications in Management, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Psychology, Aju brings a multidisciplinary approach to administrative leadership. His strategic mindset is complemented by a hands-on ability to streamline operations, develop organisational standards, and drive continuous improvement across sectors. Renowned for his empathetic leadership and collaborative spirit, Aju fosters high-performing teams and cultivates positive, purpose-driven work environments. His commitment to excellence, combined with deep-rooted values and professional acumen, enables him to deliver innovative and intuitive solutions to complex challenges, particularly in the realms of education and healthcare. With a unique blend of experience, insight, and integrity, Aju continues to be a valuable asset in advancing institutional goals and supporting impactful, sustainable development.

Ms Maya Mary Ittan M Sc, M Ed, SSL (Italy)

Pedagogy Specialist

Ms. Maya Mary Ittan began her teaching journey in 2007, and ever since, she has made a lasting impact across several renowned educational institutions. With a passion for transforming classrooms into spaces of empathy, innovation, and intellectual growth, she has pioneered a unique pedagogical approach that blends Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Individualised Education Programs (IEP), and Brain-Based Education. Her distinctive methodology empowers students and teachers alike, making learning both deeply personal and profoundly effective. An educator with global insight, Ms. Ittan earned her Licentiate Degree from Rome, where she specialised in identifying and addressing teacher burnout—a growing concern in modern education. Her international academic exposure enriches her ability to lead with compassion and foresight. At Poornodaya Vidyanikethan, Ms. Ittan’s dynamic leadership and self-driven contributions reshaped the academic environment, earning her the prestigious Innovative Principal Award in 2024. Her commitment to nurturing resilient, emotionally intelligent learners continues to inspire educators and students around the world. If you’re looking for educational transformation rooted in care, creativity, and neuroscience, Ms. Maya Mary Ittan stands at the forefront.

Anita Pelder (A.M), MSc.

Ambassador – Europe

As a daughter of an entrepreneurs couple, Anita learned at a young age to fully commit herself and not to quit easily. An energetic-attitude handed to her as if it were completely natural. At University she learned many facts while studying for her MSc. but certainly learned to think analytical, to structure her work and to organise. Working for several employers in the Netherlands, Germany and Hong Kong, she not only was been able to use many of her qualifications but also gained a lot of new experiences. One of these is how important it is in a new environment (work or privately) to quickly feel at home by being flexible, social and pragmatic. She likes extending boundaries but also literally likes to cross them. That is why during her personal visit at the Holistic Project (PV), where she worked as a volunteer, she decided to share her skills and knowledge by supporting BRaIN. Her social commitment is what our Organisation values!

Chris Wildgen B.Sc., M.Sc.

Ambassador – North America

Embracing change and growth has led Chris to have unique experiences around the world. She combined her education and aptitude in healthcare and business with her passion to travel to live and work in different countries. Her professional experience always focused on helping people, whether it was working directly with them or by international sales and marketing of new, innovative healthcare products. More recently, she has become a travel writer and photographer to share and promote responsible, enriching travel and cultural awareness. Having lived on a farm and in a small community growing up, she has a deep and innate appreciation for the values, goals and mission of BRaIN. As a volunteer, she saw the impact of education on the students, staff and community, and became part of the projects extended family. She helped to develop business plans for BRaIN’s social projects to create a better society and is committed to contributing to its success and growth.