ABOUT US
Our STEM initiative, Blissful Coding Club, www.blissfulcodingclub.org teaches coding skills to kids from grades 2-12. We have taught coding skills to over 1300 kids in NJ and other states during our past few sessions. We have partnered with Newark Public authorities in the City of Newark, Jersey City Free Public Library, Kearny Public Library and more and launched successful coding classes at Newark Public Library since Summer 2020. This program is free of charge to all kids to make sure we can share this opportunity to any student that wishes to learn. We are constantly growing our curriculums, and quadrupled the number of programs we offer since our inception.
Our Python classes are developed using Carnegie Mellon University's CS Academy, whereas our Scratch classes use MIT's Scratch program. We use code.org and other standardized resources to create our curriculum. Undergraduate and graduate volunteer students of top universities in America, such as Carnegie Mellon, NJIT, Rutgers Camden, Rutgers New Brunswick, Fairleigh Dickinson University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, Stanford University and John Hopkins University teach for the Blissful Coding Club.
Classes are carefully designed to accommodate as many students as possible while making sure each class has a sufficient number of instructors. We are still happy to accept more students, so visit our "Register" tab for more information about scheduling and logistics. That tab will also provide information for individuals who would like to volunteer as an instructor.
Blissful Us also has an initiative focused on literacy and language arts. Through an online magazine that publishes children’s articles and voice, our mission is to improve writing and arts awareness in kids. This magazine is published monthly and can be found at www.theblissfulpursuit.org.
Thank you for all of your support in creating an opportunity in a child's life. We are constantly evolving and looking to create meaningful partnerships. If our mission aligns with yours, please reach out to
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Pure Professionalism
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers are always on the ball, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of our Non-Profit Organization forward. We’re always pushing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and striving to perfect our programs.
Meet our incredible leaders here.
ANUSHA BANSAL
Founder, President & CEO
Anusha is a NJ resident and loves to code! She has taught Scratch, Python, Java & mathematics alone to over 100 kids at no cost! Anusha launched the Blissful Coding Club to offer free coding classes in Newark, Jersey City, and inner cities. Her goal is to raise STEM awareness amongst students of diverse backgrounds. Anusha has undertaken multiple initiatives under Blissful Us to aid girls and the underserved communities.
GRETA LUO
Head of Program & Curriculum Development
Greta Luo is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon and loves teaching children how to code! She is involved in research on campus and is passionate about raising STEM awareness. Greta has been with us since summer 2020 and now serves as the Head of Curriculum & new Program Development at Blissful Coding Club.
KEYA DHRUVE
CITO
Keya is a freshman at NJIT and studies Computer Science. "I never got the experience with coding when I was younger and I really wish I did because it can really shape one's future. I am glad I am able to be part of Blissful Coding Club as they are spreading the love of computer science at an early age!" Keya has been with us since Fall 2020 and now serves as the Chief Information & Technology Officer at Blissful Coding Club.
![IMG_20200902_141327[535].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e0be1_aa18001dc6f143e4984fe6ed66b6b008~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_588,w_2448,h_2448/fill/w_460,h_460,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/IMG_20200902_141327%5B535%5D.jpg)
EVAN GALCZYNSKI
COO
Evan studies Computer Science at NJIT
"Blissful Coding Club has made an impact assisting underserved communities within my home state of New Jersey. Children need STEM instruction, but it always in short supply. I felt my experience as a computer science student could help Blissful Coding Club in providing extra services to those who need them." Evan serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Blissful Coding Club.
LAKSHMI TUMATI
Head of Curriculum Development and instruction
Lakshmi Tumati is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University studying Statistics and Machine Learning. She is currently involved in data science and machine learning research on campus and is passionate about raising STEM awareness. Lakshmi has been with us since summer 2020 and now leads Scratch and HTML / CSS curriculum.
JUNG HYUN KIM
Head of Curriculum Development and instruction
Jung currently attends New Jersey Institute of Technology for a Master's degree in Computer Science. "I've always enjoyed helping other people by sharing my knowledge, skills, and everything else that I can afford to share. While working on new, creative technology is one way to give back to the community, I find helping younger children and students get a taste of the world of computer science just as important and meaningful." Jung has been with us since Fall 2020 and now leads Cybersecurity curriculum.
MELANIE GARZA
Head of Curriculum Development and instruction
Melanie Garza is a Junior at Carnegie Mellon University studying Physics. Melanie belongs to an underrepresented minority and is extremely passionate about helping students like her and learn coding. Melanie has been with Blissful Coding Club since Summer 2020 and now leads Python curriculum.
MARTINE LEECH
Director
Martine is a sophomore at CMU studying Mechanical Engineering. She used to be a professional ballet dancer! She's passionate about using her artistic background in the field of technical study. Martine is also very passionate about getting young girls into STEM, and thinks coding is a great introduction.
NEHA SHIRWALKER
Director
Neha is a freshman at NJIT. Some of her interests include playing instruments, math, making spirographs with Python, watching musical theatre, photography, and reading.
MOSTAFA BENDAHUD
Director
Mostafa is a freshman at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. He is very passionate computer programmer who loves to share his knowledge with anyone who would listen. Mostafa enjoys spending his free time doing any coding projects that can build his experience.
JIBRAN ABSARULISLAM
Director
Jibran is a senior at NJIT. He loves to run, spend time with his friends, and make music! Jibran was a volunteer teaching assistant for 4 years at a supplementary (cultural) school.
ZOE COUGHLAN
Director
Zoe is a college freshman NJIT planning to double major in both CS and IT with a specialization in cybersecurity. Zoe is passionate about cybersecurity competitions and works with our cybersecurity course work.
OUR TEAM
Pure Professionalism
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers are always on the ball, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of our Non-Profit Organization forward. We’re always pushing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and striving to perfect our programs.
Meet some of our incredible teachers below.
EMMA-MIRANDA HERRERA
Former Director of Curriculum Development & Instruction
Emma Herrera is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University. She is currently an undeclared student in Dietrich College of the Humanities, but is hoping to double major in Economics and Information Systems. Emma has been with us since summer 2020 and now leads Scratch class curriculum.
CHANG LIU
Former Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Chang is a sophomore studying mathematics at Carnegie Mellon University. "Through this voluntary work, I want to share my knowledge of python and bring students a pleasant learning experience during this uncommon period." Lily has been with us since Fall 2020 and now leads Cybersecurity class curriculum.
ALEJANDRO RUIZ
Former Director of Curriculum Development & Instructor
Alejandro Ruiz is a sophomore studying Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon. He is very interested in applying his Python knowledge to help students out! Alejandro has been with us since summer 2020 and led Python class curriculum.
AYESHA GUPTA
Instructor
Ayesha Gupta is a sophomore at CMU studying electrical and computer engineering. Ayesha has been with Blissful Coding Club since Summer 2020 and drops by to help!
RASHMI RAO RAGHAVENDRA
Instructor
Rashmi is pursuing Master of Science in Data Science at New Jersey Institute of Technology. She has always loved teaching especially to younger kids. "Blissful Coding Club is trying to create STEM program awareness to the younger generation and I am extremely happy and excited to be a part of it."
SARA SONG
Instructor
Sara is a sophomore at CMU studying Information Systems. "I wanted to volunteer at Blissful Us because it sounds like a fun and worthwhile experience this semester. I want to see how I can help other students learn more about coding, and hopefully see them like it as much as I do".
SAMUEL ABOK
Instructor
Samue has a master’s degree in management information systems from Carnegie Mellon University. He has worked as a software developer and software support engineer. "I am really passionate about my job and enjoy taking some time out to give back to the community using my skills and expertise."
TANIA SIRAJ
Instructor
Tania has a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology specializing in Networking & Security from New Jersey Institute of Technology. "I would really love to share my knowledge and help anyone who is interested in learning Python."
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YASET EVO
Instructor
Evo is a graduate student at NJIT enrolled in the MS in Data Science. "I decided to volunteer at Blissful Coding Club to provide the opportunity of learning coding to students."
CRYSTAL ORIHUELA
Instructor
Crystal is a senior at the New Jersey Institute of Technology studying Business Information systems. "I like to volunteer at the Blissful Coding Club because I would like to share my knowledge of programming to children interested in Technology."
VISHESH PAGARANI
Instructor
Vishesh Pagarani is a student at Carnegie Mellon University, and is an avid coder.
EMILY ZHANG
Instructor
Emily Zhang is a rising sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, intending to transfer to Information Systems and minor in Human-Computer Interaction.
ANYA SINGHAL
Instructor
Anya Singhal is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University, and is an avid coder.
GABIN NTANKEU
Instructor
Gabin is a computer science student at
New Jersey Institute of Technology. "I wanted to volunteer at Blissful Coding Club because i like what they are doing for kids by the same time would be able to share what i have learned with others."
JESSICA FAN
Instructor
Jessica Fan is a rising sophomore in Statistics and Machine Learning (hopefully working towards a minor/double major in CS).
SANJANA BHANUSHALI
Instructor
Sanjana Bhanushali is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University majoring in Business Administration and Statistics/Machine Learning.
JANAE ANDERSON
Instructor
Janae is a sophomore at New Jersey Institute of Technology studying Information Technology with a concentration in Game Development. "I want to volunteer because this is a program I would have loved to been a part of when I was younger to get a head start on coding. Growing up I had to teach myself coding because I didn’t have any resources to teach and guide me.
BURHANUDDIN MOGUL
Instructor
Burhanuddin studies Computer Science at NJIT. "I want to volunteer at Blissful coding club because I'd like to help others learn how to code and get better at teaching."
AKSHITHA SINGATHI
Instructor
Akshitha is a first-year Computer Science major at NJIT as a part of the Albert Dorman Honors College. "I feel it is crucial to spread my knowledge of computer science to the younger generation and inspire my peers to take up coding as society moves towards greater technological involvement."
MOHAMED RACHID
Instructor
Mohamed is a sophomore studying computer science at NJIT. "After briefly spending some time coding in high school, it quickly became one of my favorite hobbies. I signed up to help Blissful Us because I believe they are providing an invaluable experience in early childhood education in a seemingly daunting field. Hopefully these courses will allow other students to explore the fantastic field that is computer science!"
GABRIELA SABOIA BARRIOS
Instructor
Gabriela is a senior studying Web Information Systems at NJIT. "My focus is in web technologies and object oriented programming. I am also pursuing a computer science accelerated masters with NJIT."
AMANDEEP FNU
Instructor
Amandeep is pursuing Masters in CS at New Jersey Institute Technology. "I believe you have learned something when you teach it to someone, so to share my part and learn from other peers is why I volunteer at Blissful Coding Club."
EVELYN GARCIA-MENDOZA
Instructor
Evelyn is a college Senior at NJIT, a returning instructor at Blissful Coding Club, who likes to teach, volunteer, and learn.
SARAH DOB
Instructor
Sarah is a college Junior at NJIT and is interested in programming and willing to help others learn the logic of writing a coherent and functional program.
ESTHER BAE
Instructor
Esther is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon, and intends to major in Information Systems! Esther is a Korean-American and likes to play tennis and journal in her free time.
VAISHNAVI GORANTLA
Instructor
Vaishnavi is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. She is currently in Tokyo for the spring semester while teaching for Blissful Coding Club! She is majoring in Computer Science and enjoys baking and playing basketball in her free time.
HEERAL NARKHEDE
Instructor
Heeral is a junior at Rutgers University, pursuing computer science as her major in college. She loves to learn and finds that tutoring or teaching others helps others and herself learn a lot, and signs up for any opportunity she can find.
MARWAN BAROUD
Instructor
Marwan is a freshman at NJIT pursuing a major in Computer Science. Marwan tutors middle school kids and used to be a Sunday school teacher at a local mosque
BRYAN SCHMERSAL
Instructor
Bryan graduated from CMU in 1990 and have been working in system administration and QA. He also done release management at several companies and is quite adept at looking at unfamiliar code and understanding it fairly quickly.
SHARON REN
Instructor
Sharon is a first-year at Carnegie Mellon majoring in Business Administration (concentration in Business Analytics and Technology), as well as an additional major in Computer Science and a minor in Human-Computer Interaction. Outside of academics, Sharon loves to dance! She was on my high school dance team (Stuy Legacy -- you can probably find her on YouTube lol) as well as Helix Dance Team at CMU.
JASON ZHENG
Instructor
Jason is a freshman at NJIT, majoring in Computer Science and Business Information Systems. Always loved to code ever since he was first introduced to scratch in 6th grade. This passion was reinforced when Jason was introduced to Roblox, an online game that gave their users the tools to create their own game within their engine. Jason loves to hike and visit abandoned sites.
EMILY PAN
Instructor
Emily is a freshman attending Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in Business Administration and may be double majoring in Statistics and Machine Learning. She loves working with numbers and is interested in how business and technology work together.
JUSTIN ONG
Instructor
Justin is a junior at the University of Washington, majoring in Computer Science. Other topics that interest him are psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience. In his free time, Justin enjoys playing sports and exercising.
PRANAV IYER
Instructor
Pranav did his undergrad in math and physics at UPenn. He loves to teach, especially STEM subjects, and is hoping to one day become a high school teacher, either in mathematics or physics. Pranav loves coding and thinks it is super fun, and is excited to teach it with Blissful Coding Club!
NIKITA KHESEN
Instructor
Nikita is a senior at The Abelard School, Toronto, Ontario. He enjoys biking, skiing, running, programming, mathematics, and more. Nikita would like to go into aerospace engineering for university.
NORA WAN
Instructor
Nora is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. "I volunteer with Blissful Coding Club because I want to help students gain exposure to coding and hopefully discover their love for it at a young age"
SMRITI POOVANNAN
Instructor
Smriti is a freshman at NJIT studying computer science. I live in Connecticut and noticed that during my life, I had taken part in activities and events relating to computer science and sharing it to others, mainly children, though mentoring and instruction. I decided to follow what I am naturally drawn to and am now an experienced Mentor at Random Hacks of Kindness Jr. I look forward to mentoring children this spring through the Blissful Coding Club!
MOHIT DESAI
Instructor
Mohit is a first-year biomedical engineering major at NJIT. In his free time, he enjoys playing/watching sports, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. In the past, for over a year, he worked as a math instructor for all grades K-12 at Mathnasium.
VIVIENNE MEYERHOFER
Instructor
Vivienne is a freshman, studying Cognitive Science at CMU with a concentration in artificial intelligence! She also spent high school doing after-school tutoring at the library a couple times a week.
JEREMY RICHARDSON
Instructor
Jeremy is CMU graduate and has been a professional software engineer, manager, technical product manager in Healthcare IT.
SARAH FOSTER
Instructor
Sarah is a senior computer science student at NJIT. I am interested in this program because my first programming teacher was a woman and it gave me the courage to go into a male-dominated field, and I want to provide that courage to young girls , I have worked with students many times, never as a teacher but as a drugs and alcohol awareness volunteer, student ambassador in Costa Rica where we briefly taught students English, I volunteered at the library helping teach young children how to read and my mother is a teacher
PETER SAUER
Instructor
Peter is a student at Carnegie Mellon. He was raised in Denver, Colorado, where he skied, snowboarded, and hiked along the Rocky Mountains. Aside from the outdoors, Peter likes to play chess and cook.
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CLAIRE JERNIGAN
Instructor
Claire is an athlete at Montclair State, studying double major of psychology and marketing. She enjoys tv shows, movies, reading books. Claire volunteers at summer camps every year.
JAMAL ALLAN
Instructor
Jamal is a freshman at NJIT studying computer science. He likes wrestling and is a football fan.