Our Team

Our programs are led by prominent educationalists, counsellors and professional trainers.IPCAI’s true strength lies in the shared opportunity to come together and work toward a common purpose.

Dr. Mathew Kanamala

Mathew Kanamala is the Director of IPCAI and the first accredited trainer of the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) in India. With a career dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through psychosocial support and inclusive care, he has played a pivotal role in spreading PCA practices across India and beyond. His academic journey is distinguished by a Ph.D. from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, and a postgraduate diploma in Dementia Studies from the University of Stirling, UK. He also holds multiple qualifications in counselling, psychology, and Gandhian thought, including an M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology from Martian Luther Christian University, Shillong-Meghalaya and a post-doctoral fellowship at Srinivas University, Manglore-Karnataka.

Dr. Kanamala has over three decades of experience in academia and training, currently serving as the Head of the Department of Social Work at St. Joseph’s College, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi (MG) University. Since 2004, he has also been an honorary guest faculty and coordinator for the Certificate Courses in Counselling at MG University. He had served as the Secretary and National Governing Board Member of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), Kottayam Chapter for 15 years. His international footprint includes motivational speaking and capacity-building sessions in countries such as the UK, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Recognized for his impactful social contributions, Dr. Kanamala received the Best Social Worker State Youth Award from the Government of Kerala and the Gramavikas Award from Mahatma Gandhi University in 2004. In 2018, Dimensions UK honoured him with an International Award for creative work in PCA.

A prolific author, he has published over 66 papers with an ISBN or ISSN number, including national and international journals and books. “Dementia Care: A Journey to Restoration” and “Quality of Life of Persons with Dementia in Residential Care Homes in India”. Through his work, Dr. Kanamala continues to inspire, educate, and transform lives with compassion and purpose.

Reena James

Reena James is the Managing Trustee of IPCAI and an active member of its core leadership team. With a strong commitment to person-centered practices, she plays a pivotal role in coordinating the organization’s daily activities and in fostering collaboration with volunteers and partner organizations.

Reena brings with her over two decades of experience in teaching, training, and academic coordination. She has worked extensively at Girideepam Bethany School and GIAL College, where she earned a reputation for her empathetic approach to student guidance and her ability to engage meaningfully with parents and educators. Her workshops for teachers, students, and parents over the past ten years have been widely appreciated for their practical insights and compassionate delivery.

As the former coordinator of the Nallapadom programme by Malayala Manorama, Reena has actively promoted social responsibility among students. She also contributes to higher education as a guest lecturer in the certificate course on counselling offered by the Department of Life Long Learning and Extension, Mahatma Gandhi University.

Reena holds a Master’s degree and B.Ed in Malayalam from Mahatma Gandhi University, and a certificate in counselling. She is also qualified professional through the State Eligibility Test (SET) conducted by the Government of Kerala.

Her contributions have been recognized with the Best Teacher Award in 2006 by Manorama–AIR India for Kottayam district. She has authored several articles on family, parenting, and student development, and was featured in Vanitha Magazine for her impactful work as an educator.

Reena’s leadership at IPCAI is guided by her unwavering belief in the transformative power of empathy, education, and community engagement.

Anish Mohan

Anish Mohan was elected as the first National Coordinator of IPCAI in 2013, where he played a transformative role in expanding the organization’s reach and elevating its impact across India. Under his visionary leadership, IPCAI organized four National Conferences and one International Conference, uniting practitioners, trainers, and changemakers from across the country in the spirit of Person-Centered Approaches (PCA). The strategic alliance between IPCAI and Dimensions – UK in 2014 was a pivotal initiative that led to the successful introduction of PCA e-Learning in India, a coordinated effort between Anish and Dr. Mathew Kanamala.

Anish Mohan is a globally renowned inspirational trainer who transforms lives and businesses with his innovative techniques and motivational approach. He is the CEO of HUG International LLP, a human resource development organization specialised in training, productivity enhancement, and coaching for individuals, institutions, and leaders seeking meaningful transformation.

A 65% differently-abled changemaker, Anish was conferred the State Award by the Government of Kerala in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to inclusive development. He went on to receive multiple national and international honors, most notably being named one of the ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) by Junior Chamber International in 2019 — a global recognition of his relentless work in social justice, accessibility advocacy, and transformational training grounded in PCA values.

Anish, through his leadership, integrates compassion with strategy and is continuing with his efforts to bring personal transformation through systemic change.

Abhilash Joseph

Abhilash Joseph is a dynamic and accomplished professional known for his significant contributions in the fields of training, education, and personal development. Currently serving as the Head of Training at IPCAI, he plays a central role in designing and delivering impactful training programs that cater to youth and parents. He serves as a motivational speaker and career mentor, guiding individuals towards purpose-driven academic and professional paths.

Abhilash is the Director of Lifetech Solutions, a firm that provides training and development services to corporates, schools, and private organizations on leadership, teamwork, goal setting, and communication skills. His practical approach, coupled with his ability to connect deeply with diverse audiences, has earned him a reputation as an inspiring and effective trainer. Abhilash also holds an academic position as an Assistant Professor in Sociology at the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS).

He holds an M.Phil. in School Counselling and a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Medical and Psychiatry. He is a trained professional in the Person-Centered Approach (PCA), Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Mind Power techniques, Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Abhilash was awarded the Kerala State Winner title at the Trainers Contest in 2021, organized by Positive Commune. Through his involvment, he continues to make a meaningful impact in every individual and organization associated with IPCAI

Sreedevi V G

Sreedevi V G assumed leadership of Teen IPCAI, a flagship initiative designed to support socially and academically disadvantaged youth, particularly those with intellectual and developmental challenges. Since its formal launch in 2018, the program has empowered more than 50 students from marginalized backgrounds through residential camps, remedial education, combined study support, and life skills training.

She holds a a Master’s in Social Work and actively involved in all community support initiatives of IPCAI. She is the driving force of Teen IPCAI. Her dedication and ability to nurture young minds is the critical aspect of shaping the future of these underprivileged students. Today, some of these students are pursuing higher education in fields such as healthcare, engineering, and other vocational degree and diploma programs, a testament to the power of structured, person-centered intervention.