About Me
Hi Everyone! My name is Maya Sharma. I’m a rising senior at Syosset High School and a resident of Muttontown, NY. We have all heard the slogan, “The Sky’s The Limit” in the context of encouraging us to achieve our goals and aspirations. I have always been challenged by the motto, because I truly believe there are endless possibilities when it comes to our ability to improve humanity, especially the plight of children - our most vulnerable members of society. This mindset and journey have allowed me to build homes for orphans, create an educational program for homeless children, and co-author a journal publication in the International Journal of Early Childhood Learning focusing on teletherapy during COVID-19 for babies with developmental delays. I’m an aspiring pediatrician and hope to continue making a positive impact on children's lives - Please join me as we support a world where “The Sky’s NOT the Limit”
Our Impact
I've been involved in 3 key initiatives that have been my focus.
“A Home for Every Child” Initiative
- In 2016, when I was 9 years old, I learned about a nonprofit organization called Angel House that builds homes for orphans in India.
- At that point I became excited about the idea of “A Home For Every Child” which ignited my fundraising efforts to build homes for orphans in India.
- This journey is now still alive 7 years later, having just completed our fundraising for a third home to be built by winter 2024!
- To raise funds, I started by selling handmade bracelets in 2016. This progressed to hosting jewelry shows and getting individual and institutional donors.
- I then launched my own Etsy Store that sells sterling silver jewelry and 100% of the proceeds go to fundraising. In December 2019, after 3 years of fundraising, I reached my goal of raising $21,350! Sharma Bhavan 1 a home for 12 boys in Velisala India opened in June 2020.
- In December 2021, I completed fund raising for another home - this time for 12 girls. Sharma Bhavan II opened in June 2022 in Phulbani, India.
- In February 2022, I had the opportunity to visit the home for 12 boys located in a remote village 3 hours from Hyderabad, India.
- These orphans, who previously did not have a home, now receive 3 meals a day, clean drinking water, a bed, educational classes, enrollment in school, house parents, school supplies, shoes, clothing and so much more.
Covid was an incredibly trying period for any person with developmental disabilities.
Physical, speech and behavioral therapies that were available in person on a consistent
basis became scarce and had to be conducted via telehealth. How would these
vulnerable children have a chance at a solid start?
In the Summer of 2022, I contacted Hofstra Professor Dr. Stephen Hernandez to
conduct a follow up study on the impact of Covid-19, 3 years later on Early Intervention
services. The article addresses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Early
Intervention services for children 0-3.
In July 2023, the article, “Early Intervention and Teletherapy During the COVID-19 Era:
An Update” was published in the International Journal of Early Childhood.
I am continuing to conduct research in this area through 2023-24.
Family shelters are challenging environments especially for children. If I could meet with these children one-to-one on a consistent basis and teach them a variety of topics, I knew I could add some additional value to their lives. I decided to contact multiple shelters ultimately teaching kids over Zoom at The Salvation Army and Westhab Shelters. I developed a curriculum and interactive lesson plans focusing on reading, writing, math all through fun topics like the weather and occupational professions. Throughout the summer, I addressed skill gaps, evaluated students, and collaborated with the staff at each shelter. I currently continue my Zoom meetings with the children and enjoy each and every moment teaching these wonderful kids!
AWards & Accomplishments
- 2018 - Norma Gold Award for Altruism - South Grove Elementary School
- 2019 - Prudential Scholars Award Recipient
- 2019 - President's Volunteer Service Award signed by President Trump
- 2020 - Commendation from the Salvation Army for tutoring shelter kids
- 2022 - Etsy Shop surpasses 100 sales with 4.5 stars
- 2023 - Research Paper published in the Journal of Early Childhood
- 2023 - Norma Gold Award for Altruism - Syosset High School
