STAFF
The Founders

Our Admin Team

PREMDAS PONAGANTI
Acting Director
To develop the young leaders, so that they may grow in every area of their lives (holistically), and to give back to Shining Stars in the future.

PREMDAS PONAGANTI
Acting Director
I was married to Suvartha in January 2002 and have three children; Shiny Prasana Desiree, Silvi Praharsha Blessie and Simon Peter Jasper, who have also being blessed by the activities of Shining Stars. As they attend the centre they are also growing. My role in Shining Stars is to manage the office and to develop the teachers and leader’s of the various centres throughout the year.
My personal vision for my role in Shining Stars is:
> To develop the young leaders, that they may grow in every area of their lives (holistically), and to give back to Shining Stars in the future.
> From my experience, I would like to teach young people to how to handle the difficulties in their lives.
> To maintain and teach Godly values in all kinds of relationships.

DEVA KRUPAKAR
Finance & Programme Coordinator
God had a plan through developing the many talents and leadership abilities that Shining Stars had nurtured in me years ago . . .
I’m so thankful!

DEVA KRUPAKAR
Finance & Programme Coordinator
In third class, I started coming to the Shining Stars after-school tutoring program because many of my friends were enrolled there. I initially came back again and again for snacks and playtime with my friends. However, God began changing my young heart through the activities and teaching there, and I gradually began to understand how much God truly loved me.
Through my years in Shining Stars, the potential and talents in my life that I was ignorant of began to blossom. I developed my talent for music and leadership, as I signed up to regularly volunteer with children’s programs. I can testify to nurturing solid relationships through this after-school programmme with people who have given me godly advice and have guided me through life as a young man in the big city.
During college, I began to sense that I wanted to be involved in the same work that Shining Star’s did. I initially had some doubts, but the confirmation, without much surprise, came from my mother. She had prayed for this day and I committed my life into God’s master plan. I completed my bachelor’s degree in commerce and today, I am a full-time staff on the Shining Stars team and am being used by God among the youth. God had a plan through developing the many talents and leadership abilities that Shining Stars had nurtured in me years ago . . . I’m so thankful!

ABHILASHA RACHEL JOHNSON
Admin Assistant
I am involved in teaching the young generation in which I’m a part of the vision: “No child left behind from being happy, valued and whole, so that they can learn, grow and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

ABHILASHA RACHEL JOHNSON
Admin Assistant
After my intermediate, I did the Pre-Primary Teachers Training Course (P.P.T.T.C). I have grown in GOOD SHEPHERD COMMUNITY CHURCH, Jeedimetla. After completing my (P.P.T.T.C), I was transferred to many states like UP, Odisha, and Telangana and travelled to different places in the teaching field. My childhood ambition was to be a teacher and is now fulfilled through Shining Stars.
I came on the staff of Shining Stars as an office assistant and to teach the children in the Nacharam child development centre from 21st July 2020. In Shining Stars, we can learn and grow in every aspect of our life. I learned many things after joining Shining Stars and am looking forward to learning more. I am happy to be a part Shining Stars team and am being greatly used by God to make a difference in the lives of the children.
I am involved in teaching the young generation in which I’m a part of the vision: “No child left behind from being happy, valued and whole, so that they can learn, grow and become the leaders of the future.” I am praying and hoping to learn, grow and turn many young people to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Our Ministry Team

ISAAC BOMMASANI
Manager Operations
I enjoy serving young people by preparing them to become future leaders and equipping them to contribute to the society.

ISAAC BOMMASANI
Manager Operations
I Joined Shining Stars Centers for Youth Development on June 15th, 2002. Now I am working to coordinate our partner centre's:
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- I am overseeing our centers
- Conducting vision sharing get together’s with the potential partners and others in various places
- Empowering teachers through Teacher's Training Programmes
- Motivating leader’s and teacher’s to work among the children and youth
- Giving counselling to the children and youth
I have been learning many things in Shining Stars; like humbling myself, thinking about development in a positive way, working with a team, developing in personal and spiritual areas, and growing through teaching children and youth.
I enjoy serving young people by preparing them to become future leaders and equipping them to contribute to society. Investing in today’s children and youth is necessary for the good of our future society. i.e teaching young people to grow in their relationship with God and others.
I am married. We are blessed with one son. Kevin is eleven years old, studying in 6th class.

LAXMI NARAYANA YATTA
Outreach Coordinator
I am passionate to empower young children through Shining Stars Centres.

LAXMI NARAYANA YATTA
Outreach Coordinator
I was born and brought up in a remote village named Bommakal, in Nalgonda District, TS, India. I studied up to the 10th class and I finished a Foundational Level Course of the Bible (TAFTEE). Now I am pursing B.Th in Lekhana Institute. I will finish this course in December 2022.
I have been working with Shining Stars since June 2002, as a partner in the ministry, and joined as a full-time employee in 2013. I have developed a lot, personally, through working here.
I am married. My wife’s name is Chandrakala. I have a son (Jaya Prakash) who is 18 years old, and a daughter (Joy Smyrna) who is 9 years old.
My role in Shining Stars is to run the Outreach coordinator to oversee our centres in all our Telugu and Non Telugu states.

SANKATI SRIKANTH(John)
IT & Training Coordinator
I received in my childhood and youth, I am investing back in other young hearts.

SANKATI SRIKANTH(John)
IT & Training Coordinator
My name is Srikanth (John). I am the eldest of two sons in the family. I first came to know of Shining Stars as a child, through my friends who went there to get help with their studies. I began attending in 2003, while I was in third class. I came for the purpose of flourishing academically, but what I found was far more. I remember the early days fondly, I was not only helped academically, but though the activities, friendships and mentorship, I was helped all areas of my life . . . it changed my life.
During my college days, I began to lose direction in life. It was at this time that I talked with my mentors from Shining Stars, and they helped me to redirect my gaze back to the right path. I knew what I had to do, and I made decisions that brought my life back on track. I was warned about the sacrifices I would have to make, and the rough road ahead, but I did not betray the conviction in my heart and I persevered. I left a future in the IT world (I did my B-tech) and I started mentoring young people, which made all the difference in my life.
Now I am a full-time staff in Shining Stars, I’m privileged to be one of only two Shining Stars alumni to become employed full-time by the organization so far! I believe that I am fulfilling my purpose among the youth of Hyderabad, and other places too. What I received in my childhood and youth, I am investing back in other young hearts.

BONKURI SUSHMA
Centre Leader
I am very thankful to God and immensely happy to be a part of the Vision of Shining Stars in RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION of LEADERS and hoping to learn and grow more in the years to come.

BONKURI SUSHMA
Centre Leader
Peter and Mercy founded Shining Stars in Hyderabad, Telangana, on March 5th of 1996. They have three sons. Josiah (married to Simona), Stephen and Caleb.
Peter directs the organization and Mercy helps in various ways, mostly connected with mentoring children & women and curriculum development.
PETER WIIG AND MERCY WIIG Founders & Director