Empowering Dreams Through Education

Your trusted partner in international education consulting, helping students achieve their academic aspirations worldwide

Natasha Chhikara

Founder & CEO

Leap2us began with a simple belief: students deserve guidance shaped by experience, honesty, and genuine care.

For more than two decades, Natasha Chhikara has worked at the intersection of education, student development, and global admissions. She spent her early career teaching senior high-school students and later helped shape the branding, enrollment strategy, and academic direction of a major educational institution in India. These years gave her a first-hand understanding of what families look for—and what students truly need.

Seeking to deepen her expertise, Natasha completed her MS and MCA in India, then moved to the United States as an international student to pursue her Master’s in Communication. Her journey came full circle when she joined a U.S. university admissions office, where she learned how applications are read, evaluated, and selected. Few consultants carry both perspectives—the student’s and the evaluator’s—and this dual insight forms the foundation of Leap2us.

Today, Natasha leads a team of mentors each having 10–30 years of experience, including alumni of top Indian universities and the Ivy League. Together, they bring clarity to a process that often feels overwhelming, offering families guidance grounded in expertise rather than guesswork.

Our Mission

To empower students with global education opportunities by offering expert guidance, transparent processes, and personalized counseling at every stage of their international education journey. We aim to make studying abroad a smooth, informed, and rewarding experience for every student.

Our Vision

To be the world’s most trusted study abroad consulting firm, recognized for integrity, innovation, and impact. We envision a world where every talented student—regardless of geography—can seamlessly access global universities, unlock opportunities, and transform their lives through quality education.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Rajesh Dube - Channel Partner, Lucknow, India

Alumnus: BITS Pilani, SPJIMR Mumbai, and IIM Mumbai (NITIE)

Contact: +919455714599

Email: rajesh@leap2us.com

Rajesh brings 30+ years of leadership across banking, financial services, and consulting, specialising in business development, strategic planning, and organisational growth. Educated at India’s premier engineering and management institutions, he applies rigorous analysis and disciplined decision-making to complex opportunities.

At Leap2US, he forges high-credibility partnerships and helps students translate broad aspirations into structured, outcome-focused academic and career plans grounded in real-world strategy.

Led by visionary leaders and experienced mentors committed to your global education success

Saurabh - Principal Consultant, India
Alumnus: Pune University (MBA)

Contact: +918956221738

Email: saurabharora@leap2us.com

Saurabh brings 20+ years of national-level corporate leadership across product management, corporate strategy, CRM, training, and process excellence. He has advised SMEs across technology, textiles, packaging, and education, delivering measurable growth through practical, execution-driven solutions. A former guest lecturer for Executive MBA programs, he connects management theory with real-world outcomes.

At Leap2US, he guides students and families in building clear, strategic international education pathways; combining industry insight, structured planning, and mentorship that turns ambition into achievable action.

Harsha Batra Director of Academic & Admission Writing Excellence, NCR Delhi
Alumnus: MCA, Maharishi Dayanand University | BSc Computer Science, Kurukshetra University

Harsha Batra brings over 20 years of expertise in academic writing and global admissions strategy, making her a cornerstone of Leap2US guidance. She transforms SOPs, LORs, and personal essays into compelling narratives that resonate with top-tier international universities.

At Leap2US, Harsha leads our academic writing practice, mentoring students to articulate their unique strengths with clarity, authenticity, and impact. Her strategic approach ensures each application is not only polished but purpose-driven, empowering learners to secure admissions, scholarships, and opportunities with confidence.

Nisha -Director of Global Education & Counseling (Veterans Segment), Bangalore, India
Alumnus: MFA | MA (English) Maharishi Dayanand University

Contact: +918951600712

Email: nisha@leap2us.com

Nisha is a national-level award winner in arts and cultural programs and has received a letter of appreciation from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, underscoring her leadership, discipline, and community impact. With over 20 years of experience spanning communication, international education, and veteran engagement, she brings a rare combination of strategic insight and hands-on mentorship.

At Leap2US, Nisha leads the veterans segment from Bangalore, shaping policies, guiding global education pathways, and empowering students and professionals to make informed decisions. Her expertise ensures every learner navigates admissions, scholarships, and career planning with clarity, confidence, and long-term impact.

Ajay Dhankar – Principal Mentor – Global Careers & International Admissions, UK
Alumnus: MBA, Warwick Business School | Masters in Automotive Design, Coventry University, UK

Email: ajaydhankar@leap2us.com

Ajay Dhankar blends global design leadership with deep international education insight. With 20+ years across brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren, Geely, GE, and Ceer, he brings innovation, strategy, and real-world industry perspective to every student interaction. Educated in India and the UK, he understands how both systems work and how students can position themselves for competitive global programs. Ajay founded STYLEMENOW, created The Reaction Framework® for strategic decision making, and holds a patent for a Multi-Functional Display Unit; demonstrating practical impact beyond theory.

At Leap2US, he mentors students and professionals to build clarity, strengthen portfolios, and design future-ready global careers.

Dr. Carl L. Thameling - Global Director of Communication & Student Advancement, USA

Alumnus: Ph.D. & M.A. Indiana University, USA, B.A. University of Louisville, USA

Email: thameling@leap2us.com

Dr. Carl L. Thameling brings over three decades of experience in teaching and mentoring students in effective communication. A Professor Emeritus of Communication at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he has led academic programs and guided students across public speaking, interpersonal communication, conflict management, and leadership communication. With a Ph.D. in Communication Theory and Research from Indiana University, Dr. Thameling combines structured thinking with practical application.

At Leap2US, he leads the Communication Practice, helping students speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose; skills essential for interviews, classrooms, and global academic environments.

Aarti Dube - Counselor & Business Development Manager, US East Coast

Alumnus: M.Com. , BBA, University of Mumbai

Email: aarti@leap2us.com

Aarti brings 15 years of experience in education and college admissions counseling across India and the United States. She combines in-depth knowledge of diverse education systems with hands-on experience guiding students through academic planning, personalized college selection, and international admissions. Known for building trust and delivering actionable guidance, she empowers students to make informed decisions, plan effectively, and achieve long-term growth.

At Leap2US, Aarti serves as Counselor & Business Development Manager – US East Coast, strengthening the firm’s regional presence while mentoring students and families to navigate complex global education pathways.