Lydia’s path as an educator began in Kenya, where, after high school, she began her career in what she considers the most rewarding profession in the world—teaching. During her years teaching in Kenya, she observed how high student-to-teacher ratios led educators to focus primarily on high-achieving students, while those with special needs often received minimal support. Many of these students struggled to keep up and eventually dropped out, falling through the cracks in a system with limited resources.

Lydia taught in Kenya before relocating to the United States where she continued as an educator. She worked in the Plano Independent School District in Plano, Texas, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact an adequately resourced school system and a well-equipped teacher can have on students with special needs. With modified curricula and specialized resources, she saw her students flourish, bolstered by the technology and tools available in the school district.

Lydia’s journey in Special Education led her to Coventry Reserve, an amazing day program for adults with special needs, where she worked as a volunteer before becoming a member of the staff. It is at Coventry that it became clear to her that she needed to find a way to create a better program for children with special needs in Kenya. The skills and insights she gained at Coventry Reserve have been instrumental in developing Ageno Community, where we strive to create a nurturing and empowering environment for our students.

After Coventry, Lydia worked as a Special Education Teacher in the Dallas Independent School District, where she became team lead for the Special Education program at her school campus.

Lydia has a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya and a Master of Education in Special Education degree from Texas Woman’s University.