The Ndoto Team
US Office Staff
Allison Schlack]
Founder & Executive Director
Allison Schlack grew up in Carrollton, Texas, and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Baylor University and a Master’s Degree in Cross Cultural Ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary. She loves to travel, is trying to learn Swahili, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her nephews, Riley and Logan. She has been back and forth to Kenya since 2003 and has lived permanently in Kenya since 2011. Although she misses home and has seen her first grey hairs, she is grateful for the work of Ndoto and the life God has given her in Kisumu alongside 250+ of her favorite young people. Allison is currently living and working in Kisumu, Kenya.
Combining the advancement of the gospel with social justice is my life goal—that holistic development where you’re helping people’s physical needs and spiritual needs.
Allison Schlack
Founder & Executive Director
John Seale]
Director of US Operations
John has lived his entire life in Texas but has a vision for the world. He is a member at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, Texas, where he grew up involved in mission work in 4 countries, including his first trip to Kenya in 2006. He has been involved in ministry in Kenya ever since, including cofounding the organization as Ndoto’s volunteer business manager. After 8 years working at a local church planting and community development organization, John joined the Ndoto team officially in 2017. He has a business degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Masters in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Katie, who is a worship leader at Prince of Peace, son Daniel, who was born in July 2016, and daughter Hannah, who was born in February 2021.
I wasn't sure I wanted to go to Kenya in 2006...I already had a very busy summer planned and didn't have a paying job so I told a spiritual leader in my life that I thought it was too much. He told me, 'Never deny God the opportunity to stretch you.' I signed up, raised the money, and my life was changed. That trip turned into seven, and then into my full-time job. It's amazing what the Lord will do when you aren't even expecting it.
John Seale
Director of US Operations
Christi Melton]
US Volunteer - Sponsors & Stephen Minister
Christi was born in Odessa, Texas and now resides in the Land of Enchantment, Ruidoso, New Mexico. Christi was commissioned as a Stephen Minister at her church in 2003. Serving in this capacity has allowed her to walk alongside many people through their darkest hour and remind them of the hope they have in Jesus Christ. Her greatest passions are listening to people’s life stories, watching documentaries, reading, exercising, and disco dancing. Christi has been a committed and central volunteer for Ndoto since its founding in 2009 and enjoys seeing the relationship between students and sponsors grow as they send their letters back and forth. She also volunteers as a Stephen Minister during her time in Kenya to help our students work through deep hurts and pains.
In June 2006, I had no idea what kind of an impact my first mission trip would have over my life. After touching Kenyan soil for the first time, my life was forever changed! A young lady in our ministry became like a Kenyan daughter to me and I heard from the Lord that serving in this community was my life's work. Experiencing life in Obunga shifted my very being. I learned how to need less, give more, and serve with my whole heart, no matter the cost physically or emotionally.
Christi Melton
US Volunteer - Sponsors & Stephen Minister
Gail Bell]
Accountant
Gail grew up in Oregon and attended the University of Oregon. She made her way to Texas through her long career in tax and accounting. Now she says she will never leave. Gail retired in 2018 and immediately began serving Ndoto as an accountant in her newfound free time. She is blessed with a wonderful family and friends and thanks God for all he has given her.
God is always working in your life. About the time I thought I was retiring from many years in the tax and accounting field a good friend introduced me to Allison. She offered me an opportunity to work with Ndoto and here I am. So looking forward to this. What a wonderful organization.
Gail Bell
Accountant
Board Members
Richard Cockcroft]
Chairman
Richard and his wife, Jane, who live in Dallas, both grew up in South Africa. They have two grown children who live in the Dallas area and are proud grandparents to the best grandchildren in the world. Richard loves to travel and is a wonderful cook. We like to call Richard our “African American” board member as he was raised in Africa and is now a naturalized American! Richard works at Gartner, the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. Richard says, “Technology is a great enabler, even in the heart of Kenya’s slums there are cell phones everywhere and even the occasional Internet café!”
I am passionate about helping people help themselves, especially those that happen to be born into poverty. We need to help “break the chains” that keeps them poor. What better way to do this than to provide a quality education and a Christian community? My dream for Ndoto is that through education, the sponsored children will have a future, get to help others in pursuing their dreams, and most importantly, experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Richard Cockcroft
Chairman
Ken Towe]
Vice Chair/Treasurer
Ken was born and raised in Iowa but found his way to Texas Christian University (TCU) where he met his wife Janet and has been a Texan ever since. He and Janet have been married 37 years and have 4 sons and 2 grandchildren. Ken spent his career working in finance for Lockheed Martin until his recent retirement. Ken has passion for giving people in need a hand up. He works in the food bank and delivers meals for Metrocrest Services, mentors a young man through the Big Brother Program and stays active in his church. He sees Ndoto as tangible proof that you can transform people and even a community through the providing of educational and job opportunities and a sharing of the Gospel.
Ken Towe
Vice Chair/Treasurer
Roxane Malecek]
Secretary
Roxane was born and raised in Minnesota but is very happy to be in Texas with her husband of 43 years and to live near her two grown daughters and their husbands. Being a math teacher for many years and having lived in two third-world countries gives her a heart for participating in a foreign mission involving education for underprivileged children. Roxane volunteers as a Stephen Ministry Leader, serves on the Community Care team of her church, leads a Moms in Prayer International group, and enjoys doing some administrative duties for Ndoto stateside. Her hobbies include sewing, quilting, doing large jigsaw puzzles, and visiting with friends and family.
“Being involved with Ndoto is so important to me because I know that my family is helping change lives in a slum in Kenya by supporting two students to go to school. These students, in turn, will make a difference in their community in ways that I personally cannot do. Also, I love how Ndoto guides the students with Biblical truths that will challenge their spiritual lives to grow closer to God.”
Roxane Malecek
Secretary
Susan Damiano]
Board Member
For most of her life, Susan has lived in Radnor, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, with a few years living in New York City and Boston. She attended Ursinus College where she met her husband Michael. She and Mike have been married for more than 40 years and have a daughter, son, and grandson. Susan loves being with children of all ages, which led to a career as a junior/senior high math teacher, a volunteer at an afterschool program for girls, and a Coordinator of Children’s and Youth Ministries at an Episcopal church. While working as coordinator, Susan learned to travel out of her comfort zone, beginning with trips to Guatemala and Israel. After leading a youth pilgrimage to Iceland, she was asked to be a mission trip and pilgrimage guide for Wonder Voyage. In 2022, Wonder Voyage Legacy offered a trip to Kenya to spend time with the people of Obunga, worship at the Ndoto Community Church, and see the school children work on the laptops donated by the members of Wonder Voyage Legacy. After a tour of the facilities, a joyful time playing with the children, and meeting Allison, Susan was hooked on Ndoto! She joined the Board of Directors in 2024.
“On my visit to Obunga, I saw God’s work in action. I saw a community of love in the students, teachers, and staff. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The people of Ndoto have set their self-interests aside to nurture the people of Obunga and spread God’s love.”
Susan Damiano
Board Member
Richard Ray]
Board Member
Richard is a retired television journalist who anchored and reported at KDFW-TV, the Fox affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth, for 36 years. He’s moved on to a second career as an actor and writer, through Linda McAlister Talent, one of the top agencies in Texas. Born and raised in Minnesota, he and his wife, Catherine, have been involved in mission work in Africa since 2004, and were part of the Ndoto dream before it became a formalized nonprofit effort. He and Catherine are faithful sponsors of Ndoto students and have been heavily involved in business development in Obunga. The Rays love to travel and explore the natural beauty of God’s creation and have now been to more than 50 countries around the world.
The work Ndoto does in offering young people an education, an opportunity at a better life, and raising them up to be followers of Christ is something that I give thanks for daily.
Richard Ray
Board Member
David Schroeder]
Board Member
David grew up in Houston, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007 with a degree in architectural engineering. For 11 years, he was a construction manager and licensed engineer for a Fort Worth-based civil engineering firm. He was involved in several water projects before taking a major role in DFW airport renovations, continuing that work with a new firm. In 2021 he began working for the Tarrant Regional Water District. His friend, John Seale, invited him to come to Kenya with him in 2009, and that led to a second visit in 2011. These trips sparked a passion for the world in him, and he and his family have traveled extensively across the United States, Europe, and Israel. David is also an entrepreneur, with notable side businesses including being a travel blogger, Airbnb host, and LEGO collector and reseller. David married Rebekah in 2012 and they have two kids, Ephraim and Pearl. He joined the Ndoto Board of Directors in 2021.
My friends were starting a non-profit organization in 2009, and I was tagging along, assisting whenever possible. It was a wonderful trip, with many exciting and new experiences. The Kenyan people are amazing, and I now have many lifelong friends on the other side of the world. Ndoto is doing impressive work and I was honored to be asked to be on the Board of Directors after so many years as a supporter.
David Schroeder
Board Member
Kenya Office Staff
In our part of Kenya, last names are not always family names. Team members having the same second names here does not imply that they are related.
Haddah Achieng]
Education and Discipleship
Haddah Achieng was born and raised in Ndhiwa, Homabay County, where she went through her education from primary to high school level and later joined Laikipia University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Media. She is a gospel composer and singer who has done a variety of music. She has also gone through training on Community Development, church and youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and HIV/AIDS lifestyle mentorship training. Haddah has worked with various educational institutions guiding young people in areas of discipleship and training. She loves writing and taking pictures. Her passion is to see the talents and gifts of young people realized as they overcome the obstacles facing their generation. She joined the Ndoto team in 2023.
I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve with the Ndoto team for the betterment of the community. When we come together, great things happen and I know adding me to this team is within the will of God for greater things ahead.
Haddah Achieng
Education and Discipleship
Mercy Grace Akinyi]
Team Assistant
Mercy Grace is an Ndoto alumna who was sponsored as part of the first class in 2009. She learned at Salem Academy, Shikoti Girls Primary, Wonderland Academy, Nyamira Girls High School, and Maseno University, where she studied Community Development. She is a mother of one young daughter and joined the Ndoto team in 2024, first as an intern, and then as a full-time hire. She serves the team in a variety of ways and is also a Sunday School teacher for Ndoto Community Church.
My vision for Ndoto is to see it prosper and be successful in all areas. I want to see impact in the lives of the kids just as I was impacted by Ndoto, so I will always give back to my community.
Mercy Grace Akinyi
Team Assistant
Otuma Andako]
Education and Discipleship
Otuma Okwaro Andako was born in 1973 and is the second born in a family of 10 siblings. He has lived a challenging life, staying out of school for 12 years after high school, unable to afford college. He joined college in 2005 to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology and worked part-time as a security guard to help pay his own tuition. After being awarded his degree Andako taught computer skills part-time and later secured a place as an office assistant. Eventually he enrolled for a Bachelor’s Degree in IT and upon graduation became assistant registrar of KCA University. He is now pursuing his Master’s in IT Management. He joined our team in 2022.
Andako is actively involved in the children ministry at his local church and at the same time enthusiastically participating in activities that aim to transform the face of the community he comes from. He is a loving husband and a father to three children.
“I really love God because he has stood with me through the rough times of life. I am excited to join this loving family to continue blessing the lives of many through the help of the Holy Spirit.”
Otuma Andako
Education and Discipleship
Becky Awuor]
Education and Discipleship
Becky Awuor Anyango was born in 1994 in Nairobi to Vincent and Elizabeth, who are both now deceased. She is the second-last born of five siblings, with two brothers and two sisters. She went to the Community And Progress Youth Empowerment Institute where she studied Hospitality, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. She aspires to go to university soon. She is a born-again believer and is the youth leader at her local church. She is a singer and songwriter, and she explores these gifts with the worship team of her church and local group Band Wima Imara. She is also very passionate about young people. Her desire is to see young people walk in the knowledge of who they are in Jesus Christ and excel in their God-given potentials and gifts. Through her passion for young people and music she was helping lead worship at Ndoto retreats before even joining the staff. She joined our team in 2021.
I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to work with Ndoto For Africa’s Future, an organization that is aligned with my purpose and passion. I am certain that Ndoto is place where I will get to experience and be part of transforming lives through the word of God and see them conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. I believe that people who know and walk with Christ are able to live a life that is successful in all its dimensions and I am so privileged to be part of it.
Becky Awuor
Education and Discipleship
Mercy Gemini]
Site Director
Mercy is a born again Christian and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Biotechnology. She is the first born in a family of four, born and brought up in Kisumu County. Mercy has a passion for the holistic and sustainable development of the next generation. She has developed a background in Life Skills and Leadership training through the Kenya Life Skills Promoters (LISP), the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Young Africa Leadership Initiative (YALI) and this has seen her through her journey of school mentorship. In addition, she has a background in Child Protection, with experience in Parenting and Positive Discipline trainings. She is also passionate about economic empowerment as one of the ways of breaking cycles of poverty. Mercy considers herself a leader with a responsibility to help restore hope to young people by equipping them with value-based life skills to build their capacity for the betterment of their everyday lives; and most importantly, to bring them to the knowledge of God. She joined our team in 2022.
It’s such a very humbling opportunity to serve at Ndoto: For Africa’s Future, and I really thank God for the honour. I feel privileged to serve the Obunga Community, knowing that this is what my hands can touch best with regards to my God given abilities.
Mercy Gemini
Site Director
Elizabeth Ndibile]
Lead Accountant
Elizabeth is a Certified Public Accountant in Kenya with a Bachelor’s degree from Kenyatta University. She was born and brought up in nearby Kakamega County, and has over 12 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management in Kenya. She has worked previously with renowned agencies and gathered immense experience. Elizabeth is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and she loves music and sometimes singing. She joined our team in 2021.
The opportunity to work with Ndoto is my joy because I get a chance to serve the community directly. Ndoto purposes to positively impact this community and I am glad to be part of this team that helps restore hope in families that had once lost hope.
Elizabeth Ndibile
Lead Accountant
Susan Mandera]
Education and Discipleship
Susan was born in Maseno, Kenya, but grew up in Kisumu and attended Huma Girls Secondary School before attending college. She now lives in Nyalenda, a slum in Kisumu, and lives in a small house with her sister and three cousins who she takes care of. Susan went through a training program hosted by missionaries to receive counseling skills to help students through trauma and other life issues. She passed the course with straight A’s. Susan joined Ndoto’s team in 2012.
I love working at Ndoto because I get to meet so many people and know how to help them. I also work hard to make sure that I encourage students to be productive people in the future. God gives us the grace to minister to students no matter how difficult the situation is.
Susan Mandera
Education and Discipleship
Joshua Odhiambo]
Director of External Affairs
Joshua is the first ever tuk tuk (three person motor taxi) driver in Kisumu, Kenya. He is married to Emily, and they are the proud parents of Mike and Michelle. When Joshua first met Allison Schlack, Ndoto’s Executive Director, she told him about Jesus, and he gave his life to Christ. Since 2011, he has worked for Ndoto as our first Kenyan employee, first as a driver and now as a mentor to our youngest Ndoto boys. He loves being part of Ndoto and says it has been used by God to grow him spiritually to a place where it is a joy to know Jesus.
First, Ndoto made me to transform spiritually to know God. I never even took my time to read the Bible, but now I discipline myself to know Jesus Christ. It is my joy. I have gained more experience learning how to work to change communities like Obunga.
Joshua Odhiambo
Director of External Affairs
Musa Ojuok]
Education and Discipleship
Musa was born in 1993 in Muhoroni constituency within Kisumu County. He is a born-again Christian fellowshipping at his local church. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Needs from Moi University and is happily married to his wife. They are expecting their first child in 2023. Musa has spent his life since completing his studies working with students. He is especially knowledgeable and skilled in working with orphans and vulnerable children in society and has also been trained in Mental Health and Awareness by the Scripture Union of Kenya. He is trustworthy, honest, and results-oriented. Musa is passionate about solving problems, networking, and mentoring learners to achieve academic success. He joined the team in 2023.
I am very much grateful to God having introduced me to the very wonderful and hardworking Ndoto team! I have gotten a chance to serve the community directly and rebuild my spiritual being in the discipleship at Ndoto and help in bringing hope to the less privileged in the society!
Musa Ojuok
Education and Discipleship
Clinton Okoth]
Sports and Gym
Clinton was born in 1995 in Obunga. He stayed with his mom in Nairobi until the age of 17, when they moved back to Kisumu and he got to know his father. He is the third-born in his family of four children and was sponsored through Ndoto in 2012 in high school. He was able to graduate in 2015 and attended Kenyatta University on an Ndoto sponsorship. He earned a diploma in crime management and prevention in 2019 and began to volunteer at Ndoto. He has moved from volunteering to part-time employment to full-time employment in 2021, and now works with the Discipleship team, leads the Ndoto Gym, the Ndoto Sports Academy, and assists with construction, IT, and other special tasks.
I thank Ndoto for giving me education and spiritual mentorship, and I would love to see the community of Obunga and other slums change. Through the mentorship we offer at Ndoto, and through football and boxing, I believe we can see the youths turning away from bad moral behavior and toward better things.
Clinton Okoth
Sports and Gym
Calvin Omondi]
IT Support
Calvin Omondi Otieno is an Ndoto beneficiary, sponsored from 2020 to his graduation in 2024. He was born in Siaya County and raised in Obunga. He studied at Manyatta Arab Primary and Lions High School, before proceeding to Maseno University where he earned his Diploma in Information Technology. Calvin has served Ndoto in many ways as a volunteer before officially joining the team. With Ndoto Community Church, he teaches Sunday School, helps with the accounts, and provides multimedia support. With Ndoto Academy, he helps with the computer lab. With Ndoto Sports, he manages the under-10 team and is a competitive boxer. He officially joined the staff full-time in 2024 as he finished his coursework at school and continues to serve the organization in the same ways, with added responsibilities in IT and as Pastor Michael’s personal assistant.
Just as Ndoto has helped me achieve my dreams, I am committed to contributing to Ndoto with my skills.
Calvin Omondi
IT Support
Michael Omondi]
Pastor and Director
Michael is a former Ndoto-sponsored student who was raised in Obunga with his four siblings. He is a proud alumni of Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, where he studied theology. He was able to be the first in his family to receive a diploma from a university. In 2022 Michael graduated with a Master’s in Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University. Known to the students as Pastor Michael, he works with our older boys as well as teaching Bible study on Sundays to all Ndoto students. Pastor Michael loves serving, helping the sick, preaching the gospel, and walking alongside our students through life. He is married to Ndoto founder Allison Schlack and has three beautiful children, Michaela, Judah, and Jeremiah. He has been part of the Ndoto staff team since 2011.
My life has been transformed by the coming of Ndoto to Kenya, especially, since 2003. The difference can now be observed, as I am walking in the middle of the light at the end of the tunnel. I know that together with the staff here, we will walk together with students who have no parents or only single mothers, and we will hold hands with them as God is fashioning them to be like his Son, Christ the Lord, and giving them big dreams.
Michael Omondi
Pastor and Director
Samson Jared Omondi]
Communications and Discipleship
Samson was born in Nakuru but raised in Kisumu County. He is the first born in a family of five siblings. He is a journalism and communications practitioner with experience in print and electronic media productions and public relations. Samson has worked at a government radio station and a Christian TV station in roles such as news writer, assignment editor, and head of programming. He is passionate about positive and transformative social, economic, and spiritual impact through media as a sphere of influence and believes media can be used to change social norms, empower people, educate, entertain, and inform. He is also passionate about ministry to young people and uses his skills to equip, restore dreams, and bring back hope to the lifeless. Samson also loves the visual and performance arts. He joined the team in 2023.
It’s a privilege and honor for this opportunity granted me to be part of the Ndoto family. I thank God and Ndoto and I am fully persuaded that God is doing a great thing in the lives of people from all walks of life through and in Ndoto and am so glad to be part of the great awakening story that will be told in years to come. I am here ready to partake, witness and participate in it.
Samson Jared Omondi
Communications and Discipleship
Caroline Onyango]
Education and Discipleship
Caroline was born in Alego Usonga in Siaya County. She is the fifth born in a family of nine children. She is married and blessed with two children. Caroline attended Sidok Primary School and Mbaga Girls’ Secondary School, and then proceeded to Maseno University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with an IT component. Caroline joined Ndoto in 2024 to serve the Education Department and college girls.
I want to explore my acquired and God-given skills and competence to nurture the girls assigned to me, and being open, learn from my teammates.
Caroline Onyango
Education and Discipleship
Tobias Onyango]
Education and Discipleship and Special Projects
Tobias is an Ndoto alumnus who was born and raised in Obunga. He is also a proud alumni of Amboseli School of Hospitality and Tourism where he studied tour guiding and administration. Tobias now has his own family – one loving wife and one handsome son. He is the second in the family to attain a Diploma at college level, and for that he gives thanks to God for bringing Ndoto into his life. He has recognized the dire need to serve people, give back to the community, and most importantly to know that God loves him and everyone else in Obunga. Tobias has served Ndoto in a variety of ways, from maintenance and security to leading worship at church. He joined the team full-time in 2018.
God had a plan for every experience growing up, even when I was down and almost giving up. He sent Ndoto into my life in 2006. Transformation in my life has been in stages and it's by the grace of God that I am here. Having been given the chance to serve at Ndoto I look forward to sharing the word of God with other people and using the little I have to serve others. Working with Ndoto is all about serving people and giving back to the community.
Tobias Onyango
Education and Discipleship and Special Projects
Hamisi Musa Owuor]
Accountant
Hamisi was born in 1999 and raised in the Obunga slums. He is the second born in a family of 5, and attended Salem Academy and Friends School Mbale. He graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He was a sponsored student of Ndoto from 2013 through graduation. He served as a teacher at Salem Academy and worked a sales job before joining Ndoto as an intern in 2024 and being hired as a full-time accountant. He is a leader at Ndoto Community Church, serving with the children’s ministry.
My life is a testament of God's love. I am grateful to God to be part of Ndoto, and blessed to serve and learn alongside this amazing team.
Hamisi Musa Owuor
Accountant
Frank Oyule]
Pastor and Discipleship
A holder of a diploma in Theological Studies at the Lake Basin Institute of Theology, Pastor Frank, a humble, affectionate teacher of the word of God, is the senior pastor of Ndoto Community Church and director of discipleship for Ndoto: For Africa’s Future. He was driven to pursue theology out of his passion to know God and make Him known. He joined the Ndoto team full-time in 2023 after leading the adult ministry of Ndoto Community Church since 2020, serving under Pastor Michael Omondi, who was his mentor. He is a husband and a loving father of three beautiful kids. He enjoys his free time with family, watching Christian movies, visiting friends, reading books, and listening to sermons from other teachers and preachers.
"I love Obunga. I've been living there since birth. My desire is to see Obunga transformed by Jesus."
Frank Oyule
Pastor and Discipleship
Academy Team Members
Elizabeth Adhiambo]
Lower Primary Teacher
Elizabeth was born and raised in Rangwe Constituency in Homabay County from a family of six. She learned at Asumbi Mixed Primary and Asumbi Girls High School, then studied at Asumbi Teachers Training College. She joined Ndoto in January 2024 as part of the Ndoto Academy teaching staff.
I look forward to growing spiritually and also building my teaching career as I impart knowledge to these learners.
Elizabeth Adhiambo
Lower Primary Teacher
Evaline Akinyi]
Chef
Evaline Akinyi Jopamba was born and raised in Kisumu County, where she did her primary school. Her passion for cooking saw her seek culinary opportunities in Kisumu. She joined Ndoto in 2024 as an assistant chef to meet the growing needs of the Ndoto kitchen. She has a lovely family with six sons and a daughter.
I appreciate Ndoto for the opportunity given to develop while participating in the Ndoto ministry.
Evaline Akinyi
Chef
Anne Awuor]
ECD Teacher
Anne Awuor Raburu was born in 1993 in Kendu Bay, Homa Bay County. She is the last-born in a family of six. Anne learned at Obangla Primary and Saye Secondary and sat for KCSE in 2010. She joined ECDE Training College in 2012 and graduated with a certificate in 2014. She enrolled for a diploma and graduated in 2016 from Kamagambo Adventist School. Since then she has been teaching at various ECDE centres.
Anne enjoys her work as a teacher of young learners. Most of the time you find Anne in the company of young children because it’s one of the things she enjoys most in life. Her hobbies are swimming, reading story books, and telling stories. Anne is married and has two children.
Anne Awuor
ECD Teacher
Lilian Akoth]
ECD Teacher
Lilian Akoth Olala was born in a small town known as Oyugis in Homa Bay County. After KCPE in 2004, she joined Bishop Linus Okok High School. After the death of her parents, she transferred to a day school and sat for KCSE in 2008. She joined the African Institute in 2012 for a certificate in ECDE and later enrolled for a diploma in ECDE in 2019. She graduated from St. Paul College in 2021. Lilian is the mother to two biological children and one adopted child.
Lilian has taught in a number of schools as a classroom teacher before joining KUP (Kisumu Apostolate Program), where she worked for four years as a learner support assistant. At the end of her contract she joined Ezrta Gumbe Primary School where she worked for a few months before joining the new startup Ndoto Academy. In her years working with children she has learned to be patient and creative. She says she has found her inner child again. Lilian hopes to build trust with her little learners, helping them to build self-confidence and independence. She respects every child and their family.
Lilian Akoth
ECD Teacher
Teressa Hayo]
Head Chef
Teressa (Terry) Hayo Odhiambo was born in Kisumu County, and attended school at her ancestral home in North Gem, Siaya County. She studied at Mutumbu High School. Passionate about cooking, she sought a culinary program training, where she gained foundational skills and networking opportunities. She has experience in different cooking environments, from restaurants to catering companies. She joined Ndoto as the first official chef in 2022.
I believe in a high standard and level of professionalism in the way that I serve the entire Ndoto team.
Teressa Hayo
Head Chef
Susan Mandera]
Interim Headmaster
Susan was born in Maseno, Kenya, but grew up in Kisumu and attended Huma Girls Secondary School before attending college. She now lives in Nyalenda, a slum in Kisumu, and lives in a small house with her sister and three cousins who she takes care of. Susan went through a training program hosted by missionaries to receive counseling skills to help students through trauma and other life issues. She passed the course with straight A’s. Susan joined Ndoto’s team in 2012.
I love working at Ndoto because I get to meet so many people and know how to help them. I also work hard to make sure that I encourage students to be productive people in the future. God gives us the grace to minister to students no matter how difficult the situation is.
Susan Mandera
Interim Headmaster
Erambo Naphtali]
Lower Primary Teacher
Naphtali was born and raised in Kakamega County. He was born to a family of six – three boys and three girls – and studied at Holy Cross Emalindi Primary and Eshinutsa Secondary in Western province. He pursued a course at Ugenya Teachers Training College in Siaya and upgraded to the new Kenyan education system (CBC). Naphtali joined Ndoto in January 2024 as one of the new Ndoto Academy teachers.
Work for the betterment of the institution and mentor young souls.
Erambo Naphtali
Lower Primary Teacher
Sylvia Vuguza]
ECD Teacher
Sylvia Vuguza was born in 1994 in the western part of Kenya as the 7th of 8 siblings. She did her KCPE in 2008 and her KCSE in 2012. Before joining college, she did a short course in computer training. In 2015 she enrolled in International Teachers College in Kajiado where she earned a certificate in ECDE. She later enrolled for an ECDE diploma at the same school and graduated in 2018. She has worked with different schools, including Kitengela International School, Woodhill International School, and Maria Goretti School. She joined Ndoto Academy in 2022 as a PP2 teacher. She likes reading story books, traveling, and writing short poems for young kids. Sylvia’s focus is on nurturing young kids in all aspects of their growth and development, and she researches best practices to learn and improve in this.
Sylvia Vuguza
ECD Teacher
Kenya Support Staff
Irene Achieng’]
Custodian
Irene Achieng’ Otieno was born and raised in Homabay County. She learned at Kenyatta University Primary School in Nairobi before returning to Homabay for high school, and moving to Moi University’s Rongo campus to pursue a course in social work and community development. She began her career journey as a volunteer adherence counselor in a district hospital in Rachuonyo. She served as a primary school’s secretary and also worked at the Gizella Khawa Mental Health Organization. She joined the Ndoto staff in 2024 to serve as a janitor. She also serves Ndoto Community Church on the worship team and as the main translator.
I am looking forward to growing and continuing to build my career at Ndoto.
Irene Achieng’
Custodian
Jacktone Aywaya]
Facilities & Security
Jacktone Aywaya Otolo was born and raised in Bondo County, Kenya, where he did his primary school and proceeded to high school in Siaya County. He worked in Nairobi as a residential security guard before joining the Ndoto team in 2018 as part of the security team. He has a lovely family with seven children – 4 girls and 3 boys – and one of his daughters is sponsored by Ndoto. Jacktone is also a member of the Ndoto Community Church. He appreciates Ndoto for the opportunity to develop and support the sponsorship program.
I have found a place I call home at Ndoto and I thank God for the opportunity to grow and serve the Obunga community.
Jacktone Aywaya
Facilities & Security
Henry Nyamai]
Facilities & Security
Henry Omondi Nyamai was born and raised in Siaya County, Kenya, where he did his primary and secondary schooling. He then proceeded to pursue Electrical Installation at Rotary Polytechnic in Kisumu. Henry worked at Riley Falcon Security for six years before joining the Ndoto team in 2022 to serve as a security guard. He is passionate about mentoring young people, and was previously a Sunday School teacher and youth leader at Anglican Church of Kenya in Siaya. He is currently a member of Ndoto Community Church. He appreciates Ndoto for offering him an opportunity to develop as he serves the community of Obunga.
I thank God for the association I had with Allison for more than 10 years before officially joining the Ndoto team. The opportunities I have had courtesy of this organization have greatly transformed my life and family. May God bless Ndoto for this opportunity.
Henry Nyamai
Facilities & Security
Denish Omondi]
Facilities & Security
Denish was born and raised in Homabay County, Kenya. He has a family with two children. Denish did his primary education in Western, Kenya, and his secondary schooling in Homabay County. Denish worked at Riley Falcon Security before joining Ndoto in 2023 as part of the security team. He still dreams of pursuing a course in Human Resource Management.
I found a family and good working environment with Ndoto and I thank God for this opportunity. I believe that with it, I will give my best service and also be able to someday realize my dreams.
Denish Omondi
Facilities & Security
Tom Ondiek]
Facilities & Security
Tom Onyango Ondiek was born and raised in Nyakach in Kisumu County where he also pursued his education. He has a family and is blessed with four children, two boys and two girls. Tom worked at Bedrock Security for seven years before joining Ndoto in 2023 as part of the security team. Tom is also passionate about mechanical engineering.
I thank God for the opportunity and the good working environment. I can now pay fees for my children and provide for my family courtesy of Ndoto. May God bless Ndoto and the entire team.
Tom Ondiek
Facilities & Security
Dennis Opondo]
Groundskeeper
Dennis was born and raised in Siaya County, where he did his primary school at Segere Primary (now St. Patrick’s) and proceeded to Mwer Secondary (now St. Gabriel). He was trained in sales and marketing at Bata shoe company and trained as a residential security guard at Riley Falcon. Dennis has four children and lives in Kisumu. He joined the Ndoto team in 2024.
Dennis Opondo
Groundskeeper
Philip Otieno]
Facilities & Security
Philip Otieno Abwanda, known among our team as Oti, was born and raised in Alego in Siaya County, Kenya. He studied at Pumwani and East Leigh in Nairobi for his primary and secondary education, respectively. He has a family and is blessed with 3 children – 2 girls and a boy. He worked at Kenya Times as a caretaker before becoming a residential security guard in Tom Mboya Estate in Kisumu, where he met the Ndoto team. He joined Ndoto in 2022 as part of the security team. Coming from a family of boxing athletes, Philip is currently stationed at Ndoto’s gym facility and is passionate about teaching boxing too.
I am able to take care of my family and develop myself thanks to Ndoto.
