MEET THE TEAM!

Mercy Otieno

DIRECTOR OF KENYA OPERATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Mercy is a communication strategist holding a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations from Daystar University. She has held the position of Communications Manager at the Wangari Maathai Foundation and currently serves as the Director of Operations for Kenya and Social Media Director at Crossing Thresholds.

​Mercy’s association with Crossing Thresholds began in 2011 during the organization's initiative to establish its second school in Kibera. Since then, she has been deeply engaged with Crossing Thresholds, collaborating on multiple projects and benefiting from the organization's extensive support throughout her educational and professional development. Mercy regards her partnership with Crossing Thresholds as profoundly transformative, noting how the organization has not only influenced her personal growth but also created lasting positive impacts within the Kibera community by delivering quality education, healthcare, and steadfast support to its children through compassion and generosity.
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Jacob Saya Jso

Music Director

Jacob Saya directs the award-winning Music Program in Kibera schools, Kenya. An orphan from age two, he grew up in Western Kenya, where he grew his love for music through the school choir and Kenya National Music Festivals.

Jacob has a bachelor’s degree in Education (English Literature) from Daystar University, a Higher Certificate in Primary Teacher Education, and a Music Certificate from Maasai Teachers Training College. His passion for teaching music emerged in 2013 when Brian Odina Hamisi recognized his skills in playing the recorder. This led to a teaching position at FAFU, facilitated by Mr. Simeon Ajigo, who later introduced Jacob to Nina and Carter.
Under Jacob’s leadership, the Music Program has expanded to four CT schools in Kibera, garnering six National Awards and enhancing the program's reputation nationally and internationally. Jacob’s mission focuses on joy, positive character change, and hope through music, making every moment a Music Moment.

Fredrick Mutwota

Technology Director

Fredrick Mutwota is an educator and Technology Director for five Kibera schools. He partners with CT to enhance our schools' technological resources. The schools had no technological footprint for many years, and the students and educators were not privy to the benefits of a technology-based educational experience. Under Fred’s direction, he established five computer labs and added projectors, laptops, and robotics. He manages IT across all schools, teaches computer literacy lab management, and educates teachers on tech integration. Additionally, he develops database systems to improve school administration.

Fredrick holds a Diploma in Information Technology from JKUAT University and a Certificate in School Management from Bridge International Academies. Outside of work, he teaches chess at the Kibera Knights Chess Club and enjoys swimming. Fred is married with two children.

Waringa Kamau

​Logistics Manager

  

Dancan Ndegwa

Manager of Learner Engagement and Impact

Dancan is a dedicated teacher and the Mentorship Director at Crossing Thresholds. He first connected with Crossing Thresholds through its mentorship program, which links students in Kenya with their mentors in the USA. This partnership has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of children living in the Kibera slums, offering them hope and inspiring them to believe in their bright futures.
Passionate about community and personal growth, Dancan also enjoys playing soccer. This hobby has helped him develop valuable skills in interacting with people of all ages, further enhancing his ability to connect with and support the youth he mentors.

Julius Odhiambo

Assistant Music Director

Julius is an accomplished music trainer and football coach with extensive experience in both fields. He teaches at Center of Hope and Garden of Hope School, training students in Recorder Ensemble, Piano, and Choir Singing. Additionally, he has trained music literacy for Crossing Thresholds' artists in Nairobi, Kenya.
Beyond his music expertise, Julius is a dedicated football coach who works at Daystar University Nairobi Campus and Lxlg Sports Academy, where he also serves as the head coach for his football team.