Meet our DIRECTORS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS (U.S.)

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND CURRICULUM ADVANCEMENT

Ken Kaplan is a recently retired Special Educator. Ken has been actively involved with Crossing Thresholds for over four years, directing the Technology and Educational Development of our schools in Kibera, as well as creating the Kibera Knights Chess Club. Ken was on the Crossing Thresholds Board of Directors for three years. He lives in the Hudson Valley with his wife Lisa and his dog Otis.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, MENTORSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

Juliana McKenna graduated from Hobart and William Smith in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts. After working on the Commodity Trading Floor for 25 years, Juliana opened up her own accounting firm in New Canaan, CT. Juliana joined Crossing Thresholds in 2021. In her free time Juliana enjoys walking, being with family and needlepointing.

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

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.

Dancan Ndegwa 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.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Julius Odhiambo 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.

DIRECTOR OF KENYA OPERATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Mercy Otieno is a graduate of Daystar University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Public Relations. She previously served as Communication Manager at the Wangari Maathai Foundation and currently holds the position of Director of Operations in Kenya for Crossing Thresholds.
Mercy's first interaction with Crossing Thresholds occurred in 2011, when the organization was building its second school in Kibera. Since then, she has developed a close relationship with CT, collaborating on various projects and benefiting enormously from the support she received in her education and career.
Mercy describes her partnership with Crossing Thresholds as profoundly transformational, emphasizing the ways CT has enriched both her life and that of her community through access to quality education, proper healthcare, and generous care for the children of Kibera.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

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.

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, Carter Via graduated from Wake Forest University and Princeton Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister in 1987, and has served churches in Westchester County (New York) and Fairfield County (Connecticut). Currently, Carter is the Lead Minister at the Talmadge Hill Community Church (Darien, CT) AND the Founder/Executive Director at Crossing Thresholds. He launched Crossing Thresholds in 2008 after visiting the Kibera Slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Carter has two children, Joseph and Rebecca Via. He loves food, mountains, hiking, reading, golf and laughter.

DIRECTOR OF TRIPS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Alyda Twilley graduated from Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges with a BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Community Development and attended the National University of Ireland in Galway. She worked at L.L.Bean on the Experiential Marketing team and as a Brand Ambassador. Most recently she served as a Field Coordinator for the Maine Conservation Corps in partnership with Americorps. Born and raised in Maine, Alyda grew up with an active, outdoor lifestyle. She spent many summers backpacking and volunteering in national parks in Oregon, New Jersey and Maine and has dedicated her personal and professional life to service.

DIRECTOR OF MEDICINE

Joel Ogumbe is a specialist pediatrician and a beacon of hope for children and families in Kibera. Orphaned since age four after his mother died of bacterial meningitis, he was driven by a passion to improve children’s access to quality, affordable healthcare.
Joel holds a BSc in Clinical Medicine (Pediatrics and Child Health) from Mount Kenya University. He serves as in-charge at Fafu Medical Center in Kibera and partners with Crossing Thresholds to support five local CT schools and nearby impoverished neighborhoods. His work is rooted in compassion and results, strengthened by the life-changing support of Dr. Timothy in early 2023, which enabled him to complete his pediatric education.
The joy he sees in a child’s face after successful treatment fuels his passion every day. Through his work, Joel embodies resilience, hope, and compassion as he continues to uplift lives and advocate for accessible, affordable care for the most vulnerable communities in Kibera.

Meet our SUPPORT STAFF

LOGISTICS MANAGER

TECHNICAL MANAGER

Jeff Kurpaska is a IT Consultant and has been instrumental in the development of our computer labs and internet accessibility in our schools. Jeff currently lives in Massachusetts and works diligently to ensure our technology footprint continues to flourish.