Kenya Team

We are proud to have an extremely talented and experienced staff, who each have specialized training in cochlear implants and the development of listening and spoken language. Our distinguished presenters are some of the leading experts in the field.

Administrators

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    • Julie Cooper, MS, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
    • Executive Director
    • Julie Cooper is the executive director of the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss. She founded the Listen to Me! Conference at Stanford in 2009 and is honored to be supporting the expansion of this program to Hawaii, Kenya, and virtually to Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Julie also directs the Baker Scholars Tele-intervention Program. She previously served as the speech-language pathologist on the cochlear implant team at Stanford from 2008 to 2013. Additionally, Julie has provided LSL therapy at the Weingarten Children's Center since 2007. Her education includes a BA from Calvin College, an MS in speech-language pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a listening and spoken language specialist certification in auditory verbal therapy. Julie’s favorite part about leading the Baker Institute programs is empowering families and witnessing the beautiful results—well-spoken children who go on to lead inspiring lives.
    • Serah
    • Serah Ndegwa, MAud
    • Audiology Director of Hear, Kenya!
    • Serah Ndegwa is a Clinical Audiologist and Lecturer at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi. She has over 20 years of experience as a Clinical Audiologist after having obtained her Master’s degree in Audiology from the University of Manchester in the UK. Serah is the current General secretary of the Kenya Society of Audiology and a co-founder and Director of the Cochlear Implant Group of Kenya. She is the Programme Director of the Public Health Planning on Hearing Impairment course at the University of Nairobi as well as the Auditory Verbal Training program at the University of Nairobi. Serah is the Secretary of the Ministry of Health technical working group on Ear and Hearing Care and was involved in the development of the current 2023—2028 National Strategy and Guidelines for Ear and Hearing Care. Additionally, she is a member of the W.H.O technical working group on Ear and Hearing Care Service delivery in low and middle income countries. Serah is a Hearing Health Advocate with the Coalition of Global Hearing Health. She is the Audiology Director of the Hear Kenya program. Her other interests include research and travel.
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    • Professor Isaac Muthure Macharia MB,ChB M.Med (ENT), FCS (ECSA), EBS
    • Medical Director of Hear, Kenya!
    • Professor Macharia retired from the University of Nairobi in January 2024, where he had been Professor of ENT, Department of Surgery, and Consultant ENT Surgeon, Kenyatta National Hospital. He has more than 30 years experience in ENT, Head and Neck surgery, and is a past President of PAFOS (Pan African Federation of Otorhinolaryngology Societies) and IFOS Regional Secretary for Africa and the Middle East. Professor Macharia has been the East African Regional Advisor in ear and hearing care for CBM and has served in various WHO expert panels on ear and hearing care. He is a past Chairman of Kenya ENT Society (KENTS) and is the Founder Chairman of the Allergy Society of Kenya and the Cochlear Implant Group of Kenya (CIGOK).
    • Dr-Sitima
    • Michael Sitima, MBChB, MMed (ENT)
    • Nakuru ENT Surgeon
    • Dr. Sitima is an Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgeon based in Nakuru, Kenya. He has a special focus on otology and hearing healthcare. Dr. Sitima has been instrumental in consulting with the Hear, Kenya! team regarding resources in Nakuru and how to best meet the needs of the families with hearing loss who reside there. One goal for our Hear, Kenya! program is to outfit an ENT surgical center in Nakuru, so that Dr. Sitima could provide improved access to hearing healthcare for local families in Nakuru County.

Mentees

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    • Charity Kimaru, B.Ed. Sci.
    • LSL Mentee
    • Charity is a dedicated teacher of the deaf, currently working at Machakos Secondary School for the Deaf. She has a passion for inclusive education and holds a degree in Special Needs Education Science from Moi University, where she specialized in educating learners with hearing impairments. Her goal is to empower deaf learners through accessible and tailored teaching methods, fostering their academic growth and personal development. She is a proud mentee of the vibrant community Listen to Me! Kenya by the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss. Through collaboration and continuous learning, she is striving to make a positive impact on the lives of her students and the broader community.
    • Daniel
    • Daniel Khayaki Masafu, PhD, SLP
    • LSL Mentee
    • Daniel Khayaki Masafu is a counseling psychologist with a PhD in Abnormal Psychology and a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. He is the founder of Danvils Consulting, an organization dedicated to addressing speech disorders in individuals of all ages, from pediatrics to adults. Daniel is also a member of the "Listen to Me" Mentee Program at the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss in Kenya, where he contributes to improving the lives of children with hearing impairments. He is currently undergoing specialized training with Med-El and the Global Foundation, further enhancing his expertise in the field. With a deep passion for speech and language development, Daniel is committed to providing comprehensive care and support to those in need. His broad educational background and diverse experience enable him to offer effective and holistic solutions to speech and psychological challenges.
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    • Sally Muchene, SLT
    • LSL Mentee
    • Salome Mugure M, also known as Sally, is a dedicated speech and language therapist with a master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Kenyatta University. She is the founder of Loralds Speech Therapy Kenya, a pioneering company offering speech therapy services to children and adults with communication challenges. Sally is a proud member of the Listen to Me mentees program by the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss in Kenya, where she collaborates with like-minded professionals to improve outcomes for individuals with hearing and communication challenges. Driven by a lifelong passion for supporting those with special needs, Sally has devoted her career to helping individuals unlock their full communication potential, leaving a meaningful impact on their lives and community at large.
    • Millicent
    • Millicent Kanjiru Mugo, B Ed Education Arts, Diploma in SNE
    • LSL Mentee
    • Millicent is a dedicated special needs education teacher with over a decade of experience specializing in creating inclusive learning environment for children with deaf blindness and deafness. She also supports speech training helping students overcome communication challenges through personalized strategies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a diploma in special needs education, Millicent collaborates with parents and educators to develop individualized learning plans that foster confidence and independence. Outside the classroom, she advocates for awareness in special needs education and participates in community programs supporting children and families. Millicent is a proud member of the Listen to Me mentees program by the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss Kenya.
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    • Esther Murathe
    • LSL Mentee
    • Esther Murathe is a compassionate and skilled Rehabilitation Support Specialist dedicated to working with children with cochlear implants at Hearing Implants LTD. She combines a patient-centered approach with extensive technical expertise in cochlear implant technology, auditory rehabilitation, and speech development. Passionate about empowering children with hearing impairments, Esther ensures they thrive in supportive and engaging environments tailored to their unique needs. Currently pursuing certification in Auditory-Verbal Therapy, she is also a mentee in the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss program in Kenya. Esther is committed to fostering developmental progress through evidence-based care, with her dedication to enhancing the lives of children and their families remain the cornerstone of her professional journey.
    • Natasha
    • Natasha Nanji, SLT, AVT
    • LSL Mentee
    • Natasha is an SLT & Auditory Verbal Therapist (AVT) at Aured Kenya for the past 17 years. Aured Kenya’s main aim is to habilitate children who are Deaf/ Hard of Hearing (DHH) develop their listening and spoken language skills using their Cochlear Implants/ Hearing aids. Natasha became extremely passionate about working with DHH children while accompanying her DHH niece for her CI surgery in 2007 to India. She received her Certificate of Achievement in AVT, in 2009 (Mumbai, India). Natasha has successfully completed the Med-El Professional Certificate in Hearing Rehabilitation (PCHR) and Professional Certificate in Family Support (PCFS). Natasha is part of the Listen to Me mentees program by the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss in Kenya. Currently, she is pursuing her LSLS Certification – Cert. AVT.
    • Faith
    • Faith Nziva, SLTA, AVT
    • LSL Mentee
    • Faith Nziva is a dedicated Assistant Speech Therapist with an educational background in Early Childhood Education and a professional certification in Hearing Rehabilitation by Med-El. She's also a member of the Listen to Me! mentees program by the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss in Kenya, where she continually seeks to expand her expertise and stay abreast of the latest developments in Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT). In her current role at Gertrude's Children Hospital (with Speech Therapy Totos), Faith focuses on empowering children with hearing impairments and their families by providing tailored support to help these children overcome communication obstacles. Through her unwavering dedication and specialized training, Faith plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of children with hearing impairments, enabling them to communicate effectively and confidently.
    • Josphine
    • Josphine Wanjiku Obede, SLTA, AVT
    • LSL Mentee
    • Josphine Wanjiku Obede is a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant (SLTA) with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She holds a Med-El PCHR AVT professional certification and is currently pursuing a Professional Certification in Family Support (PCFS). Josphine is part of the Listen to Me! mentee program by the Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss in Kenya. She works at Speech Therapy Totos Clinic at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in Nairobi. Passionate about working with children with hearing loss, Josphine is dedicated to supporting families and witnessing the transformative impact of hearing rehabilitation. Her work focuses on helping children communicate and engage better, while guiding families to understand and meet their child’s unique needs. Josphine believes in fostering connection and empowering families through education and therapy.
    • Linnah
    • Linnah A Okwach, MS, SLP, LSLS AVT Candidate
    • LSL Mentee
    • I am a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, and a trainee Auditory Verbal Therapist with a passion for empowering children with communicative needs. Originally from Kenya, I now live in Phoenix, Arizona, where I continue to work toward my goal of helping children acquire the speech and language skills they need to thrive. My work is guided by a strong commitment to improving communication outcomes for children, particularly those with speech, language, and hearing challenges. Through my experiences in both Kenya and the U.S., I’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique needs that children face, especially in multicultural contexts. I am also a mentee of LTM Kenya, where I continue to learn and grow within a supportive network of professionals dedicated to the development of best practices in Auditory Verbal Therapy. I am passionate about using evidence-based approaches to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for children to communicate confidently.

Presenters & Staff

    • Grace
    • Grace Wamuyu Muiruri
    • Sibling Camp Coordinator
    • Grace Wamuyu Muiruri is a passionate teacher with a diploma in early childhood development. She has experience working in both kindergarten and home settings, teaching children from diverse families and tailoring her approach to individual needs. Grace has also contributed as a teacher for LTM Kenya and is actively involved in community educational initiatives. She is dedicated to empowering children through personalized learning and fostering curiosity and independence. With her background and training, she is committed to providing meaningful education that supports each child’s growth. Her mission is to guide and inspire the next generation.
    • Felister
    • Felister Nthuli
    • Materials & Volunteer Coordinator
    • Felister, an English and Literature educator, is the Rehabilitation Support Coordinator at Hearing Implants in Nairobi, Kenya. She supports children with cochlear implants, coordinating among speech therapists, audiologists, parents, teachers, and users to ensure effective rehabilitation. She is currently training in Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT). Felister is also the Med-El HearPeers Mentor for Kenya. As a parent of a cochlear implant user, she calls it the "Miracle of Science," having seen it transform her daughter's life. She passionately advocates for cochlear implants, emphasizing how they open the world to deaf children, enabling them to hear, communicate, and thrive. Her personal experience drives her efforts in raising awareness, counseling, and sharing her story to inspire hope in parents, showing that cochlear implants can profoundly change lives.
    • May
    • May Wairimu
    • Sibling Camp Coordinator
    • May Wairimu is a Waldorf-trained kindergarten teacher with a passion for education. Her journey began with a desire to address the educational gap she noticed growing up, where personalized learning and nurturing environments were lacking. She has had the privilege of teaching in two counties in Kenya, where she connected with children from diverse backgrounds and helped create an inclusive learning environment. Starting as an assistant teacher, May progressed to lead kindergarten teacher, refining her skills in child development and classroom management. Now she helps homeschooling parents navigate the waters of education in the comfort of their homes.