Meet the Staff

Missionary Managers Steve and Judi Cochran

Steve and Judi Cochran serve as missionary managers of Christ's Gift Academy.  With a degree in elementary education and experience in foreign and inner city missions, Judi (Ewing) came to Mbita in 1999 at the invitation of Don and Nancy Richards to be the administrator of the school.  In her first term, she saw the school grow from nursery to standard three. During that time she also adopted two of the students who were attending CGA, Beatrice and Beatrice.  Steve has been involved with CGA since 2000.  With the experience of a building project manager, Steve was coming over to participate in the growth of the physical structures.  After a 3 month stay in 2003, he decided to make a more permanent commitment to CGA and to Judi. They were married November 2003 at the school compound.  The girls, Big B and Little B, became official American citizens in May of 2004 and official daughters of Steve that same year in November. 

This family of 4 has seen many changes in CGA over the past 8 years.  As manager, Steve oversees the development of the facilities, staff, special projects, finances and purchasing.  As administrator, Judi oversees the teaching staff, curriculum, enrollment, orphan care, and the spiritual focus for the school.  Though the girls attended CGA for several years, they now attend Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school for missionary children.  Big B, Beatrice, began 9^th grade at RVA in 2006.  She loves her country, reading and writing stories about those who have struggles.  Little B, Bea, began attending RVA in 2005.  She is currently in 7^th grade, thoroughly loves school and all its activities especially sports.

Ophan Overseer Lillian Mukeni Omobori

Lillian Mukeni Omobori began volunteering at CGA in 2000 when she and her husband moved to Mbita to start a church.  The first year she served the school by assisting with Bible classes, chapel and home visits for the orphans.   But as her love for the children grew, so did her commitment.  In 2002 she became the orphan overseer which includes monitoring the living situation, health care, academic and social progress of the orphans.  In addition to this she coordinates the uniforms, shoes, and pe games kits for all the students, as well as teaches Bible in grades 7 and 8.  She is literally a mother to almost 300 children.  Lillian has a love for the Lord, His Word and the church.  She takes to heart the biblical mandate that calls us to care for the widows and orphans. 

Lillian married Ezekiel Ombori in August 1994.  They met at a Bible college, where he obtained a degree in Bible Theology, and Lillian received an advanced diploma in the same.  Since then Lillian has gone on to get her bachelor’s degree in Bible Theology and hopes to pursue her masters in September 2007.  Lillian and Ezekiel are both strong mature Christians, and though they both serve in local schools they also pastor a church in the community.  They have 3 children of their own and 4 (more at times) orphans living in their home under their care.   Lillian is a huge blessing to CGA and to the community of Mbita.

Deputy Administrator/Secondary School Coordinator Joe Peterson

Uncle Joe began serving at CGA in January, 2004 after a 5-year career in coaching college basketball in the U.S. Since arriving in

Kenya, he has been teaching Math, Bible and Literature in grades 4-8 as well as assisting with administrative duties.  This past year he has also taken on the responsibility of Secondary School Coordinator which includes coordinating the sponsorship money and following up the CGA graduates who are attending secondary schools in different parts of Kenya.  He also oversees the sports program. 

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a Math emphasis and a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration.  He is the youngest of four boys and most of his immediate family resides in Southern California.     

Headmaster Fredrick Opiyo Gwalla

Mr. Gwalla joined CGA in 2003 after retiring from the public school system, in which he had served for 35 years.  In his many years in the government system he has held many different positions, including headteacher, deputy headteacher, and working in the zonal education office. 

In 2007, he graciously accepted the role of headmaster and has done a wonderful job serving the school. His fatherly nature and vast wisdom keeps us on track daily.  In response to his new role, Mr. Gwalla stated,

“It is a complex job which includes the challenges of managing teachers, support staff, parents, guardians, pupils, curriculum, discipline and issues of guidance and counseling.  One has to turn to God for complete guidance.  This spiritual knowledge will help to uphold God’s standards as we go along in the work.  With God nothing is impossible.”

His family consists of his wife for the past 18 years and seven children, ranging from 17 to his youngest daughter Wendy who is 10 years old and a student at CGA.