About us
Our vision
Transformation through compassion.
At The Metanoia Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of compassion and connection for the healing of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society.
We are dedicated to providing free psychotherapy and play therapy support to underprivileged children in Nairobi, Kenya.
We began our journey with the Nairobi Children’s Rescue Center nestled in the heart of Nairobi and serving abandoned and orphaned children from birth to 7 years of age.
Care
Compassion
Connection
The Children We Serve
We are committed to providing them with the emotional support and care they need to rediscover their innate resilience.
Our purpose is rooted in the belief that healing is possible where compassion and connection is present, even in the face of adversity. We know that the early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for their future, and unfortunately for these children, their initial years have been marred by abandonment and trauma.
The Metanoia Foundation seeks to be of service in their journey towards recovery and wholeness.
Our Mission
Advocate for children's Emotional Well-being
Our FOUNDATION'S Commitment
Direct impact,
Lasting Change.
Upholding our core belief that every child deserves emotional health and happiness, we pledge that a 100% of your donations are channelled towards meeting their basic requirements for emotional wellbeing such as play therapy implements, child counsellors, and volunteers who nurture and care for them, supplementing food and medication requirements as needed.
Our Leaders
Nazia Taylor MSc
Founder
Licenced Psychologist. Working with children ages 4 to 24, a dedicated advocate for the emotional well-being of children.
Nazia Taylor MSc
Founder
Licenced Psychologist. Working with children ages 4 to 24, a dedicated advocate for the emotional well-being of children.
About
Born and raised in Kenya, my work with children began long before this foundation was established, through quiet conversations and moments of trust built over time. Over the years, I have seen how much can shift in a child’s life when they are met with compassion.
The Metanoia Foundation was born from this understanding, shaped by both experience and hope to support children who carry more than their share of hardship.
A Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology and training in therapeutic disciplines such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, MBSR, IFS, and Compassionate Inquiry have shaped how I understand a child’s inner world. As part of an integrated model of care, 7% of my private practice (Metanoia Seven) income is allocated to support the foundation’s operations and ongoing care work.
The first act of this foundation was the creation of a Play Therapy Room, built in memory of my late father, a man whose quiet philanthropy continues to guide me. It is my way of honoring him, and of restoring safety and healing to the early years of children who have experienced abandonment, loss, and trauma.
As a mother and a therapist, I understand both the fragility and brilliance of young lives. The Metanoia Foundation is my purpose, an offering in service to a vision of transformation through compassion, for every child.
Amaara Samanani
Youth Advisory Board - Chair
A young leader representing the voice of a rising generation committed to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
Amaara Samanani
Youth Advisory Board - Chair
A young leader representing the voice of a rising generation committed to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
About
My name is Amaara Samanani, I am a 17 year old student born in Kenya and currently attending UWC Costa Rica.
I have had the privilege of being able to experience education systems in Kenya, South Africa, and now Costa Rica.
I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and believe curiosity is one of the most important values that can be cultivated in a child.
I have slowly recognised the advantage my privilege has granted me and want to use my position to help others reach for the opportunities I have been afforded.
Nazia Taylor, the founder of Metanoia, inspired me with her creation of Metanoia Foundation and its mission to free children from the limitations of trauma they experience.
After all, children who are limited by experiences they could never have controlled, do not have the freedom of curiosity.
My role in the foundation is as an advisor and young visionary, because who better to understand kids than other kids.
I truly believe in Metanoia’s work towards providing free psychotherapy to children who need it and hope that this mission can gain support from everyone.
Our Donors
People like you
The heart of our foundation, turning compassion into action, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to heal grow, and thrive.
Our Donor Community
People Like You
The heart of our foundation, turning compassion into action, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to heal grow, and thrive.
About
The work of The Metanoia Foundation is sustained by the generosity of those who give from the heart.
Thanks to these extraordinary individuals, what began as a vision is now a living, breathing space of healing. Their support has made it possible to build a Play Therapy Room, a dedicated space where children can begin to process early trauma through play, presence, and emotional safety. Caregivers and volunteers are receiving training in early childhood development protocols, equipping them to meet each child with the awareness and tools they deserve.
Through heartfelt contributions, a garden has been planted and is being nurtured into life, a place of movement and connection to the earth. A sanctuary for children to return to play, and remember what it means to feel at home in the world.
Others have funded food, toys, clothing, medicine, offerings that tend to the everyday needs and speak volumes to a child who has known scarcity.
Each one of our Donors has expanded the circle of care. Each one has reminded us that transformation does not happen in isolation, it is made possible by community.
And there is still more to do.
If this work resonates with you, if you believe that every child deserves the chance to heal and grow with dignity, we invite you to stand with us. Your contribution, no matter the size, becomes part of something much bigger. It becomes a thread in the greater tapestry of transformation through compassion.
Our Youth Advisory Board
Aria Taylor
YAB member
A Year 12 student with a passion for working with children involved with the Nairobi Children's Home since 2020.
Aria Taylor
YAB member
About
My name is Aria Taylor from Nairobi, Kenya and I am 16 years old, and currently in Year 12 at Peponi Secondary school. I am a part of the Metanioa Foundation Youth Advisory Board, I have had the privilege of working with the Nairobi children’s home since 2020 after the passing of my maternal grandfather. I have always known that I have a passion for working with children, whether it be wanting to be a pediatric oncologist in Year 5, or a kindergarten teacher in Year 9, or currently a child psychologist like my mom, I have an unwavering faith in our future generations ability to change the world. As said by my grandad “The only thing separating you from the people begging outside your car is the window” – I find myself wondering why I have been given the opportunities that I have, and what made me so deserving of the life I lead, whether it’s going to Kajiado to surprise a family with clothes and books over Christmas or giving bread and milk to people in need before a trip or big exam, I was always immensely grateful that I got to help and make someone’s life or day a little bit easier.
The metanoia foundation focuses on providing underprivileged children with free psychological help and I resonate with its mission fully and am so lucky that I have the ability to share my ideas with a board where they will be heard and executed. I hope that as the foundation grows it becomes global and after I receive my masters in psychology I can continue to grow with it and hopefully one day work fully under the Metanoia Foundation.
Siara Samanani
YAB member
A 16 year old student with strong belief that every child deserves necessary resources to cultivate a sense of self.
Siara Samanani
YAB member
About
My name is Siara Samanani. I am a 16 year-old student born in Kenya, currently based in South Africa and moving to UWC Changshu China in August to begin Grade 11.Throughout my life, I have had many experiences that only reaffirm my strong belief that children, if given the time and space, can create and build wonderful things, problem solve and innovate. The environment required for such creativity can only be created if the child themselves is in the right headspace of clarity and willingness. The Metanoia Foundation helps children put in the building blocks that allow them to grow into emotionally-intelligent, well-adjusted adults. I believe in this mission because I believe that every child should be given the necessary resources to cultivate a sense of self, no matter what they have been through or where they come from. By helping a child grow past their trauma, The Metanoia Foundation creates stable, intelligent future adults.
My ideal future for this Foundation is one where the care and therapy that children need to help them flourish reaches far further and helps many young kids across Kenya and beyond.
Asmara Taylor
YAB member
15 years old and the photographer for the foundation using her creativity to support meaningful causes.
Asmara Taylor
YAB member
About
I’m Asmara, 15, and the photographer for the foundation. I enjoy wildlife photography, tennis, and music, and I use my creativity to support meaningful causes.
My goal is to help renovate and improve the children’s home we support, and to expand it so more children can have a safe place and better opportunities.
Ayla Samanani
YAB member
A Grade 9 student with a push to create real change and contribute to something bigger than herself having witnessed the plight of underprivileged children.
Ayla Samanani
YAB member
About
My name is Ayla Samanani, and I am a 14-year-old Grade 9 student currently studying in Cape Town, South Africa, at Bridge House School. I was born and raised in Kenya, where I began to understand how privileged I am and how much I often take for granted.
Seeing how many children grow up without a safe and supportive environment has deeply impacted me. I joined the foundation because I want to help in any way I can. Visiting the foundation is both heartbreaking and motivating – it pushes me to want to create real change and contribute to something bigger than myself.
No child should have to experience even a fraction of the hardship that many of these children have faced. I strongly believe in the foundation’s mission to help children heal from trauma and provide them with a safe space where they feel valued, supported, and loved.
I hope the foundation continues to grow and reach more children, not only in our community but around the world. I would love to see it expand its impact, giving every child the chance to heal, feel safe, and build a future filled with opportunity and hope
Layla Khubchandani
YAB member
A 16 Year old student who likes learning more about herself through others and has always been drawn to spaces where people come together with intention and care for one another.
Layla Khubchandani
YAB member
About
My name is Layla Khubchandani. I am a 16-year-old student currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, where I attend the International School of Kenya. This August, I will be moving to UWC Costa Rica to begin Grade 11.I have always been drawn to spaces where people come together with intention and care for one another.
I feel that when children are supported early on especially in understanding themselves and their emotions they are able to grow into more confident, creative, and grounded individuals. That sense of self is something that shapes not only who they become, but how they show up for others, and themselves as they grow.
Being a part of this foundation has taught me so much, about coming together as this community, to laugh, to play games, to make music together, and learn more about myself through others. It creates an environment where children, no matter what they have been through, are encouraged to feel comfortable to grow into the creative, authentic people they are, that help them grow into emotionally intelligent and thoughtful individuals.
Our Volunteers
Rebecca Saha
Volunteer
A professional Counselling Psychologist and a passionate mental health advocate.
Rebecca Saha
Volunteer
About
Rebecca Saha is a Counseling Psychologist and a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving emotional well-being. She specializes in providing emotional support and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients develop healthier thought patterns and coping strategies.
Rebecca is deeply committed to promoting mental wellness and believes that self-care plays a vital role in maintaining psychological health. She encourages individuals to intentionally create time for rest, reflection, and activities that nurture their well-being.
Outside of her professional work, Rebecca enjoys exploring aesthetic restaurants, spending time in good company, and discovering new culinary experiences, often capturing these moments through photography.
Sandra Amani
Volunteer
A passionate mental health advocate with a background in community development.
Sandra Amani
Volunteer
About
A passionate mental health advocate with a background in Community Development, she began her professional journey in customer service roles across various institutions. Despite gaining valuable experience, she felt unfulfilled and was continually drawn toward supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. Through these experiences, she discovered her purpose as many people naturally confided in her during difficult times.
She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, a journey that has deepened her commitment to mental health care. As part of her training, she undertook an attachment at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she gained hands-on experience working with patients presenting a wide range of mental health disorders.
In addition, she volunteers at the Nairobi Rescue Centre through the Metanoia Foundation, where she provides psychological support services to children at the centre. Her work is driven by compassion, empathy, and a strong desire to promote mental well-being and resilience within communities.
Virginia Makumbi
Volunteer
Psychology graduate passionate about transforming lives through mental health advocacy.
Virginia Makumbi
Volunteer
About
Virginia Makumbi is a Psychology graduate from Moi University and a dedicated, insightful professional passionate about transforming lives through mental health advocacy, psychotherapy, and behavioral research. With two years of practical experience, she specializes in psychological assessments, therapy, and holistic mental health interventions tailored to both individuals and groups.
Her expertise includes identifying mental health challenges, developing effective treatment plans, and empowering clients with practical coping strategies to navigate life’s complexities. She is committed to promoting emotional well-being through compassionate, client-centered care.
Currently, Virginia volunteers at the Nairobi Children Rescue Centre, where she supports children through psychological and psychosocial interventions aimed at fostering resilience and healing.
Alfred Odhiambo
Volunteer
A Psychology graduate with a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and mental health.
Alfred Odhiambo
Volunteer
About
Alfred Odhiambo Odede is a Psychology graduate from Tharaka University, where he developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and mental health. His early career included meaningful work with children and adolescents, giving him direct insight into the unique emotional and social challenges faced by young people in difficult circumstances. Alfred’s approach is grounded in active listening, patience, and a firm belief in the potential for positive change when a child feels truly supported.
Currently, Alfred volunteers through the Foundation at the Nairobi Children Rescue Centre, where he works alongside caregivers and social workers to offer psychological first aid, emotional support, and age-appropriate counseling to children recovering from trauma and instability. Though still early in his professional journey, he brings a strong combination of academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and heartfelt dedication to his role, making him a trusted presence in the lives of the children he serves.
Catherine Museng'ya
Volunteer
A Psychology graduate dedicated to supporting individuals in their mental health and recovery journeys.
Catherine Museng'ya
Volunteer
About
Catherine Museng’ya Muthiani is a Psychology graduate dedicated to supporting individuals in their mental health and recovery journeys. She has gained experience working in clinical and rehabilitation settings, including Sarazekiel Treatment Centre and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, where she provided psychological support and facilitated therapy sessions.
She works with diverse populations using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), with a particular interest in child mental health, trauma-informed care, and substance use rehabilitation.
Catherine is currently volunteering at the Nairobi Children Rescue Centre through the Metanoia Foundation, where she supports children’s emotional expression and well-being through play-based activities.
Humphrey Ndungu
Volunteer
A Psychology graduate with a strong experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
Humphrey Ndungu
Volunteer
About
Humphrey Ndungu is a Bachelor of Psychology graduate from Laikipia University with strong experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) across clinical, community, and institutional settings. He has worked in diverse and high-demand environments, including refugee settings in Kakuma and correctional facilities at Nyandarua GK Prison, where he facilitated addiction recovery interventions, conducted mental health assessments, and provided psychosocial support to vulnerable populations.
At Lodwar County Referral Hospital, Humphrey supported clients with treatment adherence, including HIV and TB care, contributing to improved psychosocial well-being and continuity of care. He has also contributed to rehabilitative and developmental care at L’Arche Kenya, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through psychosocial interventions and assistance with daily living activities. Additionally, at Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute, he supported counselling student training, conducted client intake assessments, and assisted in administrative and data management functions.
Currently, Humphrey volunteers at the Nairobi Children Rescue Centre through the Metanoia Foundation, where he applies play and art therapy within a trauma-informed approach to support children in emotional expression, healing, and resilience building. He is committed to advancing mental health practice through compassionate, evidence-based, and client-centered approaches that promote dignity, inclusion, and psychological well-being.
Lilian Kamau
Volunteer
Holds a Bachelor of Psychology and has experience in community-based mental health work.
Lilian Kamau
Volunteer
About
Lilian Kamau holds a Bachelor of Psychology and has experience in community-based mental health work. Through volunteer engagement in Mathare, she gained valuable insight into the psychosocial needs of individuals in underserved settings, strengthening her commitment to accessible mental health support.
She is currently volunteering with the Foundation at the Nairobi Children Rescue Centre, where she is actively developing skills in child-focused psychosocial support and play-based approaches. Lilian is passionate about continuous learning and contributing to interventions that promote emotional well-being and resilience among children and communities.
Nelyvet Meggy
Volunteer
A Counseling Psychologist with a clinical background from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Nelyvet Meggy
Volunteer
About
Nelyvet Meggy Akinyi is a Counseling Psychologist and a graduate of Mount Kenya University. With a clinical background from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, she brings valuable experience in supporting individuals with diverse mental health needs.
She is currently a Nivishe Mental Health Fellow, dedicated to advancing community-based mental health advocacy and promoting awareness. She is also volunteering through the Foundation at the Nairobi Children Rescue Centre, where she provides psychological support and mentorship, focusing on fostering resilience and holistic well-being among children in transition. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering individuals and strengthening mental health support within communities.