Founders
Gideon and Paula Kilonzo retired in 2021 after 44 and 46 years in education respectively, dedicating themselves fully to St. Joseph's Academy in Kalawa, Kenya.
Gideon Kilonzo
Born and raised in the rural community of Kalawa, Kenya, Gideon completed high school with a scholarship to Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota (1971). He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education (1975), Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling (1976), Specialist Degree in Educational Psychology (1977), and a Doctorate in Higher Education (1986) — all from the University of South Dakota. Gideon is a Senior Faculty of the William Glasser Institute of Choice Theory (2005) and worked in education and counseling for 44 years across Kenya and the United States. In 2021 he formally retired to dedicate himself fully to St. Joseph's Academy and the Kalawa Library and School Project. The pursuit of education has encompassed my whole life.
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Born and raised near Sioux City, Iowa, Paula earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (1974) and a Master of Arts in Special Education (1977) from the University of South Dakota. She is a Certified Educator of the William Glasser Institute of Choice Theory (2007–2012). Paula taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels for 46 years across the United States and Kenya. From 1988–2001 she and Gideon founded and directed a private K–14 school in Nairobi, Kenya. In 2021 she retired to focus fully on St. Joseph's Academy. My life has been filled to overflowing with children being a common denominator.
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