Biography

Mercedes was born and raised in Cusco and is an active leader in the education sector. She graduated from the Universidad Feminina (UNIFE) in Lima, Peru with a degree in elementary education and was a public school teacher for 27 years of which 15 years was spent as a special education teacher. She is certified in speech and language disorders and has received many other certifications for continuing education in the field. She recently earned a Masters’ degree in Education Administration (2016).

Mercedes founded Manos Unidas Peru in August of 2008 with Celeste Marion. Mercedes, a state special education teacher of 15 years at the time, was frustrated with the education the public schools offered children with disabilities. She felt that the schools were no more than a day care centers; she believed the children´s potential could be maximized if given the right instructional opportunities. She also believed the other two components to successful education is to adequately prepare teachers and empower families.

Mercedes began Manos Unidas in her living room with 2 students. Over a short time, Manos Unidas’ reputation of delivering quality education grew and more families were knocking at the door. Seven years later, Manos Unidas attends to approximately 75 children between 3-25 years old and manages a staff of 30 local professionals and focuses on three major areas: Quality student education, teacher training and parent outreach.