Lydia Otto

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English and Physical Education (PE) Teacher

Undergraduate Education

​Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Spanish with Systems Engineering Track, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY.

Certifications

• Certified Health Coach, American Council on Exercise-since 1999
• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise-since 2000
• Specialized Certifications in Youth Fitness, Senior Fitness and Functional Fitness, American Council on Exercise
• American Red Cross Certified Adult, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid
• Accelerated Christian Education Administrator’s Professional Training Course
• Director’s Course -Competencies in Child Care for Day Care Center, School-age Child Care, and Enrolled Legally Exempt Group- New York State
• Certified Activities Professional, National Certification Council for Activity Professionals

Experience
25+ years working with School-age children in the following areas:

• Children’s Ministry (Sunday School, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School and Choir)
• Christian School (Monitor, Supervisor, Administrator, P.E. Teacher, Art Teacher, Choir Teacher)
• Coaching Youth Sports (Swimming, Running and Track)
• Homeschooling (in the states of Kansas, Maryland, Colorado and New York)
• School-Age Child Care (Before and After School Site Director/Summer Camp Director)
• Care Management (Supporting children and youth with Serious Emotional Disturbances)

Philosophy of Education
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My heart’s desire it to be used of God where He places me. As a Christian and educator, I believe each child should have a place to learn and grow where they feel safe, loved, supported and encouraged to do and be their best. God made children as individuals; each special with different strengths, needs, gifts and abilities. My job as an educator is to teach, guide, nurture and prepare children to thrive as adults. I am a firm believer in total wellness (spiritual, physical, emotional, social and mental) with a wrap-around, child-centered approach. This means that every child should have a team to “wrap them in a blanket” of support (with spiritual, natural, social, and educational resources) beginning in the home and extending throughout the community, especially in school. Education must be done with care, respect, and compassion.
Open and honest communication with the children and their parents is key, rules and expectations are essential. Children respond best to an educator who has fostered a positive relationship to them and their parents, while earning their respect and trust.

Favorite Bible Verse
Psalms 37:3-6 “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.”

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