Institute@MHP

Lydia Cooper is the Technical Learning and Development Specialist. Lydia brings to the Institute 38 years of experience in the Social Services field and over 20 years of training and adult education experience. She has been a government benefits administrator, in hospital and field services, and has worked in fundraising and marketing. Most recently Lydia served as a lead trainer and content developer working in the child welfare field with a focus on Kinship Foster Care. Lydia is a seasoned trainer on the effects of trauma on children, and how to employ the methods that will assist in their healing. She was also the Principal trainer for Caregivers seeking to foster children with Special Behavioral Health needs. As Chairperson of the Training Workgroup for the Quality Parenting Initiative, Lydia advocated for virtual learning and lead the development of e-learning for resource parents in Philadelphia. Lydia is Certified trainer in Effective Black Parenting, Family Group Decision Making, CSEC and the Red Cross.

Andrea Boffice is a facilitator and content developer with a particular passion for youth and young adult peer support. Prior to joining the Institute in 2019, she worked in youth advocacy in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and still engages in systems advocacy and community education within Philadelphia. Andrea earned a B.A and M.A at the school of International Development, Community, and Environment within Clark University. Her goal at the Institute is to educate about the unique experiences of youth, foster cross-generational partnerships, expand the availability of peer support services for young adults, and to aid young people in their recovery.