Lydia Cooper (She/Her) is the Program Manager for Family Training and Education. 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. She has experience with learning management systems and led the development of e-learning for resource parents in Philadelphia. Lydia was the Corporate Trainer for a major benefits provider and also served many years as a Loaned Labor Leader and Coordinator Trainer for the State Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) annual fundraising initiative. She is also a certified trainer in Effective Black Parenting and Family Group Decision Making.