Leadership team
Heart for Kids leadership is based in Sydney, Australia, supported by dedicated staff and trusted partners working across several countries. We’re deeply grateful that many of our leaders and team members serve on a volunteer basis, generously giving their time and skills. This means more of every dollar goes where it matters most — directly to the children and communities we serve.
Transparency is central to who we are. We recognise the trust our supporters place in us, and we are committed to being open, accountable, and responsible in all we do.
Our mission is simple and deeply personal: to bring compassionate care and life-changing opportunities to orphans and children living in poverty. Guided by a higher calling, we seek to extend love, dignity, and protection to those most vulnerable — especially widows and children who are so often overlooked.
Together, as a united leadership team, we are committed to making a lasting difference, believing wholeheartedly in the power of care, kindness, and hope.
Thank you for walking this journey with us and helping create a brighter future for these precious children.
Leadership and Board Members
David Ryan, B. Min; Founder & Snr Leader and Board Member of Heart for Kids, has been a business leader all his working life. David is also an ordained pastor with Southern Cross Association of Churches.
He founded a company supplying the sign industry in the early ’80’s that is today a leader in the delivery of laser cutting & marking technology along with 3D printer technology. The company employs a team of 15 and is led by his Co-Director, wife Beth, and General Manager Geoff.
David’s first trip to China in 1996 was a life changer. He then studied for his ministry degree. He founded ChinaHeart in 2004 and in 2016 founded Heart For Kids who became the parent ministry as our service extended into new countries.
Beth Ryan Diploma in Training & Assessing. She is also the past Financial Director and Office Manager of their business and a board member of Elijah House Prayer Ministry Schools.
Ken Lee, B.E(hons), PhD (Eng); Chairman of the Board, graduated as an engineer and went on to finish his PhD. Despite all the years of engineering education, he never worked as an engineer! Ken has recently retired as an IT professional from the finance and banking industry and is spending more time in the family business, which is guiding school-going children through their formative years of education.
Tom and Adele Chan, B.Sc; Board Members, are married with two teenage daughters.
Tom serves with Peter to oversee the finances. Both Tom and Adele have IT backgrounds with over 20 years of experience across the financial and media sectors. Together with their girls, the family is active in church ministry.
Adele has a passion and Heart for Kids, to see each child valued and grow to their full potential. Tom specialises in risk management, governance, financial and IT management, and is currently an Executive Committee member of the church council.
Jay Yoong BCom/LLB (UNSW) Board Member, legal, risk and governance experience in corporate and financial services. Jay is married and has three children. He sees children as a blessing from God, our creator. Jay has been serving at Wesley Mission since the early 1990s, having recently also served on the Board of a not-for-profit in education.
Peter Chung MABP, MBA, CPA, FCCA, Accountant
Clare Rattenbury Community Relations Coordinator
Our Financial Review
Heart for Kids’ financial accounts are independently reviewed each year by WSC Group – Audit Pty Ltd, a professional audit and assurance firm experienced in working with charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Global Support and Expertise
In addition to our Senior Leadership Team, we are blessed to have advisors and partners in countries including China, England, the USA, Indonesia, India and Australia. They offer valuable insight and guidance in areas such as Chinese culture and systems, childcare, and humanitarian aid.
Protecting children is at the heart of our ministry
The safety and well-being of those we serve are extremely important to Heart For Kids. Message us via our contact page for more information.
Heart for Kids Australia is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not For Profits Commission with Deductible Gift Recipients (DGR) status. All donations over $2 to Heart For Kids are tax-deductible in Australia. Please ask about deductible donations in USA and England
When you donate your gift will be acknowledged by Heart For Kids. At the end of the financial year you will receive an approved receipt for taxation purposes. This receipt will summarise your giving to Heart For Kids during that financial year.
We value your support and thank you for every gift, large or small, received on the children’s behalf. You’re making a difference.
If donations for a nominated project are higher than expected and the project is oversubscribed we reserve the right to reallocate donated funds to other similar projects in need.
If you have any questions, feedback or complaint regarding our service or this website you may contact us via the contact form.
Helping kids re-write life stories and turn around futures
