Our Team

Maryann is married to Matt and is mum to three little girls. Together they church at C3 church, Ryde. Maryann normally works as a primary school teacher but has taken time off to be at home with her girls. After teaching herself to sew, Maryann ran an online handmade store which saw her make children’s clothing, kids décor as well as dolls.  She loves sewing, succulents, tea, collecting vintage Pyrex and hoarding fabrics with an inability to pass by an op-shop.

In late 2015, Maryann heard a whisper of an idea in her heart and although a soft whisper, it resonated loudly within. Although simple -makes dolls for children in need, she felt the impact would be more profound than just gifting a toy. Her vision is to see Play and Learn packs reach children who are disadvantaged and have little when it comes to resources which encourage play and learning. Maryann believes Project KIN can educate, empower and equip various groups of people- the children receiving packs, parents/carers who share the experiences of the packs, as well as the volunteers who get involved in making the packs. She is overjoyed and thankful that her team have not only caught the vision but have been big drivers in building the foundations of the organisation and in developing project resources. Maryann’s prayer is that this tiny mustard seed would become a powerful movement – seeing kindness change the hearts of kids globally.

Ali recently completed her PhD in New Testament Studies and was a former Children’s and Youth minister in the Sydney Diocese, but she now has the joy of looking after her two small children full-time. Ali is married to Jonny and together they go to church at St Paul’s Castle Hill with their girls. Having served in different churches over the past 12 years Ali has developed a love for teaching the bible, training young people and using creative methods to explore the gospel. As well as ministry focused activities, Ali also loves reading, sleeping, exercising, drinking tea, playing with her girls, and holidaying to Disneyland.

Margaret is mother of four and nanna to four beautiful grandchildren.

She has 40+ years of secondary school teaching experience, however is now thoroughly enjoying retirement.

Margaret regularly attends Macquarie Presbyterian Church. She loves reading, travelling, movies, visiting galleries, attending concerts with friends and of course spending time with her grandchildren.

Margaret loves the vision of the project and is passionate about bringing love and kindness to those who are in need.

Silvia is a mother to a very bubbly and energetic young boy and is married to Angelo. She enjoys her full-time role as Executive Assistant, which has allowed her to leverage on her organisational and time management skills. Silvia attends the Church she grew up attending and was married in, St Mary & St Merkorious Coptic Orthodox Church in Rhodes. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family, working out and watching some reality TV.

Silvia was inspired to be a part of Project KIN as an opportunity to make a difference to underprivileged communities. Motherhood has especially highlighted for her the value of life and the feeling of joy and happiness that every child deserves in this world.

Brooke is a Speech Pathologist, and has been working in Early Intervention and community development for over 10 years. She is passionate about helping families from vulnerable communities support their children’s early development. Brooke attends Christian City Church Ryde, and loves doing ministry with kids and young families. In her free time, she loves spending time with her two children, laughing with friends, reading, going to the beach and cafes, shopping and going on holidays to tropical places! Brooke is passionate about the work of Project KIN, and how it will positively impact the development and spiritual life of young children and their families.

Sherly was working in the financial industry for many years before she became a full time mum. She is married to Evan who is the children ministry leader at their church. She attends ROCK Sydney (Representative Of Christ Kingdom) Church in Artarmon. Sherly is encouraged by the work of Project KIN and its vision.

Her dream is to one day open up an orphanage that affirms the orphans that they matter and that their life is precious. In her down time, she loves to cook and do silly stuff together with her boys.

Wyanita lives in Toowoomba, QLD with her husband Richard and their active 2 year old son. Wyanita has a background in Graphic Design and is currently working in Project Management. When she is not working you will find her creating, socialising or planning her next family travel adventure as she listens to her favourite music playing in the background.

Wyanita is inspired by the mission of Project KIN to empower, educate and equip underprivileged communities through gifting play and learn packs. She welcomes any chance to get out her sewing machine and loves the idea of making dolls to add to the play and learn packs.

Dawn is married to Alby, who is the minister of Grace Anglican Church, and has three beautiful children under the age of 10.  Dawn was an animator at Disney Animation Australia for a number of years before having children.  She is now a freelance photographer and has been spending more time as an illustrator.

Dawn serves in a number of ministries at church, including a music playground, church band, and reading the Bible with women.  She loves interesting documentaries, Japanese food, beautiful illustrations and spending time with her family.

Balancing her photography business with raising two sweet little girls, Stefanie is also a lover of sewing and handmade crafts. With a previous work background in not-for-profit organisations and schools, she is proud to use her photography skills in support of Project KIN. She and her family are members of C3 Ryde Church.

Luke has been in the world of graphic design for over ten years. After graduating from UWS he has worked for a number of fine design companies, undertaken several major contract jobs (including MAF Australia), and taught at Raffles School of Design, all before starting his own business. Luke’s business, Sailor Studio, is in its fourth year and is growing rapidly. Luke has a passion for simple but effective design, that not only meets the client’s unique needs but works within its specific context. Luke is married to Beck, has a son and another baby on the way. He also attends St Paul’s Castle Hill and has a passion for using his gifts in a way that can support the work of the gospel.

Lauren is the face behind Tadah Patterns, a boutique sewing pattern company whose mission is to encourage sewing that is inclusive, accessible, on-trend and above all – fun! Tadah have won several awards for business & pattern design, but Lauren’s proudest achievement (or perhaps more accurately ‘work-in-progress’) is raising two beautiful, kind hearted little girls.

When she is not designing & sewing Lauren loves to spend time outdoors with her family and friends, snuggle up with a good book (especially if it’s raining outside), drink delicious coffee and train at her local gym.

As a former teacher, Lauren is very aware of the impact literacy & socials skills have on a child’s wellbeing. She was drawn to our project because of its ability to bring joy to the children who receive the ‘play and learn’ packs, but also to empower those wonderful women who generously give their time to create a dolls for ProjectKIN.