Our Team
Rev Dr Chris Ryan MGL, Director
Fr Chris is currently the parish priest of Penshurst and Peakhurst parishes. He has been involved in leadership in youth ministry in new communities, parishes and schools since 1993, and was the coordinator of the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon in preparation for World Youth Day 2008. Fr Chris' PhD focused upon the RCIA as a resource for the theology and practice of youth ministry. He is the co-editor of Australian Catholic Youth Ministry: Theological and Pastoral Foundations for Faithful Ministry and the author of In the Light of the Cross and Bring Forth Hope: Pope Francis Speaks to the Youth of the World, which both provide reflections for young people on Christ and the Catholic faith.
Fr Tony Alex MGL,
Deputy Director
Fr Tony is currently the assistant priest of Penshurst and Peakhurst parishes. He has a Bachelor of Economics and an MBA and was climbing the corporate ladder when he heard the call of God. He has been involved in various forms of Leadership and Mission for the last 15 years. He has studied, ministered and done pastoral work in India, Germany, Ghana, Italy, New Zealand and Malta, and is used to ministering across cultures.
Laura Neeson,
Communications Manager
Laura Neeson brings over 20 years of valuable experience as a PR & Marketing Director, working for top consumer PR agencies, as well as creative direction and brand management for various Australian consumer brands before running her own successful PR & Events Consultancy for 12 years. Laura is passionate about evangelisation, and has been committed to various ministries including leading a mother's prayer ministry for the past 7 years. Laura is currently in ongoing work with Sydney Catholic Schools as a Family Educator and is a wife and mother of two.
Melanie Dooner,
Course Manager
Melanie completed The Areté Centre Foundations of Missionary Leadership Course in 2021. She is a parishioner and member of the Senior Leadership Team at St Declan’s Parish, Penshurst, where she volunteers in Administration Support. Melanie is a writer, a wife and the mother of two children. She loves family life, and in particular, helping her boys to grow in their love of learning - a passion stemming from over a decade of prior experience as a teacher and REC in Catholic High Schools.