Prior to joining the Kids Alive staff, Matt taught at a school near London after college, and Mel worked for a children’s team in a theater company. The Parkers met in Lebanon where Mel was teaching school.

Joining the Kids Alive staff in 1996 and 1998, respectively, Matt and Mel are the Directors of the ministries at Dar El Awlad (Near East Boys’ Home), Dar El Awlad School, the Moses Basket Care Center Program and our Family Support Program.

The Parkers believe that, “Jesus valued children and calls us to do the same! Working with Kids Alive® allows us to not only help children who have physical, emotional, social and educational needs, but also gives us the opportunity to share with them the love of Christ.”