Our Team — New Song International

Co-Founder and President
kellyv@newsongint.org
Kelly has been passionate about orphan care since she was seven years old. She first fell in love with Ukraine when she had an extended trip there in 2014 while her parents adopted her three younger siblings from a western region. The next year, Kelly had more extensive training, along with Leah, in orphan care best practices on a short-term trip to China (also where she met her husband). Since then, Kelly has been continuing to learn how to best advocate for vulnerable children from hard places and developing New Song with Leah. In order to better serve in Ukraine, Kelly became a licensed nurse and now uses that knowledge to help further New Song’s mission. She is often described as compassionate, peaceful, and intentional. Kelly lives in central Houston with her husband, Gabe, and daughter, Ellen. The Youngs are preparing to move to western Ukraine in 2024.

Co-Founder and Vice-President
leahr@newsongint.org
Leah first went to Ukraine in 2016 with Kelly on an extended trip. The previous year, the two went on a short-term trip to China, and Leah’s heart was broken for the plight of orphans. Ever since her first trip to Ukraine, Leah has poured her heart into the beautiful country and continues to learn how to best love the children and families of Ukraine. She is a powerful advocate for the voiceless! Leah is often described as genuine, kind, and a wonderful leader. Leah lives in western Ukraine with her husband, Harris, and son, Alistair.

Family of Christ, Ukrainian Organization Director
Rudolf, often called “Rudy”, was one of the very first people that Kelly and Leah met in Ukraine. He has been advocating for children in Ukraine’s orphanages for over a decade and is a powerful networker. Rudy leads a church in Ukraine, Family of Christ, which also operates a humanitarian branch that has played a significant role in helping those affected by the war. Rudy resides in western Ukraine with his wife and three children. He is often described as adventurous, an advocate, hilarious, and the best car DJ around.

Board Chairman
Rick is New Song International’s Board Chairman and has been actively involved in New Song’s foundation and development. Rick is an Internal Medicine Physician in Texas and has served on countless medical mission trips around the world, including Ukraine. Rick is a husband and father to three girls and is often described as compassionate, wise, and funny. New Song is tremendously blessed by Rick’s faithful service and dedication to be the hands and feet of Jesus to children and families in Ukraine.

Board Member
Anya is an incredible board member who has served and advocated for New Song International for many years. Anya is a native Ukrainian and has been actively involved in being a voice for the voiceless in Ukraine—including a ministry to serve, love, and advocate for babies who were abandoned at a hospital. Anya now resides in Maryland with her husband, but Anya continues to be quite involved in advocating for children in Ukraine. Anya is often described as genuine, friendly, and a powerful voice for children. New Song is beyond thankful for Anya’s wisdom and insight as she serves on the Board of Directors.

Board Member
Kim is our newest board member, but she has played a huge supporting role since before New Song International’s founding in 2017. Kim is an incredible advocate for families of children who need extra medical care and is a wonderful encouragement for such families. Kim resides in Colorado with her husband and four children and is often described as an encourager, loyal, and compassionate. New Song has been profoundly encouraged and blessed by Kim and her family from the very beginning and we are so grateful for Kim’s dedication to vulnerable children.

Board Member, Building Project Manager
Becky is a mover and shaker and has been a powerful voice for New Song International for many years. Becky has had countless adventures all around the world and has lived and served in many countries, including Ukraine. Becky is the founder of International Networx, Inc., and is very gifted in networking and connecting people and ministries all over the world. Becky is a woman on mission for God and that often has her traveling to different countries for extended periods of time. She is often described as passionate, thoughtful, and adventurous. New Song is immensely blessed and encouraged by her dedication and willingness to yield to God’s plan.

Donor Relations Coordinator
dakotag@newsongint.org
Dakota is skilled in so many different areas, including being an incredible communicator. She is quite talented at administrative tasks, leading projects and events, and being an advocate. Dakota has been our Donor Relations Coordinator since April of 2022 and she is amazing at connecting with our donors in meaningful ways. Dakota resides in Katy, Texas with her husband. She is often described as kind, intentional, and wise. New Song is immensely blessed and encouraged by her dedication to wrapping around vulnerable families in Ukraine.

Help us keep our partners updated on the latest news, raise awareness for the need, and invite others to care for the most vulnerable families and children in Ukraine.
A part-time volunteer position.

Help us raise the needed funds to keep New Song operations running smoothly. This could be anywhere from coordinating events, applying for grants, or even simply advocating on behalf of New Song to community members and companies.
A part-time volunteer position.

Contact us.