On behalf of A Family for Every Orphan Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce Heather Dyer as our new Executive Director!

Heather Dyer comes to A Family for Every Orphan with a strong background in finance, NGO work, leadership, strategic planning, and a passion for seeing children in families. She recently served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Jewish Council for Youth Services in Chicago, IL. Prior to that, Heather worked in multiple senior financial management roles at Southwest Airlines. Heather obtained a Master’s in Accounting from Southern Methodist University.

In an effort to provide the best care possible to her adoptive daughter and children she fostered, she received further education in Trust-Based Relational Intervention, a holistic model in trauma-informed intervention developed by her aunt Dr. Karyn Purvis. Heather is an active member of Park Community Church in Chicago, where she leads the Foster and Adoption Ministry.

Heather and her husband, Graham, recently completed a four-and-a-half-year international adoption journey and are so thankful to be the parents of a beautiful daughter. Through this adoption journey, the Lord opened Heather’s eyes to the complex plight facing orphans today. Her experiences as a caregiver to children with a history of trauma has driven a passion to equip caregivers and families of orphans and vulnerable children.

While in the process of adopting, Heather saw the vital role the church plays in supporting family-based care and the great impact a supportive community can have in the lives of children. As a passionate adoptive mother, Heather is committed to helping children find loving families and understands the importance of taking a holistic approach to orphan care.

We are confident Heather is the right leader to come alongside our staff, board, and our global community with the vision of a world without orphans.

Please join me in welcoming Heather to this new position!

Thank you,

David Melilli
Board Chair