About Us
Raising the Next Generation of Cambodian Leaders.
Transform Cambodia exists to raise future leaders from the poorest communities of Cambodia. Since 2006, we have walked with vulnerable children from early primary school through to university and employment, breaking cycles of poverty and building long term national change.
Transform Cambodia exists to raise future leaders from the poorest communities of Cambodia. Since 2006, we have walked with vulnerable children from early primary school through to university and employment, breaking cycles of poverty and building long term national change.
Our Story
In 2006, our founders travelled to Cambodia after months of prayer and research. In Phnom Penh they saw children scavenging in rubbish dumps, out of school and vulnerable to exploitation. Poverty was immediate and generational.
They began asking a harder question. Why were so few programs breaking the cycle?
Relief existed, but long term transformation was rare. So they made a decision to build a model that would walk with children from early childhood into adulthood.
Transform Cambodia was founded with one goal: to guarantee transformation in children’s lives spiritually, educationally and socially.
We committed to stay. To invest year after year. To focus on identity, dignity, education and leadership.
Today, thousands of children and families have been impacted. Students who once faced the streets are now graduating from university and stepping into leadership in their communities.
What began as a response to injustice has become a movement raising the next generation of Cambodian leaders.
What Makes Transform Different
We are not a short term aid program. We are raising future leaders through long term, community based investment.
Long Term Commitment
Cambodian Led
Leadership Focus
University Pathways
Whole Family Support
Long Term Commitment
We walk with children from early primary school through to university, vocational training and employment. Transformation takes years. We stay for the journey.
Cambodian Led
Transform is led locally. Of our 150 staff, only four are Australian. The rest are Cambodian professionals, teachers and leaders. More than 80 percent of our Transform Cambodia Oversight Team are former sponsored children who have graduated through the program. The next generation is now leading the mission.
Leadership Focus
Our goal is not only education. We develop character, resilience and leadership so students graduate ready to shape their communities.
University Pathways
Since 2021, our students have transitioned into university and employment pathways. In 2025, 90 percent of our Year 12 students were accepted into university.
Whole Family Support
We support health, nutrition and family stability so children can thrive in safe and secure environments.
Our Impact
Since 2006, long term investment has produced measurable results.
4,000+ children and families impacted
2,200+ children currently enrolled
800+ of these 2,200 are university students.
128+ university graduates by
the end of 2025
90% year 12 university acceptance rate in 2025
350 new 5 and 6 year olds enrolled this year
These numbers represent more than enrolment. They represent young leaders progressing from vulnerable beginnings into university, employment and community leadership across Cambodia.
Meet The Transform Cambodia Board
Mark Patterson
Co-Founder and Board Member
Mark Patterson is a husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He built a career as an architect and businessman, with experience across aged care, property development, and retail.After becoming a Christian in 1972, Mark has served in church leadership for more than 50 years. Alongside long-term business partner Ken Loughton, he established a significant charitable trust supporting a range of ministries focused on women and children.In 2006, Mark and Ken founded Transform Cambodia to offer a future to the thousands of street children in Phnom Penh. As Chairman and at times CEO, Mark and his wife Andrea forged a unique transformational ministry that has to date rescued and championed over 4000 young lives.
Ken Loughton
Co-Founder and Chairman
Ken Loughton is a Perth-based architect, businessman, property developer and a co-founder of Transform Cambodia along with Mark Patterson. He was formerly part of the Loughton Patterson Group of companies.Ken completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Western Australia and later studied at Regent College in Vancouver. He and his wife Lorraine live in Mandurah, Western Australia, and are members of Riverview Church. They are committed to encouraging growth and excellence within the Christian business community.
Geoff Woodward
Board Member
Pastor Geoff Woodward, together with his wife Rhonda, founded Metrochurch in Perth in 1988 and continue to serve as Senior Pastors.Geoff also serves as Deputy National Chairman and International Director of INC (International Network of Churches), which includes more than 1,700 churches worldwide. He and Rhonda are parents of three and grandparents of seven.Since its inception, Metrochurch has been a key partner of Transform Cambodia, sponsoring the first centre and 300 children.Metrochurch also established the Sreymom Scholarship in honour of a key Transform Cambodia leader who passed away during the pandemic. Currently, ten students receive support through this scholarship.
Ken Lee
Board Member
Ken Lee and his wife Chrissy Lee are the Senior Pastors of Nations Church.They planted Nations Church in 2004. Today, 5000+ people across Australia, Cambodia and Ireland call Nations Church home.Pastor Ken has a genuine heart to see people encounter Jesus and embrace true discipleship. He has a strong apostolic and exegetical teaching gift and his ministry is authentic, prophetic and transformative.Pastors Ken and Chrissy reside in Perth Australia with their 2 adult sons Jentezen and Isaiah.
Mark Patterson
Co-Founder and Board Member
Mark Patterson is a husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He built a career as an architect and businessman, with experience across aged care, property development, and retail.After becoming a Christian in 1972, Mark has served in church leadership for more than 50 years. Alongside long-term business partner Ken Loughton, he established a significant charitable trust supporting a range of ministries focused on women and children.In 2006, Mark and Ken founded Transform Cambodia to offer a future to the thousands of street children in Phnom Penh. As Chairman and at times CEO, Mark and his wife Andrea forged a unique transformational ministry that has to date rescued and championed over 4000 young lives.
Ken Loughton
Co-Founder and Chairman
Ken Loughton is a Perth-based architect, businessman, property developer and a co-founder of Transform Cambodia along with Mark Patterson. He was formerly part of the Loughton Patterson Group of companies.Ken completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Western Australia and later studied at Regent College in Vancouver. He and his wife Lorraine live in Mandurah, Western Australia, and are members of Riverview Church. They are committed to encouraging growth and excellence within the Christian business community.
Geoff Woodward
Board Member
Pastor Geoff Woodward, together with his wife Rhonda, founded Metrochurch in Perth in 1988 and continue to serve as Senior Pastors.Geoff also serves as Deputy National Chairman and International Director of INC (International Network of Churches), which includes more than 1,700 churches worldwide. He and Rhonda are parents of three and grandparents of seven.Since its inception, Metrochurch has been a key partner of Transform Cambodia, sponsoring the first centre and 300 children.Metrochurch also established the Sreymom Scholarship in honour of a key Transform Cambodia leader who passed away during the pandemic. Currently, ten students receive support through this scholarship.
Ken Lee
Board Member
Ken Lee and his wife Chrissy Lee are the Senior Pastors of Nations Church.They planted Nations Church in 2004. Today, 5000+ people across Australia, Cambodia and Ireland call Nations Church home.Pastor Ken has a genuine heart to see people encounter Jesus and embrace true discipleship. He has a strong apostolic and exegetical teaching gift and his ministry is authentic, prophetic and transformative.Pastors Ken and Chrissy reside in Perth Australia with their 2 adult sons Jentezen and Isaiah.
Meet The Transform Cambodia Team
Paul Mergard
Chief Executive Officer
Paul Mergard is the Chief Executive Officer of Transform Cambodia, bringing more than 25 years of leadership International Development and advocacy experience.Before joining Transform Cambodia in October 2025, Paul served as CEO of Destiny Rescue Australia and held senior leadership roles with The Salvation Army and Compassion Australia. His work has taken him into some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.Paul trained as an accountant with KPMG and holds postgraduate qualifications in International Development. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves on the board of Churches of Christ Queensland. Paul is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.
Socheata Nov
Country Director
Socheata joined Transform Cambodia in 2010 and led field centres before being promoted to the Executive Team. After nearly six years in centre leadership, she transitioned to Head Office as part of the senior leadership team.In 2020, Socheata was appointed Country Director, providing strategic leadership, organisational oversight and national vision for Transform Cambodia. Alongside her role, she and her husband Piseth lead Transform Life Church and are parents to two children.
Rachel Gregory
General Manager
Rachel Gregory is a qualified CPA and the General Manager of Transform Cambodia. She brings experience as a financial analyst in the mining, energy and resources sector, along with more than 10 years in the non-profit sector.Rachel is motivated by convictions around justice, freedom and community and is passionate about helping people discover purpose and identity. She is married to Aaron and is the mother of Matilda and Nate.
Lara Drabble
Partnerships Administrator
Lara Drabble has more than 25 years of experience in general insurance, across underwriting, broking, risk management, sales, and leadership roles. Her career focus on the faith, education and not-for-profit sectors gives her strong insight into the challenges facing these organisations.Lara joined Transform Cambodia in 2021 as Partnerships Administrator, supporting sponsors, partners and the Phnom Penh team. She is married to Mark, has two adult children, and serves at Metro Church.
Therese Joy Harper
Accounts
Therese joined Transform Cambodia in July 2016 and manages the organisation’s accounts. She holds a degree in Accounting and brings care and diligence to her role.Therese enjoys music, nature and staying active. She is married to her husband Cedric.
Kunthea Torng
Operations Supervisor
Kunthea joined Transform Cambodia in 2010 as a volunteer and later served as a Trainer for two years. In 2013, she was promoted to Deputy Centre Manager and in 2017, to Centre Manager, later becoming Senior Manager.In 2021 Kunthea joined the Executive Leadership Team as Director of Centre Operations. She now serves on the Transform Cambodia Oversight Team, contributing strategic leadership and operational experience.
Monineath In
Facilitator
Monineath joined Transform Cambodia in 2010 as a Transform student. She completed high school in 2021 and graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Economics and Business.She now serves as Executive Assistant and Facilitator, while also contributing to the Translation Team. In these roles, Monineath supports organisational leadership and helps develop the next generation of leaders within Transform Cambodia.
Somaraty Eng
Media Manager
Somaraty joined Transform Cambodia as a Transform student in 2015. While completing high school in 2020, she served as a Media Assistant and gained practical experience in media production.She graduated in 2024 with a Major in Graphic Design and was promoted to Media Manager in 2025. In her role, Somaraty uses creative media to support the mission and storytelling of Transform Cambodia.
Sreymom Hong
Center Manager
Sreymom joined Transform Cambodia in 2009 as a Transform student at Centre 1, the organisation’s first centre. After completing high school in 2020, she continued serving as a Trainer in 2021 and was promoted to Deputy Centre Manager in 2022.She completed a university degree in Business Administration in 2024 and in 2025, was appointed Centre Manager and added to the Transform Cambodia Oversight team. Over her 17-year journey with Transform Cambodia, Sreymom has grown through significant challenges that have shaped her leadership and commitment to serving others.
Sytha Khin
Worship Chief
Sytha joined Transform Cambodia in 2013 as a Transform student and graduated from university in 2023. He serves as Worship Leader, overseeing worship development and mentoring young leaders.Over the years, Sytha has guided multiple generations, helping them grow in confidence, faith and leadership. He measures success by the spiritual depth and maturity of those he mentors.
Thearin Horn
Curriculum Manager
Thearin joined Transform Cambodia in 2007 as a Transform student. He completed high school in 2019 and graduated from university in 2023 with a Bachelor of TESOL.He now leads the Curriculum Team, having worked closely with the Curriculum Executive for several years. In his role, Thearin develops lesson plans, trains staff and students and introduces engaging, self-directed learning approaches that support strong educational outcomes for children.
Paul Mergard
Chief Executive Officer
Paul Mergard is the Chief Executive Officer of Transform Cambodia, bringing more than 25 years of leadership International Development and advocacy experience.Before joining Transform Cambodia in October 2025, Paul served as CEO of Destiny Rescue Australia and held senior leadership roles with The Salvation Army and Compassion Australia. His work has taken him into some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.Paul trained as an accountant with KPMG and holds postgraduate qualifications in International Development. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves on the board of Churches of Christ Queensland. Paul is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.
Socheata Nov
Country Director
Socheata joined Transform Cambodia in 2010 and led field centres before being promoted to the Executive Team. After nearly six years in centre leadership, she transitioned to Head Office as part of the senior leadership team.In 2020, Socheata was appointed Country Director, providing strategic leadership, organisational oversight and national vision for Transform Cambodia. Alongside her role, she and her husband Piseth lead Transform Life Church and are parents to two children.
Rachel Gregory
General Manager
Rachel Gregory is a qualified CPA and the General Manager of Transform Cambodia. She brings experience as a financial analyst in the mining, energy and resources sector, along with more than 10 years in the non-profit sector.Rachel is motivated by convictions around justice, freedom and community and is passionate about helping people discover purpose and identity. She is married to Aaron and is the mother of Matilda and Nate.
Lara Drabble
Partnerships Administrator
Lara Drabble has more than 25 years of experience in general insurance, across underwriting, broking, risk management, sales, and leadership roles. Her career focus on the faith, education and not-for-profit sectors gives her strong insight into the challenges facing these organisations.Lara joined Transform Cambodia in 2021 as Partnerships Administrator, supporting sponsors, partners and the Phnom Penh team. She is married to Mark, has two adult children, and serves at Metro Church.
Therese Joy Harper
Accounts
Therese joined Transform Cambodia in July 2016 and manages the organisation’s accounts. She holds a degree in Accounting and brings care and diligence to her role.Therese enjoys music, nature and staying active. She is married to her husband Cedric.
Kunthea Torng
Operations Supervisor
Kunthea joined Transform Cambodia in 2010 as a volunteer and later served as a Trainer for two years. In 2013, she was promoted to Deputy Centre Manager and in 2017, to Centre Manager, later becoming Senior Manager.In 2021 Kunthea joined the Executive Leadership Team as Director of Centre Operations. She now serves on the Transform Cambodia Oversight Team, contributing strategic leadership and operational experience.
Monineath In
Facilitator
Monineath joined Transform Cambodia in 2010 as a Transform student. She completed high school in 2021 and graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Economics and Business.She now serves as Executive Assistant and Facilitator, while also contributing to the Translation Team. In these roles, Monineath supports organisational leadership and helps develop the next generation of leaders within Transform Cambodia.
Somaraty Eng
Media Manager
Somaraty joined Transform Cambodia as a Transform student in 2015. While completing high school in 2020, she served as a Media Assistant and gained practical experience in media production.She graduated in 2024 with a Major in Graphic Design and was promoted to Media Manager in 2025. In her role, Somaraty uses creative media to support the mission and storytelling of Transform Cambodia.
Sreymom Hong
Center Manager
Sreymom joined Transform Cambodia in 2009 as a Transform student at Centre 1, the organisation’s first centre. After completing high school in 2020, she continued serving as a Trainer in 2021 and was promoted to Deputy Centre Manager in 2022.She completed a university degree in Business Administration in 2024 and in 2025, was appointed Centre Manager and added to the Transform Cambodia Oversight team. Over her 17-year journey with Transform Cambodia, Sreymom has grown through significant challenges that have shaped her leadership and commitment to serving others.
Sytha Khin
Worship Chief
Sytha joined Transform Cambodia in 2013 as a Transform student and graduated from university in 2023. He serves as Worship Leader, overseeing worship development and mentoring young leaders.Over the years, Sytha has guided multiple generations, helping them grow in confidence, faith and leadership. He measures success by the spiritual depth and maturity of those he mentors.
Thearin Horn
Curriculum Manager
Thearin joined Transform Cambodia in 2007 as a Transform student. He completed high school in 2019 and graduated from university in 2023 with a Bachelor of TESOL.He now leads the Curriculum Team, having worked closely with the Curriculum Executive for several years. In his role, Thearin develops lesson plans, trains staff and students and introduces engaging, self-directed learning approaches that support strong educational outcomes for children.