About Us

Mark Ryan
Executive Officer, Christian Schools Australia

Mark has a background in both education and theology and has a passion for exploring the intersection of faith and culture. After beginning his career as a PE teacher, he went on to study theology and ministry at Morling College in Sydney and has since completed a Master of Educational Leadership. Mark lives in Adelaide with his wife and three children, loves all things sport, and cycling through the beautiful Adelaide hills. Mark has worked as a pastor, teacher, and Assistant Principal, and is currently an Executive Officer for Christian Schools Australia. At a national level, he is invested in the formation of students and staff in CSA schools. Mark has been involved with the work of Compass for the last 15 years, and he loves to see student leaders gather each year, explore the Biblical story, and be inspired to lead according to the pattern of Jesus – living as God’s image for the sake of others and for the whole of God’s creation.

Dr Graham Stanton
Lecturer, Ridley College

Graham is a Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College, Melbourne, and the Director of the Ridley Centre for Children’s and Youth Ministry. His latest research is exploring how young Australians experience and understand God and the stories of how those beliefs have been formed. Graham lives in Melbourne with his wife and three young adult children. Graham enjoys long distance running in order to compensate for his hobby of enjoying cooking good food or eating good food that other people have cooked. Apart from Jesus, his personal heroes include Bruce Springsteen and Leslie Knope.

Matt Stackhouse
Chaplain

Originally from Canada, Matt's childhood was spent moving between Australia, US and back again before finally settling in Australia in 2001. His passion for working with young people led him into education, where he has spent nearly 25 years teaching HSC English, HSIE and Biblical Studies subjects for Year 7-12. Matt thrives on creating practical, hands-on learning opportunities and has loved teaching in a wide variety of contexts, helping students connect their learning to real-world applications. Matt is married to Natalie for nearly 25 years and they have three spirited daughters who keep life full of adventure. Over the years, Matt has led students on life-changing trips to Manila, Darwin, and Nepal, fostering opportunities for young people to develop global awareness and a heart for service. With degrees in Business and Theology, as well as a master’s in education, Matt combines his expertise with genuine care to empower students. Currently, he balances multiple roles, including serving as the Coordinator of the LEAP Year Program, where he helps students build practical skills, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. Outside of work, Matt finds joy in the ocean, meaningful conversations, and investing in his family. He is deeply committed to helping others uncover their identity, purpose, and vocation with clarity and confidence.

Jeff Nagle
Director, Heritage Leaders; Coast Community Church

Jeff heads up leader-formation consultancy, Heritage Leaders and is also campus pastor at Coast Community Church on the NSW Central Coast. Prior to this, Jeff served as CEO of the Compass Foundation from 2017- 2019 and was co-founder of ethical supply-chain analytics firm, FairSupply. Jeff has worked for nearly two decades in the international development sector, serving as COO with Compassion Australia, CEO of International Justice Mission Australia and currently serves as Chairman of MAF Australia. Jeff’s area of interest is the formation of leaders and teams in difficult contexts. Jeff has qualifications in visual arts and media, education and business, and holds a Masters Degree in Global Leadership through Fuller Seminary. Jeff lives on the NSW Central Coast with wife, Shelley, and two teenage children. He still thinks he’s a surfer.

Erica Jones
Development Co-ordinator - Salvation Army

Erica brings over two decades of diverse experience in ministry, leadership, and management roles, including serving as a Lead Pastor, working in the Drug and Alcohol sector, and contributing to the Mental Health and Youth sectors. Her qualifications include a Post Grad degree in Theology, an MA in Leadership, an MBA in Project Management, and Coaching Accreditation. Outside of her professional life, Erica is dedicated to her family, enjoying life with her husband, four children, and two sons-in-law. She finds joy in outdoor activities like hiking and water sports, along with a love for her dogs and HOT weather. Erica is a dynamic leader with a strong commitment to positive change and family values.