Who We Are

Building a global community dedicated to reaching children with the love of Christ.

Kidz at Heart International, established in 2003, emerged from a passion for children and those who guide them. With over thirty years of combined experience in children’s and family ministry, our co-founders collaborated with pastors, leaders, and families worldwide to design contextualized programs that foster meaningful connections between children and God — moving beyond mere religious instruction. 

Over time, the organization has deepened its focus on spiritual formation, equipping adults to cultivate daily spiritual practices that enrich their faith journeys. This personal transformation naturally overflows into their interactions with children, nurturing vibrant, lifelong relationships with God.

Leadership

Becky McAllister
Interim CEO

A part of our KidZ community since 2015, Becky has served in multiple roles from Trip Mobilizer, Director of Mobilization, VP for Europe, VP of Programs to now, our Interim CEO. 

At the age of 17, Becky experienced God’s wonderful love for her and surrendered her heart and life to him. And it wasn’t before long that her passion for telling the world about the love of Jesus and nurturing spiritual growth in others was ignited, launching her into an almost 20-year career in Children's Ministry.  

Becky currently resides in Bloomfield, Colorado and has 4 adult sons in Texas, Colorado and California (three of whom are married and one soon-to-be!) and one very fun grandson.

Her favorite way to spend time with God: In nature! She says, “God speaks to me most clearly when I am in his creation, walking with him. It is where I enjoy spending the most time with my Father.” 

Why KidZ? “Since I was 5 years old, I have been searching for my Father’s love with the deep understanding that there had to be more than what I was being taught. God distinctly pursued me and placed a deep yearning inside of me. Why KidZ? Because I have a passion to help children not just know about God but to have an  intimate relationship with God!

Kathy Kochis
Chief Operations Officer

Kathy and her husband, Rick, joined our KidZ Community in 2018 when they were invited to facilitate a KidZ at Heart training in Ukraine - and from that point on they were hooked! 

Continuing as facilitators throughout 2019 and into 2020, Kathy felt God calling her out of retirement, toward a deeper connection with Kidz at Heart, joining KidZ staff in 2020 as a Special Project Coordinator in the Training Resources division. But God was not stopping there! 

With a background in Finance and Operations, she saw the Lord expand his calling to her and shifted into the role of Chief Operations Officer in February 2024.

Kathy accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior in 1976, but didn't come into a deep relationship with Him until 2001 when she completed the Experiencing God Bible  Study by Henry Blackaby.  

She currently resides in Denver, Colorado with her sweetheart of 53 years (Rick). Together they have three children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren! 

Her favorite way to spend time with God: “ I love spending time with God in his Word. The spiritual practices that we teach have really enhanced the time I spend with him in that space.”

Why KidZ? “God has called me out of retirement to be an active part of not only taking the Gospel to all the nations but discipling others who are hungry for the Word of God and a deeper relationship with Jesus.”

Advancement Division

Resource Division

African Ministries

Asian Ministries

Latin American Ministries

Middle East/North Africa Ministries

North American Ministries

Board

  • Rick Whitaker

    CHAIRMAN

    CPA - Accounting Solutions, Inc.

    San Diego, CA

  • Brian Sobolewski

    VICE CHAIRMAN

    Founder, President, & CEO - All Things Restored, LLC

    Jacksonville, FL

  • Debby DeBernardi

    SPIRITUAL FORMATION DIRECTOR

    Retired Director of Christian Formation - Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

    Ahwatukee, AZ

  • Pam Givens

    SECRETARY

    Retired Administrative Assistant at Indian Bible College

    Coon Rapids, MN

  • Hal Givens

    BOARD MEMBER

    Instructor at Indian Bible College

    Coon Rapids, MN

  • Alexis Dasari

    BOARD MEMBER

    Family Life Pastor, Vineyard Community Church

    Kansas City, MO