Our Founders
Rev. Angel and Pastor Ulli Roldán came to Australia in 1983 and felt compelled to establish Life-Gate in 1992 to minister the love, grace and compassion of Christ to the most broken and isolated individuals and families in their community. In 2017 Angel and Ulli were named the ‘Frankston Citizens of the Year for 2017’ in honour of the thousands of individuals whose lives have been transformed through the selfless service of this ‘dynamic duo’ throughout the past three decades.
Director of Operations
Lauryn joined the Life-Gate team full-time in 2009, leading the street outreach services and managing our volunteer team. In 2012, Lauryn established the COLOUR of HOPE art-therapy program which was named the ‘Frankston Community Event of the Year for 2016’, and in 2018 she designed and initiated our MEALS For CHANGE mobile kitchen trailer which provides meals to those who are homeless and vulnerable. In 2019 Lauryn was honoured as the ‘Frankston Citizen of the Year’ in recognition of her dedication and contribution to our community. Today, Lauryn serves as our Director of Operations and also Secretary of the Board of Directors.
Our Board of Directors
B.Bus, B.A., Grad Dip (Ed)
Chairperson
Sonja has enjoyed a diverse career, including roles in Business Administration, Customer Service and Sales Management. Sonja holds a Bachelor of Social Science and a Bachelor of Business from Monash University. In 2012 she obtained a Graduate Diploma of Education and has worked as a Secondary Teacher at Bayside Christian College, specialising in teaching Business Management and Legal Studies. She is married and has three wonderful adult children. She is also the daughter of Rev. Angel Roldán, the CEO of Life-Gate Inc, and is committed to the ongoing impact of Life-Gate in our community.
CEO
Formerly a banker in Germany and also a manager within the Deutsche Bank in Melbourne, Rev. Angel’s passion for helping the under-privileged prompted him to leave the corporate sector to pioneer Life-Gate with his wife Ulli in 1992. Preparation included six years of study to become a counsellor and teacher at various training institutes both in Australia and the United States. In 2007 he received a FGBMFI award for his persistent work in the prisons. In 2006, he and Ulli were also named as Finalists for the ‘Pride of Australia’ Award 2006.
B.End(Hons), B.Com
Treasurer
Marcus joined the Board of Director in 2015. With a background in investment management, initially at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and currently at Yarra Capital Management, Marcus brings extensive finance experience to his role as Treasurer. Prior to his 15 years of professional experience, Marcus undertook a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University, including time abroad studying in Germany and the USA. Overall, Marcus hopes his skill set can support Life-Gate with their mission in the local community of Frankston. In his spare time, Marcus, together with his wife Kate and two children, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and bike riding.
B.Sc(Hons), MDiv
Secretary
In 2004 Lauryn graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science (Honours). She then completed a Masters of Divinity with the Australian Colleges of Theology in 2008. Since 1998, Lauryn has held volunteer positions both locally and in Ethiopia, Aceh and Fiji, in various aid work roles. She began attending the Life-Gate Training School and volunteering with the Street Outreach in 2006 whilst completing her studies. In 2009, Lauryn joined the Life-Gate team full-time and serves as the Director of Operations. In her free time, Lauryn enjoys hiking, reading and creative pursuits.
Director
Mark serves as Manager of Ngarra Jarranouith Place, residential healing and behaviour change program for Dardi Munwurro in Preston and has worked in this capacity for the past six months. He has over 27 years experience in the recovery and Christian community and holds a Diploma of Alcohol and other Drugs, a Diploma in Art Therapy, Cert IV in Training and Assessment, Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy and a Masters in Narrative Therapy and Community Work.
Mark also has over 30 years experience as a practicing Artist and furniture maker. In the past, the love, training and counselling Mark received from Life-Gate played a major role in his life. For this reason, Mark joined the Board of Life-Gate as a Director in 2017.
Director
Laura Davenport joined our board as a Director in December 2020. She brings over 20 years experience in senior management roles with a family business specialising in green life transport, merchandising and logistics. With a heart for the community, Laura has served her community for over 11 years, including numerous fundraising roles. She also holds a Certificate in Basic Counselling . A busy mum, successful business woman and volunteer with both our Fundraising and Street Outreach services, Laura’s interests include sustainable projects, justice, gardening and fitness. Her claim to fame is a trophy she won as a 10 year old for accidentally catching a fish which happened to be the biggest one on the day.
Life-Gate Inc 