Meet our Board President…

Board members play a pivotal role in shaping the direction and impact of Mending Kids. Our board community includes volunteers, industry leaders, and physicians, whose dedication, expertise, and commitment to our mission are the driving forces behind our ability to provide life-changing surgical care to children in need around the world. Their collective wisdom and passion fuel our efforts to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families, ensuring that our impact resonates far beyond each surgical mission. 

Dr. Ayal Willner, our Board President, stands as a beacon of excellence in otolaryngology, with an impressive career spanning over thirty years in Southern California. At SCENT–Southern California Ear, Nose, and Throat–he specializes in sinus and skull base surgery, with expertise in both pediatric and adult care.
 
Beyond his professional practice, Dr. Willner generously dedicates his time to Mending Kids. Leading over thirteen medical missions to underserved regions like Guatemala, he extends his expertise and compassion to transform the lives of countless children in need.

Closer to home, he has participated in many Hometown Missions. Dr. Willner remains unwavering in his commitment to providing essential care to youth in Southern California, embodying a dedication to improving lives without borders.
 
As Dr. Willner expresses, "I find fulfillment in making a difference, no matter how small," reflecting his steadfast commitment to service. Balancing the demands of his profession with a compassionate heart, he leaves an indelible mark on the world, one act of kindness at a time.

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​Get to know Dr. Willner:

How many years have you been involved with Mending Kids & how many years have you been a board member?
I’ve been with Mending Kids since 2013 so 11 years, my first mission was to Guatemala. It was a great learning experience as I’ve never been on a mission before that. I had gone to a Mending Kids fundraiser, I was inspired and told them I wanted to become involved, and they said “Great! What are you doing next month?” I was nervous at first, then I realized it's ok, it’s going to be great and it was! It was a four day mission, I had to get a team together and it was a great experience. I’ve been on the Board since 2018 when Isabelle started as the Executive Director; I became president this past August. 
 
Have been on any missions? If so, which one stands out? If you have not, which one would you like to take part in?
The mission that stands out most to me is the site visit in Tanzania. I was impressed with how receptive the doctors are to developing a sustainable program, it really is wonderful. I’m looking forward to that day when they are fully up and running. Every mission is amazing, they are all different in their own ways; it is so humbling to help these kids. The first mission I took part in, in Guatemala, we operated over two days and saved 31 kids. It was great, I looked around and thought we could bring our own supplies and really take care of these kids. 
 
What's the most impactful part of being involved with Mending Kids for you?
Being able to help save the lives of close to 1,000 children as team leader and team participant. That’s a lot of impact, a lot of lives saved. There’s a lot more to do, but that's a lot of impact. 
 
What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is the feeling that I have created a lasting positive impact on the world. There’s a Hebrew phrase that says, “it’s not for you to finish the job, neither is it for you to abandon it.” Happiness is being able to feel fulfilled. That’s why we go on missions, to leave the world a little better than how we found it. 
 
What are some things on your bucket list?
Skiing a double black diamond when I'm 84. Starting a charitable trust. Watching lots of sunsets with Elisa.
 
If you could have dinner with 3 people, past present or future who would they be?
Moses, Ayn Rand, God.
 
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“What can I tell ya” and “That’s the story” 
 
Which talent would you most like to have?
To create music.

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