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Our Team
The team of Adonai’s Mercy House is a diverse group of compassionate leaders, board members, and volunteers united by one mission: to bring hope and healing to children battling cancer in the Philippines. With backgrounds ranging from healthcare and nonprofit management to community outreach and pastoral care, each member contributes unique gifts that strengthen the vision of the ministry. Together, the team works tirelessly to provide financial, medical, emotional, and spiritual support to families who otherwise could not afford treatment. Their combined dedication and faith ensure that Adonai’s Mercy House is not just an organization, but a family walking alongside the most vulnerable with love, dignity, and Christ-centered care.
Shane Wallenda
Founder/CEO
Dr. Shane Wallenda, founder and CEO of Adonai’s Mercy House, leads the organization’s mission to bring hope and healing to children battling cancer in the Philippines.
A U.S.Navy veteran with 15 years of service and now a manager with the Army Corps of Engineers, Shane was moved in 2013, alongside his wife, Aimee, by the desperate needs of impoverished children with cancer.
This compassion birthed Adonai’s Mercy House, which today provides critical support to families who otherwise have no access to treatment. Beyond his nonprofit leadership, he also serves as a chaplain to elderly residents in Walla Walla, Washington, while remaining a devoted husband and father.
Aimee Wallenda
Co-Founder and BOT Chairperson,
AMH-Philippines
Aimee Wallenda, co-founder of Adonai’s Mercy House, devotes her heart to guiding and nurturing its programs for children battling cancer in the Philippines.
A former interior designer in the Philippines and Middle East, she now focuses her creativity and compassion on ministry work alongside her husband, Shane.
As a mother to Jared and Ely, Aimee brings a deep understanding of faith, family, and community to her role, believing that Adonai’s Mercy House is more than an organization, it is a lifeline of hope.
Her commitment reflects her conviction that through faith and service, she can be God’s hands and feet to those who need Him most.
Nancy Nicolas
Executive Director, AMH-Philippines
Nancy Caluya-Nicolas brings over 35 years of experience serving vulnerable communities through nonprofit leadership, focusing on education, livelihood, disaster response, and family support.
Passionate about empowering children and families, she has transformed ideas into life-changing programs while building strong partnerships and advocating for critical causes.
Guided by her belief in compassion, good governance, and community-driven solutions, Nancy is honored to serve with Adonai’s Mercy House, walking alongside children battling cancer and their families with hope, strength, and dignity.
Silvia Pitcher
Board Member, AMH-USA
Sylvia Pitcher, a devoted wife of 36 years and mother of three, has walked faithfully with God since childhood and now serves in full-time ministry.
With a heart for prayer and inner healing, she has spent the past four years actively supporting Adonai’s Mercy House, offering encouragement, prayer, and compassion to mothers of children battling cancer.
Her greatest passion is witnessing lives transformed by God’s love and healing, and she continues to serve with unwavering devotion to bring hope and comfort to those in need.
Joy Funtanillo
Board Member, AMH-Philippines
Jocelyn “Joy” Funtanilla, an accountant and businesswoman in Guam with over 40 years of experience, has been connected to Adonai’s Mercy House since its earliest beginnings through her longtime friendship with Aimee Wallenda.
Their bond, formed in the 1990s through church, carried a shared dream of creating a place where children with cancer could receive care and hope.
When invited to serve as the organization’s accountant, Joy embraced the role as an answer to years of prayer and faith. Inspired by Shane and Aimee’s dedication, she continues to witness God’s faithfulness through the lives transformed at Mary Johnston Hospital, believing that surrendered dreams always lead to far greater outcomes than imagined.
Dr. Glenn Paraso
Board Member, AMH-Philippines
Dr. Glenn Roy V. Paraso, physician and executive director of Mary Johnston Hospital in Manila, views medicine as a calling to serve, especially the poor who lack access to essential healthcare.
Leading a mission hospital under the United Methodist Church, he is guided by the words of
Luke 22:27: “I am among you as one who serves.”
His partnership with Adonai’s Mercy House reflects this commitment, as together they provide life-saving care and hope for indigent children battling cancer, fulfilling both the hospital’s mission and his personal dedication to compassionate service.
Lace Goodwin
Board Member, AMH-USA
Laceley Goodwin, a devoted mother, proud grandmother, entrepreneur, and aspiring author, lives each day with gratitude and faith, firmly rooted in God’s grace. Guided by 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us,” she seeks to share Christ’s light through her relationships and service.
Her involvement with Adonai’s Mercy House reflects this calling, offering her a meaningful way to pour out love and compassion to children and families in desperate need of hope and healing.
Valarie Nolasco
Board Member, AMH-Philippines
With a lifelong passion for service, advocacy, and community empowerment, this board member has worked across policy, Indigenous rights, education, sustainability, and well-being, always with a focus on uplifting the most vulnerable.
At the heart of their journey is a commitment to ensuring voices are heard and dignity is upheld.
As part of Adonai’s Mercy House, they are honored to help bring medical care, love, and hope to children battling cancer, believing that true change comes when communities unite with compassion and purpose so no child faces illness alone.
Renuka Dayal
Board Member, AMH-USA
Renuka Dayal, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and vintner, carries a deep love for people, culture, and hospitality.
Having cared for her mother for over 30 years, she developed a profound compassion and nurturing spirit that continues to shape her life and work.
Inspired by her mother’s legacy of kindness, Renuka finds joy and purpose in serving with Adonai’s Mercy House, where she honors that legacy by helping bring hope, care, and dignity to children and families in need.
Marian Elizabeth “Micah” Calma Icasiano
Board Member, AMH-Philippines
Micah brings nearly a decade of experience in hospitality and guest relations, including seven years in the hotel industry, three as a Front Office Manager, and three years as Head of Guest Relations in Vacation Rental Management.
Now leading Innsaei Aesthetics and Wellness Studio, she combines her expertise in service with a passion for holistic well-being. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “What are you doing for others?” she joined Adonai’s Mercy House to extend compassion and care to children battling cancer and their families, striving to bring hope and dignity through every act of service.
Chad Nickless
Board Member, AMH-USA
Chad Nickless, a seasoned construction and business consultant with over 30 years of experience and owner of Signature Tile in Seattle, has built a reputation for excellence and integrity in his field. A founding member of Adonai’s Mercy House, Chad’s heart for humanitarian work was shaped by his time in the Philippines, where he witnessed the harsh realities faced by children living in poverty. His passion for the mission continues to fuel his commitment to providing hope and healing for families in need. Happily married and a proud father of two, Chad believes true success is found not in business achievements but in making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others.