Our Team
Meet the People Behind the Mission
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.
Message from the Founders
When we started Adonai's Mercy House 12 years ago, we had no idea how to begin — much less how to run — a nonprofit organization. All we had was a sincere desire to help poor Filipino children battling cancer and the families who love them.
We had no big office, no large programs, and no clear sense of where the journey would lead us. What we did have was an unshakable belief that God would guide every step we would take.
A decade passed. Things were moving, but progress often felt slow. Some even questioned whether Adonai's Mercy House was making any impact at all. Still, our prayers never ceased.
In hindsight, it has become clear to me that God directed the growth of AMH in much the same way a bamboo plant grows. Bamboo spends years growing its roots deep underground before it ever breaks through the soil.
We believe this is what happened to Adonai's Mercy House. In the beginning, our roots were growing — quietly and steadily. For more than 10 years, we learned how to serve better, how to remain faithful with small resources, and how to care deeply for children and their families. Along the way, we learned patience. We also learned that even in times of uncertainty, God never left us.
Then, a little over two years ago, the bamboo began to rise. In its second year, 2025, Adonai's Mercy House truly began to grow in remarkable ways. We strengthened our systems. We operationalized a pediatric oncology ward in an established hospital in Manila. We opened an office in Quezon City. We improved our programs and formed partnerships with institutions and organizations. It felt like watching the bamboo finally shoot upward.
All of this growth is grace from God. Also, it is the fruit of faithful leadership of our Executive Director, Nancy Nicolas, and the dedication and hard work of her staff.
Although this year was marked by growth, it was also marred by grief. We lost some of the children we dearly loved. These were heartbreaking moments that tested us deeply. Yet even in grief, we must continue because many others need our support.
We share this story to remind us that good things take time. Like the bamboo, Adonai's Mercy House is growing taller so it can continue to offer shelter, care, and hope to at-risk children and their families.
For everything, we give thanks to God. All glory belongs to Him.
Shane & Aimee Wallenda
Founders, Adonai's Mercy House
The Mercy Journal 2025
How It All Began
The First Connection (2012)
Shane and Aimee Wallenda were first introduced to a foundation in the Philippines and felt compelled to contribute. They began by sending shoebox gifts filled with essentials and small toys for children battling cancer, later raising $500 to host a modest Christmas party.
Meeting Prince
Then they met Prince — a five-year-old boy who was blind and battling cancer. His story, and his passing shortly after meeting his hero, left a deep mark on the Wallendas. They couldn't shake the thought of families who had to stop treatment simply because they couldn't afford it.
The Declaration
After three years of quietly doing charity work, Shane declared to Aimee:"We will have a foundation, and it will be called Adonai's Mercy House." Aimee laughed it off — they weren't wealthy philanthropists, after all. But they soon discovered that when God plants a mission in your heart, He also clears the way for it to flourish.
Today
What began as shoebox gifts has grown into a full-fledged organization supporting 55 families, operating inside Mary Johnston Hospital's pediatric oncology ward, and providing life-saving treatment to children whose families have nothing. Under the leadership of Shane, Aimee, Nancy, and our dedicated board members, the mission continues to grow.
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.
Leadership
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 — not as a charity, but as a calling.
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 sacrifice to everything she does for the children they serve.
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.
As Executive Director, Nancy ensures that every child receives the care, dignity, and hope they deserve.
Board Members
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.
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.
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."
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.
Valarie Nolasco
Board Member, AMH-Philippines
With a lifelong passion for service, advocacy, and community empowerment, Valarie has worked across policy, Indigenous rights, education, sustainability, and well-being, always with a focus on uplifting the most vulnerable.
At the heart of her journey is a commitment to ensuring voices are heard and dignity is upheld.
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.
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.
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.
"We're not that rich to put up a foundation. But when God plants a mission in your heart, He also clears the way for it to flourish."
— Aimee Wallenda, Co-Founder
Our Shared Values
Compassion
Walking alongside the most vulnerable with love, dignity, and Christ-centered care.
Dedication
Working tirelessly to provide financial, medical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Family
Not just an organization, but a family united by faith and purpose.