Our Team
Raphael House is supported by a dedicated team of staff, board members, and volunteers who share a passion for serving families with compassion, integrity, and care.
Together, we work to create a welcoming environment where families feel supported and valued.
Meet the People Behind Raphael House
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to ensure Raphael House remains mission-driven, accountable, and sustainable.
The Raphael House Board is an active, policy-focused group of leaders who are deeply committed to serving our community. Board members regularly volunteer at Raphael and play a hands-on role in supporting our work. They also help guide fundraising initiatives, community events, proposals, and meaningful partnerships that strengthen our impact across Langley.
Board Members
Ian Thomas - Chair
Vickie Funk - Vice-Chair
Dawn Sambrook - Secretary
Ray Shareski - Treasurer
Mandy Martens
Brad Hendy
Day-to-Day Support
Our staff team plays a vital role in ensuring Raphael House operates smoothly and continues to meet the needs of families in our community. They manage daily operations, coordinate volunteers, and provide compassionate support to families accessing our programs.
From organizing food distribution to welcoming families at Raphael, our staff work behind the scenes and on the front lines to create a safe, respectful, and well-run environment where families feel supported and valued.
Each member of our staff brings dedication, care, and a deep commitment to serving families with dignity and respect.
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Mark and Vickie Funk have lived in Langley for 30 years. They have 3 married children and 6 grandchildren.
Mark went into business at an early age, expanding a small discount store in 1985 into a Big Box Outlet retail. Mark is now a minority owner, and no longer in management. He continues other business ventures and hobbies like golfing and fishing.
Vickie was deeply involved in family and school life with their 3 children. Since they have grown and married, Vickie put her efforts into fulfilling the needs of her community, the fruits of which became Raphael House. Both she and Mark enjoy dedicating time each week volunteering at Raphael House.
Founders
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Nina grew up in Winnipeg and moved to Langley with her family 11 years ago — though she’s still getting used to the West Coast rain! She recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology.
During her time at UBC, Nina worked as a student fundraiser, connecting with alumni to support programs that made food and education more accessible. That experience deepened her passion for building relationships and supporting her community — something she now brings to her work at Raphael House, where she enjoys helping families and contributing to the caring, community-centered environment. Outside of work, Nina loves trying new recipes and discovering cozy cafés around the Lower Mainland.
Administrative Assistant
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Scott grew up in the Langley area. After high school he moved to inner city New York to work in a community organization with at-risk individuals. He met his wife while working in New York City and they have lived in Langley for the past 10+ years. Their two children attend school in Langley.
Scott has continued to support non-profits through both volunteer and staff positions, and has been active in the community since returning to Langley. Scott is an avid sports fan, and loves to build relationships and help others, which makes Raphael House the perfect place to be!
Managing Director
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Pam has lived in the Langley area for nearly 13 years. Both she and her spouse have been studying and working in the community while all three of her kids attended and graduated from schools in SD 35. She has lived in many places and loves history, languages, and meeting people from around the world. Pam is passionate about connecting and welcoming, which is why she loves working as family care coordinator at Raphael House. She is often found walking and picking flowers in nature, talking, and drinking coffee. Pam loves kids, music (playing and listening) and animals - especially dogs!
Family Care Coordinator
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Shannon grew up in Langley and attended school in the Langley School district. She graduated from University of the Fraser Valley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict studies. She is passionate about connecting with families and helping the local community. Shannon loves being part of the team at Raphael because it allows her to form meaningful connections with families, provide support during challenging times, and be part of a team and a community that feels like family.
Scott has continued to support non-profits through both volunteer and staff positions, and has been active in the community since returning to Langley. Scott is an avid sports fan, and loves to build relationships and help others, which makes Raphael House the perfect place to be!
Volunteer and Program Coordinator
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Christina was born and raised on Vancouver Island and still considers herself an islander at heart. She loves living in Langley with her husband and their golden retriever. Christina recently graduated from the University of the Fraser Valley with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, where she was a leader in the Student Refugee Program — work she found deeply meaningful in supporting newcomers and those in need of care.
She first joined Raphael House as a summer intern in 2025 and later became part of the permanent staff as the Family Care Associate and Social Media Manager. Christina enjoys spending time in nature, connecting with friends, and taking weekend trips away.
Family Care Associate and Social Media ManagerOur Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential part of Raphael House. Their time, energy, and compassion help ensure families receive food support in a welcoming, respectful environment.
When families have access to food, support, and connection, communities grow stronger. Raphael House is proud to serve Langley families — and grateful for everyone who makes this work possible.