THE HOUSE (COMMUNITY SPACE & MAIN OFFICE)
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Jenny Shantz
Executive Director 604.767.1357 | [email protected] Jenny caught a heart for inner-city youth as a teenager. While earning her B.A. at Trinity Western University, Jenny developed youth programs at New Beginnings Church, as well as a student volunteer team called Youth Extreme. After working as a full-time youth worker and seeing kids fall through the cracks of the education system, she returned to university to earn her teaching degree. Since 2003, she has developed East-Siders, an afterschool program at UGM, taught for two years in Driftpile (a Cree community in Northern Alberta), and taught in the Surrey School District. As the Executive Director of Inner Hope, Jenny enjoys the challenge of organizational development as well as spending time mentoring youth. She loves to read, play tennis, visit with family and friends, and cheer youth on at their sports games. |
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Mark Ang
Director of Programs 778.558.5385 | [email protected] As a First Nations community member (with roots in Sandy Bay, Manitoba) who grew up in Vancouver, Mark had deep connections in our community before Inner Hope was established. Since day one, Inner Hope has been a home base for him: he's lived in The Home, volunteered, interned, and worked as Respite Support. He has seen firsthand how relationships through Inner Hope can impact and transform lives. Mark earned his B.A. at Trinity Western University, and, after getting married, moved up to Tŝideldel First Nation (Redstone), part of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, where he taught Phys. Ed. He has since made a home in Vancouver with his wife and two children, and has been an invested community member with Reality Church. Mark is thrilled to be in a leadership capacity, and to continue his relationships with community members at Inner Hope. When he's not at work, Mark enjoys playing softball and spending time with his family, including family trips to Science World and Costco (for hot dogs). |
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Dara Barbour
Fundraising Manager [email protected] Dara is a dedicated non-profit professional with over a decade of experience in fundraising, communications, event planning, and administration. A Vancouver local, she is passionate about supporting youth and families in her community. Dara is thrilled to be part of the Inner Hope team, where she values the strong emphasis on community and meaningful connections. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Ben, and their daughter, Eileen. She also has a love for coffee, sweets, gardening, hiking, camping, and board games. |
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Damaris Munoz Hernandez
Human Resources and Volunteer Coordinator 778.895.HOPE (4673) | [email protected] From a young age, Damaris finds great joy in serving the community, and working with people. When she was about 12 years old, she volunteered in an orphanage in Mexico City. The experience was very significant for her. Since then, kids who experience a tough upbringing have held a special place in her heart. She has been involved in kids and youth ministry, as well as camps, since her teenage years. With a bachelor’s degree in education and post-degree diplomas in Hospitality Management and Human Resources Management, she is excited to work with Inner Hope and to see how God will move. Damaris delights in taking walks, enjoying a sunny day, admiring nature, savouring a good cup of tea, watching movies, and diving into interesting books. |
Support
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John and Jenn Johnstone
Cultural Mentors John and Jenn Johnstone live in Langley with their three children. John is Stó:lō from Leq'a:mel First Nation and is a 60's scoop survivor. As a couple, they are passionate about growing in the culture, participating in ceremonies and learning the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Halkomelem) language. John is the Indigenous liaison with Multiply. Jenn has years of experience navigating cross-cultural relationships. John and Jenn serve on the board of the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society and seek to bring reconciliation between First Peoples and the Church through education, prayer, and the facilitation of bridge-building encounters. They are enhancing cultural engagement at Inner Hope. |
LIFE SKILLS
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Richie Philip Baron
Boundless Youth Coordinator 778.882.LIFE (5433) | [email protected] Richie, a member of the Lil'wat Nation near Pemberton, BC, has been a part of the Inner Hope community since 2014 and has been pursuing a career in youth ministry since his own goal-setting days in the Boundless Program. Richie has had his heart set on this program for a long time, trusting that God would prepare him. Richie has since studied the Bible abroad with the Capernwray program and dedicated eight summers to various roles at Camp Qwanoes. Now serving as a Coordinator, Richie brings his passion for youth mentorship, his love for guitar, and his enthusiasm for hockey to his work, inspiring others in growth and leadership. |
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Kayla Nelson
Post-Secondary Coordinator 778.680.POST (7678) | [email protected] Kayla belongs to the Gitanyow Nation and has roots in Nisga'a Nation from her moms side. She lives in East Vancouver. Kayla and her husband have three children and two cats. Kayla really cares about positive social change in the community - particularly by bridging the gap between Indigenous families and social service professionals. By day, Kayla works with Inner Hope and by night she is continuing to build the foundation of her Indigenous Family owned cleaning business. |
HOUSING (THE HOME)
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Samantha & Jonathan Hers
Home Support Coordinators 778.798.HOME (4663) |[email protected] | [email protected] Samantha and Jonathan have enjoyed several years of knowing and journeying alongside the Inner Hope community. Both have experience working in parachurch ministries and now serve as counselors. As Sam’s maternity leave came to an end, they discerned that God’s next adventure for their new family was to step into a live-in role with Inner Hope. They can often be found taking walks in beautiful places, drinking black coffee, and enjoying the company of those around them. |
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Viviann Daza
Home Support Worker / Communications & Event Assistant [email protected] Over the past four years, Vivi has discovered a passion for working with students as a volunteer with Every Nation Campus. Through this experience, she has found fulfillment in helping others navigate and succeed by providing them with the necessary tools, guidance, and support. Her love of travel and exploration has also allowed her to immerse herself in various cultures. She had the opportunity to train and live with families of diverse nationalities, care for children, and serve Latin American Indigenous kids as part of a church community food bank program. These experiences also provided her with the opportunity to form and train international teams. Vivi's upbringing as a pastor's child in the Foursquare Church has also played a role in shaping her passions and values. In her free time, Vivi enjoys a variety of activities, including outdoor activities, long walks, Pilates, dance, music, art, and even watching sports, despite not necessarily being an expert in the field. |