Meet Our Team

Doug Waltar, Executive Director

Doug grew up in Richland, WA., completed his BA in Philosophy at Wheaton College, IL. and Master of Divinity at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. Following 22 years serving as a Presbyterian Pastor in Alaska and Idaho, Doug (son of founders Alan and Anna) followed his dream to come to Ingalls Creek where he now serves as Executive Director. Together with his wife Susan (speech therapist), they provide visionary leadership for the Center for Faith, Calling, and Community. Doug and Susan enjoy spending time with their three grown daughters (Katie, Anna, and Laura), taking Creekside walks with their black lab (Ellie), hiking, fly fishing, playing music, hosting friends, and making Ingalls Creek a treasured place for others to come.

Andrew Funka, Program & Development Director

Andrew grew up in western Pennsylvania, where he initially served many years in youth ministry with the United Methodist Church before serving over 20 years in cross-cultural missions in Europe and North America with Alongside Ministries International. Along the way he earned a B.A. in history from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.A. in World Missions and Evangelism from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Before accepting the invitation to partner in mission with Ingalls Creek, Andrew most recently served alongside the Czech Evangelical Alliance in Prague, Czech Republic. His passion is to help people understand their design so that they can fulfill their purpose. Andrew enjoys history, music, and the outdoors and especially exploring new places and new foods with his wife, Amy.

Becca Niemeyer, Program Development

Becca grew up in Seattle, WA and has never ventured far from the PNW for too long. She graduated from UW with a BS in Public Health, and went on to receive her MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2011. She returned to WA to direct a college ministry in Pullman working with college students at WSU, and met her husband out on the Palouse. They moved to Bellingham to work at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Bellingham, where she was ordained as a Pastor (PC(USA)). She then went on to serve as Associate Pastor at FPC for 5 years before moving to Cashmere, WA. She now pastors part time at Quincy Presbyterian Church alongside her part time work with Ingalls. She loves exploring the outdoors, making music, and dance parties with her husband and three kids.

Amy Funka, Guest Services & Executive Assistant

Amy is glad to be part of this team and to use her skills at "keeping track of details" in the roles of Guest Services and Executive Assistant to help people connect with God and be energized to live flourishing lives. Amy grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has lived lots of interesting places, including Pennsylvania, Scotland, and the Czech Republic. Most recently she was teaching math and English at an innovative Czech Christian school, through Alongside Ministries International. Her ideal day off is a long hike with her husband, Andrew, a homemade dinner (usually spicy food she makes herself), and a quiet evening with a good book.

Karen Brown, Guest Services Manager

Karen joined the Ingalls Creek team in Aug. of 2016. She was born in Pasadena CA and grew up in San Diego, where she received a BS in Recreation Administration from SDSU. She relocated to Bainbridge Is. In 1979 with her husband Brad and their two young daughters. They now reside in Leavenworth where they enjoy visits from their extended families and five grandchildren. She enjoys spending her time serving in ministry with her church family and as chairman of the local Young Life Committee. Her role at Ingalls Creek brings her great joy as she assists groups in creating their special retreats and getaways where they can connect with the Lord, renew and refresh.

Mary Robinson, Bookkeeper

Mary would like to spend her days sitting beside a mountain waterfall, eating really great chocolate while reading a good book. When she is not doing that, she does the bookkeeping for Ingalls Creek, teaches remedial reading at a local alternative high school and promotes foster parenting. In her free time, she can be found partnering with her incredible husband of 37 years who has been an associate pastor at the same church in Cashmere for 32 years. They have raised three children of their own and provided a temporary home to dozens more.

Rob Leach, Facilities

Robert Leach grew up in Tacoma, WA, attended Eastern Washington University’s, Outdoor Recreation Program, and graduated from University of Nevada with a BA in Business Management. He has served at several other camps, and, for the last 15 years, has worked in the water/waste water industry. He and his beautiful wife Sarah, along with 3 kids (Jason, Gretchen & Amelia), are excited to follow their passion for camping ministry and join the team at Ingalls Creek—one of their favorite places in the whole world! In his free time, Rob enjoys riding his bicycle, volunteering as a Young Life leader with Sarah, and spending time with his family.

Sarah Leach, Food Hospitality & Housekeeping

Sarah grew up in Eatonville, WA and graduated from Northwest University in Kirkland. She has been a Kindergarten teacher, and even ran her own daycare for a few years. As a mom of 3 teenagers, Sarah loves making sure people have good food and a clean place to thrive. She also loves being involved with Young Life here in the Upper Valley alongside her husband, Rob.

Board of Directors

  • Steve Schlahta

    Chair, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Retired)

  • Bob Tibbatts

    Treasurer, Department of Energy (Retired)

  • Charlie Atkinson

    Agricultural & Non-Profit Management

  • Pauline Logan

    Engineering Project Manager

  • Bob Bullock

    Waste Management Policy & Permitting

  • Steve Hostetter

    Retired Educator

  • Tony DeGenner

    Engineer

  • Joyce Emery

    Pastor