Kristen Steele, Pastor
Reverend Kristen Steele has been serving Shepherd of the Valley since May 1, 2009. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon as well as a Bachelor’s Degree from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Education University of British Columbia. She was born and raised on the west coast and loves the beauty of the landscape as well as the diversity of the people. She loves to connect with people about faith, life and all the joys and challenges they bring. She has served on many committees in the provincial and national bodies of the church as well as developed connections with the local community of Langley over the past 17 years. In her spare time she enjoys connecting with friends and family and accessing her creative side through card making.
Eleanor, Office Secretary
In addition to her most important role as a day brightener to all who walk through the front doors, Eleanor provides all the administrative support for the congregation, the council, and the pastor – including church bookkeeping and booking rentals. She liaises with the public, the parishioners, and the church staff, and fulfills the many proverbial “duties as required” (which includes being an occasional guest musician).
Gail Suderman, Music Director
Gail Suderman brings more than three decades of notable experience as a musician, educator, voice teacher, conductor, and choral leader to her role as Music Director. She served for more than two decades as Director of Voice and Choral Studies at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and in 2025, retired as Artistic & Executive/founding director of Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir, which she led for 21 years,
As Music Director, Gail leads the church choir, plans and directs worship service music, and provides piano and organ accompaniment for weekly services and special celebrations. Dedicated to vibrant congregational singing and meaningful choral ministry, she has expanded opportunities for church members and community singers to participate in worship. Her initiatives include the “Langley Christmas Choir,” collaborative choral presentations for Black History Month, and the church’s annual “Choir Sunday,” bringing together singers from within and beyond the congregation.
