We are Sokeyna and Nicole Nguon, a husband-and-wife team married since 1991 with roots in Seattle, Washington and Houston, Texas.
Sokeyna is a survivor of the Cambodian Civil War perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge. He lost both of his parents during that devastating period in Cambodia’s history and eventually found himself in a refugee camp. He and his siblings were sponsored to the United States through Catholic Community Services, where he entered foster care and began rebuilding his life. This is how he ended up in Seattle, Washington, where he met his future wife, Nicole.
Nicole spent much of her career in nonprofit leadership and trauma-informed programs serving vulnerable populations. Her work has included serving individuals experiencing addiction and homelessness through programs with the Salvation Army as well as supporting survivors of trafficking in residential care. For a season, Sokeyna and Nicole also opened their home children as foster parents, gaining firsthand experience caring for children who need stability, safety, and consistent love.
Over time, our connection to Cambodia and our shared faith grew into a calling. When we encountered young children in Phnom Penh working late into the night on the streets of night markets - often without regular meals, education, or safe, dry places to sleep - we felt compelled to respond.
From that calling, Still Chosen was born: a safe, Christ-centered home where vulnerable children can leave the streets behind and experience loving care, stability, and belonging. Our vision is not an institution, but a family home where children are known, loved, and given the opportunity to heal and build a hopeful future.
We believe every child—no matter their circumstances—is deeply valued and still chosen.
MEET THE BOARD
My name is Sreyleak. I hold a degree in Psychology and previously served as a dorm leader for two years, where I supported and mentored young people in their daily lives and personal growth. I currently work as an HR Officer with an international NGO.
I am passionate about sharing God’s love with vulnerable children and helping bring positive change to their lives through care, encouragement, and education.
Sreyleak has generously donated her time in the past to help develop classes and provide translation support. She has a beautiful heart for people and is deeply dedicated to supporting and encouraging others.
It is my honor to serve as a board member for Still Chosen which is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in Cambodia. With a background in social work and project management, I have worked closely with orphanages and community organizations to promote family-based care models, including kinship care and foster care, so that children can grow up in safe, stable, and loving families. In addition, my experience as a social worker has also focused on protecting children who have experienced trauma, including survivors of sexual abuse and rape, and advocating for stronger efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking. Through collaboration with local partners and communities, I have supported initiatives that prioritize child protection, healing, and long-term restoration for vulnerable children. Guided by my Christian faith, I believe every child is created in God’s image and deserves dignity, protection, and hope. My deep desire is to serve children and families with compassion and help communities build environments where every child can grow, heal, and thrive.
Aubrey Witter serves as a Finance Coordinator at Village Community Services, where she oversees financial services that support individuals with disabilities in managing their personal finances and maintaining financial stability. Through this work, Aubrey helps ensure clients have the financial structure and resources needed to build independence and confidence as they navigate everyday financial responsibilities. Aubrey has a genuine heart for serving her community and those around her and is known for being a bright light wherever she goes. Her passion for helping others is evident not only in her work, but in many areas of her life.
Sokeyna Nguon was born in Cambodia and survived the Cambodian Civil War as a young child before spending time in a refugee camp. He later immigrated to the United States with his siblings through the sponsorship of Catholic Community Services and was raised in foster care. His early life experiences shaped a deep compassion for vulnerable children and families facing hardship.
Sokeyna is a co-founder of Still Chosen and brings both personal connection and lived experience to the mission of the organization. He has built a successful career in biomedical engineering and is passionate about helping create opportunities for vulnerable children in Cambodia to experience safety, stability, and hope for the future.
Nikki Nguon is the co-founder of Still Chosen and has spent much of her career serving individuals and families impacted by trauma through leadership roles in social services. Her work has centered on trauma-informed care across multiple settings, including serving as Director of Survivor Services for an anti-trafficking organization, Interim Co-Chief Executive Director and Director of Housing within the Seattle division of The Salvation Army, Director of Administration for a residential program serving women and children experiencing homelessness, and as a foster parent for a season, opening her home to children in need of safety and stability. Through these roles, Nicole has helped lead programs that support holistic restoration for vulnerable populations.