About Us

Tom came to Christ in part through investigating the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. Tom and his wife Allison found CA in 2002 when a neighbor invited them to come visit the church. Both Tom and Allison fell in love with the people of CA as well as what God was up to in this community. In 2003, Tom joined the CA staff as part of the teaching team, with the specific assignment to reach young adults. Since 2007, Tom has been our co-lead pastor and is now the lead pastor for CA. He has a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University in World Religions, Sociology, and Environmental Studies. He also has a Master's of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a rabid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, loves the mountains and still enjoys kicking the soccer ball around from time to time. Tom and Allison have three children.

Colie fell in love with Jesus when she was 12 years old and hasn’t stopped chasing after him ever since. She joined the CA staff team in 2018 and is passionate about encouraging women to be who they were created to be in Christ, knowing and living out of their true identities as Jesus’ beloved. She graduated from Marquette University with a major in Social Justice & Welfare and completed her Masters in Transformational Urban Leadership in Kolkata, India, through Azusa Pacific Seminary. She enjoys good coffee and churros, watching sports and going to the beach. She is married to Steph and they are delighted to have two fabulous kiddos.

Tonia came to Christ as a young adult, drawn by a deep longing for truth, peace, and a desire to know her loving God. She loves being part of a church that values prayer, God’s Word, and walking alongside others in their faith journeys. Tonia graduated from Cal State University, Northridge, and after a nearly 30-year career in Human Resources Management, Tonia felt called to pursue a more balanced lifestyle and entered the CA Internship Program, where God confirmed her passion for ministry. She’s a proud Chicago native who loves to laugh and now enjoys the beach life in Los Angeles with her husband Dennis and their beloved dog Lucy.

Jimmy began following Christ at Kids Church at Christian Assembly when he was in the 3rd grade. Ever since, God has been his best friend, greatest treasure, and the Lord of his life. He has been serving with 678 and CA Students since 2019 and officially joined staff in 2024. Jimmy loves leading young people toward complete commitment to Christ and is praying for a powerful move of God among the youth of our church. He spent six months in Africa attending a missions school through YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and is currently earning his B.A. in Religion with an emphasis in Counseling and Care from Faith International University. He’s passionate about international missions, loves ocean animals, and enjoys visiting new countries.

Trey grew up in church (here at CA in fact!) but would say that he did not develop a truly personal relationship with Christ until after he graduated college. Trey loves his role with junior high and high schoolers because he is passionate about raising up the next generation of Christ-like men. He also loves that he can show students that their faith is not a part of their life, but it is the starting place for their life that everything else can and should flow from. When he's not at youth group, you can find Trey playing basketball, reading, playing board games with friends, or seeking the best cup of coffee between Eagle Rock and Pasadena.

Robert has been a Southern California native for most of his adult life coming from the Philippines when he was 14. He has been a part of Christian Assembly for over 10 years and has recently spent a year as a pastoral apprentice. He is currently one of the pastors leading our 11:15 North community.

He is happily married to his wife, Girlie, and they are blessed with two boys; Jhared and Aiden.

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Ralph started following Jesus in 1981 and joined the CA Staff team as a pastor in 2014. He loves that he gets to serve the Christian Assembly church family and staff after a 30-year career with a fortune 100 company. His passion is helping men grow as followers of Jesus and as husbands and fathers. Ralph graduated from Pepperdine University's School of Business with a Bachelor's degree in Management. He and Janna married in 1996 and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. They love serving married couples and strengthening marriages. Their favorite vacations are on cruise ships or beaches in Hawaii. Their favorite times are with family or friends and soul-refreshing walks at the Arboretum.

Dave first accepted Christ at a meeting of the “Good News Club” at age 8, but full faith blossomed through counseling in his thirties. It is therefore no surprise that he has had a passion for serving as a lay counselor for 25+ years at Christian Assembly. As a former business owner and professional musician, he brings a variety of experience to the counseling room. Dave loves the mountains, writing, music and laughing with friends. He has been married to his wife, Nan, since 1971.

Nan came to Christ through the ministry of the Salvation Army women missionaries. She never imagined then that she would be in ministry herself years later. She joined the Christian Assembly staff team in 1997, and loves providing counsel and care at CA. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and ordained minister. Nan and her husband Dave love the mountains and their extended family and friends.

Rico accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in May 1994. He joined the Christian Assembly staff team in 2024. He is passionate about evangelism and discipleship. He holds M.A. degrees, one in Intercultural Studies and one in Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Rico enjoys reading and spending time with his wife, Lisa.

When Marvin was 12, he prayed to God that He would reach his family. That same year, his father's best friend was diagnosed with cancer - the friend's only request to Marvin's father was that they would attend church with him. Marvin's father agreed and that very first Sunday at the age of 12, Marvin gave his life to Jesus. His father and mother also did so later that year and as a family they have been following and serving Jesus ever since. It is Marvin's dream to see people come to CA, find their place of connection, and begin to thrive in their discipleship of Jesus. Marvin has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from APU and a BA in Ministry & Leadership from LIFE Pacific College. He is married to his beautiful wife Sandy, they have three amazing kids, and he loves pickleball!

Alex Espinoza was born and raised in Ontario, California, where his passion for music took root at an early age, crafting a makeshift drum set from his mother’s pots and pans. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies at Westmont College, he was introduced to Christian Assembly when a professor used a Tommy Walker CD to demonstrate how worship embodies lived theology, not just academic study. This experience sparked Alex’s lifelong passion for uniting heart and mind through worship in song. He graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2011. Alex joined the worship staff at Christian Assembly in 2010, where he met Nancy, whom he married in 2013. Together, they are raising their three children—Alex Henry (born 2016), David Noe (born 2019), and Eloise Maria (born 2022)—to love God and others in their home in Altadena.

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Jorge has been a follower of Jesus for over four decades. He has a B.S. in Accounting from Cal State University Northridge.  He was a partner at a large CPA firm and a private wealth advisor, prior to joining CA.  He has been on staff at CA since 2017 and embraces the privilege of helping people with their financial journeys as they grow in managing God's resources, relationships and opportunities to further God's kingdom.  Jorge is married to Lisa and has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He loves the Boston Celtics, coaching basketball, weight lifting, spending time with family, and traveling.

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Jairo came to faith in 2017 at a young adults service in a backyard and weeks later was baptized. As someone who came to faith as a young adult, Jairo loves that he gets to disciple young adults to grow a deep love for Jesus and His church. Jairo went to Life Pacific University and graduated in 2020 with a B.A in Ministry and Leadership. He loves kickboxing, eating burritos, and is married to the love of his life, Naomi.

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Jacob was raised in a Christian home and has been leading worship since he was 12 years old.  He began attending Christian Assembly in 1998, joined the staff team in 2002, and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist while continuing to lead worship as an ordained pastor. He earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and was inducted into Alpha Chi, National Honors Society for his academic achievement. Jacob is married to Elizabeth and they have two boys, John and Evan.

Came to faith in Christ, August of 1970. Highest joy is to watch the gifts of others emerge. Love my church and my grandkids.

Matt first trusted and accepted Jesus in his family's home when he was a child. Later, while away at college, Matt's faith in Jesus deepened and became the central driving force of his life. After earning a BA from Texas A&M University (Gig'em Aggies!) and a MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, Matt joined Christian Assembly's pastoral team in 2005. As pastor of evangelism, his greatest pleasure is to introduce people to the good news of Jesus that still changes lives. He also shepherds the value and action of evangelism throughout all of CA's ministry departments, calling and equipping people to always be ready to explain our hope in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). Matt and his wife, Lindsey, have four children -- Luke, Bethany, Nicholas and Mary Elena.

Scott came to Christ in high school and has been growing in his love for God and others ever since. He joined CA staff in 2017 and is passionate about making disciples and equipping people to live out their missional calling. Scott has a bachelors degree in Management and Organizations from Miami University (Ohio) and a Master's in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary. After college, he was on staff as an urban missionary for 8 years in South L.A. with World Impact. Scott is married to his lovely wife Gina and has 3 kids. He enjoys sports, playing board games, and spending time with his family.

Jill has loved and followed Jesus for as long as she can remember. She joined the Christian Assembly staff team in 2006 and loves sharing the gospel, equipping women to serve and lead, and helping people connect with one another and with God. She has a B.A. from Westmont College in English, with a Religious Studies minor. She enjoys playing board games, drinking coffee, and spending time with her family. Jill is married to Byron and they have twin boys, Hudson and Finley.

Rebecca grew up in a Christian home and made the decision to follow Jesus at a young age. She has a B.A. from Hope International University in Music with a minor in Bible. Rebecca joined the Kids Church staff at CA in 2010. One of her greatest joys in her job is the opportunity to help kids come to know how much God loves them and establish a strong foundation of faith early in their lives. Rebecca enjoys singing with her sisters, home decor and gardening, watching her niece perform on stage, and iced mochas from Jameson Brown.

Laura was raised Catholic but she made a conscious effort to come to Christ in her early 20s when she was facing life as a single, divorced mother. Since then, she has found that God is a faithful, loving Father who has always been by her side. She loves working as the Thrive pastor because she benefited so much from the classes she took as she went through different seasons in adulthood, not allowing God to do His work in her life and getting in the way of her spiritual maturity. While life has prepared her best for her current role, Laura also has a Master of Art in Human Development as well as a PhD in Psychology. She has lived in Southern California her whole life where most of my family still lives. She has a son, two grandsons, and a great grandson!

Sarah Ann is passionate about activating and equipping the next generation of leaders for the Kingdom of God. She gave her life to Jesus when she was eight years old at an AWANA gathering and has been attending CA since 2018. She and her hubby, Gatlin, live in Highland Park with their daughter, Anastasia Rose, and cat, Charlie Chaplin. Sarah Ann loves entertaining people, cooking, music, traveling, and sports--especially baseball!

Brit’s journey with Jesus began when her parents, led to Christ by a family member, started bringing her to Sunday school. That's where she fell in love with God’s Word! Before stepping into full-time ministry in 2019, she spent several years in the classroom as an elementary school teacher. She now serves in student ministries, where she loves walking with students as they grow in faith and discover who God made them to be. She especially enjoys creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and invited into authentic relationships with God and each other. In her spare time, Brit loves reading, baking, hosting dinner parties, and fully embracing the life of a granola grandma. She’s also a proud dog mom and always down for a good cup of coffee.

Born and raised at CA, Levi came to know and love Jesus through the faithful witness of leaders and personal encounters with God. He joined the CA staff team in 2015, and he could not be more excited or honored to be on the team of his heroes in serving this church. He serves CA by connecting with students and calling the CA Students family to take steps of faith towards God together. Levi graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor's in Mathematics and a minor in Leadership Studies. He loves reading fiction, playing sports and video games with students, and making up games to play with his family and friends. Levi married another CA-lifer, Cayla, and they have three kids: Glory, Evelyn, and Asher.

Tommy grew up in El Paso, Texas, and came to Christ at a young age in the midst of a worship service. He has been one of the worship leaders at Christian Assembly for over 30 years. Many of his worship songs that were written for thecongregation have found their way into churches around the world. He has an Associate of Practical Theology degree from Christ For The Nations and a degreein Jazz Fusion Guitar from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Tommy loves being a life-long learner and spending time with family.

Jake put his trust in Christ when he was 5 years old. He credits that decision to God's grace through his loving, faithful parents. Jake joined Christian Assembly's staff in 2013 as a Youth Pastor. In 2024, he stepped into leading the Young Adults of Christian Assembly. Jake loves seeing people's hearts come to love and treasure Christ above all things. He has a Bachelors in Social Work from Azusa Pacific University. Jake enjoys memorizing Scripture, singing and listening to worship music, and spending time with friends and family. He is married to Noelle and they have two sons, William and Tommy.

Julianne grew up in a Christian household and has followed Jesus from a young age. She is passionate about sharing the truth of God's love and kindness to kinder, 1st and 2nd grade kids at CA! She graduated from Westmont College, where she took multiple religious studies classes and received a degree in Music. Julianne loves early morning beach trips, boba and is married to Michael.

Gabrielle accepted Christ at 3 years old. She loves seeing the gospel through the eyes of a little child and enjoys being part of building a foundation for a love of church in the youngest children. Gabrielle went to school for early childhood education and has loved utilizing it within the church! Gabrielle has grown up in Christian Assembly and considers it home. She loves a good iced coffee and being outside. Gabrielle has been married to Aidan since 2019.

Elizabeth grew up at Christian Assembly and has been attending for over 30 years. She gave her life to the Lord at a young age and has followed Him ever since. She loves helping kids discover how much God loves them and how excited He is to be friends with them. She has a Bachelors degree in Child Development and a passion for teaching preschool-aged children. Elizabeth loves enjoying a good book and a great cup of coffee and is an avid Dodgers fan.

Carlos came to Christ in 7th Grade at a Junior High retreat and was led to Christ by a dear woman who had been driving him to church every Wednesday for a midweek program.He loves working at Kids Church. His favorite thing to do is high fiving and interacting with hundreds of kids each weekend. He attended Cal State Los Angeles for a few years before joining the workforce. Carlos has been a part of CA for 31+ years and has been the Kids Church Director of Operations for 20+ years. He and his wife Nancy have 4 children: Elizabeth, Matthew, Katie and Joseph, who all grew up in the CA Kids Church program. He has a passion for sports, coaching, and woodworking and especially Legos.

Sarah Dornbos has been on staff with CA as the Kids Hope director since 2007 and has been a Christ-follower since childhood. As a former public-school teacher and under-resourced kid, Sarah is passionate about tackling injustice here locally and loves working with the students entrusted to her at our local public elementary schools. She completed her undergrad at Calvin University graduating with a BA in Art Education and a Missions Minor and also has a master’s in Social Justice focusing on race and class disparities in public education. Sarah also completed a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Mercy Center in Burlingame and has been seeing directees since 2009. Sarah loves her morning coffee, speaking Haitian Creole, deep conversations, and watching God do transformative work in the lives of grownups and kids.

Trey began following Jesus after giving his life to Christ at a Christian summer camp. He later went to Fuller Theological Seminary and received a MDIV with an emphasis in biblical languages. He joined the CA staff in 2016 and has been working on the Kids Church team ever since. Trey loves helping kids understand God’s word, know Jesus’ love and grace, and discover that life with Christ is FUN! In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball, drinking good coffee, and spending time with his family. He is married to his wife Ally and has two amazing boys James and Andrew.

Sean was not raised in a Christian family, but came to Christ at about 26 years of age through a Christian radio ministry. Sean experienced God's love for him through forgiveness and the hospitality and welcome of the first church he attended, which greatly impacted him and ignited a welcoming and joyful spirit in him. In his role at Christian Assembly, Sean is passionate about ensuring that every person who comes through the doors knows and feels loved by their Creator. Besides loving his job, Sean loves the outdoors, being with friends and family, and anything athletic, but most importantly the Dodgers and golf. Sean is married to his best friend, Allison, and they have raised 3 amazing young men.

Karley gave her life to Christ at an early age and has followed Him ever since. She joined the Christian Assembly staff in 2015 and finds deep purpose in telling stories through photography, film, and visual design. She’s passionate about using creative content to help people experience God in authentic and compelling ways. With a background in photography and creative direction, she helps bring vision to life across CA’s platforms. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, shooting film, and exploring new places.

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Grant gave his life to Christ when he was 11, but didn't really start a relationship with Jesus until he was 20, halfway through his degree in Bible college. As a Service Producer, he loves seeing the church come together and lives be changed week in and week out. Grant graduated from New Hope Christian College with a bachelor's degree in ministry leadership, and he is part-way through a Master's degree through Lancaster Bible College for the same. The most important thing to know about Grant is that he gets out of bed in the morning because he knows he's going to get to love on God's people, which is a privilege every day!

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Chris joined the Christian Assembly staff in 2022. A gifted teacher and musician, Chris brings his years as a corporate trainer to this position, where he has a passion for equipping teams for the worship and tech ministries of CA. Chris is married to Shelly, and they find their greatest fulfillment and greatest challenge in raising their five teenage children, while always trying to plan their next Walt Disney World trip.