Our Leaders have demonstrated a true love and commitment for the Lord. They are invaluable as witnesses and teachers to youth.

Kris brings over 10 years of youth ministry experience to Existence Church. He is devoted to following Jesus and relies on the love, grace, and strength of the Lord each day of his life. Kris brings passion, creativity, humor, and a love for seeing students learn and grow in their faith. Kris has over 15 years of engineering experience and loves to build and take apart things (often he can’t put them back together). Kris enjoys teaching in Poway Unified and at Halstrom High School, and is finishing his Masters in Theology from Liberty University. Slurpees are mana to Kris. He is blessed to be married to his high school sweetheart, Christy, and celebrated 20 years of marriage in 2011. He has both a son and daughter in high school, and tells them to stop growing each day!

Christy has a passion for finding purpose and direction in the lives of others. She is blessed with wisdom and hospitality. Christy loves to serve in ministry and especially likes to see young ladies grow in their faith during Middle and High School. Most of her week is occupied working as an Associate Director for a biotech company. She is working towards her Masters degree from Regent University. She is blessed with two teenagers, Christopher and Stephanie. Although sometimes she says that she has a third teenager – Kris.

Denise and her husband, Ken, will celebrate 22 years of marriage this year. Life is busy with a daughter in middle school (who trains 20 hours per week as a competitive gymnast), and boy/girl TWIN kindergartners (the term ‘chaos’ barely begins to describe)! Denise feels blessed to have known the Lord her entire life, but looks daily for ways to grow closer to Him, including getting involved in her church. Her passion? to watch and participate in her whole family walking closer with Jesus, developing the utmost love for Him, and to weather life’s promised challenges with Jesus in their decisions.

Danae is thrilled be a part of HSL, and has a strong desire to help the youth to not only view Jesus as Savior, but as a counselor, comforter and friend. She loves building relationships with people, and looks forward to seeing God’s hand at work within the ministry. Danae currently works as Philanthropy Coordinator for a non-profit health center, but outside of work she enjoys dancing and spending time with friends. She’s happiest when amongst good company with a cup of coffee in hand.

Kari has a heart of gold, is always smiling, and loves to spend time with friends while not working at Wells Fargo. She has a story that shows her inner strength and that we all need Jesus. Kari has the energy of 100 teens on jolt cola and is passionate about dancing. She considers it a blessing to be a part of developing and maturing young christians. A graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University, Kari spends her free time going to the beach, drinking chai tea, and enjoys anything involving fun, a sweet adrenaline rush, and more fun!

Ashley began to thrive in her walk, after plugging in with a College Life Group back in Atlanta , GA. In San Diego she hopes to kick start others growth by being a resource to youth ministries at Existence Church. She is working in marketing for the Chick-fil-A at Mira Mesa and fills her free time with reading, running, crafts and dance.

Brian has been involved with youth ministry in some way most of his adult life. He graduated from UCSD with a bachelors degree in Literature and is currently completing his masters degree, integrating Theology with Family Therapy at Bethel Seminary. Brian is continually humbled by how passionate, idealistic and sincere young people can be. He believes he can learn as much from them as they can from him. Brian’s hope is to be an encouragement, challenging them to live their lives set apart for Christ. His greatest blessing in life is his wife Sarah and their beautiful daughter Olivia. Brian’s greatest addiction is Reddi-wip.

Cheyanne has a heart for teens. She will try anything that involves crazy! Cheyanne grew up in a small town that we won’t mention cause it’s so small (near Death Valley). That doesn’t stop her from finding time to go on mission trips, enjoy time with friends, spending time with the Lord, and going to school at SDSU. Youth and Missions are Cheyanne’s passion. She plans on being a missionary nurse after graduating from SDSU. Cheyanne has a Red Bull addiction which is the only way she survives her schedule…which probably adds to why she talks so fast!

Becky is a teacher by profession and at heart. Loves to have fun, is adventurous, and smiles all the time. Becky is super excited for students to make choices based on Jesus. She enjoys the outdoors with her husband, and can be found relaxing in God’s beauty!

Lauren is a testament to the saying “big things come in small packages!” With a heart for serving others and a passion for youth ministry, she is a great addition to the HSL leadership team. She loves the Lord whole-heartedly and looks forward to inspiring the kids to grow in their own walks with Christ. Lauren works as a catering manager for a hotel in Mission Valley, but outside of work she enjoys laying by the pool, Saturday morning movies, and spoiling her new god-daughter.

Serving also as a member of Kid’s Life, Sara is excited for the new opportunity to help middle and high school students deepen their relationships with the Lord. People are drawn to her warm demeanor, and she enjoys making connections and helping others to grow in their faith. This May, Sara will be graduating with her Master’s Degree to become a speech therapist. Though school has kept her very busy for the past few years, she makes time for fun too! Sara loves traveling, spending time with friends, and crafting fabulous gifts for her loved ones (that is one of her love languages)!

Wesley comes from South Africa. He loves surfing and watching movies…but watch out! He is crazy good at Dance Revolution! Wesley has two young boys and is married to Mikala (who serves in youth ministry behind the scenes). Although Wes works with software for a living…not long ago, he played professional golf in Australia! Wes has a heart for the Lord and loves working with youth. Oh, and by the way – he just learned American Basketball…so bring it on!

Jenna is originally from Northern California, in a small neighborhood called
Cameron Park, outside Sacramento. She graduated from PLNU in 2010 with a Bachelors in Nursing and also a Bachelor’s in Managerial & Organizational Communications. Jenna works at Sharp Chula Vista on the Labor and Delivery Unit. She loves to be outdoors, hiking, on the lake, at the beach, or exploring San Diego. Her favorite thing is conversation over coffee with friends. She is excited to be a mentor to youth and encourage them as they develop their passion for God!