Summer Christopher
Family Ministries Director
Steven Mitchell
Pipeline Director
Yo yo yo! I'm Steven Mitchell, Pipeline Director here at Sandals Church. Pipeline is a place where elementary students connect with God through a worship service designed specifically for them, connect with their peers and leaders in a small group setting called Island Time, and have a blast on Sundays and throughout the week working together to be real with ourselves, others, and God!
I thought I'd give you a timeline of impactful moments to help you get to know me a bit.
April 26th, 1980 - I was born in Truckee, CA to my lovely parents and my much older bro and sis. I was definitely a "surprise."
June 3rd, 1980 - Cried for the first time... and only for a second. :O)
July 17th, 1987 - Finally learned how to ride a bike.
September 1st, 1990 - Went to 4th grade where I had my mother for my teacher. (sympathy is appreciated)
September 1st, 1992 - Went to Junior High where none of my friends went... and where my father was the math teacher. (sympathy is still appreciated)
July 6th, 1993 - Went to Centrifuge summer camp at Jenness Park and decided to follow Christ with all that I am.
March 4th, 1996 - Was nick named "Max" on the golf team because I maxxed out on most holes. :O)
September 27th, 1996 - Started playing soccer again. First time since AYSO.
January 7th, 1997 - Hit a buzzer beater 3 pointer to win a basketball game against one of our main rivals.
June 6th, 1998 - Graduated High School with all 11 of my classmates. (yes, it was a public school)
August, 20th, 1998 - Started attending Cal Baptist to define who I really was, see a possum, feel an earthquake, and get mugged.
September 13th, 1998 - Attended Sandals for the first time.
February 5th, 1999 - Saw a Possum!
October 16th, 1999 - Felt my first "real" earthquake.
September, 2000 - Started serving at Flip Flops! So much fun!
May, 2001 - Went to Australia for the first time on a CBU outreach team.
June, 4th, 2001 - Finally joined a small group and wish I would have done it sooner!
May 6th, 2002 - Graduated from Cal Baptist with a B.S. in Business with minors in Psychology and Communication.
May 2002 - Went back to Australia to visit my dear friends!
May, 2003 - Started helping with elementary students at Sandals Church.
February 3rd, 2005 - Stubbed my toe. It hurt.
July 21st, 2007 - I met the woman who is now my fiance.
July 25th, 2008 - Proposed to my fiance in Yosemite. She said yes. Whew!
February 28th, 2009 - Up and got hitched to Rebekah Joy!
March 11th, 2009 - Updated this bio... and in case you're wondering, I still have yet to be mugged. :O)
David Torna
Frontside Director
Hey I am David Torna the Youth Director. I have had the privilege of working at Sandals since May 2007, which makes me the newest and youngest addition to Family Ministries. I have been married since May 9th 2008 to Taylor, who is right next to me in leading this Youth Group! I love hanging out with all youth and seeing them take steps in the direction that God is calling them! This age group is so impressionable, and they have many expectations, and pressures that surround them in everyday life, and at Frontside we hope to help them in a positive God directed way to make the right decisions! I love what I do! I love to surf and when I can't make it to the beach I enjoying skateboarding. I graduated from California Baptist University, in December 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in History & Political Science, and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Divinity! My passion is for any one who has not yet had an encounter with Jesus Christ, because once you do He radically changes your life.
Janie Weybright
Flip Flops Director
Hey there! I am the Early Childhood Director at Sandals Church. I have been on staff at Sandals Church since July 2001. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico in Early Childhood Multicultural Education, and a Master’s degree in Education from California Baptist University. I also spent two years in Tanzania, East Africa as a kindergarten teacher.
Some of my favorite things:
I love....dark chocolate....babies with chunky knees...my husband's cooking...lazy days in pajamas...a good fire....a cup of coffee...friday phone dates with my mom....cute dogs...friends to laugh with...serving Jesus and His church....
Why do I serve in Family Ministries?
Because I believe we CAN make a difference in the lives of children for eternity! I am deeply passionate about ministering to young children. I believe we are laying a foundation of Love in children's lives. I believe in it because I did not have the opportunity to learn about Jesus until I was 14 years old. I want children at Sandals to know of His love from a young age, and to see His love transform their lives for eternity!
Rachel Risner
Family Ministries Assistant
Hi! My name is Rachel and I am the newest employee of Sandals Church. I joined the Sandals Team Dec. 1, 2008. I have so far loved every moment of it! I am from Riverside, CA. I attended Ramona HS and graduated 2001. I then attended California Baptist University from 2001-2005 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration, yes, criminal justice. After graduation I left for American Samoa to teach the 4th grade for a school year and it was probably one of the best things I have EVER done. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to travel!!!!! I have been to quite a few places, and I am looking forward to visiting more countries in the future. I love spending time with my family and friends, and I love to spend time with my best friend (Emily) and my godsons (Jackson & Isaac). I am looking forward to getting to know more of the families at Sandals. Please say hello!
Justin Pardee
Youth Minister