MEET THE JHM TEAM

Matt Heer | Junior High Pastor

Jessica Gulino | Leaders & Life Groups
God called me to be a youth pastor when I was 13 years old, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I originally hail from the Midwest, but I've been on the JHM team at Saddleback since 2014 and I'm pretty sure I have the best job in the world. I think junior high students are the coolest and love watching how much students grow (in every sense of the word!) in these couple years. Other than JHM, my greatest loves include the beach, iced coffee, being outside, and tacos. 
Junior high students are some of my absolute favorite people and I am stoked to be a part of Junior High Ministry at Saddleback. Along with being fun, goofy, and absolutely hilarious, I love seeing students have light-bulb moments in their relationships with Christ and take steps to make their strength their faith. If I could, I would spend everyday outdoors, especially at the beach, drinking coffee, and eating acia bowls. Swing by JHM to say hi, I'd love to meet you! 

Nikki Campagna | Communications, Life Groups, & Summer Camp

Stephen Tadena | Weekends & Next Steps
​Orange County and Saddleback Church have been home for as long as I can remember. I grew up through JHM and HSM, and as a high school student, I felt called to work in Youth Ministry full time. I am so thankful that God has led me back to my home church to work with my favorite people on the planet. Nothing is more exciting to me than watching students fall in love with Jesus and his church. It is a privilege to have a front row seat to life change! I love visiting coffee shops, playing card games, eating tacos, and going to the beach.
​I came to Saddleback Church in 2011 as a junior high student, and ever since then, I have called this church my home. I actually gave my life to Christ at JHM Camp that summer back when this ministry was called Wildside! I was called to work in ministry while I was in high school, and no matter what other endeavor I pursued, God always brought me back to students. It makes my heart so full when I see students I have interacted with grow in their faith and show the love of Jesus Christ to others. When I’m not at church, you can find me running on trails or roads, reading a nice book, or munching at Linda’s Coffee House. Come say hi! I don’t bite…unless it’s a breakfast plate with 2 scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns.​

Katie Edwards | Lake Forest Student Ministries Pastor

Junior High Students are my favorite humans on the planet! I’ve been doing Jr. High Ministry here at Saddleback since 1996 and I am convinced it is the most important ministry in the church…however, I could be just a tad biased. My heart for each student in JHM is that they would fall more in love with Jesus and build authentic relationships with peers, mentors, and the church. Through small groups, the weekend church service, serving, and fun, I would love to see every student grow in their personal relationship with Jesus. I have not only seen thousands of junior highers over the years experience the life changing love of Jesus, but I have seen that life change in my own children as well. Side Note: The best thing in my life is my family…I have been married since 1998 and I am the mom of Abby, Ella, and Cooper. I really hope you will take some steps to get involved in JHM. My team and I will do whatever we can to help you connect to the church and Jesus. Can’t wait to meet you!
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