MEET THE JHM TEAM

Matt Heer | Junior High Pastor

Jess 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 for the last six years 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! 

Troy Sullivan | Next Steps & Weekends

I've lived in Lake Forest my whole life, and I grew up attending Saddleback Church as a student. I started serving in the junior high ministry as a senior in high school, where I felt God calling me into full time ministry. I interned here in JHM, and during that time, JHM really became a place that I feel is my home away from home. My passion is bringing students into our church family, and I feel blessed that I get to do that at the church I grew up in. Some of my favorites include: surfing, coffee, and breakfast food (why would anyone ever eat anything other than breakfast food). 

Nikki Campagna | Outreach, Communications, & Life Groups

​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.

Alix Carriedo | JHM Intern

I grew up an unbeliever, but when I got saved at the start of my senior year in high school, everything changed. As I started serving in HSM and JHM at my home church, I discovered that I had a soft spot for ministering to students. Jr. High students are fun, authentic, and an absolute blast to hang out with. I love seeing it “click” in their eyes when they fully realize how much God loves them and the amazing things He has called them to do. I love all things coffee, chicken wings, and sports, both playing and watching! Go Chargers, 2021 is our year! ​

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 for 21 years 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 teenagers as well. Side Note: The best thing in my life is my family…I have been married for 23 years…and I am the mom of Abby (21), Ella (18), and Cooper (10). 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!