MEET THE JHM TEAM

Matt Heer | Junior High Pastor


​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. 

*Matt oversees all things junior high ministry at our Lake Forest campus.

Troy Sullivan |
JHM Coordinator


​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). 

​*Troy oversees student next steps, pastoral care, and resources.

Jess Gulino | 7th/8th Grade Girls


​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! 

* Jessica oversees all things girls, volunteers, student leadership, and Impact OC.

Katie Edwards | 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 19 years…and I am the mom of Abby (17), Ella (14), and Cooper (6). 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!

*Katie oversees all things student ministries at our Lake Forest campus. ​

Bryce Kelley | Student Ministries

​When I was a junior in high school, I started volunteering with JHM and discovered how much I truly love youth ministry.  I graduated from Concordia University in 2016, and now studying at Gateway Seminary!  Since I grew up at Saddleback, I absolutely love being able to work here and influence student’s lives, just as mine was impacted when I was a student. My biggest joy is seeing students own their faith, and then watching them become a part of the church. I work on our Student Ministries team helping pastor and lead our junior high, high school, and college students at the Lake Forest Campus.
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*Bryce serves on our student ministries team at Lake Forest pastoring in JHM, HSM, and CM.