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 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 & Events

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.

Stephen Tadena | Weekends

​I came to Saddleback Church almost 10 years ago 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 for 25 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, 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!

Brandon Said | JHM Intern

Since I started attending Saddleback Church when I was five, this place quickly became my second home. I started serving in student ministries in my junior year of high school and have fallen in love with pouring into the next generation ever since. I love getting to walk alongside the new and exciting time students in junior high face and hope to help them take those next steps in their relationship with Jesus. Outside of church, you can find me hanging out with friends, sinking a few hours into a good video game, or eating some Cane’s or In-n-Out. If you see me around, don’t be shy to say hi!​