Our staff is passionate about welcome and hospitality. Learn more about who they are.
Amanda Bennett | Co-Pastor | (she/her/hers)
Amanda, who self-describes as a disillusioned evangelical, was lured into the La Verne Church of the Brethren by its progressive theology, authenticity, and focus on justice. After spending years working in fundamentalist ministry settings, she threw in the towel until she found a theologically safe space among this church community. Amanda earned an M.Div. from Bethany Theological Seminary and feels honored to serve this congregation, where her children were dedicated.
At home, Amanda likes to play both board games and video games with her family. Her favorite Mario Kart picks are Donkey Kong and Tanooki Mario. Amanda lives with her partner, Jeff Neu, their children, and dog.
Contact: Amanda@lavernecob.org
Glenn McCrickard | Co-Pastor
Glenn McCrickard is a seasoned pastor with over three decades of ministry experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Bridgewater College and a Master of Divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary. Glenn is passionate about fostering community, pastoral care, and preaching. He’s been married to his spouse Nancy since 1987, he is a proud father of two adult sons and enjoys travel, journaling, and photography.
Contact: Glenn@lavernecob.org
Karinna Escobedo | Church Office Manager
Karinna has spent several years working in the field of education both in early childhood education and special education. It was during that time that she found her passion and gifting in administration, as she took the lead in licensing a preschool with high-level accreditations. Karinna graduated with a bachelors degree from the University of La Verne in Public Administration and is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration.
In another life, Karinna says she’d be a movie critic. Karinna lives in Pomona with her boyfriend, daughter, and their two dogs.
Contact: office@lavernecob.org
Tron Passmore | Kitchen Ministries Coordinator
Tron Passmore, named after the 80s sci-fi movie Tron, was born and raised in sunny Southern California. He studied culinary arts at Chaffey Community College and has been working in the culinary arts field for well over 15 years. He considers himself a food allergy chef, the avenue in which he first entered the professional world of culinary arts. As a chef, he has created culinary cuisine for George Lopez, Marques Houston, Zapp, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.
In his spare time, Tron likes to ride motorcycles and is involved in a motorcycle ministry called the Holy Rollaz, where he provides leadership as a road captain. Tron lives in Montclair with his wife, four children and dog, named Butter.
Contact: Kitchen@lavernecob.org
Jami Guillen | Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator
Jami was born into the La Verne Church of the Brethren and she cares deeply about the church’s mission and children’s program. Jami graduated from the University of La Verne and has several years of experience working with children in various capacities.
Contact: Children@lavernecob.org
Taylor Gendreau | Sound Technician
Tay is the IT/Social Media Manager at Chase’s and freelances as a live sound engineer with multiple companies. She has also been a stage design and technology instructor and an Apple Technician.
Eric Chelette | Online Worship Coordinator
Eric first came to the La Verne Church of the Brethren as a volunteer through a class at the University of La Verne. After his volunteer service ended, he continued with us as a part-time A/V technician before being brought on as the Online Worship Coordinator. Outside of the church, Eric freelances in sports broadcasting and corporate A/V. He is also a graduate of the University of La Verne with a degree in Information Technology. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and camping.
Contact: Eric@lavernecob.org
Shawn Kirchner | Pianist/Organist
Shawn is a composer and songwriter active in the musical circles of Los Angeles. In May 2012, he was appointed Swan Family Composer in Residence of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. His choral compositions are performed throughout the United States and abroad in concert halls, churches, schools, and on radio, television (and YouTube!).
He is best known for his arrangement of the Kenyan song Wana Baraka. To learn more about Shawn’s music you can visit him at www.shawnkirchner.com.
Kirchner also maintains an active performing career as a singer and pianist. A tenor with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, he sings regularly with the Chorale and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Disney Hall and at the Hollywood Bowl in collaborations with the world’s leading conductors and composers.
Kirchner was raised with his triplet brother and sister in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Niké St. Clair | Choir Director
Being the choir director at the La Verne Church of the Brethren is only one of the many pursuits of Niké St. Clair.
Hungarian born, Niké studied at Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest Hungary and has finished her doctoral course work in choral conducting at USC Thornton School of Music.
She also sings with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and teaches and directs choirs at Azusa Pacific University, Cal Poly Pomona and Santa Monica College. During summers she teaches musicianship with the Hungarian Kodaly Methodology.
Niké gives impeccable direction with a heart for what it means to be part of a volunteer choir. She enjoys life with her husband, Gabe and her dog, TJ.
Heidi Brightbill | Handbell Choir Director | Sanctuary Choir, Soprano Section Leader
Steve Kovach | Part-Time Custodian
Contact: Steve@lavernecob.org