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MEET THE TEAM

Our Team

Meet your team of ministry leaders. Motivated and eager to serve, our Youth Ministries team is composed of diverse and skilled individuals dedicated to glorifying God through their respective ministries. Our team is comprised of unique talents to partner with you in your ministry. Click their profiles to read more about them. 

Aren Rennacker

Director, Youth & Young Adults

Isaac Kim

Associate Director, Family & Children

Carmen Ibáñez

Associate Director, Camp Ministries

Michel Aguinaga

Associate Director, Club Ministries

Alexy Mondak

Assistant Director, Summer Camp

Ashley Avila

Interim Assistant Director, Summer Camp

Samantha Peralta

Directing Pastor, Growing Together Sabbath School

Jared Gonzalez

Assistant Director, Youth Media

Savannah Villa

Secretary, Administration & Club Ministries

Noriezl Bencito

Secretary, Youth, Young Adults, Family & Children

Sharon Romero

Secretary, Summer Camp

Sandra Placencia

Youth Clerk

First Last

Title, Ministry

Manny Vitug

Associate Youth Director

Patty Marruffo

Associate Youth Director

Liz Adams

Secretary

Angel Castillo

Assistant Camp Director

Judi Jeffreys

Office Manager, Club Ministries

Alana Ciccarelli

Youth Clerk, Store

Alana Ciccarelli

Youth Clerk, Store

Ron Cam

Youth Clerk, Store

Ella Cooper

Youth Clerk, Store

Neto da Silva

Youth Clerk, Store

Taji Saleem

Assistant Director, Youth Media

Meshach Soli

Associate Director, Club Ministries

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Aren Rennacker

Youth Director

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Aren Rennacker was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. He became an Adventist as a teenager thanks to the incredible influence of his church and academy. After graduating from Pacific Union College with a degree in Journalism, he served as a youth and young adult pastor at two wonderful SECC churches, Calimesa and Oceanside, while completing his Masters of Theological Studies from La Sierra University. In 2019, Aren became Director of Youth Ministries for the SECC, a position he cherishes. Aren loves connecting with pastors, speaking to young people, and serving the youth ministries leaders of our conference. His greatest passion is to empower youth and young adults to live the Gospel in new and relevant ways. Aside from ministry, Aren also enjoys basketball, stories, and a fresh bowl of oatmeal. He and his lovely wife Paige were married in 2020.

Isaac Kim

Associate Youth Director

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Pastor Isaac Kim grew up in Atlanta, Georgia but has lived in SoCal and worked in SECC at Calimesa SDA for 20 years. He attended Atlanta Adventist Academy where his chaplain/bible teacher made a huge impact in his life where he discovered he wanted to do the same. While at the Calimesa church, Isaac served in various capacities including Children and Family Ministries for 12 years. He likes to work collaboratively with ministry teams, cheerleading ministry leaders, and creating space for people to share life together. Isaac and his two boys enjoy sports, both playing and watching. They are Falcons, Warriors, and Braves fans. Isaac strives to be the best dad that he can be by modeling the love of Jesus and believes that the message of the Gospel shows up in different ways along our journey. The most recent time the gospel was real to him was during his wife’s health journey.

Carmen Ibáñez

Camp Director

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Pastor Carmen Ibáñez felt called to pastoral ministry when she was around 15 years old and has been in ministry for 27 years. She had served as an associate pastor for 16 years at four different churches before being called by God to Pine Springs Ranch and the Youth Department over 11 years ago. She last served as pastor for children and families at the Azure Hills Church. She loves to cook but is not fond of cleaning up after cooking. Her favorite sports teams are the Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams. Something that might come as a surprise to many is that she has walked a marathon and has hiked Mt. Whitney. Above all she loves children and young people and feels blessed that God has called her to a ministry where she gets to work with both.

Michel Aguinaga

Associate Director, Club Ministries

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Michel was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, and is of Nicaraguan Heritage. His passion for ministry began at a young age when he was invited to preach for the first time when he was 12 years old. Initially, Michel wanted to be an attorney; he graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a bachelor’s in Politics/Latin American Studies. But God was calling him to ministry. After accepting God’s call to become a pastor, he received Masters degrees from Andrews University and La Sierra University and has been working in SECC for the past 10 years. Michel enjoys traveling with his wife Angie, and his two kids Micah and Chloe. He also likes to golf and play chess (although he doesn’t win too often). And he hopes to one day write a book and dedicate to his family. He has a passion for young people and hopes to inspire all to follow Jesus and dedicate their lives to Him.

Alexy Montenegro

Assistant Summer Camp Director

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Alexy is from the great and smallest state of Rhode Island. She was born and raised there until she moved to Georgia with her family. She received her undergrad from Southern Adventist University and her master’s degree at Andrews University Theological Seminary. Not only was it God’s call that brought Alexy to ministry, but it was also her passion for youth. She grew up Adventist, but she never felt like she knew who God truly was. When she finally came to know Him, her world changed forever. It was at that moment that she knew she had to share who He really is with others. She believes we need to spread the gospel to all people everywhere, and it is her desire to spread that message within our church walls to the young people who sit in the pews but are lost and searching like she once was. In her free time you’ll find her at the gym, watching Friends, eating yummy tacos, lost in a book, cheering on the Patriots, and spending time with her loved ones.

Ashley Avila

Interim Assistant Director , Camp Ministries

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Ashley Avila Caldera grew up as a pastor’s daughter, deeply immersed in the church community she loved. From an early age, she developed a strong faith and a perspective shaped by God’s love, seeing others with the same compassion and joy He showed her. She also grew up going to various Adventist summer camps, where she witnessed the incredible transformation God could bring in her own life, as well as in the campers and staff she worked with. This passion has inspired her dream of one day opening her own community camp. Ashley earned her Bachelor’s degree at La Sierra University and Master’s degree at Andrews University, both in Social Work, which has given her a tangible and transformative language to help those in Adventist communities navigate life’s challenges with grace and understanding. Her education has deepened her ability to provide meaningful and effective support, bridging faith and mental health to create spaces where people feel truly seen and cared for. Ashley has lived in six states and even lived abroad in Argentina, where she studied and expanded her worldview. When she's not eating Ice Cream, you can find Ashley happily married to her high school sweetheart Jacob, enjoying life’s adventures alongside their adorable puppy, Sophie.

Samantha Peralta

Directing Pastor for Growing Together Sabbath School

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Samantha Angeles Peralta joined SECC in 2013 after graduating summa cum laude from Pacific Union College with a double major in theology and communication. She began full-time ministry as the associate pastor for youth, young adults, and worship ministries at Bonita Valley SDA Church in San Diego, and then earned her Master of Divinity degree at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. Samantha then served as the children & family pastor at Azure Hills Church before becoming the elementary chaplain at Loma Linda Academy for 600+ students from TK-6th grade. Samantha is married to fellow pastor Wally Peralta, and together they have two beautiful children, Olivia and Orion. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. In her free time, Sam enjoys reading, exploring the Marvel Universe, experimenting with new recipes and hanging out with her family and little dog Shiloh.

Jared Gonzalez

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, YOUTH MEDIA

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Jared Gonzalez grew up in the small city of Calimesa where he went to school at Mesa Grande Academy. His passion, and skills for media ministry began when he was a teenager at his home church, Yucaipa Valley Spanish. Most recently, he graduated from La Sierra University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media and Marketing. In his free time, Jared enjoys playing his instruments, watching the Lakers, and thrifting vintage items. One of his favorite chapters of the Bible that has helped him trust in the Lord and strengthen his faith is Psalms 91. "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress.."

Savannah Villa

Administrative Secretary

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Savannah was born and raised Adventist, she has been involved with many church programs such as Pathfinders and Adventurers, and currently serves as a Pathfinder Director at Riverside Spanish SDA. Savannah first started working for Pine Springs Ranch in 2018 as summer camp staff. Additionally, she has worked at the conference with club ministries in 2019 processing orders for SECC coordinators and Club Directors. Working in ministry has helped Savannah realize the passion she has for helping and engaging with others. Because of that passion, she is attending La Sierra University to pursue a degree in Healthcare Management. On her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and going to baseball games.

Noriezl Bencito

Secretary

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Noriezl Bencito, originally from the Philippines, finished her Masters in Educational Management in 2015, when her family migrated to the US. As a missionary kid, Noriezl’s family was moving from one place to another, so she tried to resist working in an Adventist institution. It is through the Lord’s guidance in her life that she discovered a passion to serve and connect with people. With 12 years of experience working within Adventist institutions, she accepted God’s calling as the newest member of the Youth Ministries family in 2021. Jeremiah 29:11 has helped Noriezl throughout her life to encourage and motivate people around her. Noriezl’s dream is to write her life story with the desire to inspire women to be resilient and enable them to keep moving forward no matter what life brings.

Sharon Romero

Summer Camp Secretary

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Sharon was born in Brawley, CA and was raised in the border town of Mexicali until age 7 before she moved to Calexico and has lived there ever since. Being a camper from a young age, Sharon always knew she wanted to be a counselor at Pine Springs Ranch. Once she started working for camp, she has not wanted to stop. Sharon brings 7 years worth of summer camp experience where she served a counselor for 5 years and on the leadership team for 2 years. Sharon is passionate about baking for her loved ones, painting, photography, hiking, and playing Minecraft with her niece and nephew. Her main goal is to help bring campers to Christ.

Patty Marruffo

Associate Youth Director

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Pastor Patty Marruffo is originally from Santa Barbara, California. She’s a graduate of UC Riverside and Andrews University. Patty served as the Children and Family Pastor at several congregations prior to joining the Southeastern California Conference Youth Department team. She currently serves as Associate Director for Youth Ministries where her area of focus is Club Ministries. Patty is passionate about partnering with volunteers, families and parents to embrace all kids, nurture their spirit and help guide them toward discovering and developing a passion for Jesus. She also loves to explore creative and meaningful ways of helping the church step into the community with empathy and compassion to share the hope and love of Jesus. Additionally, she serves as Chaplain for Riverside County Fire Department. Patty loves hanging out at the beach, reading a good book and trying new recipes. But what she loves most is spending time with her husband Pastor Dante, and two young adult kids, Daniel and Jessica.

Liz Adams

Secretary

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Liz Adams has served as a secretary for the SECC Youth Ministries Department since 2008. Working specifically with leaders and pastors of Family, Children’s, Senior Youth, and Young Adults Ministries, she has had the honor of witnessing how God uses young people to create change in the church. Born and raised in American Samoa, she moved to California with her family when she was 13 years old and has since lived in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, and Hawaii. She is an active member of her community through church work at Yucaipa Samoan SDA Church and through community groups such as Be the Bridge, Le Mafutaga, and the Two Percent. She is passionate about a number of things, but none more than making it abundantly clear to young people that God is full of grace, love, and understanding. She is happiest when she’s holding a baby, listening to good music, eating delicious food, and sharing belly aching laughs with her lively family.

Angel Castillo

Assistant Camp Director

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Angel Castillo is the Assistant Director for Pine Springs Ranch Summer Camp. He has served at PSR since 2011- first as a wrangler, then counselor and eventually several positions in leadership such as Programming and Activities Coordinator. Before his current position, Angel served at Pacific Union College as an Admissions Counselor for three years. He has a passion for service, ministry, and mental health. On his free time Angel enjoys hammocking, playing his ukulele, talking to strangers and eating spicy food. His biggest goal in life is to be friends with everyone in the world.

Judi Jeffreys

Office Manager

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Judi Jeffreys has been a part of the SECC Youth Ministries for 20+ years serving as the office manager and working alongside the team to keep youth ministries thriving in SECC. Judi uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others and is inspired daily by those with whom she serves.The gospel message became real to her as a young adult when she accepted the Adventist message and truly grasped the love of God. Judi’s motto is, "Change brings growth, growth brings growing pains, and growing pains brings change." Originally born in Colorado, Judi was raised a Southern California girl and loves all types of foods, but her taste buds fancy Asian foods, especially Thai and Indonesian. Judi married her high school sweetheart, Greg, and is proud of their adult children, Leigh, Mark, and Megan. When not working, Judi can be found riding a motorcycle, scuba diving, relaxing with yoga, taking long walks, or just spending time with her family.

Taji Saleem

Assistant Director for Media Ministry

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As the newest addition to the Youth Ministries team during the pandemic, Taji began his ministry journey in our conference as a summer camp staff member in 2018. Originally from Apple Valley and a member of Victorville SDA Church, his worldview was shaped growing up Adventist and learning that there was more to discover. As a kid, inspired by movies such as Nemo and The Lion King, he was interested in making movies himself, allowing him to view the world from a unique and creative perspective. Traveling with the University Choir and Orchestra and leading worship while a student at California Baptist University while pursing a Bachelors in Film Studies and Graphic Design and Digital Media is what helped make his faith more real to him.
When not devising a plan to make the next million-dollar blockbuster, he enjoys playing with his dog, relaxing, and finding the perfect YouTube video to watch while enjoying a snack.

Meshach Soli

Associate Youth Director

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Pastor Meshach was born and raised in Southern California and currently resides in Sunny San Diego. He has a powerful testimony of God’s saving grace transforming his life of destruction into a life of love and service for the building of God’s Kingdom. He has served as a pastor in the SECC for over 12 years with a emphasis on Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Pastor Meshach has been apart of Club Ministries for nearly 15 years planting and relaunching Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs at the local Church level. He has also led teams in creating content & curriculum for Teen Institute & Leadership Training for the SECC Pathfinder Department in the past. During the pandemic Pastor Meshach and his wife hosted the very-first Virtual Adventurer Campout for local clubs as well as clubs who joined from all around the NAD. He has preached at many local and global events for Club Ministries and has a heart for witnessing young people grow in their love for Jesus Christ. On his down time you can find Pastor Meshach hosting “Pastoral Paddle Board Meetings” every Friday morning at Coronado, Mission Bay, Point Loma, or La Jolla Shores. He loves Low Riders, trying new international eats, and enjoys traveling. As passionate as he is about ministry and paddle boarding, his greatest call and love is being the father to his 5 sons and a husband to his high school sweet heart Linda Soli. The Soli family loves to serve together as a unit and does their best to live by their motto of 'Magnifying the King, Multiplying the Kingdom, by Making Disciples for Jesus Christ.'

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