Joe Castillo

Sylmar, 180 City Church
Board of Administration, Ministerial

Rev. Dr. Joe Castillo serves as Lead Pastor of 180 City Church in Sylmar, California, where he is committed to faithfully proclaiming the gospel and helping people grow as devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Joe has served the Free Methodist Church in Southern California in several leadership roles, including Assistant Superintendent, and has contributed to the work of the conference through service on various denominational committees. He has also served as a formal missionary, reflecting his commitment to the church’s mission both locally and globally.

He leads with humility, integrity, theological depth, and a servant’s heart, desiring to support the health of the church and the mission of Christ.

Serena Oriero

Riverside, California Avenue Christian Fellowship
Board of Administration, Ministerial

It is an honor to be nominated to serve on the Board of Administration for the FMCSC, and I welcome the opportunity to support the health, leadership, and mission of our conference.

I am currently appointed to denominational service as Administrative Assistant to the Board of Bishops, where I support the work of the church at both the conference and national level through communication, coordination, and care for leaders. I have also had the privilege of being part of conversations surrounding the new network of conferences.

I have served on the Ministerial Appointments Committee and on multiple local church committees and boards. I am also a full-time MDiv student at Northeastern Seminary with a focus on justice. If given the opportunity, I am committed to serving with discernment, clear communication, and in support of the superintendent in the healthy functioning of our conference.

Shemika Draughan

Long Beach, Light & Life Christian Fellowship - West
Board of Administration, Lay

Shemika is a member of Light and Life West for over 20 years and has served in many areas throughout her time there. Shemika recently finished her 2nd term as LLCF West's LBOA President and currently serves as the Operations Leader, giving leadership to the Team Leaders supporting Greeters, Hospitality, Celebration of Life, and Usher/Security. Shemika is also completing her 1st term with the Conference BOA and looks forward to continuing to serve.

Irene Ramirez

Paramount, Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship
Board of Administration, Ministerial

Irene Ramirez is an Elder in the Free Methodist Church of Southern California (FMCSC) and currently serves on the Board of Administration as Secretary. With 14 years of faithful ministry at Chapel of Change, she serves as Executive Pastor, overseeing church finances and organizational operations, while also leading as a Campus Pastor.

Irene is passionate about stewarding resources with integrity and advancing the mission of the church to bring fresh hope to communities. Her leadership is shaped by both ministry experience and a deep commitment to spiritual growth, discipleship, and service. She is dedicated to equipping leaders, strengthening the local church, and supporting the broader vision of the Free Methodist Church through collaborative and faithful leadership.

Alejandra Piedrasanta

Santa Ana, Free Methodist Church
Board of Administration, Lay

I have been a faithful member of my church for over 30 years, serving in a variety of ministries throughout that time. I have had the privilege of working in both children’s and youth ministries, helping nurture and guide the spiritual growth of young people. I have also served on the church board, where I gained valuable experience in leadership and collaboration.

Currently, I serve as a delegate for my church, representing and supporting our congregation. I am passionate about serving God and my church community, and I am seeking renomination to continue contributing and making a meaningful impact as part of the Board of Administration once again.

Denise Edmond

Long Beach, Light & Life Christian Fellowship - West
Board of Administration, Lay

I am a member of Light & Life Christian Fellowship West (LLCFW), where I currently serve as Co-Leader of Operations, as well as on the Intercessor Team and the Medical Ministry. I have been part of the Free Methodist family for over 18 years and have had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles during that time. These roles have helped me grow in my discipleship and to encounter the presence of the Lord.

Lastly, I currently serve on the FMCSC Board of Administration and am truly honored to be considered as a nominee this season.

Ta’Tyana Leonard

Long Beach, Light & Life Christian Fellowship - West
Board of Administration, Ministerial

Ta’Tyana Leonard is an ordained pastor in the Free Methodist Church of Southern California. She serves as Director of Chapel and Pastoral Care and Campus Pastor at Azusa Pacific University, and as a pastor at Light & Life West in Long Beach. She brings nearly a decade of experience in Christian higher education and over 20 years in campus ministry, including leadership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Los Angeles, where she discipled athletes and developed leaders across the region.

A teaching pastor, author, and speaker, Ta’Tyana ministers in multicultural contexts as a peacemaker and encourager, especially to women of color in leadership. She is passionate about helping people live into their God-given calling while connecting the gospel to justice, reconciliation, and the multiethnic church.
She holds an M.Div. from Azusa Pacific University and an M.A. from Biola University. She and her husband Adam have two children, Eden and Elias.

Adriana Manzo-Solano

Santa Ana, Free Methodist Church
Board of Administration, Nominating Committee, Lay

Hi, my name is Adriana Manzo. I’ve been a member of my congregation for roughly 30 years now. I am currently serving with the youth ministry at Santa Ana FMC and also helping in our church’s BOA. It’s always a pleasure to serve the lord in any way possible.

Jeremy DeLeon

Paramount, Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship
Board of Administration, Lay

Jeremy A. De León is a leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate committed to developing people and strengthening organizations. As co-founder of Cornerstone of Hope International, he has helped lead initiatives that provide outreach, community support, and development programs that create meaningful and lasting impact.

In addition to his nonprofit work, Jeremy has built and led multiple businesses across industries, creating opportunities for growth, employment, and long-term sustainability. He brings a practical approach to leadership, focusing on discipline, accountability, and results.

Jeremy is passionate about mentoring others and equipping individuals to grow in leadership and purpose. Through his work, he continues to support efforts that strengthen communities, develop future leaders, and create positive, lasting change.

Jeff Oriero

Riverside, California Avenue Christian Fellowship
Ministerial Appointments Committee, Lay

It is an honor to be nominated for the Ministerial Appointments Committee, and I do not take this lightly. I see it as a sacred trust to help discern where pastors are called and how congregations are cared for.

Serving the Church has been a meaningful part of my life. At The Avenue Church in Riverside, I have served on the Board of Trustees and Buildings and Grounds, and I was approved as a CMC. I also teach regularly. I have served on the Conference Nominating Committee, which deepened my appreciation for prayerful listening and shared discernment.

I continue to walk in my calling as I take steps toward ordination, shaping how I love and serve the Church. I am grateful for this nomination and would be honored to serve faithfully. I value collaboration, humility, and discernment, seeking the Spirit’s guidance in decisions that affect pastors, congregations, and wider mission.

Mallory Roth

Rancho Cucamonga, Commission Church
Ministerial Appointments Committee, Lay

I attend and serve at Commission Church in Rancho Cucamonga. I serve in youth ministry, working with students for over 10 years. Helping people find ways to use their gifts and talents for kingdom work is something I’m passionate about. In my role on the Ministerial Appointment Committee, it has been an honor to support churches and pastors through transitions. I’m hopeful to learn and grow in this position as we work as a team to support local churches. I’m excited to see how the Free Methodist Conference unites in this season, and how youth will be a part of that.

Antonio Turcios

Paramount, Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship
Ministerial Appointments Committee, Lay

Hello, I am Antonio Turcios, I am currently in the Free Methodist LMC pathway at the moment and have served as a youth pastor at previous churches. I am currently serving in a variety of ministries. I serve with our Men's ministry core team, on our worship team, and in various teaching and preaching capacities throughout our church campuses, as well as serving in building a Spanish ministry at the Chapel of Change. I have a heart to serve and continue to grow in the Lord and become more involved in our greater free methodist church family. I am grateful, humbled, and honored for the nomination and hope to continue to develop through this process and therefore enhance the kingdom of God in serving in this capacity!

Araceli Martinez

Azusa, Iglesia Confraternidad Cristiana
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Lay

I came to know the Lord 25 years ago and am married with three children. I serve faithfully in my church in three primary areas: ministry, discipleship, and finances. In ministry, I actively support prayer, intercession, and service to the congregation with a heart committed to building lives and strengthening faith. I carry a strong calling in intercession and participate in spiritual discernment within the church. In discipleship, I lead efforts that form the foundation for developing new believers and raising future pastors. In finances, I have served for 10 years, focusing on administration and stewardship. Through this role, I have witnessed God’s faithfulness in both small and significant ways, helping sustain and grow the ministry's work. My passion is to continue growing spiritually and inspire others to serve God with excellence, dedication, and a heart fully committed to His purpose.

Terry Beasley

Long Beach, Light & Life Christian Fellowship - West
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Ministerial

Terry Beasley is the Executive Director of Men’s Ministry International and a leader within the Free Methodist Church–USA. He has served the Lord for over 40 years, discipling men from diverse backgrounds since joining FMC USA in 1999. Terry served for ten years at Light & Life Church in Long Beach, California, under Pastor Dr. Larry Walkemeyer, where he was the Outreach Leader and Blended Family Group Leader. He also helped launch Light & Life West (Urban Praise) and Chapel of Change, later serving as its Campus Pastor and Men’s Ministry Pastor (Kingsmen), and contributed to Ignite Marriage. Deena now attends Light& Life West Church. Terry was ordained as an FM Elder in 2021. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he spent 44½ years in the aerospace industry. He and his wife, Deena, have been married for 27 years and enjoy their four children and nine grandchildren.

Patricia Simpson

Garden Grove, Living Spring Church
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Lay

My name is Patricia Simpson. I have had the privilege of serving this last term on the MEG Board. It has been an incredible season. I feel blessed after each meeting. I am a retired school teacher. Working in our children’s ministry and as a youth leader on Wednesday evenings gives me great joy. Seeing the children’s eyes light up as they sing praises to the Lord is a blessed moment. My husband and I love to travel, especially with family. We lead Marriage classes called “The Art of Marriage.” We love spending time with our eight grandkids and making sweet memories. Some of my most precious times are when I am journaling my week, Bible studying with friends, and doing life together. God is good!

Brenda Nickelson-Cain Allread 

Long Beach, Light & Life Christian Fellowship - West
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Lay

Brenda Nickelson-Cain Allread is a dedicated minister at Light and Life West, where she has faithfully served for over 15 years, and over 20 years within the Free Methodist Church. She has contributed to multiple areas of ministry, including worship, small group facilitation, intercessory prayer, and discipleship. As a member of the speaking team, she regularly delivers exhortation and shares the Word during services.

Brenda is currently completing her third year on the Ministerial Education and Guidance Board, where she interviews and evaluates candidates pursuing pastoral and leadership roles. She is passionate about developing leaders who are grounded in Christ, committed to growth, and equipped to love and serve people both within and beyond the church.

Henry Esqueda

Paramount, Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Lay

Henry Esqueda is a biblical counselor in training committed to Scripture-centered care and pastoral ministry. He serves as a board member for Escúchame (“Listen to Me”), a faith-based domestic violence advocacy organization, where he has developed a conviction to equip others to care for those experiencing suffering and hardship.

Henry is currently completing his Master’s degree in Counseling through Westminster Theological Seminary, in partnership with the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). This training prepares him to address human struggles with biblical wisdom and Christ-centered care.

He attends Chapel of Change in Paramount, a Free Methodist church. He has been part of launch teams for two campuses, having served as a ministry assistant and in a lead media role. He continues to serve in teaching, prayer, hospitality, and mission trips, and counsels men within the church.

Henry seeks to serve on the MEG Board to support those preparing for pastoral ministry.

Andrea Vaudrey

Rancho Cucamonga, Commission Church
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Ministerial

Andrea Vaudrey has over 20 years of experience in pastoral ministry and a deep affection for the church. From 2019 to 2023, she served as one of the pastors at Commission Church, overseeing children’s, youth, and young adult ministries before transitioning to the role of Communications Pastor. As a lay leader, Andrea also served on the Board, Teaching Team, Compassion Center, and Pastoral Care Team, and volunteered in various other ministries. She holds a Master of Divinity from Azusa Pacific University, where she teaches undergraduate theology. Her passion is fostering holistic ministry within the local church. As an Elder in the FMC, Andrea resonates deeply with the value of “Free” within Free Methodism.

Bob Ramsey

Pasadena, Rose City Church
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Ministerial

Bob Ramsey serves co-vocationally, as part of the staff of Rose City Church in Pasadena and as a college track coach. He helps lead the preaching ministry, works in discipleship, and supports the lead pastor in overall leadership. He is an ordained elder with over 30 years of pastoral ministry, with the last 14 in our conference.

Bob has extensive experience in preparing and evaluating ministerial candidates. He taught graduate and undergraduate biblical and theological studies for 15 years, including denominational polity and theology classes for his former denomination, Evangelical Friends. He served for many years on the board overseeing recording (ordination) for the EFC and was the primary leader of a revamping of the examination process used by the board.

Bob values having clergy who are clearly called, well-trained, supported, and theologically aligned, and would welcome the opportunity to support our candidates on the MEG board.

Hannah Webster-Brown

Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Free Methodist Church
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Lay

I’m honored to be nominated for the Ministerial Education & Guidance Board. I’ve been part of the Free Methodist Church in Santa Barbara since 2021. As a layperson, I have led as a small group facilitator for Bible studies, served in the children’s ministry, and been a member of the LBOA. In 2025, I co-directed a local Christian justice conference encouraging ecumenical engagement in our community. I have served as a delegate for my congregation for the past few years at Annual Conference and have appreciated getting to know our wider Free Methodist family. I care deeply about supporting others on their journeys of discernment and growth and am passionate about the ways the Church can be a voice for inclusion, justice, and healing.

Matias Alvarez

Azusa, Iglesia Confraternidad Cristiana
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, Ministerial

Matías Álvarez Venegas is a Christian leader committed to the spiritual growth of new generations and the strengthening of the local church. Originally from Chile, he currently resides in California, where he serves as a youth pastor at Iglesia Confraternidad Cristiana in Azusa. His ministry focuses on discipling young people through a relevant, biblical, and contextualized approach, connecting faith with today’s challenges. He is also actively involved in theological education and leadership development within the Hispanic community, collaborating with academic and ministry initiatives. His calling integrates teaching, strategy, and communication, with a strong emphasis on raising faithful leaders committed to Christ’s mission in their generation.

Roxana Bonilla

Los Angeles, Transformados En Cristo
Nominating Committee, Lay

My name is Roxana Marlene Bonilla.  I attend Transformados En Cristo church in Los Angeles, California.  My pastor is Darmaris Lopez. I am part of the Pastoral Team, the FMC Delegate, the Worship Leader and one of many teachers for our Children’s Ministry and for the adults.  I assist Pastor Darmaris in decisions, programs and activities that are made for our congregation. As the Worship Leader at this time we’re teaching others (children and adults) how to play instruments so in the near future they can join our worship team.  As one of the teachers, we don’t only teach, but we do activities with the children.  For example, celebrating el Dia del Niño (Children’s Day).  Lastly, but not least, as the FMC Delegate, I participate in Conference.

I have been called to serve and my response is here I am Lord, use me for your glory!

Laura Warth

Paramount, Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship
Nominating Committee, Ministerial

Laura Warth serves as Co-Pastor of Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship, a multi-campus church based in Paramount, California. She is known for her deep passion for prayer and her commitment to spiritual formation, carrying a mandate to lead others into a deeper intimacy with God. Laura has developed and taught multiple classes, including the School of Prayer, and has led both local and national prayer summits. She has also served on the FMCUSA National Prayer Ministry team and the FMCSC Board of Administration. A retired real estate broker and investor, she is also a homeschool teacher to her three children—Nathaniel, Sarah, and Sofia—and has been married to Brian for 28 years.

Jonatan Gonzalez

Azusa, Iglesia Confraternidad Cristiana
Nominating Committee, Ministerial

Pastor Jonatan González-Vivanco is originally from Chile. He is married and the father of two daughters, ages 19 and 17. Together with his wife and daughters, he serves the Lord with passion. He holds a degree in Business Administration from his home country. He came to the United States to pursue his Master of Divinity at Azusa Pacific University, graduating in 2005. That same year, he and his wife Natalia founded Confraternidad Cristiana in the city of Azusa. In 2025, he completed his doctoral studies and earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Southern California Baptist University. He has served as a professor of theology and ministry at several Bible colleges throughout Southern California. His passion is to be part of the expansion of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ — making disciples and building solid leaders grounded in the knowledge and application of Scripture, with a deep life in the Spirit. Together with his team, he planted a church in Hesperia, adopted another in Tijuana, and is currently in the process of planting one in San Diego.

Shannon Balram

Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Free Methodist Church
Nominating Committee, Ministerial

At the heart of my ministry is a desire to connect with people in seasons of uncertainty, transition, or distance from the church, creating space to remind them they are God’s workmanship—God's beautiful poema (Ephesians 2:10)—created with purpose, dignity, and deep worth. My hope is for people to feel seen, loved, and known.

I have served as an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church for seven years and am currently appointed to ministry in Santa Barbara. My ministry is shaped by responding to the need in front of me, preaching, teaching, offering devotions, supporting our nonprofit on Cliff Drive, and walking alongside those reconnecting with the church community. Whatever our Pastoral Team needs, I want to be of as much help as possible, ensuring they have the support they need to be the leaders they are called to be at our church.

It is with this spirit that I seek to serve our pastoral team, congregation, and conference with care, and I would be honored to serve where needed most.

Miriam Muñoz

Azusa, Iglesia Confraternidad Cristiana
Nominating Committee, Lay

I am currently studying to become a family counselor at the Hispanic Center for Theological Studies. I am also part of the "Transforming the Family" ministry.

Throughout my 40 years of knowing Christ, I have passionately and clearly felt God's calling in my life to be part of active leadership, serving in different areas of ministry. I have walked a path of growth and development with a vision to make disciples and help families grow in their spiritual lives.

My experience in my local pastoral calling has been key in my life. It has awakened in me a passion and desire to love and serve the needs of others, beginning with my family, church, and community.