Ryan Oddo
I love Jesus and I love people! A favorite activity of mine is hearing someone’s story over a cup of coffee. I get most excited to see someone discover and step into a calling or destiny. I love it when God’s plan comes together. I am passionate about healthy leadership…beginning with me! I’m living to hear God say, “Well done…good and faithful servant.”
Favorite Book:
I enjoy meeting with God in His word over a cup of coffee in the morning. I also enjoy books on leadership and spiritual growth. Driven by Eternity by John Bevere is a favorite.
Favorite Food:
PASTA!!!!!!! The more homemade the better!
Favorite Movie:
Remember the Titans is full of leadership moments. Lord of the Rings is filled with inspiring spiritual allegories. Brings tears to eyes to see the enemy get his head knocked off (literally)!
Favorite Scripture:
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18
Fear limits our potential and minimizes the incredible person God created us to be. God’s love is the most powerful force in the universe! It pushes out the fear and insecurity trying to strangle the soul and frees us to become person God created us to be!
What do you do in your spare time?
I rediscover the woman I married! Occasionally, I’ll get a round of golf in. Sometimes I drive to the beach with a book. I may also drive toward Long Beach to look for some cool rare fish for my aquarium.
What is a little known fact about you?
I’m a diehard Buffalo Bills football fan! No good reason for that…just am. I’m also scuba certified. I was born on the 4th of July.
Gabe Gaeta
Hi, I am Pastor Gabe Gaeta. I have a beautiful wife, Shari Gaeta and three amazing boys (Noah, Zachary and Jacob). I have been a Children’s and Family Pastor for over 2 decades. I am a kid at heart and love playing games of all kinds. I love long walks on the beach and sitting next to a warm fire (not really). I count it a privilege to be able to teach kids about God and His love for them. It amazes me each time I see the “light bulb” turn on for kids or families, as they receive a new nugget of understanding from God.
Favorite book
The pursuit of God by AW Tozer
Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony
Favorite food
Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Korean, actually just about anything – I am an adventurous eater
Favorite Scripture
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hang out with my family, watch movies and travel
What is little known about you?
I first shaved my head for a kid’s church challenge. The kids far succeeded the fundraising goal! So, the buzzers came out and gone was my hair. The new look worked for me and continues to this day, over 15 years later.
Adam Lohrbach
Hi, I’m Pastor Adam Lohrbach. I’m a husband and father to three of the wildest young boys you’ll ever meet. I’ve been serving as the Worship Pastor here at The Bridge since 2007 and love seeing the unique ways in which God speaks to us through praise each and every time we gather. I’m passionate about offering opportunities for kingdom-minded musicians and creatives to explore their God-given talents through services, live recordings, and the creation and recording of new worship songs on our church music label, bridgelife music.
Favorite Book:
Fathered by God by John Eldredge
Favorite Food:
Ropa Vieja from a Restaurant in Costa Mesa called Habana
Favorite Movie:
Coraline
Favorite Scripture:
“Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.” Psalm 141:5
What do you do in your spare time?
Revisit my pop-punk roots, go hiking with the family, and run Spartan races.
What is a little known fact about you?
I can crotchet just about anything you can think of!
Josh Clark
What’s Up! I am Associate Youth Pastor Josh Clark! I am originally from NorCal, born and raised, but went to college here in the OC at Vanguard University and fell in love with SoCal. I couldn’t bring myself to leave this beautiful place; but more importantly postgrad I married my beautiful bride Kendra and God placed me in a position here at The Bridge doing what I love, ministering to and hangin with your youth! Now I have an amazing job doing what I love, an amazing wife, and an awesome dog named Copper! I love seeing what God is doing here at The Bridge and the amazing team I get to work with everyday! I am truly blessed with where I am in life and who I am surrounded by. I love this church!
Favorite Book:
The Bible, its the oldest one I know and I heard there is a bunch of solid knowledge in this thing!!
Favorite Food:
Mexican no doubt!! I love some spice and some tasty carne asada!
Favorite Movie:
I don’t have a favorite but here are some I love; Tombstone, American Sniper, & Date Night
Favorite Scripture:
At this moment, John 20:30-31. This scripture is really awesome, Jesus is giving us a direct invitation into a relationship with him and his word. I love that he is willing to invite me into such an amazing opportunity.
What do you do in your spare time?
Top three things I love to do: Hanging with my wife, Mountain Biking, and craftsmanship! Let me know if you ever want to hit the trails with me!!
What is a little known fact about you?
I love to adventure in the great outdoors, and love havin fun full of adrenaline; for example mountain biking shreddin through some solid trails. Also love getting the kids hyped up in our services, on our teaching, worship, and just our relationship with the Lord!
Taylor Schwab
Hey I’m Taylor! I grew up on Long Island and moved out west in the summer of 2015 looking for gold. I didn’t find any, but I got pretty close with an awesome family at The Bridge. I’m constantly learning and I love the journey.
Favorite Book:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Favorite Food:
Tacos
Favorite Movie:
A Trip to the Moon
Favorite Scripture:
1John 4:8, 1Samuel 17:50
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to hike and spend time outdoors.
What is a little known fact about you?
I once traveled to Australia to compete in a swim meet.
Sergio Monteroso
Hi, I’m pastor Sergio Monteroso. I’m a husband to my beautiful wife Livier and father of three beautiful energetic daughters, Danielle, Polly and Camila. I’m passionate for Jesus and winning the lost souls to Jesus Christ. I serve The Bridge as the Spanish Pastor reaching out to the Hispanic community and building up leaders.
Favorite Book:
The Bible
Favorite Food:
My wife’s famous chicken enchiladas.
Favorite Movie:
Facing the Giants, Gladiator
Favorite Scripture:
Romans 5:6-8
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
What do you do in your spare time?
Spend time with my family, read, go to the beach.
What is a little known fact about you?
I always dreamed of playing in a professional soccer team and tried out with LA Galaxy, I love sports cars, and I share same birth date with my daughter Danielle.
Sean Thompson
Hi, I’m Sean Thompson. I’m married to the love of my life, Rachel, and have three incredible children. My family is the greatest promise God has ever given me and fulfilled! The Lord has allowed me to serve on staff at The Bridge since 2011. I am passionate about seeing the next generation raised up and released into the callings and giftings God has given them. Our youth are not the church of tomorrow, they are young church of today!
Favorite Book:
Everything written by C.S.Lewis
Favorite Food:
Chocolate
Favorite Movie:
The Avengers: Infinity War
Favorite Scripture:
Habakkuk 1:5 “Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”
.What do you do in your spare time?
Board games, video games and any other fun activity that brings people together!
What is a little known fact about you?
I eat salads without salad dressing.
Johanna Oddo
My name is Johanna Oddo. I have been happily married to Pastor Ryan Oddo since 1999. We have 2 boys, Caleb and Luke. Besides my amazing family, I have 3 top loves: traveling, trees of all sorts, and thunder storms. I love doing ministry, and I am passionate about seeing others become all that God has created them to be.
Favorite Book:
“Chronicles of the Kings” series by Lynn Austin
Favorite Food:
I’m an Italian who LOVES Mexican food
Favorite Movie:
The Bourne Series, Elf and Steel Magnolias
Favorite Scripture:
Isaiah 43:1-4
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, you Savior…Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…”
What do you do in your spare time?
I read novels, I dream about the next construction/remodel project I can do at our house, and I play Words with Friends
What is a little known fact about you?
Since I do not like to shop, my husband and/or girlfriends buy most of my clothes!
Kevin West
A little bit about me… When I was about 16 I began leading worship in my youth group. During that time, I felt God moving me towards worship ministry. Eventually, I ended up at Azusa Pacific University and finished with a degree in Music (Theory & Composition). Not to be out done by Pastor Mike Foell, I’m pursuing my doctorate from the School of Hard Knocks.
I play the piano & guitar and occasionally write down some thoughts. www.kevinwestmusic.net
I met my wife, Janelle, at our church college group and it was love at first sight! We have two incredibly cute kids: Shae & Josh
Favorite Book:
Worship His Majesty (Jack Hayford), Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Pete Scazzero), anything Grisham and all the Jack Reacher novels
Favorite Food:
BBQ, Italian, fresh fish, anything between two pieces of bread, Mexican…ok so I love food!
Favorite Movie:
The Princess Bride, The Bourne Identity, The Italian Job
Favorite Scripture:
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
What do you do in your spare time?
Movies, music, basketball, beach
What is a little known fact about you?
I’m an odd combination of left- and right-handed. I write and eat left-handed, but most everything else I do right-handed. When I first started to play guitar I wanted to play it left-handed, but was borrowing a right-handed guitar so I forced myself to learn right-handed. I play the piano left-handed. 🙂
Karen Montefu
I’ve loved the Lord since I was a child. I’m a wife, a mom, and a grandma and I love the Bridge staff like they are my own.
Favorite Food:
Chocolate
Favorite Movie:
Last Of The Mohicans
Favorite Scripture:
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
What do you do in your spare time?
Baking, quilting
What is a little known fact about you?
I’m a blonde.
Sydney Barrios
My name is Sydney, like Australia! 42 Wallaby Way. I am married to my best friends, Luis Barrios, who you may occasionally hear sing on our worship playlists at church. I am his biggest fan. We met about 9 years ago at the Bridge church where we worked as interns and helped lead the youth group at the time. Following this season, I went to Life Pacific College and earned my degree in Biblical Studies. My husband and I are blessed with our first baby, Leon Barrios. He is almost three months old, and most of our time is spent getting to know him every second that we can. We also have a siamese cat nambed Sagwa that we love very much. We are passionate about community and sharing God’s love in the extravagant ways he has shown us. I am so incredibly honored and excited to be a part of the bridge staff and I can’t wait to get to know you better.
Favorite Book:
Harry Potter of course! There are some major redemptive themes in this series.
Favorite Food:
Nigiri Sushi, my husband’s Crepe Suzette that I get to eat every birthday, and we also make some mean tomato jam lamb burgers.
Favorite Movie:
Life is Beautiful
Favorite Scripture:
There are quite a few, but I’ve always loved Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to cook, I dabble in photography, and you can always find us at the beach or at a great coffee shop.
What is a little known fact about you?
I can make homemade pasta and can teach you how to make it without fail.
Cami Wittwer
Hi I’m Cami. I’m married to my amazing husband, Steven. We have 2 talented daughters, Annalecia and Cali. After being in ministry in the midwest for a number of years, we made our home in Southern California in 2003, where we have served the South Orange Country community. My passion is seeing people discover and live out who God created them to be. I love my pups, Nebraska football and everything Disney.
Favorite Book:
Historical Fiction
Favorite Food:
Where do I start? I like so many things. All the foods.
Favorite Movie:
Sister Act 1 and 2 and The Greatest Showman
Favorite Scripture:
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
What do you do in your spare time?
I love vintage and flea market shopping. Also playing games.
What is a little known fact about you?
I love Scottish Highland Cows and I would have one as a pet if I could.
Marlene Behne
Hello! I’m Marlene and I like warm hugs (thank you, Olaf), intellectual and/or meaningful conversations, and good coffee and tea (just to name a few things). I have a heart for missions, local and international, and once lived in another country teaching English (and sharing Jesus). Since I was in high school, I have had a strong love for the Church and a desire to support and encourage it to become all that God desires it to be. As such, I am so blessed to work in various capacities across ministries at the Bridge and outside it at a small, private Christian school.
Favorite Book:
My favorite book, though really there are too many favorites, is Persuasion by Jane Austen as it shows the value of waiting and knowing your own heart.
Favorite Food:
My mom’s fried chicken and mashed potatoes is at the top of my list, but I really enjoy home cooking.
Favorite Movie:
I really enjoy the movie Penelope which uses humor wrapped up in a love story to emphasize the importance of knowing and loving yourself for who you are.
Favorite Scripture:
Philippians 1:6 is my life verse. God is not finished with me, and I can trust Him to finish what He started. It reminds me to “be” and that I don’t have to “strive.”
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and discussing life, hiking, trying new foods, reading, staying connected to friends outside CA, looking up random stuff on the internet, watching movies, playing games and traveling.
What is a little known fact about you?
I once took voice lessons with a Chinese opera singer.
Eric Lima
I have worked for many large companies in differing roles of management. I most recently worked for Starbucks as a District Manager overseeing 13 stores in Irvine, Tustin, and Santa Ana. I am married to my amazing wife Alexandra and have four wonderful kids, Sydney, Madison, Noah, and Aaron, with a fantastic Son in law – Luis, and a grandson on the way. I first started working with Pastor Ryan when he was a youth pastor back in Santa Fe Springs, CA, and I am so blessed to continue working with him today.
Favorite Book:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Favorite Food:
Mexican or Puerto Rican Food
Favorite Movie:
Braveheart
Favorite Scripture:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for that which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
What do you do in your spare time?
Spend time with wife and kids playing board games, watching movies, and going to their sporting events.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I enjoy cooking breakfast for my family on weekends as I journey through improving my pancake skills, with great coffee, of course.
Dominic Rodriguez
A man of few words.
Favorite Book:
Lone Survivor
Favorite Food:
Anything that tastes good
Favorite Movie:
Star Wars Trilogy
Favorite Scripture:
Isaiah 12:2
What do you do in your spare time?
What spare time?
What is a little known fact about you?
Lived in Colorado and I am in Spartan
Kristie Linhardt
Well hello there! I’m Kristie and I love hanging out with little kiddos. Truly I’m really just a child at heart and there’s nothing more special than the amazing gift of being a part of a child’s life. Helping them to explore and discover God and the world he created for us is one of my favorite things. Also I love hugs! And the color blue. But not just any blue, that bright, turquoise-y, teal-y blue.
Favorite Book:
I love to read. I love getting lost in the characters, the settings, the stories, the struggles, the triumphs. I frequently sit down to read a book in the afternoon and the next thing I know it’s the wee hours of the morning, I’ve finished the book and have not nearly enough hours left to sleep. I think I’ve fallen in love pretty much every book I’ve read. That being said, there’s a special place in my heart for Harry Potter and Frodo Baggins.
Favorite Food:
Potatoes. Fry them. Boil them. Mash them. Stick ’em in a stew.
Favorite Movie:
The Princess Bride
Favorite Scripture:
“You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
What do you do in your spare time?
Read! I also really enjoy playing pretty much any card or board game.
What is a little known fact about you?
I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in about a minute and I was born on my parents’ anniversary.
Annie Murray
Hi everyone! My name is Annie and I love working with our Bridge Kids! I am the Elementary Director and when I’m not hanging out with our kiddos at church you can probably find me walking around Disneyland. I am so excited to see how God is moving in our elementary aged kids and I love to partner with parents to watch children grow into who God has created them to be!
Favorite Book:
I love reading and I find it hard to choose a favorite! I suppose the Caraval Series or 1984 are my go-to books!
Favorite Food:
PASTA!
Favorite Scripture:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Favorite Movie:
Star Wars or Beauty and the Beast!
What do you do in your spare time?
I love going to Disneyland with my friends or my husband. Or I’m at home reading!
What is a little known fact about you?
Before finishing my degree at Life Pacific University, I spent a year in Orlando Florida interning at Walt Disney World!
Leah Taysom
Hey Hey, I’m Leah Taysom. I am a mother of two boys, a French bulldog, and I am married to the most handsome piece of masculine flesh that walks this earth. I was born and raised in Rancho Santa Margarita and still don’t mind it one bit. I have a passion for missional outreach, leading others to hear the voice of the Lord and understanding their identity in the kingdom of God. My favorite band is RADICAL RADICAL, and I may or may not have an in with the band.
Favorite Book
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, and for sure, the Bible
Favorite Food
spicy tuna rolls
Favorite Scripture
For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel -1 Corinthians 9:16
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What’s that?
What is little known about you?
Mayo will kill me dead
