We are blessed to have a dedicated team of staff passionate
about serving local youth.
about serving local youth.
For general inquiries, please call our main office at (209) 522-9568
For specific questions, please see the staff contact info below
For specific questions, please see the staff contact info below
"I was born and raised in the greater Modesto area. After a life-changing experience at Acquire The Fire, God tugged on my heart to serve Him. At Modesto High School, I led the Bible Club my junior and senior year teaching Scripture, coordinating club activities, and conducting service projects. Upon graduation in 2003 I began mentoring and discipling West Modesto youth that shaped my passion and determination for ministering to the most vulnerable youth. In 2006 I received my degree in Business Administration/Human Resources. Shortly after marrying my amazing wife in 2008, I became the Director of Mentoring and leading Point Break. In 2010, I graduated with my Master’s in Youth Ministry Leadership from Huntington University. Following a series of conversations and experiences, God made it clear He was calling me to become the Executive Director starting July 1, 2019. I’m driven to empower leaders to impact kids for Jesus. My personal passion is to light up the room and leave people filled with hope. While I strive to keep maturing, I will always be the 'goofball' that keeps me connected with kids. I love sports, working out, time with family, coffee, and food."
"While growing up in Minnesota, I was on a course headed to juvenile hall as a young teen. Fortunately, God reached out to me through several friends who introduced me to Jesus, before I could cause more harm to myself or others. Out of thankfulness for being rescued from that downward spiral and the impact of several youth pastors who helped grow my faith, I have always had a heart for reaching lost teens. I graduated from Colorado State in Business with my best friend and wife, Donna. Shortly after that I received a Master’s in Youth Ministry at Denver Seminary. God has richly given to us over the last 30 years three kids (Josh, Rachel, and Calvin) and many dear friends, while ministering in Colorado, Utah and California. I am so thankful to still be still be reaching out to people with YFC. When not figuring out how to build campus ministry for another school, you can find me mountain biking, paddle boarding or snow boarding with a big smile on my face!"
"I stumbled upon YFC in 2019 while searching for a place to complete my practicum hours as counselor. Over the next couple months, it was evident God had a bigger plan for me. While finishing graduate school at National University in counseling psychology, I accepted the position as Juvenile Justice Ministry Director in 2020. I understood at that point why God had me working as probation officer for ten years and why I always felt there was another way to help young people. After accepting Christ into my heart at 24, I know my job is to be a faithful servant caring voice for those who have been left behind. Outside of YFC, I enjoy teaching at my home church children’s ministry. When not serving, I can be found doing outdoor sports like hiking or baseball."
"When I started as a MFT Trainee with Family Concern Counseling in 2012 during my graduate practicum course at Simpson University, I was excited and nervous to see how the next chapter would unfold. I fell in love with the heart of Family Concern Counseling and its desire to serve our community. Being from the Central Valley and a Christ-follower from an early age, I was excited to see these two passions of mine intertwine. Since that time, I have worked in and alongside other ministries while receiving my License in Marriage and Family Therapy. I currently see clients and serve as FCC’s School Services Coordinator. I am deeply passionate about bringing healing to our community and treating issues that accompany the following: anxiety, trauma, human trafficking, children/teen developmental issues and cultural issues. I love to spend time with those closest to me, backpacking, learning, music, coffee and going on adventures."
"I joined YFC in 2013 as a volunteer in the Juvenile Justice Ministry, working with incarcerated youth in both group and individual settings. While it was meant to be a temporary placement to fulfill a school internship, God had other plans. The incredible privilege of hearing the stories and connecting with the youth in juvenile hall captured my heart, leading me to continue the work for 7 years. In 2017, I joined the Family Concern Counseling team and have since been involved in providing mental health services at multiple school sites, and counseling for youth, adults, and families at our office location. In 2019, I also joined the Restorative Practices team, providing training and support for teachers and staff at a local school district. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Phoenix."
"My first encounter with YFC was at the annual auction in 2013. I became part of the team three amazing years later, where I’ve been supporting the Family Concern Counseling Team. All of my life I’ve had a special connection with God, but through YFC I’ve found a way to strengthen my bond with the Lord while simultaneously stregthening the community around me. With the help of my loving husband of 20 plus years and four beautiful children, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at countless youth centers, sporting events, Boyscouts, and catechism. Everyday I look forward to grabbing my coffee and bringing faith to the families around me."
"I was born and raised in Manteca CA for most of my life (209!), I am 25 years old. I lived in Mexico for about 3 ½ years and also spent a few throughout the country while serving in the U.S Army. I’ve been a follower/believer of Jesus Christ since December of 2019. I did not have the best upbringing, but I know I also did not have the worst. Throughout my life (before Christ) I had a lot of bad/crazy experiences that led to bad decision, most by choice. Because of this I can relate to a lot of the kids we encounter at YFC. I began to volunteer with the JJM side of YFC in November of 2022 and within the first few days God confirmed it was what he had been preparing me for and one of the callings he has placed on my life. I have a passion to serve others and my King by introducing Christ to everyone. There's a special place in my heart to reach broken, lost, and confused youth and young adults. I was one of them before, but Jesus showed up at the perfect moment and having the answer to life now, I believe it is my duty to share it with the world. I am blessed to be on staff with YFC starting in April of 2023 and I look forward to serving anyone God places on my path with humility, grace and love. Things I enjoy doing are reading, working out, spending time with family and listening to music"
"Raised in the little town of Empire, I became quite the angry troublemaker after my parents’ divorce when I was 14 years old. Getting kicked out of class and spending time in detention was a common occurrence. Fortunately, I had a praying grandmother and an uncle who would talk with me about the things of God. For years, I continued in this miserable, rebellious state until I surrendered my life to God while working alone in a pistachio orchard at the age of 24. Soon after, I purchased a Bible at a local bookstore and joined a church in Modesto and was baptized. Over the next few years, I grew in my faith and developed a love for evangelism and working with troubled youth. I looked for opportunities to serve God and began volunteering and mentoring youth at the Modesto Gospel Mission’s Youth Center. Years later, an opportunity came up to help teach Bible lessons to elementary students with Child Evangelism Fellowship and their Good News Clubs afterschool program. Now, I am very fortunate to help in the position of site lead at the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall where we hold chapel services and Bible studies every week. I love working with the youth, sharing the Gospel with them, spending time in God’s Word, hearing their stories, building relationships, and serving with the other volunteers." |
"I have been with YFC since 2011 and currently serve as a Chaplain and the Director of Operations. I have over 25 years of administrative and management experience. My family moved to the Central Valley in 1983 and I'm a graduate of Beyer High School. My husband, Gary, and I have been married since 1994, and have two amazing boys. Our oldest, Matthew graduated high school in 2016 and is currently a Journeyman Meat Cutter with SaveMart (and is a published author /artist in his spare time!). Our youngest, Jacob graduated in 2021 and currently is a student at Northern Arizona University Honors College pursuing a Data Science degree. I truly love being the 'mom' of the office and having the opportunity to speak God’s truth and life into the kids that come to the office."
"I’ve been privileged to grow up in a family where the love of Jesus and love of neighbors was modeled and incorporated daily into my life, but it wasn’t until 2007 when I encountered Tapestry (City Life) as a volunteer that I realized how amazing teenagers who go through hard things truly are. Under the leadership of some amazing people, I started to learn how to listen well to those that are hurting, and through several turns in my education and experience, realized I wanted to help people work through challenges that keep them stuck from dreaming a about what their life could be. I have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Psychology, and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’ve been the Director of Family Concern Counseling since 2015, continuing the ministry and work of Marty Villa, who started FCC over 20 years ago."
"I joined YFC as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee in the spring of 2017 to fulfill my required internship hours for the graduate program I was in. At the time, I was excited to find a faith-based program to work for while completing my degree. Upon graduation from California State University, Stanislaus in Fall 2017, I strongly felt that God had planned my future for me to stay and work at YFC. I have always had a passion for helping people and started working with disabled youth and adults through equine assisted therapy in high school. This experience then later became the inspiration behind my career choice as a therapist. I am currently an onsite therapist for several schools, and work with youth, families, and adults at the Family Concern Counseling office location."
"I was born in Modesto and raised there mainly by my mom. As a young adult I faced some challenging times, where I found myself wrestling with God and my identity. Once I started the process of believing who I am in the eyes of Jesus, He set a fire in me like never before. God uses ALL things for the good, for those who love Him. My wife Jamie and I were married in 2013, we have 3 awesome kids (Jacob, Ethan, and Emmalee), and a beautiful granddaughter, Skylynn. When I started volunteering with YFC I could see the impact community-based ministry really has in the lives of youth and potentially their families. I can see my younger self when sitting across from a young boy who is struggling with school, family, and just life in general. It only takes one person to show the love of God - causing a shift into the right direction! When I’m not serving, I’m watching the Seahawks be the champions they are, hanging with my family, playing basketball, or drinking coffee with my wife."
"I was blessed to grow up in a wonderful Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. But for me, being a teen was difficult and it wasn’t until my early 20’s at a Hume Lake Conference that I made the decision to truly follow Christ. For this reason, I have always had a heart for teenagers. I have now been married for about 30 years and have three kids, plus four grandchildren! As bookkeeper since 2015, I try to keep us financially in order, with all accounts and staff paid. I truly love working here and seeing the difference we make in so many teens lives through our various ministries."
"Isaiah Herrera was born and raised in the Central Valley, married, and takes pride in being a dog dad. He has a passion for being a bridge for people in his communities. He’s a San Francisco Giants and 49ers fanatic. Isaiah loves coffee and enjoys golf from time to time. Isaiah came to Christ at 15 years old, faced many challenges, such as social and economic living situations, was a high school dropout, and has always had a burning passion for serving young people. He has over ten years of youth experience and currently serves as one of our Directors here at Youth for Christ. But he has faithfully been serving YFC for over 9 years!"
"I came across Youth for Christ as I was looking for an organization to complete my internship. I began my internship as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee through Family Concern Counseling in 2019 and have been with YFC ever since. My main role is being Project Connect 209’s Coordinator. This program entails teaching youth what healthy relationships look like and how to make smarter life decisions. I also help with our mentoring program, JJM Aftercare, and City Life. Through my work, I have grown relationships with youth and have been able to provide guidance. I love the values behind YFC and the impact of our stories. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, roller skating, and spending time with my loved ones."
"My life turned upside down after my parents divorced when I was 13 years old. My home life and mind became a very toxic place. I was an angry teen that turned into a depressed young adult. Searching for love, support, and an escape from home, I fell into a relationship with a man that lasted 5 years. Not knowing what a healthy relationship was, I allowed myself to go though mental and physical abuse during those 5 years. The harder my life became, the more I started thinking about the phrase, “Jesus saves.” I did not grow up in a Christian household, but I noticed the hope and faith that other Christians I knew had. At my lowest point in my life, fearing my life, I surrendered my whole being to Jesus. I asked him to save me, and to change my life. That night was the beginning of growing a relationship with Jesus and truly knowing him, verses just believing in a higher power in the sky. Shortly after this, I got connected to an amazing church, where I got baptized and experienced healing. God began to open doors for me. I learned about Youth for Christ through one of my pastors, and quickly began volunteering at City Life in South Modesto. I volunteered for 8 months, until getting blessed with a full time position to be the City Life Coordinator. My hope is to find teens who are broken, abused, and lost, like I was, and to show them help, support, direction, and love, sooner than later. I also want to tell youth about the love of Jesus, and that Jesus really does save. Today, I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for Jesus and His grace. I am thankful for my job at Youth for Christ, and I am thankful that God turned all my pain into a purpose." Katrina Herrera, Marketing & Social Media Assistant kherrera@cvyouth.org |
