Meet our Shepherds and Small Group Leaders

We’d love to get to know you better this year as we continue to have the joy of working with your students at GBS. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have, or even just to say hello!

Larry (Shepherd) & Lauren Brown

Work: Tarzana (Larry), Grace Community Church (Lauren)
Phone: (818) 207-1295 (Larry), (213) 712-8141 (Lauren)

We first came to Grace in 1982 and volunteered in juniors’ Sunday School and Awana for six years before moving to the high school ministry where we’ve been ever since! We were married at Grace Church and have lived most of our lives here, and we thank God for the lavish love He’s poured out on us through the teaching and ministry of our pastors and elders. When we’re not involved in high school, we have the privilege to pray and care for our missionary families across the globe and serve at Shepherds’ Conference each year. We like to cook, are avid readers and history buffs, and love all outdoor activities. Larry’s a financial advisor and Lauren is the director of women’s ministries at Grace Church, and it’s our joy to serve alongside these wonderful high school staff people.

Angel (Shepherd) & Meaghan Hernandez

Work: Kaiser (Angel), Hairdresser (Meaghan)
Phone: (818) 588-0259 (Angel), (805) 907-9842 (Meaghan)

Angel and Meaghan both had the privilege of growing up at Grace Church. Meaghan is a Ventura County native and Angel is a San Fernando Valley boy. We met in 2015 on Games Crew which is the ministry team that puts on the games at REGEN. We got married at the end of 2017 and got to welcome our son James in 2023 and are loving every minute of it! Angel has been serving in high school ministry since 2015 and Meaghan began serving after they were married. Angel works for Kaiser Permanente and Meaghan runs her own business as a hairdresser in Beverly Hills. We love to travel, go to the beach, be pseudo-foodies, and, best of all, we love the church and serving the high school students!

Zach (Shepherd) & Lani Tullsen

Work: Concept Artist & Illustrator (Zach), Grace Community Church (Lani)
Phone: (310) 227-3774

Zach, originally from Oregon, and I, Lani, a Los Angeles native, came to Grace Church around the same time in 2015—though, we did not know of one another until December 2020, when we met through mutual friends. I had been serving in 180 since 2017 and, before getting married in August 2022, Zach joined 180 after serving in Crossroads through the Valley Bible study.

Aside from 180, we love board games, long walks in nature, and cozy nights in with a good book. Please let us know if there are any ways we can serve you!

Abigail Dick

Work: Grace Community Church
Phone: (661) 934-9910

Hi, my name is Abigail Dick! I’ve had the pleasure of serving on high school staff—at Grace Bible Study specifically—since 2022. I grew up in Croatia, where my parents serve as GCC missionaries, and I moved to California in 2021. I work at Grace Books International on the church campus, and I’m currently taking a couple classes at The Masters University in pursuit of a certificate in Women’s Ministry.

Ruth Hanthorn

Work: Grace Community Church
Phone: (213) 505-1102

Ruth Hanthorn has been on 180 staff since 2021 and has been attending Grace Church since 2015 when she moved from Canada to attend The Master’s University. She works at Grace Church doing Video Production but during her free time enjoys photography, getting coffee with friends, and being outdoors!

Alex Miller

Work: Commercial Insurance Broker
Phone: (310) 562-4624

As my parents met through Grace Community and were even married in the Chapel, my first time on campus was in the womb! It is a privilege to be back serving in the ministry that had a pivotal impact on my salvation. I love dogs, pickleball, the great outdoors (surfing, camping, exploring, etc...) and anything with wheels.

Val Sanchez

Phone (WhatsApp): 506-6073-4789

I was born and raised in Costa Rica, and I came to The Master’s University in 2021 to major in Biblical Studies! I prefer warm days outside over cold days inside, and on my free time I enjoy going on walks or long drives while listening to music with friends, reading books, trying new restaurants, and going to the beach. I have enjoyed High School ministry since the moment I joined about a year ago, and I am thankful I get to serve you and the students!

Emily Taylor

Work: VCA Burbank Animal Hospital
Phone: (661) 904-7167‬

I grew up at Grace Church. I'm blessed to have a family that loves Jesus. My sister and brother-in-law serve as missionaries in South Africa along with their four daughters and son. I love spending time outdoors. I've been serving on high school staff since I graduated from college and I just can't seem to leave! High school ministry is the greatest!