Leaders

A leader leads by example, whether he/she intends to or not. ~Author Unknown

Our camp leaders are our HEROES. Most of them have been to camp as leaders, and some, as campers themselves.  Some have been or are currently serving as Sunday School teachers. Consider them the core of your child’s summer camp experience. They’re hardworking, enthusiastic, patient, and caring. They’re there to set good examples and to maintain a safe environment for your camper at all cost. All have worked with children in different settings and have been approved by our security check. Camp will not function nor exist without these fine group of people. Please take the time to appreciate them.  Some of them take off from work without any type of stipend.  The fact that they are with the children and heeding to their call to be with them is a reward in itself.

2013 LEADERS

TRAVIS CABELLO

SAVERIO CAPONI

Occupation: currently a student at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

What I do: Art. I am a sound designer, I focus my sound art by way of the internet. I also play guitar and drums. I love being able to jam with friends and write songs. 

Experience with children: I was a staff for two different middle school after-school programs (Presidio Middle School and Roosevelt Middle School)

How I stay close to Jesus: Pray everyday. Serve God, Bible study. Worship to the Lord. 

Involvement with church ministries:  Children's Ministry, Leader on the Worship team

Family Life: I love my parents who have taught me everything I know... maybe my 20 year old sister has helped me out, too.

LARRY DAHM

See profile from 2011 (same information)

NICOLE-CORINE LENHART

age: 27… again

occupation: I'm an artist and I'm looking for work as an art teacher.

what I do: Sit and think, I like to just sit and think. It’s always been a hobby of mine. I like to read. I’m a printmaker and book artist. I paint occasionally and I love stretching canvas. I like to eat and I cook.

experience with children: I've been a teacher. I taught in Russia and then at a private school in South San Francisco. I’ve taught English, speech (really it was an ESL class), reading and then art. I'm currently teaching in children's church at the

Cornerstone Merced Campus.

How I stay close to Jesus: By taking time to sit and think. I think meditation is really important to our walk with Jesus. How can you know what He’s trying to tell you if you don’t take time to listen? I also use my art as a sort of meditation/worship.

involvement with church ministries: Right now I'm involved in the children's ministry. I love teaching at the Merced campus!

family life: Last year I became an aunt to Hannah and Katie, my brother and sister-in-law's beautiful twin daughters! I love being an aunt! They'll be one in July and they are already so smart!

school/work life: I graduated in January with a BA in arts education. I'm not yet fully employed but this has given me time to draw outside and work on personal projects. I'll be participating in a show in November in Brooklyn. And I've submitted some of my work to Cornerstone's Arts Night. I'm really exited about this, I've never had time to participate in previous years.

random facts about me: I have a collection of 18 salt and pepper shakers. I bind my own sketchbooks. And I have synesthesia. For me this means I taste colors. It may seem super weird, but this is how God made me and I think it's kind'a cool.

TAYLOR LEONG, Junior Leader

 

See profile from last year but a year older.

LIANA SEISA

Age: 19

Occupation: Student

What I do: Live, Love, Learn, Laugh...plus school and all the moments in between.

Experience with children:

Most days spent with my little sister, Cornerstone Kids Camp 2010 leader, babysitting for families and friends.

How I stay close to Jesus:

Reading the Bible, memorizing scripture, praying, small group member, bible study.

Involvement with church ministries:

Past - Intersection-Y Camp Leader 2010, 2011; Sound/Audio Technician Apprentice (2012)

Present - Pre-Church Service Prayer Lead

Family life: One Dad + Two Sisters + Me in the Middle = Four people but One Ohana (Family).

School life: Recently completed first year of college!

Extracurricular:

CRC Women's Tennis team, reading, walking, jogging (I haven't yet had the courage to RUN), adventures in the great outdoors, pottery/ceramics, learning to cook, cleaning/organizing my home, biking...when I get my bike.

Random facts:

Disney! I can sing with you most of the songs.

Art? I can draw simple shapes...but clay is the way to play.

Family! I have 18 cousins on my Dad's side...but none on my Mom's.

Siblings? Middle of two, youngest (7) and oldest (21).

I've been skydiving—there's no way to explain it except...you really feel like you're alive!

CHRIS ROSS, Junior Leader

TOWELA NAOMI SICHINGA 

age: 34

Occupation: Just Finished Grad School! Yay!

What I do: Filmmaker

Experience with children:

- Teaching at Cornerstones Treehouse. 

- Consistent babysitting from the age of 12 to 14 

- Numerous nieces and nephews

- I just have a heart for Children

How I stay close to Jesus: 

- Daily prayer and bible reading.

- Playing and listening to worship music

- Regular fellowship with my Christian Family 

- Watching Faith Based Programing; Films or Documentaries 

- Reading christian literature

- Discussions on faith (Christ's impact on my life) with non-saved friends

Involvement with church ministries: 

Present - Children's ministry

Past - Small group member, improv group participant. I participated in connection classes and a re-dedication (2nd) Baptism in 2009. 

Extra curricular activities: DJ'ing and Dancing, watching films & TV, chatting with friends, swimming

Family life: One younger sister and my parents who live in Zambia. I grew up in Edmonton Alberta, Canada, and then in Lusaka, Zambia. I have lived in the Bay Area since 2005.

Random facts about me: I am Zambian although I sound American. I make short films. I like to get to know people. I know lots of music and love to sing along. I enjoy winter and summer outdoor activities, I lived in England for 4 years! My favorite cartoons are The Little Mermaid, The Last Unicorn, The Chipmunks Adventure, Ponyo and Fern Gully: The Last Rain Forest.

2012 LEADERS

GINA MARIE ALVES

I am 22 years old. I have been attending Cornerstone for 5 and a half years, and last August I chose to fully receive God in my life and my heart and I was baptized. I have been working with kids of all ages for a long time, and it's one of my passions. I worked in a childcare setting from the ages of 16 to 21, and learned lots of great tools in working with kids. I chose to resign because I wanted a break to focus on my studies, and I also got a nannying offer. I have experience with babies as young as 5 weeks old, but also all ages of kids up to 11.  I am a student right now working towards nursing, and on my free time, I love spending time volunteering at UCSF hospital. I feel a special calling to pediatrics, especially oncology patients who are children. I'm going to continue praying about that. I am also an assistant director of our preschool in the Children's ministry on Mission campus with my mom who leads the room. I've been volunteering with this ministry for almost 3 years. I really enjoy it, and I volunteer in the nursery here and there, and I definitely feel like I have a gift with kids, and sincerely believe no one is to young to receive Jesus or be ministered to.

I was born and raised in San Francisco and I live with my mom, my dad, and my twin sister. I graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. I am close with my family, my twin and I are not identical, in fact we look very different and are extremely different individuals, but we do get along. My family enjoys being a part of the church community. I am close with both my parents, and my dad Al Alves does parking at Merced campus. My whole family came to Lord.  

I fully recovered from a life-threatening illness by the grace of God, and I enjoy mentoring my friends and sharing my testimony to inspire and encourage others. I stay close to Jesus through attending service, prayer, and I have a gift of writing Christian poetry. Also, just through all my volunteer service, reading the Bible, and being in College small groups/going to rendezvous. I haven't been to many places outside of California, but I would LOVE to go Hawaii, Texas, Guam, Japan, Portugal, and other parts of Europe, some of it's my heritage and others are just places I would love to visit.  

Kid-friendly facts....well I have a twin and most people are fascinated by that. I LOVE DISNEY and going to Disneyland. My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast, and I was Belle for Halloween in Kindergarten and yes, she is the Disney princess I feel like I resonate with the most.  My favorite season is Fall, I love chocolate a lot, I like the beach, I use to play volleyball, I am an outdoor nature girl. I like to do photography for fun and I like painting. I enjoy running, and love music, pizza. I want to learn more Spanish and Portuguese.  And I am a cat person and have owned 4 cats, only have one now.  My favorite little kitten's name was Pumpkin. I like shopping.  


KHAI BYRD

age: 49
occupation: Digital Marketing Consultant
what I do: At work, I do sales. Outside, I volunteer and exercise.
experience with children: Sunday School teacher at Cornerstone; coached little league years ago
how I stay close to Jesus: bible reading and study
extra curricular activities: help homeless with CityTeam Ministries
random facts about me: 
- enjoy outdoor activities (hiking, long walk)
- like the arts
- traveled to Europe & Central America
- used to coach Little League baseball
- working with children at church is one my greatest joy!


TRAVIS CABELLO
age: 21
occupation: a student
what do i do: go on bike rides, hang with friends
experience with children: 4 years at Kids Camp
how i stay close to Jesus: pray, read my bible, attend small group
involvement with church ministries: served at Cornerstone youth group; Mission/Merced Java; served 4 years with Kids Camp
family: live with my dad, grew up in the Bay Area
random facts about me: fun, like all sports and reading

BRENDA CHENEY  (see her profile from last year--just scroll down more)

ROBERT FORNSHELL (see his profile from last year--just scroll down more)

NICOLE-CORINE LENHART (updated profile)

age: 28, it's the new 21.

occupation: I’m currently a student getting a degree in Art Education.

what I do: Sit and think, I like to just sit and think. It’s always been a hobby of mine. And I like to read. I’m a printmaker (all of my jeans and one pair of leggings have ink stains in the same exact spot, sometimes in different colors). I also really enjoy book arts. I made an edition of 20 books about the lives of plants in the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. (It was a lot of work!)

experience with children: I used to be a teacher. I taught in Russia and then at a private school in South San Francisco. I’ve taught English, speech (really it was an ESL class), reading and then art.

How I stay close to Jesus: By taking time to sit and think. I think meditation is really important to our walk with Jesus. How can you know what He’s trying to tell you if you don’t take time to listen? I also use my art as a sort of meditation/worship.

involvement with church ministries: Right now I lead the audio ministry. And I've just joined the Connection Counter ministry. I was in the children’s ministry for a short time in high school. And then I was a part of the youth ministry for three years after I graduated from high school.

family life: I grew up here in the Bay Area, San Bruno actually. I live with my grandparents who are super cool. My grandmother says she’s 19, and I kind’a believe her. My brother, Stefan, is in the Army and lives in North Carolina with my sister-in-law, Brandy. They have two cats and two dogs and two fish. And they're expecting twin girls in few months. They're like Noah's ark! I'm so exited to be an aunt for the first time! I have a cat too, her name is Suzy-Q and she is very chatty. She’s a crazy, exuberant tabby who thinks she rules the world (she probably does).

school/work life: Good! Crazy busy, and I don’t usually get nearly enough sleep during the semester. But I’m happy and I usually like most of my classes.

random facts about me: I have a collection of salt and pepper shakers. I like them  cause there's 2 of them. I currently have 14 and a half sets. My favorite set is the ones that hug each other, I got them in Florence, Italy, when I studied there. I hope to someday have a Wonder Woman set.

TAYLOR LEONG

age: 16
occupation: full-time student
what I do: lots of homework and art, watch my siblings when parental units are out
experience with children: babysitting for friends and families; help out once in a while in the children's ministry as needed; having 2 loving annoying younger siblings
how I stay close to Jesus: reading the Bible, BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), fellowship with the youth group
involvement with church ministries: doing artwork for our youth group's program 
extra curricular activities: fencing, volunteer at Food Bank and sometimes City Impact, co-founded comic club at school
school life: sophomore year was hectic but over now
home life: crazy! living with 2 active brother & sister can be loud around the house. my mom says she'll miss the noise but it doesn't always look like she will =D; i love hanging out with my dad talking about history, sometimes politics and learning life as a corporate artist.
random facts about me: 
- i love art, drawing, history, and hats
- i'd really like to work for Pixar someday–i love animation, and i make my own comics (most of which are, sadly, unfinished, but I'm working on them!)
- i also do some knitting and crocheting
- i taught myself how to juggle from a book
- i learned how to write and draw with my left hand when my right hand started hurting.
- i'm still trying to learn how to do that thing where you twirl the pencil around your thumb--it's very hard!
- i put my sister to sleep once by telling her how WWI started...
- i know how to play the piano and trumpet but not that well these days--no time to practice 
- mom & dad call me "the peacemaker"
Favorite books: The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, anything by J.R.R. Tolkien, 
Favorite movies: LotR movies, The Prince of Egypt, the Miyazaki films, Tangled

ZACH MUNSON

BRUNO PAULAZZO

Here's Mr. Bruno & his campers

age: 51
occupation: Realtor
what I do: work with many people
experience with children: play 24/7 with my son, Christian
how I stay close to Jesus: read, pray & worship everyday
extra curricular activities: golf, hiking, building legos, biking
family life: born in SF, lived in Italy for 2 years
work life: real estate has been difficult in the past 4 years; my family have been through difficult times
random facts about me: traveled through the world; been to many places; love golf, waterskiing, snow skiing, race cars, automobile gearhead, cooking, photography; I love being around my son and playing with him. Sharing my life with Jesus and walking with him and feeling him work in my life.

SUSAN (SUSIE) MARIE SAWCZUK (see her profile from last year--just scroll down more)

2011 LEADERS

BRENDA CHENEY

Occupation: Real Estate Financing / Children's Ministry Administration

What I do: work with people buying homes/finances

Experience with children: Grown daughter; very active with daughter's school; past president of Parent Council of 200 volunteers

How I stay close to Jesus: prayer, small group, serving God, bible study

Involvement with church ministries:  Children's Ministry, VBS, usher, Mission Java, financing with church/pastors

Extra curricular activities: gym...hiking...golf...tennis...skiing

Family life: Close-knit family; grown daughter

School/work life: maintain balance with work and social life

Random facts about me:

Love to sing.  

Play guitar (not very good). 

I like to cook. 

Love to pray and share my heart for God.  

Been told I am very competitive. 

I was a tomboy when I was growing up.

LARRY DAHM

Occupation:  Self-employed tour guide (at the moment!)

Experience with children:  Been a children's church teacher for 20+ years.  Also, an English reading tutor for the SF public schools.

How I stay close to Jesus:  Read the bible every morning, BSF Tuesdays, worship in fellowship Sundays and Thursdays ...and often in private.

Involvement with church ministries: Small group leadership

Extra curricular activities; bicycling for recreation, fitness, and function, volunteer at SF Botanical garden, volunteer tour guide, traveling in California, Director of my residence condo association.

Family life: Single no children

Work life: self employed tour guide after 28 years of Marketing work with AT&T.

Random facts about me: 

Climbed the tallest peak in Missouri

I'm color blind

In the past, I lived on a farm and tended chickens, pigs, and cows, 

was 33 years old when I invited Jesus into my life!

Bicycled across the country of Holland!

PHIL DAY

age: 31

Occupation: Facility maintenance

What I do: Building remodels, facility repairs, wood working etc.

Experience with children:

-Several summer camps. 

-Summer program for inner city kids 

-5 nieces and nephews

-Vacation bible school 

-Taught Sunday school class

How I stay close to Jesus: 

-Daily devotional and bible reading.

-Reading christian literature

-Playing and listening to worship music

-Staying closely grounded to Christian community

-Daily prayer

Involvement with church ministries: Present - Small group leader, stage crew, camera team, construction ministry; Past - teaching, preaching, leading worship, camp counselor, etc.

Extra curricular activities: Read, play guitar, hike

Family life: Two brothers and my parents (still married).  I grew up between the East Bay and Texas

Random facts about me: I play guitar, I like to build things, I enjoy snowboarding, I’ve spent a week in Alaska

ALYSSA DELGADO (no photo available)

Age: 18

Occupation: Student, Babysitter

What I do: I cycle and play my guitar.  I also enjoy hanging out with my friends.

Experience with children: At Jubilee, I worked in the Sonshine Department with elementary kids with disabilities for about 4 years.  At DYC, I volunteer approximately 1 year in the after-school program for intercity kids. I was in charge of 10 kids ages 3-6 teaching bible lessons.

How to stay close to Jesus: Through prayer, reading and studying the Word

Involvement with church ministries:  See “experience with kids”

Extra Curricular Activities: play guitar, cycling, rowing

Family life:  I have 3 siblings, 2 step-sisters

School/work life: I plan on attending community college than Air Force

Random facts about me: 

I play the guitar and drums.

I enjoy high school varsity basketball teams.

I plan on being a doctor in the Air Force.

I also love working on bikes, fixing them up.

I am the oldest of 4 kids.

I love music--all types.

I’m very adventurous and love trying new things.

I was voted “Most Daring” at my high school.

JESSE DIAZ

Age: 36

Occupation: Carpenter

What I do: For the past 9 years I've been blessed to do one of the things I enjoy most..build! I work for a small construction company that specializes in remodels and additions in San Mateo. After work I enjoy going for a jog, reading cookbooks and then off to the kitchen to try a new recipe. 

Experience with children: At my previous church I was a Sunday School teacher. For the last two years, I've volunteered as a cook at the oldest orphanage on the west coast, Edgewood Center for Children and Families. Once a month, it has been my great joy to cook breakfast and build healthy relationships with the neglected and physically/mentally abused in my community. 

How I stay close to Jesus: Each morning I begin my day with prayer and the reading of scripture. Through this time of devotion and intimacy with our Risen Savior I'm refreshed with the Master's love and reminded of the importance to share His love with others.  

Involvement with Church Ministries: At my previous church I was blessed to serve as a Deacon, Board Member and Facilities Officer. At my current church Cornerstone, I was blessed to be a part of their Construction Ministry who's primary goal was to help the needy in the community with projects that they could normally not afford.

Extra Curricular Activities: I enjoy going for walks with my wife Karen, jogging, reading, designing/building and cooking.

Family life: I recently got married two years ago. I've been blessed with a wonderful wife that has a heart for Christ and others, especially for children. 

Random facts about me: 

I can make an awesome Strawberry Smoothie and Nutella Crepe.

I also enjoy Arts and Crafts. 

My favorite Wii game is Just Dance.

After the church service is over I always say to the person sitting next to me  "Enjoy the rest of your day."

I like to ponder some of life's greatest questions, such as if a clown went into the forest to pick mushrooms..would that make him a fun guy?

KAREN DIAZ

Age: 28

Occupation: Accounts receivable manager
What I do: I work with numbers, people, and piles and piles of paper. :)

Experience with children: About 9 years ago, I was as a Tutor for 4th and 5th graders at the Asian Women’s Resources Center (AWRC) in San Francisco for about two years.  AWRC provided an afterschool program to help elementary school kids with their homework.  It was such a fulfilling and satisfying experience that I always had a longing to work with kids again.  It was at Cornerstone Church that God had blessed me with the opportunity to serve in the Children’s Ministry and have since been serving for almost 4 years.

How to stay close to Jesus: I love to read the bible because it’s packed with an abundance of truth and wisdom. Whenever I get into a tough situation or if I’m happy about something, I bring God into it. I also have fellowship with a small group during the week.

Involvement with church ministries:  Currently a teacher for the Praise Kids in Sunday school

Extra Curricular Activities: I really enjoy playing tennis, walking, hiking, snorkling, camping, traveling, baking things…

Family life:  I’m blessed to be married to a wonderful husband who shares the same faith and loves to cook good food. I love to hang out and spend quality time with my family and friends. 

School/work life: I graduated from SFSU in 2005 and am currently working at DPI in SF.

Random facts about me: 

I smile a lot!  

I love strawberry ice cream and anything fruity and sweet! 

Passion fruit tapioca drink is my all time favorite drink. 

Another fact about me: The first time I realized I was afraid of heights was when I walked up the Eiffel Tower at age 6.

ROBERT FORNSHELL

Occupation:  IT Project Manager, Kaiser Permanente

What I do: Work with physicians and providers to research and implement IT solutions within the San Francisco Medical Center

Experience with children:  

Father of 11 yr old (Laura)

Cornerstone Children's teacher for the past 3 years

Kids camp leader two years

Coaching and encouraging kids at swim meets

How I stay close to Jesus:  Daily devotional time before work includes prayer, journaling, and studying the Word.  I also have Christian fellowship and accountability during the work week

Involvement with church ministries:  Previously served in Cornerstone parking ministry (First Impressions) and the lighting ministry under Pastor Skip Murphy

Extra curricular activities:  I spend one weekend a month supporting my daughter's competitive swimming where I officiate as a stroke and turn judge

Family life: We like camping and traveling to swim meets in northern California

Work life:  I enjoy supporting health care professionals and finding ways to improve the quality of care and efficiencies.  Kaiser is leading the country in health care IT, and I truly love my work.

Random facts about me: During my childhood, we shared some great times camping in Texas where I grew up, and I graduated from the University of Texas in Austin.

NICOLE-CORINE LENHART

age: Old. Just kidding, 27

Occupation: I’m currently a student getting a degree in Art Education.

What I do: Sit and think, I like to just sit and think. It’s always been a hobby of mine. And I like to read. I’m a printmaker. I took a class just to fulfill a studio requirement and I fell in love! I was constantly injuring myself either on the press or with the cutting tools and would come home covered in ink (all of my jeans have ink stains in the same exact spot, sometimes in different colors). But I loved every minute of it!

Experience with children: I used to be a teacher. I taught in Russia and then at a private school in South San Francisco. I’ve taught English, speech (really it was an ESL class), reading and then art.

How I stay close to Jesus: By taking time to sit and think. I think meditation is really important to our walk with Jesus. How can you know what He’s trying to tell you if you don’t take time to listen? I also use my art as a sort of meditation/worship.

Involvement with church ministries: Right now I lead the audio ministry. It’s fun, I work with a  printer that has a robotic arm. I was in the children’s ministry for a short time in high school. And then I was a part of the youth ministry for three years after I graduated from high school.

Family life: I grew up here in the Bay Area, San Bruno actually. I live with my grandparents who are super cool. My grandmother says she’s 19, and I kind’a believe her. My brother, Stefan, is in the army and lives in North Carolina with my sister-in-law, Brandy. They have two cats and two dogs. Their Siamese, Tiger, is my favorite, his eyes are so blue! I have a cat too, her name is Suzy-Q and she is very chatty. She’s a crazy, exuberant tabby who thinks she rules the world (she probably does).

School/work life: Good! Crazy busy, and I don’t usually get nearly enough sleep during the semester. But I’m happy and I usually like most of my classes.

Random facts about me: When I was kid I used to change the channel with my toes. Usually when the remote was missing. I sat close enough to reach the cable box with my feet (I have really long legs) and had the buttons all memorized. I’m pretty weird, and I’m okay with that. I think weird people are some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet.

PASTORS RICK & DEBBI MILLIKEN

Occupation: Pastor the best kids in the world

What we do: a lot!!

Experience with children: 35 years +

How I stay close to Jesus: stay in His Presence with worship

Involvement with church ministries: forever pastors

Extra curricular activities: PR fishing, traveling, missions. PD photography, travel, missions

Family life: 2 kids, 7 grandchildren

School/work life: Ministry is hard, rewarding work, loving Jesus is fun

Random facts about me: We have been married 35 years, and have lived in Oklahoma, Tennessee. Florida and California and have ministered in 5 countries.  (See their complete profile HERE.)

SUSAN MARIE SAWCZUK (SUSIE)

age: 38

Occupation: Elementary school teacher

What I do: at work teach outside of teaching, I travel, read, watch movies, like to play volleyball,

Experience with children: I have taught elementary school for 13 years. *I was a director of Children’s Church at my former church for 7 years and organized 3 Junior High camps. Taught Sunday School / Children’s church in various places for 8 years. Mentored High School girls for 4 years at church.

How I stay close to Jesus: Read the Bible, have devotional time, pray, fellowship with a small group/ Bible study and personal worship time

Involvement with church ministries:  *past involvement see above . Currently, I have been teaching in Children’s Church for about 2 -1/2 years during the school year at the  9:00am and 10:30am services. I am a part of a small Bible study from Cornerstone.

Extra curricular activities: Travel, reading, watching movies, 

Family life: I grew up in a Christian home my parents were married for 35 years before my mom passed away from cancer. I grew up in Millbrae and am currently living with my dad. I teach at the school I grew up in. I had a great upbringing and a happy Godly home.

School/work life: Work life is great. I enjoy teaching. My first priority is the students to succeed in whatever they do.  The staff at my school is close and we enjoy time together outside of school camping, dinners, movie outings etc. 

Random facts about me: I have been to over 40 countries. I lived in China for a year teaching English. I am fluent in Spanish and can speak some Russian. I have eaten a fried tarantula (Cambodia) and a fried grub (worm in Congo). I rode camels in Morocco and Dubai, UAE.  On a missions trip to Peru, while camping in the Andes Mountains my camp ground was surrounded my rebels but nothing happened to us because they did not know we were there. I have been skydiving. My favorite fruit is a mangosteen. I can fit 21 grapes in my mouth.