Leadership

Chip grew up at SOV, attended our school and was confirmed here. Later, he assisted in teaching Sunday school for 10 years. He continues to serve as a Stephen Minister and Leader and was part of the Call Committee. Chip is a graduate of UCLA with a degree in Political Science. He works at PRG Aviation Systems where he is the lead software developer. Chip coaches youth volleyball (during non-pandemic times) and actively engages in micro-finance. He loves to fish and kayak.

John Hagaman and his wife, Debbie, joined Shepherd of the Valley in 1992. Their children, JT and Amy were born shortly thereafter and were both baptized at SOV. John served on Council for two years as President and another two years as Vice-President in the early 2000s. John is excited to return to leadership at SOV. John is an Engineering Manager at SL Power Electronics. Debbie was a full-time substitute teacher until the pandemic hit. JT is an animator for Sony PlayStation and Amy is a Communications major at CSUN. In his spare time, John loves to hike, camp and attend USC Football games.

Ruth Ause is a Certified Public Accountant with experience in both Finance and System Implementations. She worked for Nestle USA for 19 years which included an opportunity to work in Switzerland for 2 years. After leaving Nestle, she has had the opportunity to consult at many companies including Starbucks in Seattle. She has been a member of SOV since age 2 when her parents moved from Minnesota. Ruth loves to travel and attend LA Kings games, concerts, and plays. She is hoping to do all those things again soon!

Jennifer and her family moved to Woodland Hills in late 2017. Shortly thereafter, they began to attend SOV and in 2019 joined as members. Currently both Jennifer and Bob participate in singing in service to SOV and their son Jackson (14) has been volunteering to help with the A/V support for in-person services and recording/editing the virtual services.

Jennifer has been blessed with two careers, one as a professional actor for the stage having performed in numerous US and European musical theater productions. For the last 12 years she has worked for Google in various roles and currently is a program manager focused on Digital and Computer science education for US-based educators and students. Her husband Bob received a Screenwriting Fellowship at the American Film Institute and currently works for Warner Brothers and Berlanti Productions. In their spare time, they love travel, cooking, music and board games as well as enjoying their terrier and Bernese Mountain dog fur babies.

Kjrste grew up in Redlands, California where she attended Faith Lutheran Church in Yucaipa. Except for an 8 year hiatus to live in New York City, she has lived in Southern California all her life. In 2005, Kjrste, along with her husband Rob settled in Winnetka and joined Shepherd of the Valley. They both joined the choir where they continue to sing. They have two children, Brendan (12) and Johanna (10). She enjoys music, crafty type hobbies like sewing, quilting, and knitting, and Hockey (Go Kings!).

Dave has been a member at SOV since 1986, and has served on church council in various positions, returning this year to the Trustee Chair position. He was a two-time Scoutmaster, enjoys the outdoors, and can find his way around a toolbox. Dave was a confirmation program Guide for six years. He and wife Sandi have four children and a grandchild who attended school at SOV. He frequently volunteered with Sandi at Camp El Camino Pines and is looking forward to on-site visits to camp and to our campus.

James has called Shepherd of the Valley home for over 54 years. He was confirmed at SOV, married at SOV and his 2 boys, Bobby and Luke, attended our school. In addition to being the head usher, James has served on the Church Council as Vice President, Treasurer, Stewardship, and currently serves on the Shepherd of the Valley Foundation as a board member, including several terms as Foundation President. For the last couple of years James has served as the school board president and previously as Treasurer. James is a Real Estate Broker in the greater LA area. He and his wife Susan (and their 2 boys) have been blessed to call SOV their home for all these years.

Murray has been an SOV church member for the past 16 years. He served as Church Council Secretary and full-time choir member. Happily married for almost 47 years. Spent 3 years at the University of Arizona majoring in Theatre Arts and Business. Spent 3 years in the Army National Guard. I came to Christ in 1976.

Studied acting privately with Mary Carver, David Craig and Milton Katselas. Studied piano/composition at the Southern California Conservatory of Music and UCLA. I spent 25 years as a working film/TV actor (when I had a full head of black hair) and 30 plus years as a film and TV music composer, song writer and recording artist (resume upon request). For the past 25 years, I have owned and operated a coffee product distribution company, serving coffee houses, schools and hotels. I have been truly blessed.

Kierstyn grew up in Simi Valley and has her AA in Child Development. Kierstyn has served as Coordinator for Children and Youth and as President for the Italian Catholic Federation (ICF). Kierstyn has been worshipping at SOV for a few years and officially joined last year. She is a newlywed, married to Robby Lambert who attended SOV elementary school. They live in Oxnard with their miniature dachshund, Cooper and their cat, Missy. Kierstyn loves crafting, crocheting, sewing and painting.

Laurie and her husband Gary have been long time members of SOV. Her husband as well as her four children attended Shepherd of the Valley School. She has served as Parish Life Chair, Altar Guild Committee, Communion Delivery for Shut-ins, and is a Stephen Minister. Laurie works at Viewpoint School and in her spare time enjoys hiking, reading, and hanging out with her family.

​

Gina Hagen is a Certified Public Accountant and a 25+ year veteran of the beauty industry specializing in strategic financial leadership and oversight to family owned companies. Gina was the CFO at OPI Products for 19 years until the company was sold. Gina then joined Milani cosmetics 5 years ago and helped sell the company to a private equity group. Gina currently serves as our Treasurer. Gina has been a member of SOV for over 20 years. She is married to Dave Hagen, a bankruptcy attorney who has a private practice in the San Fernando Valley. Her children, Kirsten and Michael previously attended SOV school.