Leadership

A native Southern Californian, Pastor Erin graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Criminal Justice and Religious Studies. She then earned an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. After working for the Orange County Probation Department, she received God’s call to ministry.
Throughout her years in ministry, Pastor Erin has enjoyed working with children, youth, families and young adults in Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Long Beach, and as an Associate Pastor in Palmdale.
Pastor Erin was appointed to Malibu UMC in 2020 and is passionate about the arts, and all the creative ways we can explore and express our faith. She has an almost 4-year-old, Brianna, a 19-month-old, Kayden, and 12-year-old dog named Molly, who are the joys of her life, and who also keep her on her toes. Pastor Erin enjoys all things Disney, coffee, games and shared times with family and friends.

Born and raised in Southern California, early-on Tabitha fell in love with books, sports, movies, nature, and volunteering with youth. After attending UCLA, she went on to own and operate a youth summer backpacking, mountaineering and winter ski camp in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her passion for working with youth then led her to become an administrator and later board member of Free Arts For Abused Children.
A resident of Malibu for many years and now living in Ventura Co., Tabitha has been Ministry Director for over 15 years, serving the children, youth and families of the congregation and greater Malibu community, as well as being a team member of MUMC’s Outreach projects and programs. Her athletic endeavors continue with tennis and skiing, and now and again, some surfing with her son!

After several exciting years performing with internationally-known artists around the world, I was fortunate to be able to settle down teaching music at Malibu High School and becoming Music Director at Malibu United Methodist Church.  Besides my beloved husband Roc, MUMC is truly the best family anyone could ask for.  And the best part of my church family is the loveliest choir ever!  Each Sunday we sing the gamut of styles from spirituals to traditional hymns to contemporary Christian music.  As much as we love each other, we always welcome new choir members with open arms.  Whether you have sung all your life or have never sung a note, I hope you'll come visit us soon.  
We'd love to have you here!

Kirsten has been working in the field of Early Childhood for over 15 years. She started out managing a daycare center while in high school and there found her passion for working with children. She was a Lead Preschool Teacher for 8 years specializing in working with infants and special needs. She has extensive experience with English Language Learners, integrating special needs into the classroom, and believes very strongly in the process of learning through play.
“Every child is unique, and as so should be taught with individualized planning tailored to their interests. If a child is not interested in what we are teaching, how can we expect them to retain any of that information. Children can teach us as adults so much more than we ever thought possible. As educators we are here to aid in the development of our children, to help guide them as they are free to explore, let their creativity flow and learn through play.” Kirsten Bowman
Kirsten has an Associates Degree in Child Development from Moorpark College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Administration from CSUCI. Outside of working at MMNS, Kirsten enjoys running, hiking, camping, and spending time with her son, Paxton, and dog, Alfie.

Dominique has served as the executive assistant to the Pastor and the Nursery School Director, where she helps create a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for members, families, and visitors since 2015. She oversees daily operations, supports ministry leaders, and ensures that the days run smoothly.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, and always looks forward to traveling to Switzerland to visit her dad and her sister

Patricia Mendoza was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the United States with her husband more than 40 years ago. For over 25 years, she has been a dedicated part of Malibu Methodist Church and Nursery School, where she enjoys caring for children, supporting families, and serving her community.
Patricia is a loving mother of six and grandmother of eleven, with another grandchild on the way. Her own children and grandchildren have attended MMNS, making this community especially close to her heart.
Known for her caring and loving nature, Patricia enjoys spending her free time with family and shopping. Her favorite color is red because, to her, it represents love- somethign she brings to her family, coworkers, children, and community every day.

Juan Gurrola has been working for the church and the nursery school since 2022. He is married to Rosa, our nursery school employee, and they are the parents of 4 sons and 1 daughter.
He loves to repair and remodel houses. Gardening and landscaping here at the church has taught him a lot and he enjoys being a helping hand to anyone who needs help.
When he is not working, Juan loves to spend time with his big family and going fishing in Rosarito.