Holy Over Happy: Relationships as Paths to Sanctification

Kathleen Preddy is a wife and mom to three young kids (ages 7, 5, and 4) living just down the street from College Ave. She's been part of this church community her entire life, which means on any given Sunday she's surrounded by her parents, in-laws, siblings, childhood friends, college friends, mom friends, nephews and nieces, cousins-in-law—basically every relationship type you can imagine. Over the years, she's served in ministries from youth ministry leadership to family programs. She currently teaches the 3-year-old Sunday morning class, mentors young women, and co-leads a life group of families with young children. By day, Kathleen works remotely as a Director of Data Science, usually from her backyard table where she can keep an eye on her chickens and flower garden. Still in the midst of navigating marriage, parenting, and the beautiful complexity of doing life alongside everyone she loves, Kathleen teaches from experience that pursuing holiness in relationships doesn't mean settling for less joy—it means discovering more.

Discernment in Decision Making

Hi! We're Anelise & Ginelle - two very different personalities and sets of life experiences who both have a heart for community and spiritual development within the church. While Ginelle is Type A "plan it all out" recovering-perfectionist, Anelise is a Type B "take it as it comes" recovering-commitment-phobe. Through Anelise's transition from serving in camp ministry at Hume to interning with Life Groups at College Ave and deciding to make San Diego her long-term home to Ginelle's life moving around as a Navy wife and transition from accounting to Life Group ministry, we've each learned a lot about navigating decisions while leaning on the Lord and our Christian communities.

Biblical Motherhood

Kristy Mann is a devoted Christian wife, mother of four, and ministry leader based in San Diego. She has been married for 25 years and has spent over two decades faithfully serving in women’s and family ministries, including leading MOPS groups in both volunteer and church staff roles. Kristy brings a wealth of experience in education, having taught in public schools as well as homeschooling all four of her children. Her passion for nurturing young hearts is evident in her current role as KIDS Director for the La Mesa campus of College Avenue Church. In addition to her ministry work, she is also a business owner, balancing leadership, family, and faith with grace. Kristy is deeply committed to encouraging and equipping moms to grow in their walk with Christ and thrive in their calling.

All My Heart, All My Mind

Gwen Burke is married to Ben Burke and is mom to four grown-ups: Kathleen Preddy, Liz Sizemore, Caroline Burke, and Andrew Burke.  She has been attending College Ave for more than three decades. You are most apt to find her hanging out with her grandkids, preparing to teach for Women’s Bible Study, or watching sports. Her favorite places are outside and in the kitchen.

With All My Strength, Even When I Don't Have Any

Melissa Riley has been married to her husband Dan for 24 years and has three young adult daughters. Melissa has a MA in Theological Studies and currently works in University Advancement at Point Loma Nazarene University. Currently living in a season of transitions with two graduations coming up this summer, Melissa is leaning to God's character and faithfulness in new and familiar ways.

Loving God with Your Soul

Dee Sheveland has been serving college-age people here at College Ave and at Hope College in Holland, Michigan for over 10 years. She got her Bachelor's degree at SDSU, then two Master's degrees at Bethel Theological Seminary, in both Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked as a licensed therapist in San Diego for 25 years helping individuals, couples and families experience and express the love of God in intimate relationships. She is married to former College Ave pastor Jerry Sheveland and together they share two children and four grandchildren.