Meet the Staff

Charlie was born and raised in Southern California, just a few miles from Azusa Pacific. He attended APU and earned a BS in Organizational Leadership and an MA in Leadership Studies. Charlie, known as CK by his team and most members of the APU community, has had various roles within Residence Life for more than 25 years and has a passion for setting the stage for Residence Life professionals to thrive in their work with students as they do “Life Together.” CK has extensive experience in residential housing, student development, program and event management, operational improvement, and leadership development. His vision for Residence Life is to lead and support his teams, encouraging them to come together by promoting a high-trust culture where people feel empowered and valued in their work on campus. Charlie, his wife, and their four children live in Azusa, just a stone’s throw from campus.

Josh was born and raised in the rainy Pacific Northwest. He then moved to Southern California and earned his Bachelor of Science in International Business with a minor in Computer Science at APU. After a year of working in corporate supply chain, Josh felt called to pivot and pursue an MS in Higher Education Leadership and Student Development at California Baptist University. Josh has since worked in Residence Life with the intent to develop an inclusive environment for every unique student to feel known, valued, and supported. Josh enjoys watching or playing sports, reading at a coffee shop, playing DND, or going to a movie at the local theater in his free time.

Brett was born and raised in the suburbs of Antelope in Northern California. He spent 18 years there until arriving at APU where he dedicated the next 4 years learning to become a Youth Pastor. After obtaining a BA in Youth and Family Ministries with a minor in Biblical Studies he was left with a desire to continue learning about the church and the Christian faith. Now pursuing a Master of Divinity, Brett continues supporting students through fellowship, and ministry, reinforcing that they are not alone in an effort to create community and belonging on and off campus. When not working or studying or serving in the church, Brett dives into his hobbies like video games, making progress on writing a book, spending time with friends, playing bass guitar, going to the ocean, scuba diving, and reading books.

Tyler is a dedicated student affairs professional passionate about building inclusive, values-driven communities in higher education. Born and raised in sunny Cypress, Orange County, California, Tyler began his journey in student affairs as a Resident Advisor at Chapman University, where he earned his B.A. in Integrated Educational Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. It was through this role that he discovered his love for Residence Life and the meaningful impact of helping students grow academically, socially, and in their identity.

Tyler expanded his experience at Pierce College as a Business Operations and Leadership Intern, where he supported international students navigating the cultural challenges of studying and living in the United States. Most recently, he earned his MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs from San Diego State University, while also working full-time as an Assistant Coordinator for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity supporting residential communities and student organizations across campus. Guided by care, cultural humility, and his Christian faith, Tyler’s work focuses on cultivating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. He brings a heart for service, a commitment to equity, and a deep belief in the power of community to everything he does. Outside of work, you can find Tyler at the beach, playing or watching sports, hanging with his dog, or spending time with his family.

Originally from L.A. County, Onika is a true SoCal girl at heart. She holds a BA in Business Management and an MA in Pastoral Studies from Azusa Pacific, and is passionate about serving and supporting college students as they navigate this transformative season of life, creating a community where they feel known, encouraged, and empowered to grow personally, spiritually, and academically. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, watching Asian dramas, and learning how to sew. She also loves ducks and can never say no to a good boba run.

Mark grew up in Southern California, then studied psychology and participated in musical theater at APU. He spent 12 years working and serving at a local church before returning to APU in this role, where he can exercise his passion for supporting the Residence Life team in fostering an atmosphere that promotes spiritual and academic growth among students. He enjoys reading, playing video games, spending time with friends, and serving at his church.

Makenna was born and raised in Mission Viejo, California. She graduated with a BM in Music Education in 2025 from Azusa Pacific University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music. During her undergraduate career, Makenna served as a Resident Advisor in Adams Hall and the Shire Mods, worked as a music tutor in the Writing and Tutoring Center, and was part of the Music Operations team in the School of Music. She also participated in multiple Global Engagement trips through the Office of Service and Discipleship and is passionate about fostering Christ-centered relationships across cultures. As a Community Intern for Team Coordination, she is committed to encouraging others and walking alongside them to build a loving and vibrant community on campus. Outside of school, Makenna enjoys chatting over coffee, playing guitar, going on walks, attending musicals, binge-watching Harry Potter, and teaching music to kiddos.

Alethea was born in Canada but raised in Olathe, Kansas. After moving to California to earn a BA in Psychology from Biola University, Alethea is pursuing an MA in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy at APU. During her undergraduate years and continuing through to the present, Alethea has worked as a box office associate at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. She is also working at a practicum site, seeing clients as a trainee therapist and developing the skills necessary to sit with people through their pain and suffering and show the love of Christ through her actions. She is excited about the opportunity to continue growing her skill set as part of an amazing team that challenges, shapes, and develops APU residential students. In her free time, Alethea enjoys reading, playing her ukulele, hiking, traveling, attending musicals, doing crafts, and attempting to teach herself the piano.

Nina has lived up and down the coast of California, spending most of her time in the San Luis Obispo area. She graduated from Azusa Pacific with a BA in psychology and minors in Honors humanities and education. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Nina was a residential advisor in Engstrom Hall, Adams Hall, and the Shire Mods, and also taught students of special populations, volunteered in children’s ministries, and led local beach cleanups. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Education with an integrated multiple subject teaching credential at APU, and is committed to empowering students’ voices, curiosity, and creativity.

Ethan was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and lived there until his freshman year of high school, when he moved to Spain with his family. There, he went to an international school while his parents served the local community as missionaries. After high school, he came to APU, where he was an RA in Trinity Hall and the Shire mods, and graduated with a BA in Christian Ministries and Biblical Studies. He is now pursuing an MA in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy at APU, with the goal of going into member care and counseling for missionaries. As a community intern for RA Experience and Recruitment, Ethan hopes to bring the intentionality of Christ into each interaction, so that students and RAs who attend will find life-giving community and a space where they can be the most authentic versions of themselves. In his free time, Ethan enjoys going to the gym, photography, and learning new skills. If anyone has a passion to teach obscure skills, Ethan would love to learn all about it!

Dulce is the oldest of three siblings and was born in Southern California, but was raised in Mexico for most of her childhood. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology at UCLA, and is now working on a Master of Social Work at APU. Dulce has too much energy to share and enjoys conversations about anything. She has 3 dogs who are the loves of her life, and is a big Taylor Swift fan. She is excited to work with RezLife and provide a nurturing, safe environment for residents and RAs alike.