Meet the Staff
Charlie was born and raised in beautiful central New Jersey. After graduating from Houghton College (lots of cows, snow, and elbow room), he spent several years in New England working in residence life. In the summer of 1994, he arrived at APU in pursuit of an MA. in Leadership Studies. After several years as a residence director, Charlie stepped into his current role as the executive director of residence life, a role that allows him to do daily what he loves most—build supportive relationships with students. He sees Residence Life’s primary mission as actively supporting students as they explore who God has made them to be and how He wants them to use their gifts and talents to contribute to APU and the community beyond. When Charlie is not trying to guide and support students, he can be found pursuing his other interests: egg salad sandwiches, rustic cabins, and hanging out with his French bulldog, Lucy.
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 has had various roles with the campus housing program for over 20 years and has a passion for doing the behind-the-scenes work that sets the stage for other student affairs professionals to thrive in their work with students. Away from work, Charlie is passionate about discipleship and the local church and has faithfully served at his local church for more than a decade. Charlie and his wife live in Azusa and enjoy all the unique joys and challenges that come with raising four kids.
Bree was born and raised in gorgeous Southern California. She graduated with her BA in Youth and Family Ministries in Spring of 2022 and her Master of Divinity in May 2024. Bree has loved APU and found the community of staff and students here to be life-giving. Bree continues to grow in her passions for emerging adulthood’s formative years, intercultural relations, mentorship of student leaders, and watching God work in the lives of all who call APU home. She enjoyed her work as a graduate assistant in the Office of Residence Life so deeply that she decided to continue in this office full-time and could not be more excited! Encouraging and enthusiastic, Bree is most enthused to curate and steward spaces for community and connection while establishing meaningful relationships. Some of Bree’s pursuits outside the office include enjoying raw fish, spending time in the sun, watching Survivor or Big Brother, going on runs, playing board games with her friends, and dancing in the kitchen with her husband, Josh! Come by her office anytime and stay awhile!
Benjamin James Case hails from Chicago and has lived around the world. He is a creator, athlete/coach, and held leadership positions in various organizations. Ben received theological honors from Belfast Bible College in The United Kingdom, a Bachelor of Arts from The Moody Bible Institute in Biblical/Theological Studies, and a Master of Arts from The University of Portland in Higher Education & Student Affairs. Ben is passionate about spiritual formation, making disciples of Jesus, and learning to tap into our God-given creative ability to create in a world of consumerism. This is his first year working at APU as the Residence Director of the Shire Mods and Engstrom Hall. Ben wants all students to know that they are deeply cared for and loved, and he welcomes any conversation, question, doubt, or dialogue as it pertains to belief and living a lifestyle of following Jesus.
Marisa is from the suburbs of Hacienda Heights in LA County. She earned her BS in Allied Health and a Chemistry Minor at APU in 2024 and is currently pursuing an ELM in Nursing. Marisa is passionate about making a positive impact in healthcare by providing compassionate care and supporting patients' journeys to recovery. She believes that nursing is not just about patient care but also about leadership and advocacy, aiming to inspire and guide others in the healthcare field. Marisa aims to bring this passion to Residence Life as she helps to steward the the story of Residence Life through social media, graphic design, and much more. This is her first year with Residence Life, and she is excited to work alongside the team to enhance the student experience. For fun, Marisa enjoys playing volleyball, lifting weights, playing video games, spending time with friends, baking, and going to the library.