SMT Members
Darren kempkes, Chair
Darren and his wife Barrie have been attending Calvary Church since the mid 1990’s and both continue to serve in many areas of ministry at Calvary. Darren remembers sleeping on campus overnight in a tent to get his first son, Taylor, into CCS. He spent the night in line on the Worship Center stage on a cold rainy night for their second son, Evan. “As public school educators at the time, it was imperative to Barrie and I that our sons receive a Christ-centered education. Still today, we cherish the relationships and time of fellowship that came to be through CCS with past teachers, students, and families.” Darren recently retired from full-time education as a physical education teacher and coach after 45 years, but still enjoys substitute teaching and mentoring new teachers. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their family and grandchildren. Darren loves communing with God in the outdoors fishing, hunting, snow skiing, and water skiing.
Nadine Larsh, Vice Chair
Nadine and her husband Rick have attended Calvary Church since 1997, and have 3 adult children.They were planning on putting their children through the public school system (since Nadine and her father and siblings were all educators), until their older son came home from Calvary Preschool sharing his bible verse of the day. That night they decided to enroll him at Calvary Christian School, the other 2 children followed suit. Nadine received her Bachelors in Physical Education from Cal State Fullerton and a Masters degree in Middle School Curriculum at Cal State San Bernardino. Nadine was a High School Physical Education Teacher in the Santa Ana Unified School District for 34 years. She retired from teaching in 2021. Being a part of the Public school system for so long, she has seen the vital need of a faith based education.
Lori Bauman, secretary
Lori has been a member of Calvary Church for over 30 years. She is a mom of 3 and is currently serving as a Mentor Mom in the Moms’ Ministry, Nurture. She worked at CCS for 9 years as an Instructional Aide and 4 years as the Yearbook Teacher. Her youngest attended CCS for K through 8th grade. She has a passion to see Calvary Christian School continue to succeed in training up the next generation of students to be strong academically and grow in their faith. She is excited to support and pray for the students as well as the amazing staff at CCS.
Rick Cavecche, elder representative
Rick received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior during his senior year in college at Long Beach State. He and his wife Carolyn began attending Calvary Church in 1987 when they were expecting their first child, and have been involved in several ministries, including adult fellowship classes, teaching Sunday School to 2 and 3-year-old children, and assisting in Junior and High School ministries. Currently, Rick and Carolyn help mentor engaged couples and provide pre-marital counseling at Calvary. Rick has been married to Carolyn since 1981, raising 3 children with her, helping them become amazing adults. All 3 of his children attended Calvary Christian School. Rick is now experiencing the pure delight and unconditional love of being a grandparent. Rick started working in the construction industry when he was 15 years old, and is an executive with a regional construction company.
MICHAEL WELLES, Designated Pastor
Michael has been on staff at Calvary Church for over 23 years and currently serves as the Executive Pastor leading the administrative team focused on the facility and finances of the church and schools. Michael grew up attending a Christian school, and his parents, sister, and wife Kelly have all taught in various Christian schools, so he is a strong advocate for Christian education. His eldest daughter attends Calvary Christian School and loves the teachers she’s had and the friends she has made. His youngest daughter loves being a part of the preschool with her friends and seeing her big sister walk by between classes. Michael and Kelly are so grateful for the investment of Calvary in both their daughters’ lives. Michael graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Biola University and an MBA from California State University of Fullerton. He also has his CPA license, teaches accounting classes at Biola, and serves on the boards of SIL International and Children’s Ministry Resources International.
Alison Dylewski
Bio coming soon
Andrea Lenington
Andrea (aka Andie) and her husband Tony have raised their two daughters at Calvary Christian School from preschool through 8th grade, and now have three granddaughters attending Calvary Christian School. Andie was a volleyball coach and served on the PTF board when her daughters attended Calvary and recently just finished coaching the DSL girls volleyball team with her daughter, Amber. Believing in the mission of Calvary Christian School and seeing first-hand through her children what a strong Christian education provides, Andie wants to help continue the mission of CCS for the next generation and serving on the SMT is one way to help. Andie also sings in the choir for Calvary Church and has attended with her family since 2006. Andie graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor’s degree and has been a self-employed Real Estate Appraiser since 1999.
Elena Maddern
Bio coming soon
Ruth Sawada
Ruth and her husband Johnny raised three kids at Calvary Christian School from preschool through 8th grade. Ruth served as a volunteer in almost all aspects of the school, including years of PTF leadership and a few as president. CCS played a critical role in the development of her kids, especially in their Christian faith journey, which she would like others to benefit from for generations to come. Ruth attended UCLA and received her doctorate in pharmacy degree from USC. Professionally, she was a key member of a start-up home infusion therapy company that became national. She was a branch manager, corporate director of pharmacy and VP of operations and professional affairs, before leaving to become a stay-at-home mom.
Jeff Stice
Bio coming soon
Greg Brown
Bio coming soon