Rev. Freddy Rivas, M.Div., is the Director of the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service at Azusa Pacific University (APU), leading the Youth Leadership Initiative. With over 20 years in church youth ministry and pastoral roles, he mentors students pursuing vocational ministry and oversees internships for emerging leaders. Freddy is an ordained pastor with the Evangelical Friends Church Southwest and the lead pastor of Living Hope Church in Temple City, CA. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Besides his leadership roles, Freddy is an adjunct faculty member at APU’s School of Theology. He enjoys roads trips with his wife and four children.

Andrew Harootian, M.Div., is the Assistant Director for the Christian Workers Initiative. Andrew had the honor of pastoring in three different local churches in various capacities over the span of a dozen years before joining the CVM team. He is an APU alum where he got both his Bachelors in Youth Ministry (’13) and his Masters of Divinity (’18). Andrew has a heart for both care and empowerment that is inspired by God’s love. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Elyssa, and his two sons, Henri and Asher, as well as reading, hiking, TV shows, and all things superheroes.

Lisa Keesler, M.Div., is the Operations Manager for the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service at Azusa Pacific University. After earning her B.A. in Biblical Studies and Master of Divinity as a first-generation college student, Lisa joined CVM and now oversees the operations for all Center for Vocational Ministry programs. She hopes to embody “loving thy neighbor” in every area of life and is passionate about the church being the hands and feet of Jesus. Lisa serves as a worship leader, pastor, writer, and discipleship mentor at her local church; alongside being an avid Lord of the Rings watcher and puzzle-solver at home.

Annelyse Thomas, M.Div., was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. After completing her Bachelors in Philosophy and Government & International Relations, she moved to the U.S. to pursue a Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. Annelyse has over 12 years of experience in church ministry and mentorship. She is passionate about helping individuals discover who they are, whose they are, and where they belong. She loves to spend time with her husband, Ryan, and her son, Levi, baking sweet treats, and sitting down with a good book and a cozy coffee.