Meet the Team

Rev. Jenn Graffius, D.Min

Rev. Jenn Graffius, D.Min

Executive Director, Center for Vocational Ministry

Rev. Jenn Graffius, D.Min., serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Vocational Ministry at Azusa Pacific University (APU), where she supports the development and success of students discerning their call into ministry. She oversees Vocāre, an innovative 5-Year B.A. to M.A. program in Pastoral Studies, and is deeply involved in ministry-focused mentoring for undergraduates and Vocāre seminarians. Jenn is committed to initiatives supporting women in ministry and serves as the chaplain to Azusa Pacific Seminary students. With a rich background in pastoral leadership across church and campus ministries, including denominational leadership and seminary chaplaincy, she brings a wealth of experience to her roles.

An ordained minister and an esteemed alum of APU (B.A. ’00), Jenn also contributes as an adjunct faculty member in the APU School of Theology’s Department of Practical Theology, where she teaches courses that align with her passion for mentoring and ministry. Holding a Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Duke University, her academic pursuits culminated in a dissertation titled “Transformational Mentoring for Ministry.” Recognized for her inspiring oratory, Jenn is a frequent guest preacher and sought-after speaker at retreats.

jgraffius@apu.edu

Rev. Freddy Rivas, M.Div.

Director of Mentoring and Formation, Center for Vocational Ministry

Rev. Freddy Rivas, M.Div., is the Director of Mentoring and Formation at Azusa Pacific University (APU), leading the Vocāre program and 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.

frivas@apu.edu

Rev. Freddy Rivas, M.Div.
Rev. Freddy Rivas, M.Div.

Rev. Freddy Rivas, M.Div.

Director of Mentoring and Formation
Rev. Freddy Rivas, M.Div., is the Director of Mentoring and Formation at Azusa Pacific University (APU), leading the Vocāre program and 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.

frivas@apu.edu

Pursuing God's Will Together: A Discernment Practice for Leadership Groups

Andrew Harootian, M.Div.

Assistant Director, Christian Workers Initiative

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.

aharootian@apu.edu

Lisa Keesler, M.Div.

Department Coordinator, School of Theology and Center for Vocational Ministry

Lisa Keesler, M.Div. is the Department Coordinator for Azusa Pacific University’s School of Theology and Center for Vocational Ministry.  After earning her B.A. in Biblical Studies and Master of Divinity as a first-generation, Vocāre student, Lisa joined CVM as a Pastor-Mentor and now works closely with all Center for Vocational Ministry programs. Lisa serves as a worship leader at her local church — alongside being a pastor, writer, and discipleship mentor. 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.

lkeesler@apu.edu

Lisa Keesler, M.Div.
Hannah “Gibs” Gibson, B.A.

Hannah Gibson, B.A.

Graduate Intern, Youth Leadership Initiative

Hannah Gibson, B.A., works under the supervision of Freddy Rivas for the Youth Leadership Initiative. Hannah has experience working with various church ministries and student leadership roles during her time as an undergraduate. These positions included Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President, Resident Advisor, and Action Team Leader. She is currently working as a pastoral intern at Living Hope church where she assists in the young adult ministry.

Hannah is also pursuing her Master of Divinity at Azusa Pacific Seminary. Her goals include supporting students in discovering their vocational call through building a deeper relationship with Christ.