Staff Bios

Staff Bios

Pastor Mike Wallman (Interim Senior Pastor)

Pastor Mike was raised the oldest of 5 adopted children. His family lived primarily in Malibu, California. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1970. In 1968 while attending a high school summer retreat on Catalina Island Pastor Wallman received Christ as his Savior and Lord. 
Pastor Mike graduated from California State University Northridge in 1975 with a BA in Speech and Communication. He then attended Fuller Seminary in Pasadena and received his Master of Divinity degree in 1979. Pastor Mike obtained his Doctor of Ministry degree from Dubuque Theological Seminary graduating in 1990.
Following graduation from Fuller Seminary, Mike has served churches in Colorado, California, and Louisiana in a Pastoral role. He was then called to First Presbyterian Church of Santa Maria, California in 1991. He served that church for 14 years and was very active in the Presbytery of Santa Barbara over 17 years including his service as Moderator in 2007. 
Since 2005, Pastor Mike has served as Interim Pastor in 6 congregations in Southern California, including right here at Grace Pres. 

Pastor Mike is married to Joni Wallman who has served on church staff’s in North San Diego County for many years. Between them they have four adult children and five grandchildren.

Pastor Mike still loves to surf, ski, cycle, and play his guitar. “I gotta keep moving and staying in shape so I can serve the Lord with all my might!”

Christie Elliott (Director of Church Operations)

Christie is a native San Diegan, and although she moved north for college, then to Arizona, followed by Merced, CA, she is happy to be “home.” She received her B.A. in History/Political Science from Concordia University, Irvine and had plans to be a teacher. However, the Lord had different plans for her and she went back to school and earned her Masters in Business Administration while working in the University Services Department at Concordia, Irvine.  

Christie and her husband, Ben, have twin boys, Samuel and Jeremiah (12), and a daughter, Caralei (8). Christie has worked in the church since the twins were born, whether it was as the Nursery Director, in Children’s Ministry, with High School youth, and/or serving on various committees. The Lord led her to Grace Presbyterian Church over 4 years ago where her position has evolved into the Director of Church Operations. 

Christie enjoys spending time with her family, whether it’s camping, riding quads in the desert, watching and playing sports, or just hanging out at home. 

Veronica Campos (Secretary)

Veronica Campos was raised in North County San Diego but now lives in San Diego. She has a medical background, and is currently attending school part time perusing her certificate as a web developer. Veronica has extensive office knowledge and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She is dedicated to her work here at Grace and to her school.

Veronica loves to spoil her 4-year-old fur baby, Toby, and her 4-month-old new kitten. Veronica likes nature, adventure, and in her free time she enjoys hiking.  

Jayne Parker (Choir Director)

There is no better way to magnify the Lord than through song! That is Jayne Parker’s philosophy, and she has been singing God’s praises ever since she can remember, starting with the Sunday School classics. When she can join her voice with other believers to sing to the Lord, it’s even better, so directing the choir at Grace Church is a true blessing for her. Besides leading the choir, she also is a member of the Grace Notes Hand Bell Choir.

Jayne grew up in a musical family, sang in church, school, and community choirs all through her youth, and decided her greatest joy for a profession would be to make music with children. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Redlands. She has taught music in the public schools and led choirs, both secular and sacred, of all ages. Being able to lead the choir of her church family is one of her greatest musical joys.

Frances Hummel (Organist)

Frances is an "Iowa Girl,” who studied piano for 8 years, organ for 4 years, and voice for 2 years during her pre-teen and teen years; plus 2 years of AGO certification after moving to California in 1965. She played her first church service at age 16, as a summer substitute for hometown organists on vacation.  

Before coming to Grace in 1985, she served Camp Pendleton chapels, doing 4 church services every Sunday morning for most of 14 years, and each service had a different Chaplain. She has 3 adult children, 6 adult grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She gives all the honor and praise to God for the musical talent and the many opportunities He has given her to use it, for 32 years at Grace, and until the Lord returns! Soli Deo Gloria.

Pat Sexton (Hand Bell Choir Director)

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is.” (Psalm 100) Since Pat was a child she knew this was what she wanted to do with her life. Singing and playing musical instruments has always been the most effective and fulfilling way for her to express her love for the Lord! Currently she serves as the director of the Grace Notes Hand Bell Choir. She truly loves the expression of joy, love, and devotion that the bells bring to a worship service. Pat also serves as the assistant director for the Chancel Choir.
Pat received her B.A. from Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon. She also has a Master’s Degree in both music and multi-subject education. She taught in the public school system for many years. She has also directed bands and orchestras in churches as well as secular settings. She is thrilled with the opportunity to serve her Lord at Grace Presbyterian Church!

Maria Haigh (After School Program Director)

Maria Haigh is a native Californian. She has been married for 25 years to Dave and they have two great kids, Savannah (16) and Logan (19) and Bernie their cat. She has a BA in Religion/Youth ministries from Warner Pacific College and a MA in Counseling from Chapman University. Maria’s years working in the educational arena have afforded her to work both as a school and college counselor.  

Maria enjoys making people laugh and smile! She feels blessed to serve at Grace and work with the children, parents, and volunteers through the after school program – Creciendo Juntos.
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