Staff

Pastoral Intern Amanda Pulos

Pastoral Intern Amanda Pulos has had a long journey into ministry. She first felt called to be a pastor in high school, but chose to respond to that call in many different ways before beginning her seminary journey. Amanda was born and raised in Orange County, California, where she owned and operated three small businesses and served as Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Fountain Valley.

She served Emanuel as Assistant Minister to Pastor Dennis Laherty for ten months prior to his retirement. Now, as she serves Emanuel as Pastoral Intern, Amanda’s heart is filled with excitement to see where the Holy Spirit will lead both her and the congregation. She has a deep passion for lifting up people from all walks of life and all ages, and she believes that every human being is created in the image of God.

Amanda would love to get a cup of coffee or tea and spend time getting to know you—please feel free to reach out and chat anytime.

Jonine Sodders
Preschool Director

Jonine Sodders has served as our Preschool Director since 2000. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Cal State Fullerton, and an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Cerritos College. Working with children in many capacities, she has found her love in the preschool environment.

Jonine is married, with two energetic boys. While not at our preschool, she can be found at the local inline hockey rink cheering for her sons.

Stephanie Young
Director of Choirs

Stephanie joined the music staff at Emanuel in August 2006 and serves as the Director of Choirs. Stephanie received her Master of Music degree at Cal State Fullerton in May 2007. Stephanie studied voice as an undergraduate at the University of Oregon as well as a graduate student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In addition to being a full-time student and serving Emanuel with her talents, Stephanie also offers private voice lessons to students in Irvine, CA. She performs in a couple of operas each year at Cal State. Stephanie is a member of Music Teacher’s Association of California as well as Mu Phi Epsilon.

Kevin Wiley
Organist/Accompanist

Kevin Wiley has served as the Organist/Accompanist at Emanuel since June 2006. He has served liturgical congregations over the past 20 years. Kevin earned a Master’s Degree in Music from Cal State Fullerton in 1989 with an emphasis in Keyboard and Vocal Performance. Since 1989 he has been a member of the staff at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA where he serves as Full-time Staff Accompanist and Music Librarian. In recent years Kevin has performed with the chorus of Opera Pacific in Costa Mesa as well as the Pacific Chorale. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists and the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity.