Calvary Team
Elders
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Daniel Hendrickson
Lead Pastor
Daniel grew up in the South Bay before moving to Santa Barbara as a teenager. It was in high school that Daniel became a follower of Jesus. After attending UCSB, he served as a pastor at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara for 10 years. Then God called him to step out in faith and move back to plant Calvary Chapel Palos Verdes. Daniel loves to communicate God’s word and to see the transformation it brings in people’s lives. Daniel is married to Leah, and they have three children.
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Rob Orr
Associate Pastor, Men, Discipleship
Rob came to faith in Jesus on Christmas Eve 1985. However, he did not experience the full joy of the Christian life until he was discipled in God’s Word. Ever since, Rob has pastored in Palos Verdes for almost 30 years and has a passion for discipleship and multicultural ministry. He is blessed to be married to Janet and to have three wonderful daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters, and one grandson. Rob loves to meet up with people and talk about Jesus.
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Benjamin Kim
Assistant Pastor, Worship
Ben was raised in a Christian family and gave his life to Jesus during high school. His passion for the Lord grew during his college years where he first experienced the joy of God’s love. He moved to California to start his medical training and eventually made the South Bay his home. He currently works as a surgeon in the community and loves LeBron and the Lord (the latter INFINITELY more). Ben is happily married and has two daughters.
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Steve Heffernan
Assistant Pastor, Hospitality
Steve said yes to Jesus’ call in high school while involved with Young Life, a Christian youth outreach ministry. This formative experience led to a desire to serve in a variety of ministry roles while also working in a career in finance. Eventually though, in the middle of his career, God called Steve to full time ministry with Young Life in the South Bay where he continues to faithfully serve. He is married to his high school sweetheart, the father of three children, and a grandpa of two girls with another grandchild on the way.
Directors
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Leah Hendrickson
Women, Calvary Kids
Leah grew up in Colombia as the daughter of a missionary family. That is where she learned to love and serve Jesus and his people. She moved back to California for college and then became a teacher in Santa Barbara at a bilingual charter school. Daniel and Leah married in 2012 and have three young children. They are excited to now live in the South Bay and to have planted Calvary Chapel Palos Verdes. Leah enjoys meeting new people and is quick to make them feel known and loved.
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John Esparza
Operations
John has been anchored in the South Bay his whole life. While working as a creative director in entertainment, Jesus remained his steadfast rock. In the Summer of 2022, God orchestrated a transition into full-time vocational ministry at Calvary where he now serves. John loves tropical things, has music playing most of the day, and enjoys breakfast food anytime. Johnny is thrilled to be married to Molly and is beyond excited to serve the Lord with her.
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Coordinators and Administration
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Janet Orr
Administration
Janet moved to Palos Verdes when she was five and has never wanted to live anywhere else. She graduated from UC Irvine and married her husband, Rob, in 1978. She worked for 11 years as a retail clothing buyer and traveled extensively. Janet gave her life to Christ at 31 and has served in ministry ever since. Janet is married and has three daughters, two sons-in law, and three grandchildren. Janet loves cooking and having long lunches with friends.
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Micah Gallardo
Worship, Facilities
Micah was born and raised in the South Bay. He accepted Jesus into his heart at a summer camp his sophomore year of high school. He spent two years at Discipleship Training School in Green Bay, Wisconsin and returned with a heart for student ministry and worship. He loves a great cup of coffee, connecting with people, and oversized hoodies.
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Matt Lilly
Tech, Calvary Middle
Matt met the Lord as a child, but fully made Jesus his cornerstone as a young adult. He blends his technical expertise with his passion for Christ to joyfully serve in the Tech Ministry. And his childlike heart and love for teaching serve him well in Calvary Middle where he guides youth towards a deeper relationship with Christ. Matt enjoys listening to and creating music that glorifies God. He also binge watches "The Chosen" with his fiancée, Lily, as they eagerly await their upcoming wedding.
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Molly Esparza
Calvary Kids
Molly grew up in the South Bay and became a Christian at age 11. She rededicated herself to the Lord after graduating from UC Santa Barbara. She had plans to pursue journalism, but the Lord brought her back to the South Bay instead. Molly has a wealth of experience working with kids and enjoys it immensely which led to an opportunity to serve at Calvary. Molly is passionate about storytelling and testimonies, loves outdoor adventures, and has a special place in her heart for speckled things and her husband, John.
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Samantha Reeves
Calvary High, Calvary Middle
Sam has known and loved Jesus for as long as she can remember, gaining her the nickname “Bible Baby” as a toddler. She grew up in Northern California and moved to SoCal to attend college at Pepperdine University where she met her now husband and fellow Calvary High leader, Ryan. She has a passion for connecting with teens and helping them experience God’s love. When she is not hanging out with youth, she works as an interior designer, bakes, and enjoys outdoor activities.
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Ryan Reeves
Calvary High
Ryan is Redondo Beach born and raised. He grew up in a loving Christian home and has always experienced a personal relationship with God. Ryan has a heart for pouring into youth, as he had Young Life leaders do the same for him when he was in high school. Outside of his role with Calvary High, he works full time as an investor and investment researcher. He loves spending time with his wife, Sam, as well as surfing and playing games with friends.
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Roberta Born
Women, Calvary Kids Admin Assistant
Roberta was born in the South Bay but grew up in Arizona. After high school, she studied Interior Design and Architecture. At age 26, she gave her heart and life to Jesus. Roberta has a passion for serving the Lord and is usually taking care of the babies on most Sundays. Roberta is happily married to her husband, Mark, and has a beautiful daughter, Lexi. In her spare time, she enjoys watching sunsets, cooking, reading, and keeping up with interior design.