Aaron Spaulding became part of the PLNU team in early July 2023. He recently retired from the Navy, as a Combat Medical Corpsman, after 22 years. He most recently was working as a Cadaveric Simulation Technician, at Balboa Naval Hospital in their Cadaver Lab, assisting nurses and surgeons with surgeries, procedures and research. Responsibilities for Spaulding include:
Mandy Trinh joined the PLNU PA Program in August 2023. After graduating SDSU's kinesiology program in 2021, she spent the last two years teaching 8th grade science and working as a chiropractic assistant/exercise specialist. As the PA program's didactic coordinator, she is blessed to combine her two interests of education and health. When she's out of office, Mandy enjoys being active whether it's surfing, dancing, or yoga.
Lauren Perrine Joined the Physician Assistant Program in August of 2022. She is a PLNU Alumni with a background in Applied Health Science and Personal Training. As the Assessment Coordinator, she works closely with the Clinical Faculty to place students in their rotations and assess the reports being produced throughout the clinical year. When she isn't at work she is busy traveling, exercising, or snowboarding!
Amber Courtney joined the PLNU staff team in 2011 and has held various administrative roles within the College of Health Sciences. Starting as a Department Assistant for Kinesiology, she then transitioned to the Balboa Regional Center Campus upon the inception in 2021 to assist in the growth of various programs and building needs. She recently transitioned to the role of the Physician Assistant Program Coordinator and is passionate about welcoming and encouraging students as they navigate their education.
Jennifer A. Guerra Aldana, originally from Guatemala, grew up in Southern California as the daughter of church planters. Jennifer received her B.A in Social Work at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) and worked with various populations in San Diego County. She has pastored in bilingual, intergenerational, and intercultural ministries and earned her Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. She has led research projects and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Fuller Youth Institute. She is the author of several pastoral toolkits, blogs, and academic publications.
Redondo Beach, California
I received a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in International Development from Point Loma Nazarene University. The combination of these two areas of study allowed me to engage in topics that I am deeply passionate about in addition to opening beautiful doors for me both locally and abroad.
Dr. Derek Taylor works for the Center for Pastoral Leadership at Point Loma Nazarene University where he spends most of his time supporting the work of pastors through training, coaching, and research. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. Derek is a keynote speaker, trainer, and certified coach (ICF ACC) and directs the Ministerial Coaching Initiative, a Lilly Endowment-funded program that helps pastors thrive.
