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.

Where are you from?

Redondo Beach, California

What did you study in college?

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.