MEET OUR TEAM
Jon & Kate Maurer
Lead Pastor
Jon was born and raised in Michigan, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Central Michigan University, before attending Bible school in West Florida. In 2001, Jon married his beautiful wife, Kate, and 20 years later, they have a full house with five awesome kids: Judah, Creed, Haven, Remedy, and Shepherd.
After planting a church in Minneapolis, the Maurers moved to California, where Jon graduated with a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and started a church in Pasadena. After about 3 years, God called them to the Vineyard Church of Baton Rouge, where they helped their local community rebuild after a storm devastated the area. Jon & Kate returned to Southern California in 2018, making FVC their home. They feel called to equip and train the church and to help each person to discover God’s calling on their life.
Fun fact: At home, you’ll find Jon reading his extensive collection of books, watching movies with his kids, or playing strategic board games with friends and family.
Michelle Brandt Samuelson
Church Administrator
Michelle was born in Southern California. She graduated from Vanguard University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with a minor in Religion. She has spent many years serving in the church and is now happy to partner with Foothill Vineyard Church through her gifts of administration. She married her husband, Isaac Brandt Samuelson, in 2021 and is excited to do ministry alongside him.
Fun fact: Michelle has never seen falling snow!
Jonathan & Jessie Lowell
Associate Pastors
Born in Seattle, Jonathan grew up as a child of a missionary family and spent most of his young life in Malaysia and India. He eventually met native Southern Californian, Jessie. After getting married in 2015 with Jonathan’s two older children, they have been blessed to raise two more loving and adorable children, Eliyanah and Zachariah. Jonathan has been a teacher for over 20 years and currently teaches middle school History. Jessie is a licensed clinical psychologist who teaches in a doctoral program at California Baptist University. They both have a heart for seeing the church body thrive and are happy to be on staff supporting in any way they can!
Fun fact: You will rarely find Jonathan and Jessie at home as they both love adventures, day trips, and traveling. Their 4 year old already has frequent flyer mileage!
Janée Ackermann
Children’s Ministry Director
Janée was born in San Diego, CA and grew up there and in Murrieta. She accepted Christ at a young age and has always known her gift for teaching children. She has been married to Robert for 19 years; they have three children: Connor, Loralei, and Annaliese. They live in San Dimas and love their city. Janée has been serving in children’s ministry since 2010, been trained in child development, learning and classroom management, and loves to make the Word of God come alive for kids. A fun, dynamic kid’s church is what she strives for while growing in connection with the children and their parents. Janée loves all people and loves a good conversation about God and His Word and His ways. She is excited to see how God grows her and her knowledge of Him through her work at FVC. Fun Fact: Janée has written poetry since she was 11 years old!
Mary Egan
Kids Ministry Assistant
Mary lives in Glendora with her three beautiful girls: Katie, Julie, and Carrie. While she worked professionally as a nurse for over 20 years, she has also worked in children's ministry for most of her life. She loves kids, making crafts, and watching our young ones learn and grow in their love for Jesus. She has a kind and generous spirit, bringing a smile to many of the people she meets.
Fun fact: Mary and her family took the opportunity to keep their previous home in the “church family” and sold the Maurers the gorgeous property that has held so many memories for both their families!
Isaac Brandt Samuelson
Worship Pastor
Isaac grew up in Iowa and has lived in Costa Rica and China over the years. He graduated from Vanguard University in May 2019, where he studied film and music. During college, he discovered the call God placed on his life, which led him to worship ministry, and eventually to FVC. Isaac has many passions, including interactive games, creative writing, recording/producing music, and writing movie scores.
Fun fact: Isaac taught himself how to ride a bike in an airplane hangar!
Vicki Adema
Pastoral Care Ministry
Vicki was born in Monterey Park, California. She attended Citrus College, studying Accounting and Psychology. Vicki is a Certified Life Coach and Pre-Marital Counselor, in addition to being certified in Inner Healing Prayer and Lay Counseling from Without Spot or Wrinkle Ministries International.
Vicki and her husband Dan have raised five children together, and she has been a member of Foothill Vineyard Church for over 20 years. She loves engaging people in their walk with Christ and empowering them to do prophetic Kingdom work.
Fun fact: In 2014, Vicki gained an “international daughter” named Tina, who came to live with their family as an international student from China!
Julia Marquez
Bookkeeper
Julia is from originally from the Southern California area. Organized and efficient, she enjoys working with numbers and supporting the church as our bookkeeper. She lives in La Verne with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Marissa. She loves using her spiritual gifts for others, serving and offering hospitality, wherever she goes.
Fun fact: Julia and her husband are always impeccably dressed, no matter the occasion!