Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Mel Svendsen

Lead Pastor

  • I serve  as the Lead Pastor of Riverview Church.
  • I completed my Master’s of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) as well as substantial work toward my Doctorate at the same school. 
  • I love telling people about Jesus Christ and teaching God’s Word, and love spending time with my family.
  • My wife Barbara and I met and were married in Germany and have six children: Joelle, Brieanna, Mandy, Caden, Brady and Capri.
Contact

Ben Mechler

Pastor of Counseling / Families Pastor

  • I am the Pastor of Counseling, and Pastor of Family Ministry here at Riverview.
  • I am one of the Teaching Pastors for Night4All.
  • I have my  Master’s degree in Bible Exposition from Talbot school of Theology. 
  • I am a certified biblical counselor. 
  • My hobbies include gardening, reading, and hiking/camping, cooking and spending time with my family. 
  • I am blessed to be married to my lovely wife Amy, and privileged to be the father of my son Levi, and my daughter, Lyla.
Contact

Hopena Kahakui

Pastor of High School & Young Adults

  • I am the Pastor of Young Adults and High School students.
  • I have worked in Youth Ministries for the past 15 years.
  • I am blessed with a lovely bride, Marlo, and our newborn son Weylan.
Contact

Adam Duroy

Pastor of Home Groups,  Biblical Instruction, & Singles Ministries

  • I run our Home Group Ministry, teach Adult Bible Studies and classes, and oversee our Singles ministry.
  • I also run our Prayer and Anointing Ministry. Please contact me, if you are in need of prayer and anointing from our church leaders.
  • I have a Master’s of Divinity degree from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA). I am currently a Doctoral student in Liberty’s PhD in Bible Exposition program.
Contact

 Caden Svendsen

Junior High Pastor

  • I serve as the  Junior High Pastor here at Riverview
  • I graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor's in Bible, Theology and Ministry with a concentration in Biblical Languages. 
  • I am currently studying at Talbot Seminary in pursuit of my Masters of Biblical Exposition. 
  • My hobbies include surfing, playing basketball and pickle-ball.
Contact

Janae Kramer

Children's Ministry Director

  • I am the Children's Ministry Director here at Riverview.
  • My favorite thing to do is camping with my family.
  • My husband Kenny and I have three children, Wyatt, Zaya, and Cannon.
Contact

Scott Harrah

Worship Leader

  • I am the Worship Pastor coordinating with volunteers for Sunday worship and other events.
  • My hobbies besides music, are cooking, and baking bread.
  • My wife's name is Claudia.
Contact

Steph Dynes

Director of Operations

  • I am the Director of Operations. 
  • My hobbies are traveling, and working out.
  • My husband Sean and I have a rescue dog named Canelo.
Contact

Lindsey Bartolucci

 Administrative Coordinator

  • I am the Administrative Coordinator and have a passion for serving others.
  • Some of my favorite hobbies are crafting, doing hair, and spending time with family.
  • My husband, Paul and I have a daughter, Liliana and Marco.
Contact

Isabella Rodriguez

Administrative & Connections Assistant 

  • I provide administrative support to pastors and staff, ministry leaders, and church members by maintaining the church's website and social media presence, managing gift processing and other financial tasks, as well as handling prayer requests and distributing connection cards and emails.
  • I graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a bachelor of arts in psychological science degree.
  • I'm passionate about animals and traveling. I've had the privilege of visiting 30+ countries.
  • My husband and I have one dog, Benji.
Contact

Jeanette Kranz

 Connections Coordinator

  • I am the Connections Coordinator, connecting our congregation through prayer support, celebrations of life, and ministry connections. I also work the Sunday morning info booth on the patio, and share Christ's love and hugs.
  • My hobbies are playing the piano for fun.
  • I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Greg since July 1974, and we raised a son and three daughters. We have two fidos an eclectus parrot, and finches.
Contact

Dave Albertson

Facilities Manager

  • My hobbies are woodworking, stamp & coin collecting,  and antiquing.
  • I am married and have five kids and twelve grandkids.
Contact

Sean Cox

Facilities Administrator and Security

  • I provide administrative services to our church and staff through building management, ministry and live event scheduling, and security.
  • My beautiful wife Shannon and I have two dogs: Tiger Woof and Noel Sophia.
  • Shannon and I are professional photographers and have worked around the world.
Contact

Shaun Travers

AV Media Technician 

  • I have the privilege of managing all audio/visual operations and leading the AVL Production Team, ensuring the seamless execution of ministry events and worship services. 
  • I have accumulated eight years of experience in production, working with churches and local theaters.
  • I'm a graduate of San Marcos High School and a passionate musician.
Contact

Sawyer Knox

Musical Director / Worship Tracks

  • I serve as the musical director at Riverview Church.
  • My hobbies include making music and walking my dogs.
  • My wife and I have two pups named Millie and Frida.
Contact