STAFF & LEADERSHIP TEAM

W E  G E T  T O  S E R V E.

If you have any questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office at: office@yourcandlewoodchurch.com or 562.866.9078.

Glenn Garvin & Robin Garvin

Lead Pastors

Glenn is a "wild brain" thinker, who has trained and inspired hundreds of people to be their very best on behalf of the adults and children they served. Some people buy/sell houses, stocks, bonds, cars & coin. Glenn’s currency is hope and his transactions are daily kindness. He is a hope-broker.

Glenn has served, for over three decades, in Churches and in Non Profit, and now he is our new Lead Pastor here at Candlewood Church.

Glenn and his wife, Robin, have been married for thirty seven years and reside in Santa Ana, California. They have three adult, married children and three grandchildren. Glenn is an Ordained Minister of the Assemblies of God, a graduate of Vanguard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and a Master’s degree in Leadership.

His hobbies are people, stories, salsa, and tacos.

CJ Thomas

Associate Pastor & Worship Ministries

CJ has a passion for Music and Worshiping God. He has been involved with Worship Ministry for the past 15 years. He also enjoys writing and composing music, and loves getting to lead and equip future musicians and inspiring worship leaders.

At home he enjoys spending time with his Lovely wife, Brittany, and crazy dog, Beau.They both love going to the movie theatre, spending time with family and friends, and trying new places to eat.

Heather Atkins 

 Children's Ministries Pastor

Heather has a heart for the community of Lakewood and a passion for Children's Ministries. With over 27 years of Children & Youth Ministry experience and a Musical Theater &  Disney Theme Parks Entertainment background, she is excited to lead a Godly team of amazing teachers, coaches, and friends with hearts fully involved in Jesus at Candlewood Kids. At home she loves hanging out with her husband, Briton and their two beautiful kids, Averie & Phineas. Outside of her pursuit of Biblical knowledge and Kidmin fun, you can find her hanging in her Toy Story themed office,  which is also her favorite Pixar movie. You're welcome to visit anytime.

Kyle Vitwar 

Youth & Young Adult Pastor

Kyle has been a part of this youth ministries in many capacities, since 2012. He was a student at Candlewood Church until he graduated in 2016. He then stepped in as a youth leader and was the youth intern at the church for some time. He has served alongside several different leadership styles and has the opportunity to learn from them. Over the years serving, he has developed a heart for students and the struggles they encounter at school or in their daily lives.  He is currently teaching at Washington Elementary in Bellflower as a 4th grade teacher, and is married to his lovely wife, Brooke. 

Pamela Kennedy 

Custodial Ministry

Kathy Rodriguez 

Finances Manager