GraceSLO: MSM Staff

Josh Ernstrom MSM Director Since 2012	Josh was born and raised in San Luis Obispo. He first attended Grace Church at 10...days old. Growing up with his mom as the church organist and father as an elder, Josh was practically raised here at GraceSLO. He became a Christian at age 5, then truly grew in his relationship with Jesus Christ while attending the Youth Group at Grace Church. Josh graduated from Biola University with a major in Communications (Film and TV emphasis) and a minor in Biblical Studies. Josh has a passion for Middle School students and has been volunteering and working with this age group at Grace Church since 1995 (longer than the current middle school students have been alive). He is married to Ashley Ernstrom, a San Luis Obispo local, who also works with the Middle School Ministry. They are expecting their first child in October.
Ashley Ernstrom Since 2009	Bio coming soon!
Natalie Payne 7^th Grade Gals Since 2011	Natalie has been attending GraceSLO since she started working towards her degree in Liberal Studies at Cal Poly in 2007. She completed her degree and received her Teaching Credential in 2011 and is currently a substitute teacher for SLO County schools. Natalie was a Missionary Kid and grew up in Quito, Ecuador. She loves being outside (hiking, playing sports, etc.), reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends. Natalie decided to join GSM staff because she recognized how blessed she was to be poured into in her middle and high school years and was challenged to invest in the youth at GraceSLO. She is so excited to see how God uses her in the youth group and already feels blessed to be a part of it.
Megan Boragine 8th Grade Gals Since 2005	Megan is a Cal Poly grad - it was in her freshman year at Cal Poly that she came to know Jesus. Megan is also a Cuesta grad and works as an RN at a local hospital. She is the proud mom of an awesome son, Eli, who is a sophomore at Moody Bible Institute. It was when Eli as a 7th grader that Megan started working with the junior highers and has never left! Megan loves seeing God at work in the lives of junior highers, seeing the 'aha!' moments, and seeing the love of Jesus grow and mature them throughout junior high and into their high school years.
Ariel Kasperovich 8th Grade Gals Since 2011	Ariel was born in Salinas and moved to San Luis in 6th grade where she began attending GraceSLO. The youth group had been such a huge blessing to her in her middle and high school days that she felt she needed to help in anyway she could. She is a third year Art student at Cuesta College and will be transferring to university in the fall to study Animation/Illustration. Her dream job would be to work for Disney. She loves spending time outdoors hiking, swimming, ultimate frisbeeing, and camping. She also likes spending time indoors watching movies, drawing, painting, paper cutting, sewing, and daydreaming.

Cameron Smith 8th Grade Guys Since 2008	Cameron began attending GraceSLO at 4 years old and was greatly influenced by his time in both MSM and HSM. He chose to work with Middle Schoolers because he understands that it is truly a pivotal time of life that often sets the trajectory for a student's future. It is also an excellent opportunity to play dodgeball on a semi-regular basis. He has been on staff since 2009. Cameron graduated with a B.A. in Kinesiology and a minor in Biblical Studies from The Master's College in 2012. His passions include anything outdoors, anything to do with film or comedy, and blowing kid's minds with the Bible.
Nick Shorts MSM Guys Since 2012	Nick has only been going to Grace for a few months, but he loves it. Oh yes, he does. Nick grew up in Atascadero going to Atascadero Bible Church and went to college at Biola University. He now lives in SLO and is going to Cal Poly to get his multiple subject teaching credential. He also DJs/MCs weddings as well as works at the SLO Children's Museum. Do you like hiking, swimming, adventuring, and just spending time outdoors? So does Nick! He also watches too many movies and he thinks Jr. High kids are neat. Nick loves the Lord and wants to share his good news. He can also kick himself in the head.
Brooke Hall 8th Grade Gals Since 2012	Bio coming soon!
Kendall Matina MSM Guys	Bio coming soon!
Kari Matina MSM Gals	Bio coming soon!
Brian Morrish MSM Guys Since 2011	Brian was born and raised in the greatest place on earth, Susanville CA, though the very mention of that name will result in a small fine from his growth group. Brian graduated Cal Poly in 2009 with a degree in Civil Engineering and is currently working for Onesource Home Solutions. During his college years, Brian attended GraceSLO throughout, and was actively involved in leadership with the college ministry. He has been on staff with the Jr. High (whoop whoop) since September of 2011 and enjoys the challenge of being crazy like a Jr. Higher but then calming down and diving into the Word.