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Pastors & Staff
As humans we are actively pursuing any number of things in this life. As men in Christ, we desire to pursue the “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” the gospel calls us to pursue.
Brian Dagen
Senior Pastor
Brian joined the Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo staff in August 2016. Before coming to CMV Church, Brian and his wife, Jill, along with their two daughters, served the Lord as missionaries in the Czech Republic and returned to the States in 2013. Prior to their move to south Orange County, Brian served as the interim pastor of a church in Anaheim. Brian has a Master’s Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA. Brian enjoys sports, the beach, books, Mexican food (actually, most types of food!), and copious amounts of coffee.
Nick Johnson
Associate Pastor / Youth Pastor
Nick grew up in Mission Viejo and loves the city! After time away for law school (don’t hold it against him!), seminary, and pastoral work, he is thrilled to be serving at CMV. He is married to his wife (and way better half!), Candace, and together they have four young children. Nick serves on the Sunday teaching team, encourages our small groups, and leads our young adult and student ministries. He loves his family and the church … and finds that running, podcasts, and coffee are great fuel for those pursuits
Neil Travisano
Pastor Emeritus
Neil has been on full time at the church since 1982 and was the Senior Pastor from 1987 to February 2015. Neil stepped down from being Senior pastor and now serves part-time in various ministries as pastor emeritus. Neil is a graduate of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA, and Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, CA. In his spare time, Neil enjoys surfing, fishing, and digging in his vegetable garden. Neil is married to Nancy and they have six children between them and six grandchildren. Neil currently resides in Mission Viejo.
Melinda Woods
Women’s Ministry Director
Melinda has a passion to help women grow in Christ and to encourage their connections with other women. She loves ministering to women of all ages and helping them discover their God-given gifts and passions. She and her husband have seven children whom they have homeschooled over the last 26 years. Melinda accepted the Lord as her savior during her freshman year in college when the Lord miraculously healed her.
Darla Buckels
Family Ministries Director
Darla has a desire to introduce children to Jesus by planting seeds into their young lives and helping them grow in the word of God.
Darla has a background in Early Childhood Education and has taught in Christian Preschools for over 20 years. She is married to Brian, who is currently serving on the Praise Team, and they have three grown children. They have been attending CMV since 2015.
When Darla is not working, she enjoys baking, cooking, and reading cookbooks. She loves decorating for the Holidays! Fall and Christmas are her favorites! She loves quiet mornings with a big cup of coffee, the smell and sounds of rain, and spending time with her family and best friends.
Andrew DeZarn
Worship Arts Director
Andrew gave his life to Christ at an early age and has known the goodness of God his entire life. He grew up in Mission Viejo and cherishes the time he spent playing electric guitar in his high school youth group. Andrew met his wife Keeley during his time at Saddleback Church, where they led worship in both the adult and college ministries. Having experienced the presence of God in worship, Andrew is passionate about leading others into authentic, dynamic spaces of worship where God’s presence is felt and the gospel is on display.
Heidi Hoover
Director of Operations
For over 18 years, Heidi has been a valued and valuable member of our congregation. She first used her administrative gifts as our Children’s Ministry Director and then put those talents to work as Church Administrator. When she’s not balancing the books, printing reports, repainting classrooms, or fixing our computer problems, Heidi can be found hiking any of the beautiful mountain trails in California and beyond.
