our staff

Get to know a little bit about our amazing staff by viewing their profiles. 

  • Rev. a. neil platon

    senior pastor

    Pastor Neil Platon is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church since

    2001. He was born and raised in the Philippines, and is a graduate of the

    University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines with a degree in BS Botany. He

    is also a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary. He earned his Masters of Arts

    in Theology in 1994 and his Masters of Divinity in 1996. In 2019 Pastor Neil

    finished his Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Spiritual Renewal,

    Contemplative Practice and Strategic Leadership at Claremont School of

    Theology. Pastor Neil has served churches in the Iowa Annual Conference from

    1996 to 2002 and here at our California-Pacific Annual Conference from 2002 to

    the present. Pastor Neil is married to his wife Joy, and have two adult

    children—Jasmine and Joshua.


  • Victoria Symonian

    Accompanist

    Victoria, our very talented accompanist, began playing the piano when she was 7 years old. Before she began serving at our church in 2002, she worked at Monterey Park United Methodist Church for 8 years. Victoria is currently the Head of Lark Conservatory's Performance Department and is a Master Teacher in Piano and Accompaniment. She also enjoys traveling, and live classical and jazz performances. 


    Education: 

    Piano Performance, Pedagogy, and Accompaniment, Mussorgsky Music College, St. Petersburg. 

    Piano Performance, Komitas State Conservatory of Music, Yerevan

  • liberty vigran

    administrative assistant

    Liberty is a highly qualified professional with experience in ministering at local churches.  She has worked in administrative and managerial jobs.  She has a strong love, commitment and dedication to God and his people. 


    Education: 

    Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, CSU Bakersfield

  • Blanca Eliassen

    Director of Children's Center Preschool

    Blanca began her work at the Children's Center back in 1991 as the first teacher for the school alongside Sue McKenzie. During this time she taught and co-directed for 7 1/2 years. Blanca left the Children's Center to get married and to have two children of her own, but returned in 2008 and has been there ever since! Blanca has a certificate in Early Childhood Education and 13 years experience as a teacher and director. She has all of the requirements by the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division and she is certified in CPR and First Aid. Blanca also enjoys spending time with her family, children, enjoys anything Disney, loves baking and needle point. 

  • EDEL WILLIAMS

    DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

    Edel has worked for a number of United Methodist churches, beginning while she was attending California State College earning her degree in Bachelor of

    Music, focusing on vocal performance and minoring in conducting. She was the Opera Chorus Director, directing the opera choruses for any of the major and minor operas presented at the university for five years.

     

    Edel has previously served as the Music/Choir Director for Maywood UMC, Lynwood UMC, Downey UMC, and lastly West Covina UMC, At the various Methodist churches, Edel has also managed and performed as an instrumental conductor, Bell Choir Director, as well as children’s and youth musical director.