Rev. Julie Elkins

Rev. Julie Elkins

Pastor

My name is Rev. Julie Brewster Elkins. I have two churches that I am pastorally responsible for. I have been ordained since 1990 and this is my first two-point charge.  I hope you join us at church on Sunday mornings for worship.  Worship starts at 9:30 am. People want to know what to call me.  Reverend is my title, Pastor is my job and Julie is my name. I answer to all of them or any combination of them…whichever you are most comfortable with. Julie is completely fine and so is Pastor Julie….however, it is whatever makes you most comfortable is completely fine with me

I am married to Michael Elkins. We were married on October 12, 1985.  We have three grown children. Jenee Harlow who is married to Ben and they have two beautiful daughters named Zooey  and Marley. The Harlows live in Indiana. Paul Elkins who is married to Mandi and their children, Robbie and Willow.  They live in Arizona. And our third daughter, Katy Elkins, lives in Newport Beach and works at Disneyland in Security.

I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Speech Communications and a minor in Sociology. I then received my Master of Divinity at the School of Theology at Claremont in 1990. I was ordained a Deacon and was a probationary member of the conference in 1990 and became a full member and was ordained an Elder in 1994. I have served as an Associate Pastor at Glendora UMC and St. Marks UMC (in San Diego). I have served as Lead Pastor at El Segundo UMC, Costa Mesa 1st and Chapel of the Valley. I have done children’s ministry, youth ministry, senior ministry, family ministry and recovery ministry. I have also written and performed dramas and one woman shows. As a two time cancer survivor, I am very passionate about my volunteer work with the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network where I serve as a Voice of Hope and an Ambassador of Hope advocating for Cancer research, treatments and care of patients and family.

I have interests in drama and the arts. I LOVE sports (most of them…not so much as a participant but as a spectator!) I like to camp. I am a family person through and through. I love Disney as well (Michael and I met while working at Disneyland) I also love going to the Zoo and Safari Park and Sea World. I like to travel (although I don’t get to do much of it – except to Indiana and Arizona). That is a little about me and my family. 

Yvonne Dugger

Yvonne Dugger

Church Administrator

I am known as Ms. Yvonne at the Church and Preschool.  I work in the office or for Chapel of the Hills on Monday and at random, and at Country Treehouse Preschool Tuesday – Friday.  Besides my regular duties at the church and preschool, I paint, perform maintenance, clean and accomplish whatever tasks are necessary to benefit the church and preschool.  I love Chapel of The Hills and take pride in my commitment to the church, people of the church, preschool and the Descanso community (which is where I grew up!).

I am married to my best friend, Darren. We have been married for 20 years.  We have two children: Ukiah, who attends Descanso Elementary (where I went!) and Dean who attends Country Treehouse Preschool (where all my siblings went!).

I graduated with honors and received a B.S. in Psychology.  I am a veteran and have an honorable discharge from the United States Navy as a Dental Technician, which merged with the Hospital Corpsman field about halfway through my service.

I enjoy music; playing and creating music with my husband.  I am a drummer, percussionist and singer.  I love the holidays , arts and crafts, dancing, hiking, reading, writing, video games, toys, comic books and hanging out with my family and friends –  just to name a fewlaughing.  Feel free to drop by the office to say hello.

Becky Miller

Becky Miller

Preschool Director

My name is Becky Miller, and I am the Director of Country Treehouse Preschool. I have been in the education field for 30+ years and I am incredibly happy to be living and working in Descanso. CTP is near and dear to my heart since I attended this school and one of my first jobs as a teacher was here as well. Early Childhood Education is so important for a child’s development, and it brings me great satisfaction that I can strengthen a child’s educational future and help him/her love the process of learning.

I received my AS degree in Child Development, my BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, my Master of Education in Cross Cultural Studies, as well as my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Education has been a big part of my life, as well as my passion for health and fitness. I became a personal trainer and a sports nutrition specialist because I know what an impact being healthy can make on a person’s life. Exercise and eating healthy is so important for children as well, since it helps with their growth and focus in school. I am a big believer in continuing education because there is always something new to learn, so I take new classes on education and health every year.

I am married with one child, and I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy staying active and participating in outdoor activities like, running, hiking, and biking as well as spending time in my home gym. Living in the mountains brings me tranquility because being in nature gives me peace of mind and Descanso is a beautiful place to raise a family.