OUR teAM



The Church is not a building.  The Church is the people.  

We could not do what we do without the people who do what they do

to make the Eagle Rock Church not just a church, but a family.  

There are too many to name, but we see what you do, and we are grateful.


"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."  

Philippians 1:3

  • CHERISE GARDNER

    Interim Senior Pastor

    Pastor Cherise is a talkative, bookish tennis enthusiast who loves God and God’s people. Her life experiences, education, and a mind for God’s Kingdom here on earth all inform her ministry and enable her to reach others with humor, warmth, transparency and strength. 


    Pastor Cherise is passionate about the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Her life is dedicated to living by example and encouraging men and women to live up to their full potential in Christ. 


    Cherise married her college sweetheart, Hugh Gardner, who is the balancing factor in her ministry. Together they are raising their amazing daughter Katelyn. Outside of work, Cherise enjoys spending time with her family and their monster dog Miss Mia, going to amusement parks with her daughter Katelyn, singing aloud to Christian music in her car (the only time her singing is appreciated), and creating innovative prayer stations.


  • LAXMI SAQUILAYAN

    Associate Pastor

    Pastor Lax was born in the Philippines and raised in Southern California. After graduating from La Sierra University in 2017, he served as associate pastor at the Journey SDA Church in Glendora before coming to Eagle Rock. Pastor Lax loves hanging out with people, listening to their stories, and above all, sharing Jesus. He is in love with his best friend, Julie, and enjoys: traveling, reading, running, and rooting for the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, LA Kings, LAFC, Liverpool FC, and New Zealand All Blacks.


  • Janelle Miller

    Administrative Assistant

    Janelle was born and raised in Southern California and has been a member of the Eagle Rock SDA Church for over 20 years.  She believes music makes the world go 'round, and enjoys singing at the top of her lungs (when no one is around to hear).  She spends a large portion of her free time making weird faces at her niece and nephew (don't worry, they started it...probably).  She is also pleased to report that there is approximately a 98% chance she's wearing a matching pair of socks (unless it's Friday...there's no predicting what's going to happen on a Friday - except coffee, there will definitely be more coffee on Fridays...).