Meet the Staff

Hiii! My name is Brenda and I work for USC as an Admin Assistant for the data science department! I’m going to be the 9th grade girls small group leader this year (alongside Nayeon:) and I’m so excited to do life with them :) I enjoy watching the Office, making Spotify playlists, and drinking Coke Zero!! One of my favorite passages is Philippians 1:9-11 because it reminds us to constantly pray for a greater love for God and his people, to desire deeper knowledge of his word, to depend on Christ and his righteousness, and to do everything for the glory and praise of God.

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Noh and I will be leading the 11th graders this year :D. I am a graduate from the best college in the world (USC❤️💛!!) and am currently in occupational therapy school. Some of the things I love are my puppy named Parker, arts and crafts, cooking Korean food, and picnicing. One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. I learned it as a song when I was a kid and it reminds me daily to surrender everything to God. 

Hi, I’m Jacob! This year, I have the privilege of co-leading the 9th and 10th grade boys small group. Currently I work for the Los Angeles Rams doing paid media and digital marketing. I enjoy playing volleyball, going out of my way to eat delicious food, snowboarding, exploring the outdoors, and cooking! Fun fact about me is that i am extremely double jointed in my elbows! My favorite bible verse is Acts 4:12 because it shows how dependent we are on the Lord for salvation.

Hello hello! My name's Emma, and I'm a grad from UCLA (>>>USC) now working as a clinical research coordinator. This year, I'll be leading the small group for the 10th grade girls. In my free time, I enjoy reading, doodling, and hiking; I'm also a pretty big fan of anime and manga! Something I've been trying to keep up while working is running regularly (because I can't play any other sports). My phone lock screen displays Philippians 1:6 so I can be constantly reminded that I'm able to grow closer to God and be sanctified because of the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. 

Hi! I’m Katie and I’ll be co-leading the 7th and 8th grade girls. I recently graduated from USC where I studied human aging and healthcare business. I’m currently a business consultant at Kaiser Permanente. I like to spend my free time exploring new coffee shops, baking sourdough bread, hiking with friends, and going to exercise classes! My favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33-34, which is a great reminder to trust God and to have an eternal, Christ-centered mindset in everything that I do.

Hello!! My name is Matthew Ahn, and I am co-leading the 6th-7th grade guys with Eric Du! I am a USC graduate and am currently working as an analyst fin insurance. Some of my current hobbies include running, playing golf and basketball, and playing guitar. A fun fact about myself is that my favorite chips are the sweet maui onion hawaiian chips, and one time, I ate a whole family sized bag by myself in one sitting. One of my favorite verses in the bible is Philippians 2:3-4 which reminds us that we need to remain humble in everything we do and later on in that same chapter, it explains how Jesus is the ultimate example of humility for us to follow. 

Hi! I'm Eric. Fun fact I was born in Iowa, moved to China for preschool, moved back to Iowa and when I was five finally moved to California. I grew up in the bay area in a quaint suburb called Walnut Creek. I'm came to IBC after coming to UCLA for college, and am currently studying statistics as my major. During my free time I enjoy trying to dunk a basketball, singing and playing guitar, as well as playing basketball. One of my favorite bible passages is Deuteronomy 10:12-13, I think it's a great reminder of how simple the Lord's calling to us as his children are, and the fact that behind all of his commandments for us is his desire for our good. I'm excited to tackle the 6th and 7th grade boys this year with Matthew Ahn!! It will be LIT.

Hello there! My name is Ryanna, and I am a Christ follower who happens to work in cybersecurity consulting. My hobbies include the performing arts, fitness, and making things more efficient - as you can see, the consulting never stops. I'm co-leading the 7th and 8th grade girls' small group with my friend, Katie Chien! I'm looking forward to making fond memories and having thoughtful conversations with the YGers this year (and beyond?) as part of my striving towards 2 Timothy 2:15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. P.S. If you're looking for a new favorite dance move, talk to me and we can figure it out for you together.

Hi my name is Kyle! I have the awesome blessing of co-leading the 11th and 12th grade boys small group this year! I am a UCSD graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering and I am currently working as a Coatings Process Engineer at PPG Aerospace. I enjoy rock climbing, all kinds of sports, supporting my fellow LA Teams (Go Rams, Lakers, and Dodgers!), and a big kpop fan! Fun fact about me is that growing up I had a lot of hobbies which include both magic tricks, rubiks cube, and my favorite yo-yoing. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28 which is a constant reminder that God has my life in his hands and no matter how good or not so good my circumstances are, I know that they are working together for my good and more importantly His glory.

Hi! I’m Ellie :) I recently graduated from USC. Since then I’ve been working as a Graphic Designer at a Korean beauty company. Some things that make me happy are sewing, baking cinnamon rolls, singing and playing guitar, running, and being at the beach! A fun fact about me is that I’ve flown in multiple military aircrafts. I’m so excited to have the 12th grade girls in my small group this year. A chapter in the Bible I love is Psalm 139 which reminds me that Christ is more than enough and my identity is rooted and grounded in Him.

Hi everyone :)) My name is Nayeon Kang, and I will be co-leading the 9th graders this year I am currently a third-year student at USC, majoring in Architecture and minoring in Fashion. A fun fact about me is that I was born in South Korea but grew up in Ohio for most of my life.

Hi, I’m Jina! I am co-leading the sixth grade girls alongside Rachel Lee! I graduated from USC (Fight on!), and I now work in finance at Kaiser Permanente. In my free time, I love to go on walks/runs at the Rose Bowl, bake cookies, and FaceTime my dog. One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 8:3-4, as it reminds me not only of God’s incredible wisdom and power as the Creator, but also in how He is a personal and caring God, despite the vastness of his creation. 

Hi I’m Ryan! I’m currently a third year at UCLA studying Chemical Engineering, with plans to work in the semiconductor field. When I’m not frantically prepping for my next exam, I enjoy reading, solving crossword puzzles, playing piano, traveling, and trying to find the best ramen place in town (I grew up in Torrance)! My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 111:2. As someone who has always been curious about many different topics, it’s amazing to see all of the great things the Lord has done throughout scripture and church history. I love how the word is simple enough for a child to grasp, yet deep enough for the wisest of scholars to get lost in. It’s an honor and privilege to be co-leading the 8th grade boy’s small group this year! 

Hi everyone :) My name is Rachel, and I’m co-leading the 6th grade girls small group with Jina this year! I’m currently a third-year at UCLA studying Chemical Engineering (Go Bruins!). I enjoy hiking, cafe hopping, reading, and bullet journaling / scrapbooking. One of my favorite bible verses recently is 1 Peter 1:3-5, which encourages me to be so heaven bound in my mind that anything I face is worth it for the sake of christ. God is keeping an unfading and undefiled inheritance for me in heaven, and that gives me the motivation to keep going!

Hey guys! I’m Jonathan, and I’m a third year at UCLA (GO BRUINS 🐻) studying economics with a minor in environmental systems and society. I’m originally from the Bay Area, more specifically San Jose, and I’m excited to be co-leading the 8th grade boys with Ryan! In my free time I enjoy playing basketball at wooden, golfing in the Valley, and trying new restaurants around LA. I also love KBBQ and big fluffy dogs. Fun fact is that I was introduced to IBC by my childhood best friend’s cousin, David Lee! One of my favorite verses is 2 Timothy 3:16-17, because it is a great reminder that every part of Scripture is God-breathed and beneficial.

Hi! My name is Alan and this year I will be leading the 11-12th grade boys with Kyle! I graduated from UCLA and currently work as a Software Engineer. Outside of work, I like to go climbing or play pickle ball with my IBC friends. My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 6:8 which reminds the reason that propels us to serve in His name: we have witnessed and received His glory full of grace and truth which is manifested through Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 18). And it is through the witnessing of this enduring, overwhelming glory that we gladly serve despite of conditions. A fun fact I have is I’m actually the person that took Eric’s profile picture on this page, I was pretty into film photography back then but now it is too expensive as a hobby.

Hi I’m Chris! I will be the small group leader for half of the 11th-12th grade boys this year. God graciously saved me in middle school through faithful parenting and gospel centric preaching. Since then, I graduated from UCLA, became a member of IBC in 2020, and have spent two years serving as a pastoral intern. I now have the privilege of serving as the youth minister! I am greatly encouraged by 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, running, hiking, backpacking, camping, or honestly anything else outdoors.

Thinking about YG Staff? If you are interested in serving the youth at IBC, you can reach out to Chris Tai for more information. We would love to have you!