Meet the Staff

Executive Staff

  • Michelle LaPorte, M.Ed.

    Director

    Michelle joined APU in 2014. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Youth Ministry from Hope International University and an M.A. in Education from Azusa Pacific. Michelle came to APU with more than 15 years of experience in education, primarily in educational administration at an international school in China. The intersection of Gospel-centered learning and service has been personally transforming, and she finds fulfillment in collaborating with others who share her passion to provide meaningful education experiences for students that make a difference in the community.

  • Moriah Holmes, MSW

    Program Coordinator

    Moriah joined APU in 2019. With experience in education, nonprofits, state and local government, and community settings, Moriah brings a unique combination of skills in research, program development, and evaluation. She earned a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. Moriah is passionate about equipping the Church to effectively partner with local communities and is excited to engage in this work with APU students, faculty, staff, and community partners through the Center for Academic Service-Learning.

  • Michelle McDonald

    Program Coordinator

    Michelle joined the team in 2018, and brings years of rich experience with the Christian Leadership Alliance serving nonprofit leaders, particularly in faculty and volunteer management and conference workshop planning. An APU alumna, Michelle holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and is excited to be a part of the work of providing APU students with experiential learning opportunities through service-learning. She is passionate about lifelong learning that transforms and contributes to Kingdom purposes in the world.

Graduate Interns

  • Jessica Hernandez

    Assistant Program Coordinator, C.H.A.M.P. and Professional Development

Service-Learning Advocates/Undergraduate Interns

General email: SLAdvocate@apu.edu
Include the appropriate student’s name in the subject line when emailing.
Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2823

  • Lauren Freligh

    Service-Learning Office Coordinator
    Senior, Business Management

  • Amelia Harootian

    Service-Learning Advocate C.H.A.M.P./EDLS Intern
    Senior, Liberal Studies

  • Melanie Marquez

    Service-Learning Advocate, Event Planning Intern
    Sophomore, English

  • Lexxie Hernandez

    Service-Learning Advocate, Social Media Intern
    Junior, Psychology

  • Thomas Wagstaffe

    Service-Learning Advocate, Community Partnership Intern
    Senior, Christian Ministries

  • Clio Florenca

    Service-Learning Advocate, Publications Intern
    Sophomore, English Education

  • Ella O’Neill

    Service-Learning Advocate, Special Assignment Intern
    Senior, Business Management