Meet the Staff
Executive Staff
Michelle LaPorte, M.Ed.
Director
- Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2824
- Email: mlaporte@apu.edu
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
- Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2826
- Email: mnholmes@apu.edu
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
- Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2827
- Email: mmmcdonald@apu.edu
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
- Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2823
- Email: champdirector@apu.edu
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
Keila Asaoka
Service-Learning Advocate, Marketing/Social Media Intern
Senior, MarketingCassidy Estes
Service-Learning Advocate, Program Development Intern
Senior, Global Studies and Honors HumanitiesClio Florenca
Service-Learning Advocate, Publications Intern
Sophomore, English EducationLauren Freligh
Service-Learning Office Coordinator
Senior, Business ManagementMelanie Marquez
Service-Learning Advocate, Event Planning Intern
Sophomore, EnglishThomas Wagstaffe
Service-Learning Advocate, Community Partnership Intern
Senior, Christian MinistriesCkira Wikoff
Service-Learning Advocate, C.H.A.M.P. Program Intern
Senior, Liberal Studies