Meet Our Staff and Ministry Leaders
A dedicated team serving, leading, and supporting our church community with purpose and care.
STAFF
John Arevalo
Next Generation Pastor
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I grew up in the Philippines, and met the Lord in Vegas (What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas). I helped plant Citylight in 2019 and have been blessed to serve our church and our city ever since!
Family - I’ve been married since 2019 to my crown (Prov 12:4) Leah and so far have been blessed with 2 children
Can’t live without - My bible, a cup of coffee, and NBA
Favorite Scripture -Psalm 36:7-9, How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Didier Jeanty
Worship Director
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Hey! My name is Didier, I'm from Haiti and I am the worship leader here at Citylight. Music was a big part of my story when I started following Jesus, so I love serving Him and His people in this way. I studied Music Production in college, which has helped me serve even better.
Family - I've been married for 3 years to the most awesome woman in the world, Mikayla.
I can't live without - routine (pray for me)
My favorite Scriptures is - "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor 12:9-10)
Luiz Hernandez
Ciudad Luz Pastor
Bruce Jones
Director Of Disclipleship
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I came to faith through The Navigators Collegiate Ministry in 2011 and have been involved in vocational ministry at either a part-time or full-time capacity since 2013. I love helping others know Jesus, make Him known, and equip others to do the same. Whether it's one-on-one or in community, I’m all about deep growth, deep and honest conversations, and real encounters with God's grace.
Family- I’m married to Gwen, a rockstar sixth-grade teacher in the FCPS system. We have two wonderful boys, Roman and Callum, and a friendly dog named Clementine. We live in Alexandria, VA.
Can’t live without - Christ, Christian community, Compelling Conversation, Crisp Spreadsheets, and Caffeine.
Favorite Scripture - Micah 7:7 (NIV 1984) — “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Joel Finn
Citylight School Of Missions Director
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I was born and raised in a Christian home in Sweden. My parents have served in worship ministry for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I knew about the Lord and believed in Him, but I didn’t have a genuine, personal relationship with Him.
In 2016, I gave my life to the Lord and was baptized. However, I continued to live with one foot in the world and one foot in my faith. After years of that struggle, I made a life-changing decision to attend a Discipleship Bible School with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Kona, Hawaii. It was completely outside of my comfort zone—I went alone, not knowing what to expect.
That decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made. YWAM didn’t save me—Jesus did. But through that season, I encountered Him in a real and transformative way. I ended up serving with YWAM for two years, during which I had the opportunity to lead teams, travel to Africa twice, and grow deeply in my walk with God. My love for Him and for making Him known only grew stronger.
Since then, missions and discipling young people have been a deep passion in my heart. I desire to see others experience the same transforming love and purpose that I’ve found in Christ.
Family - Since the end of July 2025, I am now married to my beautiful wife Joy and have the rest of my family is back in Sweden.
Can’t live without - Jesus, my wife and family, staying active, and creating. Whether it’s on the soccer field (Arsenal FC for life) or behind a camera, I’m all about passion, purpose, and creativity.Favorite Scripture - Romans 5:1-4 ”Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”.
Alirio Arreaza
Pastor Of Global Missions
Grace Kaczowka
Director Of Operations
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I am a true native to Northern Virginia and joined the Citylight team in 2020 after several years of working in HR and owning a small business. As the Director of Operations, I help make sure the behind-the-scenes details run smoothly so our church can focus on loving God and people well. I love serving in the local church, seeing God demonstrate his love for the world through everyday people, right where they live.
Family - I’m married to Steve, who you will meet when you become a member of Citylight! We have three wonderful children and live in Annandale, VA.
Can’t live without - Jesus, a good night's sleep, little feet running around mine, and my to-do list.
Favorite Scripture - If I had to choose just one...Ephesians 2:4-7 "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved - and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Valery Erickson
PreSchool Director
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I met Jesus in college at Virginia Tech while pursuing a degree in education—without any idea that the Lord would one day use it for His Kingdom. I now serve as the Preschool Director and also support Citylight Kids through curriculum development. My heart’s desire is to make the Lord’s love tangible for our littles. It’s a joy and privilege to bring the Gospel to life for them each week, while also equipping their families to do the same at home. By His grace, I get a front-row seat to witnessing the next generation seek His face!
Family - I’m married to Austin, my high school sweetheart and favorite teammate in life and ministry—you’ll often find him serving in the Kids’ Hall too. We have two sweet boys who had no choice but to be born with a fishing rod in their hands. Our oldest is often found pretend playing with the names of people from church—a tangible reflection of how much we love our Citylight community.
Can't Live Without - Jesus, journaling, baking, mom friends, Target pick up, and being outside.
Favorite Scripture - It’s a tie between James 4:8 — “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” — and 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 — “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me... For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Nate Crew
Lead Pastor
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I was raised in a Christian family in Alabama (Roll Tide!). I came to faith early but my relationship with Christ really took off freshman year of college at Liberty University. Since then I’ve wanted to serve the Lord and plant churches. After college I got married, moved to the DR for missions, then eventually ended up at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and got my MDIV. I helped plant Citylight in 2019 and have loved serving here!
Family - I am married to superwoman Kristen Crew and we have 7 wonderful children (Makayla, Jaylin, Josiah, Kamila, Jude, Kady, Joy)
Can't live without - Jesus, family, coffee
Favorite Scripture - Psalm 16:11 – You have made known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Jessica Sanchez
Creative Director
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I’m from Harrisonburg, Virginia, with proud Mexican roots, and moved to the DMV for college at George Mason. As a pastor’s kid, I grew up in the church watching my parents plant churches and serve the Latino community. During college, God placed a clear call on my heart for full-time ministry. I joined Citylight as part of the original intern group in 2020 during COVID and served as an intern and resident for 2 years before stepping into full-time staff in 2022. After serving three years as Outreach Director with a heart for the Latino community, I now serve as Creative Director—using creativity, media, and storytelling to share Jesus and to encourage young adults to use their gifts for the Lord and choose life with Him.
Family - I come from a family of 6 originating from Aguascalientes, Mexico which include my mom and dad, two brothers and one sister, along with two beautiful nieces named Eliana and Ariana who I adore.
Can't live without - Jesus, hot sauce & a good spotify playlist.
Favorite Scripture -Psalm 63:3- “Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you”.
Dale Sutherland
Pastor
STAFF SUPPORT
Steve Kaczowka
Director Of Membership
Sandi Mitchell
Connections Member
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I first encountered God’s love in high school during a particularly difficult season, and that experience changed everything for me. Accepting and following Jesus has transformed my life, and I’m reminded daily of His grace, love, and the gift of life. My deepest desire is for others to know and truly experience God’s love and to feel seen and known by Him.
Family - I just love being married to my husband, John Mark—my partner in all of life’s adventures. Together, we’ve been blessed with four beautiful children (three boys and one girl) spanning 12 years between our oldest and youngest. We’re also thankful to have gained an amazing daughter-in-law along the way.
Can’t Live Without - Jesus, my family, and the grace that holds it all together. I’m a true introvert who comes alive in deep conversation and finds joy in quiet moments (and the occasional K-Drama).Favorite Scripture - Romans 12:12 — “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Brian Nolton
Tech Team Leader
Wesley Fortner
Youth Director
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I first began following Jesus at the age of nine, but it was during my college years that my love for Him deepened and truly came alive. My journey in ministry began in 2023 when I joined staff at First Baptist Concord in Knoxville, Tennessee as an intern. In 2024, I moved to Northern Virginia, where I discovered Citylight and began serving and teaching in the Youth Ministry. By God’s grace, I stepped into the role of Youth Director in 2025. I currently serve in a bi-vocational capacity. Outside of Citylight, I work in the field of cybersecurity as a computer engineer.
Can't live without - Jesus, Books, Tennis, Pickleball, Hiking
Favorite Scripture - “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
Isaac & Jessica Harbison
Hospitality Leader
JOB OPENINGS
We’d love for you to be part of our team as we worship, grow, and serve together.