STAFF & PERSONNEL
Dr. Doug Posey :: Senior Pastor
Blessed to be married to my wife and best friend, Wendi, for 33 years. We have three extraordinary kids, Brooke, Spencer and Elise. Brooke is married to Nathan Steinbacher and Spencer to Jessica. Elise attends Biola University. They all love the Lord! We also have 2 cats and a dog—yet to profess any faith. I served as a Youth Pastor and Associate Pastor for 23 years until planting Living Oaks Community Church in 2004. My most recent hobby is cycling. My spare-time passions have included basketball, drawing, guitar, working out and watching crime-solving TV documentaries. Wendi and I like dining out, seeing movies together, eating out, driving along the beach and the occasional meal out. I also love going to the cabin and camping with the family. I love the people at Living Oaks and their hunger for God and His Word. CONTACT
Austin Axen :: Lead Pastor
Austin first came to Christ as a teenager upon hearing the Gospel at a summer camp in high school. Soon after, he discerned that he was called to ministry while earning a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Biola University. Since, he has served in Student Ministries for a decade teaching and discipling students. He is currently earning an M.Div. from the Master’s Seminary. After five years on staff at Living Oaks Church, Austin now serves as our Lead Pastor. He's passionate about the Gospel, the church, and good coffee! Born and raised in southern California, him, his wife, Sarah, and his daughter, Naomi, are glad to call Thousand Oaks and Living Oaks their home! Together, they love Jesus, family, travel, movies, art, coffee, and people! CONTACT
Nate Stead :: Middle School Pastor
Nate Stead CONTACT
Susan Harris :: Pastor of Kids Ministries
I'm blessed with three amazing kids, a beautiful daughter-in-love and sweet son-in love - all who call Jesus their Lord and Savior. Two silly dogs complete my household. I've lived in the Conejo Valley for over 40 years and was called to ministry 20+ years ago. Because kids are my passion they are not my first priority - their parents are! God has laid on my heart to inspire and equip parents to be the primary spiritual influences in their kids' lives. I love to rock infants, play peek-a-boo with toddlers, sing with preschoolers and engage elementary kids in spiritual conversations. I'm thrilled to call LOCC my home and pray God can use me here for many years to come. CONTACT
Sandy Howell :: Minister of Music & Celebration Arts
Sandy, a South Florida native and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, grew up sensing the undeniable presence of the Lord, resulting in her rededication to Him in her twenties and subsequent baptism. An accomplished pianist, songwriter ("Strawberry Shortcake," "Paws & Tales," VBS projects), and singer (Grammys, movie soundtracks, Petra Haden), Sandy was called to use her gifts in worship ministry where God has been faithful to keep her for 13 years, the last few at Living Oaks. She finds so much joy in her many opportunities to get to know, equip and involve people in Celebration Arts, and she considers it a humbling experience as well as a great blessing from the Lord to lead and join in worship with our incredible church family each week! CONTACT
Clementine Jasinski :: Executive Administrator
Clem has been a member of Living Oaks since its inception in 2004, coming on staff in October of that year. As Executive Administrator she oversees all business and daily management of the church. Choral singing has been a big part of her life and she loves to share her musical gift as a member of the LOCC praise team and choir. A 1971 graduate of the University of Illinois, Clem still enjoys cheering for her favorite collegiate team, the Fighting Illini. In 2005, she received an M.A. Degree from Biola University. Though her roots are in the Midwest, she considers herself blessed to reside and minister in the Conejo Valley. CONTACT
Catt Mazza :: Executive Assistant for the Senior Pastor
I am a So. Cal girl, born and raised! I grew up in Simi Valley and moved to Newbury Park 10 years ago. In trying to find a new church, we attended many. Finding LOCC (in the gym at Borchard!) was a blessing many times over. I officially joined the church in 2008 after attending for quite a while. I have 3 boys that bring me pride and happiness every day, and the most loving and supportive parents in the world. I find so much joy and happiness in Jesus, and becoming a part of the staff here at Living Oaks has been one the biggest blessings in my life. CONTACT
Carol Richardson :: Administrative Assistant
Since I was born in Los Angeles and raised in the Long Beach area, Southern California has always been my home. After graduating from Long Beach State College with a degree in Home Economics, I taught Home Economics for several years at both the high school and community college levels. I met my husband, Lyle, at a church in Long Beach and we were married in 1964. We have a son and a daughter, both of whom are married with families of their own. In my spare time, I enjoy my grandchildren, sewing, traveling and am an avid baseball fan. Go Dodgers! I love being able to serve the Lord here at Living Oaks and have done so since 2007. CONTACT
Apryl Layton :: Assistant Director of Kids Ministries
I was born and raised here in Newbury Park. I graduated from California Lutheran University with a Masters in Counseling Psychology. I have been blessed with an amazing family that includes my husband or 25 years, Kurt, my two kids Andrew and Amy (who remind me every day of my life that God is truly good) and our 8 pets! I am forever grateful for God’s hand on my life and I pray that he uses me in a mighty way to bless, encourage and love the people of LOC. CONTACT
Laura Perrin :: KidMin Coordinator
Born and raised in Southern California – I love that California sunshine! In 1996, I moved from the San Fernando Valley to Thousand Oaks. When the Lord led me to Living Oaks in 2007, it was apparent to me He wanted to grow me under faithful, loving, biblical leaders. I have a hunger for learning God’s word and a passion for praising Him through worship songs. God has blessed me with 3 wonderful boys. When I’m not here at Living Oaks, you can most certainly find me cheering on my sons at one of their baseball games. CONTACT
Carol Claassen :: Receptionist
Carol Claassen is the proud "Mamie" to her 3 grandsons, produced by her son and his wife who live nearby. She is the proud mother of a daughter who works for the federal government and lives in Texas. As an award-winning artist in china painting, she retired from her full-time business (painting murals on walls and travertine) to accept the position at Living Oaks and considers it an honor and privilege to be called "The Voice of Living Oaks." Carol accepted the Lord at her Baptist church in Texas as a 10-year-old, attended Baylor University, graduated from CLU with a B.A.... but loves her BEARS! She is currently leading a women's bible study on Tuesday nights at Living Oaks. CONTACT