top of page
WESTWOOD WARD
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Click on each image below to read the full article.
If you would like to be highlighted in our upcoming weekly newsletters as a member spotlight, please send Erin Sorensen a bio and photo to the following email: thewestwoodward@gmail.com
Please include anything you'd like your ward family to know, including how long you've been in the ward, your current calling, and other fun facts! Thank you for volunteering so we all get to know each other better.
The Peterson Family
Hi! We are the Petersons! Jake, Meesh, Freya, Titan, and Kai.
Jake is from the Lake Tahoe area and Meesh is from Northern Utah. We both moved to LA about 11 years ago, met in the LA YSA ward, and after many months of convincing, we became a singles ward success story! We have been in the Westwood ward our entire marriage, except for a couple years we spent serving in the UCLA ward. We have loved our life in LA and all the different jobs and callings we have been able to have while here! Currently Jake is serving as the second counselor in the stake presidency and Meesh is a nursery leader.
Now the important things you should know about our family-
Freya is about to turn 5! She is fiery, very independent, quite cute, and has such a big heart. When she was followed by two brothers the comment was made that "she's going to need to be tough to handle those boys" and to this day WE are all trying to be tough enough to handle Freya!! She was named appropriately as we got her name from Norse mythology and Freya is the goddess of war and beauty.
Titan is 3 and the happiest kid. He is so sweet and so quick to laugh. We have gotten our family motto from Titan as he always uses the phrase, "It's no big deal!"
Kai is our caboose and just turned one. He is walking and quickly learning to climb everything as he so badly tries to keep up with his siblings. However, his use of words is not coming quickly so he just yells and points at things he needs. You can imagine we have a very high energy, mostly chaotic home during this phase of life and we are trying to soak up every minute of it.
We are grateful to be in this ward with all of you, and look forward to getting to know and serve with each of you!
Jake is from the Lake Tahoe area and Meesh is from Northern Utah. We both moved to LA about 11 years ago, met in the LA YSA ward, and after many months of convincing, we became a singles ward success story! We have been in the Westwood ward our entire marriage, except for a couple years we spent serving in the UCLA ward. We have loved our life in LA and all the different jobs and callings we have been able to have while here! Currently Jake is serving as the second counselor in the stake presidency and Meesh is a nursery leader.
Now the important things you should know about our family-
Freya is about to turn 5! She is fiery, very independent, quite cute, and has such a big heart. When she was followed by two brothers the comment was made that "she's going to need to be tough to handle those boys" and to this day WE are all trying to be tough enough to handle Freya!! She was named appropriately as we got her name from Norse mythology and Freya is the goddess of war and beauty.
Titan is 3 and the happiest kid. He is so sweet and so quick to laugh. We have gotten our family motto from Titan as he always uses the phrase, "It's no big deal!"
Kai is our caboose and just turned one. He is walking and quickly learning to climb everything as he so badly tries to keep up with his siblings. However, his use of words is not coming quickly so he just yells and points at things he needs. You can imagine we have a very high energy, mostly chaotic home during this phase of life and we are trying to soak up every minute of it.
We are grateful to be in this ward with all of you, and look forward to getting to know and serve with each of you!
The Stepan Family
Kent and Haley recently moved into the ward in November, 2023 from Provo, Utah. Kent is originally from San José, California and Haley is from Dallas, Texas. They both served missions—Haley served in San Diego CA (Spanish-speaking) and Kent served in Conceptión, Chile.
The couple first met at BYU in their singles ward right before the pandemic and dated and got married during COVID. They’re about to celebrate their 3 year wedding anniversary.
Haley graduated from BYU with a Marketing degree and currently works remotely as the Marketing Manager for a company in Utah called Ampleo that does fractional CFO, CMO, and HR work for small businesses. Kent graduated from BYU with a Finance degree and then got a job out here in LA as an associate at LEK Consulting.
In their free time they love to hike, camp, strength train, play board games, play pickleball, travel, and scuba dive. Kent also enjoys playing basketball, golf and reading. Haley loves decorating sugar cookies, painting, watching movies, doing family history work and working as a temple worker.
Haley's currently serving in the Relief Society as Secretary and Kent is a Ministering Secretary for the Elders Quorum. They both love making friends and meeting new people and are always open to trying new food, places and hobbies.
The couple first met at BYU in their singles ward right before the pandemic and dated and got married during COVID. They’re about to celebrate their 3 year wedding anniversary.
Haley graduated from BYU with a Marketing degree and currently works remotely as the Marketing Manager for a company in Utah called Ampleo that does fractional CFO, CMO, and HR work for small businesses. Kent graduated from BYU with a Finance degree and then got a job out here in LA as an associate at LEK Consulting.
In their free time they love to hike, camp, strength train, play board games, play pickleball, travel, and scuba dive. Kent also enjoys playing basketball, golf and reading. Haley loves decorating sugar cookies, painting, watching movies, doing family history work and working as a temple worker.
Haley's currently serving in the Relief Society as Secretary and Kent is a Ministering Secretary for the Elders Quorum. They both love making friends and meeting new people and are always open to trying new food, places and hobbies.
The Mejia & Ibarra Family
From left to right: Joseph Mejia, Jayden Ibarra, Adelynn Mejia, Charizard, and Antoinette Ibarra
Antoinette is a mom of two sons, Joseph and Jayden. After getting married on the 21st night of September 2018, Joseph and his wife Adelynn moved to LA from the Antelope Valley. Mom Antoinette and brother Jayden moved nearby a few years after. They all joined the Westwood Ward when moving to their second apartment in 2021.
Antoinette is working at Erewhon and studying to be an esthetician. Her dream is to have her own business and shape eyebrows from her own little home! Eventually, she’d love to serve a senior mission. Her favorite things to do include exploring fun places, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Jayden is attending Beverly Hills High School. He loves collecting and flipping Pokémon cards, playing games, and relaxing. He’s also very athletic; being involved in track, and playing baseball since he was 4!
Joseph’s passion is to build health and wealth, as he was a personal trainer and nutritionist in the past. Now he is going back to school, working at Wells Fargo as a banker, and balancing his side hustles with family life. His childhood love is Pokémon collecting which grew into a business as an eBay front. One of his other gifts is scholarly work, diving so deep into scriptures, he learned 16 languages at one point!
Adelynn loves many things. She regularly enjoys music, technology, interior design, cooking, language, skating, haircuts and styles, graphic design, reading, and fashion. She works at Apple Century City as a specialist in sales, and strategizes music before and after work. Her ultimate dream is to make top music hits from her studio-converted-pool house, then go home to her 10 kids and husband for some well-deserved cuddles and food.
Not pictured: Yoshi, our pet bearded dragon. He loves to snuggle and go outside. Hates birds and eating vegetables. His favorite thing to do is to grab onto your shirt and be zipped up in a jacket. Brumation (the reptile version of hibernation) can take up to 6 months; he just did it August to December this past year! Most people think he’s decor but he’s alive, real, and very sassy.
Antoinette is a mom of two sons, Joseph and Jayden. After getting married on the 21st night of September 2018, Joseph and his wife Adelynn moved to LA from the Antelope Valley. Mom Antoinette and brother Jayden moved nearby a few years after. They all joined the Westwood Ward when moving to their second apartment in 2021.
Antoinette is working at Erewhon and studying to be an esthetician. Her dream is to have her own business and shape eyebrows from her own little home! Eventually, she’d love to serve a senior mission. Her favorite things to do include exploring fun places, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Jayden is attending Beverly Hills High School. He loves collecting and flipping Pokémon cards, playing games, and relaxing. He’s also very athletic; being involved in track, and playing baseball since he was 4!
Joseph’s passion is to build health and wealth, as he was a personal trainer and nutritionist in the past. Now he is going back to school, working at Wells Fargo as a banker, and balancing his side hustles with family life. His childhood love is Pokémon collecting which grew into a business as an eBay front. One of his other gifts is scholarly work, diving so deep into scriptures, he learned 16 languages at one point!
Adelynn loves many things. She regularly enjoys music, technology, interior design, cooking, language, skating, haircuts and styles, graphic design, reading, and fashion. She works at Apple Century City as a specialist in sales, and strategizes music before and after work. Her ultimate dream is to make top music hits from her studio-converted-pool house, then go home to her 10 kids and husband for some well-deserved cuddles and food.
Not pictured: Yoshi, our pet bearded dragon. He loves to snuggle and go outside. Hates birds and eating vegetables. His favorite thing to do is to grab onto your shirt and be zipped up in a jacket. Brumation (the reptile version of hibernation) can take up to 6 months; he just did it August to December this past year! Most people think he’s decor but he’s alive, real, and very sassy.
The Snow Family
Hello! We are the Snow Family - Zach, Ashley, Birdie, Frances (Frankie), and our goldendoodle puppy, Dodger.
Zach and Ashley are both California natives who met in the hallowed halls of Liberty Square at BYU. In a tale as old as time (and a few breakups in between), we dated for 3.5 years and were married in 2016.
Shortly after getting married, we moved from New York to San Francisco, where we lived as a (studio apartment) divided between the Giants-Dodgers rivalry. In 2020, we moved to Chicago where Zach and Ashley pursued MBAs at Northwestern University (Kellogg). After two years in the Midwest, we were thrilled to move to LA for the weather, tacos, and family time (not necessarily in that order).
Ashley works at DoorDash in people strategy. When she’s not working, Ashley enjoys hiking, reading for book club, and spending time with the amazing Westwood YW. Zach works at Hulu on the Hulu + Live TV acquisitions team. His interests include Dodgers baseball, making homemade pizza, and watching the newest show on Hulu (let him know if you need a new rec!).
Birdie is a bright and precocious 4-year-old who loves to dance, play school, and take care of her little sister. After nearly a year of having a pass, she has a promising future as a Disneyland tour guide. Frankie is just a doll at 18 months old. She enjoys making people laugh, giving hugs, and spilling Dodger’s food.
Thank you for welcoming our family into the Westwood ward! We look forward to doing our part to make our congregation an inclusive, loving space, where all of God’s children can feel closer to our Heavenly Parents.
Zach and Ashley are both California natives who met in the hallowed halls of Liberty Square at BYU. In a tale as old as time (and a few breakups in between), we dated for 3.5 years and were married in 2016.
Shortly after getting married, we moved from New York to San Francisco, where we lived as a (studio apartment) divided between the Giants-Dodgers rivalry. In 2020, we moved to Chicago where Zach and Ashley pursued MBAs at Northwestern University (Kellogg). After two years in the Midwest, we were thrilled to move to LA for the weather, tacos, and family time (not necessarily in that order).
Ashley works at DoorDash in people strategy. When she’s not working, Ashley enjoys hiking, reading for book club, and spending time with the amazing Westwood YW. Zach works at Hulu on the Hulu + Live TV acquisitions team. His interests include Dodgers baseball, making homemade pizza, and watching the newest show on Hulu (let him know if you need a new rec!).
Birdie is a bright and precocious 4-year-old who loves to dance, play school, and take care of her little sister. After nearly a year of having a pass, she has a promising future as a Disneyland tour guide. Frankie is just a doll at 18 months old. She enjoys making people laugh, giving hugs, and spilling Dodger’s food.
Thank you for welcoming our family into the Westwood ward! We look forward to doing our part to make our congregation an inclusive, loving space, where all of God’s children can feel closer to our Heavenly Parents.
The Johnson Family
Rick and Misty have been married for 22 years, starting their married life in New York City. They have three children: Piper (16), Simon (13), and Daphne (10). Currently they live in Beverly Hills but they've lived all over the world, including Piper being born in Australia.
A SoCal native, Misty works as a teacher’s aide in Transitional Kindergarten (4-year-olds). In her spare time she likes to read, nap, listen to loud music, cook, and do all things crafty.
Rick has been in the live entertainment industry for over twelve years and currently works for AEG. His interests include concerts, Kansas Jayhawks basketball, shopping, dining out, and anything British.
Piper is a junior at Beverly Hills High and plays on the JV volleyball and Varsity softball teams. As well as maintaining straight A’s, she babysits often for various families and is an avid music listener, especially to Taylor Swift.
Attending 7th grade at Beverly Vista, Simon runs cross-country, plays soccer, while keeping perfect grades. He enjoys playing chess, Minecraft, and basketball. Drawing robots and cartoons are a specialty of Simon.
Daphne brings up the rear as our caboose. She just turned ten and loves 4th grade, especially her awesome teacher. While a big Minecraft fan, Daphne also enjoys collecting Mochis and Squishmallows. She plays soccer for AYSO and likes to bake with her mom.
A SoCal native, Misty works as a teacher’s aide in Transitional Kindergarten (4-year-olds). In her spare time she likes to read, nap, listen to loud music, cook, and do all things crafty.
Rick has been in the live entertainment industry for over twelve years and currently works for AEG. His interests include concerts, Kansas Jayhawks basketball, shopping, dining out, and anything British.
Piper is a junior at Beverly Hills High and plays on the JV volleyball and Varsity softball teams. As well as maintaining straight A’s, she babysits often for various families and is an avid music listener, especially to Taylor Swift.
Attending 7th grade at Beverly Vista, Simon runs cross-country, plays soccer, while keeping perfect grades. He enjoys playing chess, Minecraft, and basketball. Drawing robots and cartoons are a specialty of Simon.
Daphne brings up the rear as our caboose. She just turned ten and loves 4th grade, especially her awesome teacher. While a big Minecraft fan, Daphne also enjoys collecting Mochis and Squishmallows. She plays soccer for AYSO and likes to bake with her mom.
Marc Morse & Lauren Clark
Marc Morse and Lauren Clark grew up together in Tucson, Arizona. They waited until they were 16 to start dating, waited until after Marc’s mission to Colombia to get married in the Mesa Temple, and then waited to have their first baby until they were both in graduate school. Between them, they carried five diplomas away from the University of Arizona and headed for the high country, never to look back.
Marc completed his family medicine residency in Denver. After practicing in Denver and Salt Lake City, he moved with Lauren to Los Angeles 3 ½ years ago and joined UCLA Health as a staff physician.
Lauren is a public health nurse and nurse-anthropologist. She completed her PhD in nursing and joined the faculty at University of Colorado, then University of Utah, and now UCLA.
On any given evening, you’re likely to find Marc and Lauren in their Westwood apartment making dinner, wrapping up their work on side-by-side computers, or chatting with their kids on FaceTime. Their daughter lives in Bellingham with her husband and 4-year old. Their son, who lives in Salt Lake City, visits now and again.
Whenever Marc and Lauren can break away, they hike and fly fish in Utah, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska. Last summer they went deep sea fishing in Alaska and brought home salmon, halibut, and rock fish to fill the freezer. Each summer they migrate to the Yellowstone caldera, where they live alongside eagles, owls, sandhill cranes, moose, elk, deer, porcupines, and (when they get lucky) bears at a distance.
Marc teaches Sunday School in the Westwood Ward, and Lauren is the new Ward Disability Specialist. They both appreciate the warmth of the ward members who welcome us each Sunday, and the light of the gospel that shines on all of us.
Marc completed his family medicine residency in Denver. After practicing in Denver and Salt Lake City, he moved with Lauren to Los Angeles 3 ½ years ago and joined UCLA Health as a staff physician.
Lauren is a public health nurse and nurse-anthropologist. She completed her PhD in nursing and joined the faculty at University of Colorado, then University of Utah, and now UCLA.
On any given evening, you’re likely to find Marc and Lauren in their Westwood apartment making dinner, wrapping up their work on side-by-side computers, or chatting with their kids on FaceTime. Their daughter lives in Bellingham with her husband and 4-year old. Their son, who lives in Salt Lake City, visits now and again.
Whenever Marc and Lauren can break away, they hike and fly fish in Utah, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska. Last summer they went deep sea fishing in Alaska and brought home salmon, halibut, and rock fish to fill the freezer. Each summer they migrate to the Yellowstone caldera, where they live alongside eagles, owls, sandhill cranes, moose, elk, deer, porcupines, and (when they get lucky) bears at a distance.
Marc teaches Sunday School in the Westwood Ward, and Lauren is the new Ward Disability Specialist. They both appreciate the warmth of the ward members who welcome us each Sunday, and the light of the gospel that shines on all of us.
Jenny Christensen
Hi! I’m Jenny Christensen. I have lived in Los Angeles for three years. I work at Cedars-Sinai as a clinical social worker in their cancer center. I love my job, helping individuals and families navigate and cope with the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis. I am currently serving as the Primary Secretary, though often moonlight as the pianist when needed. I love being in primary, as the kids are adorable and funny, and the message of the gospel is so beautifully pure and true.
I grew up in South Jordan, UT, the youngest of three and the only girl. Growing up, I enjoyed skiing on the weekends with my family, going to swim team and taking piano lessons. I went to BYU and studied psychology and sociology. After graduating from BYU, I moved to New York City and attended Columbia University for my Master’s in Social Work. I thought I would only be in NYC for two years, but quickly fell in love with the city and ended up living there for nine years. I loved all that NYC had to offer – its museums, wonderful food (and restaurants that don’t close at an early 9pm…) and the energy of a bustling metropolis. After nine years, I decided it was time for a change, and I sought out the sunshine and a hope of a better work/life balance in California, which I have happily found.
When I am not working, I enjoy exploring Los Angeles, trying out new restaurants, and heading to the beach. The beach is my happy place, whether that is swimming, laying out in the sun, attempting to surf (it’s coming along! 2023 is my year!), or even just sitting, bundled up and watching/listening to the waves. I am a bookworm and love to read. After a hard day of work, you may find me curled up on the couch, knitting and watching TV, while ordering in.
I grew up in South Jordan, UT, the youngest of three and the only girl. Growing up, I enjoyed skiing on the weekends with my family, going to swim team and taking piano lessons. I went to BYU and studied psychology and sociology. After graduating from BYU, I moved to New York City and attended Columbia University for my Master’s in Social Work. I thought I would only be in NYC for two years, but quickly fell in love with the city and ended up living there for nine years. I loved all that NYC had to offer – its museums, wonderful food (and restaurants that don’t close at an early 9pm…) and the energy of a bustling metropolis. After nine years, I decided it was time for a change, and I sought out the sunshine and a hope of a better work/life balance in California, which I have happily found.
When I am not working, I enjoy exploring Los Angeles, trying out new restaurants, and heading to the beach. The beach is my happy place, whether that is swimming, laying out in the sun, attempting to surf (it’s coming along! 2023 is my year!), or even just sitting, bundled up and watching/listening to the waves. I am a bookworm and love to read. After a hard day of work, you may find me curled up on the couch, knitting and watching TV, while ordering in.
Betty Ann Marshall
I am a 5th generation Californian… well, almost. Seems my dad had a permit to hunt elk in Idaho, but my pregnant mom’s delivery date was way overdue, so dad loaded her and my 3- year-old sister into the family car and off they went to grandma’s farm in Salmon, Idaho. I’m not sure dad bagged the elk, but I was born on October 28, 1939, at an LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. Then the 4 of us returned to California. Since then, I’ve lived in a bunch of places: San Luis Obispo and Riverside, California, Provo for BYU, France for a 2 year mission, New York City, then Miami Beach and now Los Angeles.
After returning from serving a French-East mission I moved to New York City, where initially I trained at Lord and Taylor to become a fashion buyer. I also got engaged to marry the man of my dreams, and decided the fashion buying thing was not a good choice for a life that hopefully would include children. Too, I missed speaking French, so I went to work for Air France.
My husband’s work meant we moved around a bit, but eventually ended up in Los Angeles, where, for a couple of years I was a docent at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. But there were problems in my marriage, and it became clear it would be necessary for me to support myself and my children. So, I went to work for André Liardet, an ébéniste (master craftsman and designer), where I could speak French, and learn about antiques and design. It prepared me for my eventual career as an interior designer.
The divorce came in 1978, so I took a leap of faith and started my own interior design business. A lot has happened in the nearly 45 intervening years. The very best part of my life is my 3 kids, a son and 2 daughters. Being their mother has been the best education! They kept me busy—and, at times drove me nuts—but they grew up. After college all 3 of them ended up working in New York City at the same time, and to my delight, became best friends. Although I wish they were closer to home, they live in 3 time zones. My son George, lives in Brooklyn, and is a manager in a healthcare company. Alexandra, a journalist and freelance writer, lives in a tiny village in lower Normandy about 2 hours west of Paris, and Emily lives nearby in Glendale. Emily is the only married one of us, having met her husband, Carter in New Orleans where she moved to become a food stylist for TV shows, movies, and commercials.
Serving a French mission, and working for Air France, gave me a love of travel. I’ve had a number of opportunities to see the world, including Morocco on 3 occasions where I translated for professional golfers and their wives. And I have returned to France many times for pleasure, and now to visit my daughter. I’ve been all over Europe, and I’ve loved seeing Japan, China, Thailand and so many wonderful places. I’ve learned that people are pretty much the same all over, that if you greet them with warmth and kindness you will make friends wherever you go.
After returning from serving a French-East mission I moved to New York City, where initially I trained at Lord and Taylor to become a fashion buyer. I also got engaged to marry the man of my dreams, and decided the fashion buying thing was not a good choice for a life that hopefully would include children. Too, I missed speaking French, so I went to work for Air France.
My husband’s work meant we moved around a bit, but eventually ended up in Los Angeles, where, for a couple of years I was a docent at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. But there were problems in my marriage, and it became clear it would be necessary for me to support myself and my children. So, I went to work for André Liardet, an ébéniste (master craftsman and designer), where I could speak French, and learn about antiques and design. It prepared me for my eventual career as an interior designer.
The divorce came in 1978, so I took a leap of faith and started my own interior design business. A lot has happened in the nearly 45 intervening years. The very best part of my life is my 3 kids, a son and 2 daughters. Being their mother has been the best education! They kept me busy—and, at times drove me nuts—but they grew up. After college all 3 of them ended up working in New York City at the same time, and to my delight, became best friends. Although I wish they were closer to home, they live in 3 time zones. My son George, lives in Brooklyn, and is a manager in a healthcare company. Alexandra, a journalist and freelance writer, lives in a tiny village in lower Normandy about 2 hours west of Paris, and Emily lives nearby in Glendale. Emily is the only married one of us, having met her husband, Carter in New Orleans where she moved to become a food stylist for TV shows, movies, and commercials.
Serving a French mission, and working for Air France, gave me a love of travel. I’ve had a number of opportunities to see the world, including Morocco on 3 occasions where I translated for professional golfers and their wives. And I have returned to France many times for pleasure, and now to visit my daughter. I’ve been all over Europe, and I’ve loved seeing Japan, China, Thailand and so many wonderful places. I’ve learned that people are pretty much the same all over, that if you greet them with warmth and kindness you will make friends wherever you go.
Holly Martinez
Holly (Wallace) Martinez was born in Provo, Utah, lived there 3 weeks and then moved to Los Angeles and was in the Westwood Second Ward for four years when Arthur Wallace, her Grandfather (Garn Wallace's father), was Bishop. After that she moved to the Westwood First Ward until she left to go to BYU to study organ performance. She lived in Utah for six years, in Europe for six years (Luxembourg for 6 months, Germany for 5 1/2 years) and then moved back to Los Angeles. She has two children who were raised in the Westwood First Ward, Keilah and Jared. She has two grandchildren - Lucy, three years old and Spencer, 20 months old.
She has been a Ward Organist since 2003 and has been Stake Organist since 2014. She feels it's important to rehearse music with the choristers before church meetings so the tempo and sound will enrich the singing experience for the congregation and invite the spirit. Feel free to let her know your favorite hymn and she will play it for postlude or prelude for you!
She works in Santa Monica as an Executive Assistant for an ad tech company. She enjoys going to the gym and being of service in the community.
She has been a Ward Organist since 2003 and has been Stake Organist since 2014. She feels it's important to rehearse music with the choristers before church meetings so the tempo and sound will enrich the singing experience for the congregation and invite the spirit. Feel free to let her know your favorite hymn and she will play it for postlude or prelude for you!
She works in Santa Monica as an Executive Assistant for an ad tech company. She enjoys going to the gym and being of service in the community.
Jayne Unander
Jayne is one of our ward members that has been in the Los Angeles Stake the longest! What a perfect spotlight for our Stake's 100th Anniversary this week! She was born in Long Beach on April 28, 1929 to a family of 3 girls and parents who met each other dancing. Her mother had a beautiful voice and loved to sing and play piano. Jayne herself plays piano and almost majored in it in college. Her family moved to Beverly Hills in 1939 when she was 10 years old. She attended Beverly Hills schools and graduated from Beverly Hills High School.
Jayne was baptized along with her father and others into the Hollywood Stake (during the short time it existed) at the Wilshire Ward building (now the Stake Center). She recalls attending primary in that beautiful building.
She studied at both UCLA and BYU for college and was introduced to her husband, Richard Edmond Unander—a Navy and United Airlines Pilot 5 years her senior—on the steps of the Westwood Ward building where she then asked him to help her with a church assignment to teach dance to a group of young adults. Her line to break the ice was, “You like to dance, I understand…”.
To prepare, they met the next day in our buildings’ cultural hall where Dick brought his record player and a bunch of vinyl records and taught her a Waltz to the song “We Two.” They spent the entire day dancing together and she describes his dancing “as smooth as glass.” They continued to practice, perform and dance together in many capacities for ward, stake and regional dance groups. They got well acquainted on their weekly drives to Ontario to dance practice and were married in 1956.
She spent many years teaching Cotillion dance all over the LA area to thousands of youth and adults and loves sharing stories from her life.
Jayne was baptized along with her father and others into the Hollywood Stake (during the short time it existed) at the Wilshire Ward building (now the Stake Center). She recalls attending primary in that beautiful building.
She studied at both UCLA and BYU for college and was introduced to her husband, Richard Edmond Unander—a Navy and United Airlines Pilot 5 years her senior—on the steps of the Westwood Ward building where she then asked him to help her with a church assignment to teach dance to a group of young adults. Her line to break the ice was, “You like to dance, I understand…”.
To prepare, they met the next day in our buildings’ cultural hall where Dick brought his record player and a bunch of vinyl records and taught her a Waltz to the song “We Two.” They spent the entire day dancing together and she describes his dancing “as smooth as glass.” They continued to practice, perform and dance together in many capacities for ward, stake and regional dance groups. They got well acquainted on their weekly drives to Ontario to dance practice and were married in 1956.
She spent many years teaching Cotillion dance all over the LA area to thousands of youth and adults and loves sharing stories from her life.
The Hobbs Family
We're the Hobbs family! Sam and Kiley grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico but didn’t meet until they were students at the University of New Mexico. Sam found out that Kiley played the cello and quickly decided to use that as a way to break the ice. Less than a year later they were married in the Albuquerque Temple.
After his first year of college, Sam served a full-time mission in Antofagasta, Chile. He graduated with a double major in Chemistry and Spanish, then joined the Air Force to pay for medical school at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. After his graduation, he completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the military hospitals in San Antonio, Texas and is now completing an additional two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at UCLA. When he’s not cutting on eyeballs or chasing kids, he enjoys reading, playing the viola, woodworking, and making fun videos.
Kiley originally majored in cello performance but quickly found out she preferred playing for fun rather than for grades. After exploring a few different majors, she eventually graduated with a degree in public health. Since that time, she has dedicated herself to her family, including her four wild children. Although she would eventually like to get her Master’s in Public Health, until then she is soaking up this precious time when her children are young. In her “free” time, Kiley enjoys crafting, drawing, watching the Great British Baking Show, and sleeping.
Joseph (9) was born right before Sam started medical school. Those who know Joseph will quickly realize that he is one-of-a-kind. He is very smart, caring, and cycles through many passions. His current obsession is animals that he can keep as pets – and the more exotic, the better. His newest pet is Tang, a spunky tangerine koi betta fish sporting half a mustache. Joseph enjoys his after-school classes at Overland Elementary, playing Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch, making books and crafts out of paper, and sharing his interests with others.
Elijah (7) is a ray of sunshine in our home. He is very energetic and intelligent, helpful to his parents, and always up for a challenge. When he was four, he started putting together 100+ piece jigsaw puzzles by himself, and he has now moved on to 2000+ piece Lego creations made for kids 12 and older. He is currently reading the fourth Harry Potter book and learning Kung Fu. He’s everybody’s best friend, including his siblings. He’s also in the Cub Scouts and enjoys spending time with his friends on outings.
Eden (4) started preschool this year, and she is a princess. Her favorite colors are pink and purple, and she loves dragons, unicorns, and her mom. She also loves her dad, but “not so much.” Even though she is a little firecracker at home, she gets quite shy when in public. She is our most musically inclined child and started dance classes this year. She gets her artistic abilities from her mom, and she creates the most adorable drawings of creatures she makes up.
Noah (1) is the perfect addition to the family. He fits right in with his siblings and can be found following them around and copying the things they do. He can easily be spotted at church by his Luigi hat, which he has refused to give up since before Halloween. He’s one of the most mischievous of the bunch, hiding knick-knacks in nooks and crannies all over the house. He even puts small toys in his parents’ instruments! He loves Super Mario, dogs, balls, bikes, and baths. He is always up for a thrill and enjoys being thrown into the air and rough-housing with his brother Elijah.
Bumblebee, Archer, and Sunny (3) are the family’s pet yellow-banded poison dart frogs. They are proud new parents of 14 froglets, two of which Sam and Kiley are planning on keeping and the rest of which will likely be given away/sold. Frog breeding has become an unexpected adventure in the Hobbs household!
We have loved our time in the Westwood Ward, and we will be sad when the day comes for us to leave. But since the Air Force owns Sam, eventually (in July 2023) he will be stationed back in San Antonio, TX to care for the service members and their families. We will miss the perfect weather of Los Angeles, but we will miss our ward family even more!
After his first year of college, Sam served a full-time mission in Antofagasta, Chile. He graduated with a double major in Chemistry and Spanish, then joined the Air Force to pay for medical school at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. After his graduation, he completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the military hospitals in San Antonio, Texas and is now completing an additional two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at UCLA. When he’s not cutting on eyeballs or chasing kids, he enjoys reading, playing the viola, woodworking, and making fun videos.
Kiley originally majored in cello performance but quickly found out she preferred playing for fun rather than for grades. After exploring a few different majors, she eventually graduated with a degree in public health. Since that time, she has dedicated herself to her family, including her four wild children. Although she would eventually like to get her Master’s in Public Health, until then she is soaking up this precious time when her children are young. In her “free” time, Kiley enjoys crafting, drawing, watching the Great British Baking Show, and sleeping.
Joseph (9) was born right before Sam started medical school. Those who know Joseph will quickly realize that he is one-of-a-kind. He is very smart, caring, and cycles through many passions. His current obsession is animals that he can keep as pets – and the more exotic, the better. His newest pet is Tang, a spunky tangerine koi betta fish sporting half a mustache. Joseph enjoys his after-school classes at Overland Elementary, playing Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch, making books and crafts out of paper, and sharing his interests with others.
Elijah (7) is a ray of sunshine in our home. He is very energetic and intelligent, helpful to his parents, and always up for a challenge. When he was four, he started putting together 100+ piece jigsaw puzzles by himself, and he has now moved on to 2000+ piece Lego creations made for kids 12 and older. He is currently reading the fourth Harry Potter book and learning Kung Fu. He’s everybody’s best friend, including his siblings. He’s also in the Cub Scouts and enjoys spending time with his friends on outings.
Eden (4) started preschool this year, and she is a princess. Her favorite colors are pink and purple, and she loves dragons, unicorns, and her mom. She also loves her dad, but “not so much.” Even though she is a little firecracker at home, she gets quite shy when in public. She is our most musically inclined child and started dance classes this year. She gets her artistic abilities from her mom, and she creates the most adorable drawings of creatures she makes up.
Noah (1) is the perfect addition to the family. He fits right in with his siblings and can be found following them around and copying the things they do. He can easily be spotted at church by his Luigi hat, which he has refused to give up since before Halloween. He’s one of the most mischievous of the bunch, hiding knick-knacks in nooks and crannies all over the house. He even puts small toys in his parents’ instruments! He loves Super Mario, dogs, balls, bikes, and baths. He is always up for a thrill and enjoys being thrown into the air and rough-housing with his brother Elijah.
Bumblebee, Archer, and Sunny (3) are the family’s pet yellow-banded poison dart frogs. They are proud new parents of 14 froglets, two of which Sam and Kiley are planning on keeping and the rest of which will likely be given away/sold. Frog breeding has become an unexpected adventure in the Hobbs household!
We have loved our time in the Westwood Ward, and we will be sad when the day comes for us to leave. But since the Air Force owns Sam, eventually (in July 2023) he will be stationed back in San Antonio, TX to care for the service members and their families. We will miss the perfect weather of Los Angeles, but we will miss our ward family even more!
The Andersens
We are Fran and Tom Andersen; both in our 80s now so this could be several chapters long, but we’ll just stick to the most fantastic parts. Both of us grew up in Los Angeles a few miles apart, but didn’t meet until we occasionally crossed paths in Wilshire Ward. Then Tom went off to college, then a mission to Japan, then a stint in the Army. Meanwhile, after a couple of years of community college for Fran, we both turned up at BYU and recognized that we sort of knew each other. Tom majored in accounting, worked at the largest firms, and acquired small accounting practices in Beverly Hills that were ultimately acquired by KPMG International.
Meanwhile, marriage, children, pets, callings in ward and stake, and Fran went back to work for a UCLA special collections library of 17th-through 19th-Century studies as a fellowships and events coordinator. She and Tom were both able to retire gradually. Through the 59 years of our family and work, we’ve stayed in the ward and stake. Tom can claim longer tenure because he remembers crawling under the pews of Wilshire’s long chapel in the late 1930s. Fran didn’t come to Wilshire until 1952 when her mother realized she shouldn’t attempt to raise two teenage daughters alone. Smart move. Mother and both daughters married men from Wilshire Ward. That beautiful chapel is dear to us.
We traveled to China, Europe, Canada, and around the U.S. without drama. But at home we’ve been through three major earthquakes; Tehachapi in 1952, Sylmar in 1971, Northridge in 1994. We’ve been expecting another one. It’s been 29 years this month since Northridge caused a lot of destruction right here. Tom was bishop in the Singles Ward at the time, and the stunned members rallied to help us pick up bricks, glass, china, ketchup, books, and ourselves. Good times.
We have taken our first pandemic seriously because we are so into our 80s, so we have seen many new members only on Zoom. We loved having baptisms in our pool when the fonts were closed, so we’ve become accustomed to and quite like smaller gatherings. Welcome new members. Take over for us.
Meanwhile, marriage, children, pets, callings in ward and stake, and Fran went back to work for a UCLA special collections library of 17th-through 19th-Century studies as a fellowships and events coordinator. She and Tom were both able to retire gradually. Through the 59 years of our family and work, we’ve stayed in the ward and stake. Tom can claim longer tenure because he remembers crawling under the pews of Wilshire’s long chapel in the late 1930s. Fran didn’t come to Wilshire until 1952 when her mother realized she shouldn’t attempt to raise two teenage daughters alone. Smart move. Mother and both daughters married men from Wilshire Ward. That beautiful chapel is dear to us.
We traveled to China, Europe, Canada, and around the U.S. without drama. But at home we’ve been through three major earthquakes; Tehachapi in 1952, Sylmar in 1971, Northridge in 1994. We’ve been expecting another one. It’s been 29 years this month since Northridge caused a lot of destruction right here. Tom was bishop in the Singles Ward at the time, and the stunned members rallied to help us pick up bricks, glass, china, ketchup, books, and ourselves. Good times.
We have taken our first pandemic seriously because we are so into our 80s, so we have seen many new members only on Zoom. We loved having baptisms in our pool when the fonts were closed, so we’ve become accustomed to and quite like smaller gatherings. Welcome new members. Take over for us.
Shirley Sycamore
Shirley grew up in Ogden, Utah and after graduating from Utah State University she started her teaching career as a second grade teacher. During the time she was teaching in Ogden, she spent two of her summer months living and working in Washington, DC. After four years of teaching in Ogden, she moved to Alexandria, Virginia where she taught 6th grade.
She moved from Virginia to Los Angeles in 1975 and began teaching in the Beverly Hills and Burbank school districts but spent her last 25 years of teaching in the Glendale School district, with her last 22 of the 25 years in La Crescenta as a first grade teacher. She loves the arts and taught choirs, musical theater and square dancing to young children—ending each session with a performance for the student body and parents. Additionally, she taught musical theater and square/folk dancing to many children in the Westwood Wards for several years—ending with a performance. In fact, she’ll begin teaching musical theater to ward children this coming February after taking time off for the pandemic. Contact her if you’re interested in your child participating!
After 40 years of teaching she retired in June of 2010—but she never really retired, as she’s been tutoring elementary school children every year in Language Arts—which is a love and passion of hers and she plans on teaching for many years to come.
She loves attending performances at various theaters in the LA area, going to the Hollywood Bowl, traveling to foreign countries as well as in the US, and designing birthday, holiday and other cards to send to friends and family. Her love of baking and sharing chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls with friends rivals her love for UCLA football as you’ll find her at games throughout the year.
She moved from Virginia to Los Angeles in 1975 and began teaching in the Beverly Hills and Burbank school districts but spent her last 25 years of teaching in the Glendale School district, with her last 22 of the 25 years in La Crescenta as a first grade teacher. She loves the arts and taught choirs, musical theater and square dancing to young children—ending each session with a performance for the student body and parents. Additionally, she taught musical theater and square/folk dancing to many children in the Westwood Wards for several years—ending with a performance. In fact, she’ll begin teaching musical theater to ward children this coming February after taking time off for the pandemic. Contact her if you’re interested in your child participating!
After 40 years of teaching she retired in June of 2010—but she never really retired, as she’s been tutoring elementary school children every year in Language Arts—which is a love and passion of hers and she plans on teaching for many years to come.
She loves attending performances at various theaters in the LA area, going to the Hollywood Bowl, traveling to foreign countries as well as in the US, and designing birthday, holiday and other cards to send to friends and family. Her love of baking and sharing chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls with friends rivals her love for UCLA football as you’ll find her at games throughout the year.
David Powell
David was born and raised in West Point, Utah. He completed a bachelors degree from Utah Valley State College and was the last graduating class before the school's name officially changed to Utah Valley University. David went on to complete a masters in social work from the University of Utah. David says he s looking forward to watching the Utes play in the rose bowl! (Sorry USC fans)!
David moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to work for his uncle part time as a tax preparer and for an airline, being assigned to their LAX base. In 2017 he embraced full time self employment as a tax preparer. Prior to this he worked for the state of Utah as a social worker and at Zions Bank in various roles.
David served as a missionary in the Canada, Winnipeg Mission. After several years away from the church he is happy to be back and a part of such an amazing ward. He currently serves as a Sunday program coordinator (preparing and printing the sacrament programs) a calling he rotates with Shirley Sycamore.
In his free time he enjoys exploring Southern California, walking the beach, going to the gym, roller roller coasters, watching old sitcoms from the 1950’s and 60’s, spending time with family and taking in the beautiful Southern California weather!
David moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to work for his uncle part time as a tax preparer and for an airline, being assigned to their LAX base. In 2017 he embraced full time self employment as a tax preparer. Prior to this he worked for the state of Utah as a social worker and at Zions Bank in various roles.
David served as a missionary in the Canada, Winnipeg Mission. After several years away from the church he is happy to be back and a part of such an amazing ward. He currently serves as a Sunday program coordinator (preparing and printing the sacrament programs) a calling he rotates with Shirley Sycamore.
In his free time he enjoys exploring Southern California, walking the beach, going to the gym, roller roller coasters, watching old sitcoms from the 1950’s and 60’s, spending time with family and taking in the beautiful Southern California weather!
The Scoll Family
David and Gayla met and married while at BYU and then on to USC for David's law school. Five children later Gayla returned to school to get her Masters degree and begin a profession as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. They are both now retired although being married to David allows/requires Gayla to still utilize her professional skills. He considers himself her ongoing lab project for the last fifty years. They enjoy traveling and just spending time together.
Gayla was born in Boise, Idaho, raised predominantly in Fort Worth, Texas. She was blessed to be born to parents who were members of the Church. She loved church activity growing up and has remained active since. Primary, Young Women, singing in the ward choir, experiencing speech festivals, dance festivals and volleyball in YW gave her broad experiences and some enduring friendships. She currently serves as the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency.
David has lived in the ward since before the chapel was built. He was there when the Westwood Ward was divided and has now seen it come full circle and recombine. He feels richly blessed to have known so many interesting people who have lived in the wards of the Los Angeles Stake. He says that because of his longevity in the ward more than because of any particular skill set he has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of Church callings each of which has taught him important life lessons and allowed him to get to know more about himself and about others. He finds it fascinating to learn about people's lives and currently serves as the Stake Executive Secretary.
Gayla was born in Boise, Idaho, raised predominantly in Fort Worth, Texas. She was blessed to be born to parents who were members of the Church. She loved church activity growing up and has remained active since. Primary, Young Women, singing in the ward choir, experiencing speech festivals, dance festivals and volleyball in YW gave her broad experiences and some enduring friendships. She currently serves as the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency.
David has lived in the ward since before the chapel was built. He was there when the Westwood Ward was divided and has now seen it come full circle and recombine. He feels richly blessed to have known so many interesting people who have lived in the wards of the Los Angeles Stake. He says that because of his longevity in the ward more than because of any particular skill set he has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of Church callings each of which has taught him important life lessons and allowed him to get to know more about himself and about others. He finds it fascinating to learn about people's lives and currently serves as the Stake Executive Secretary.
The Dobson Family
Graham is the main character of the Dobson family these days. He is 2 and almost a half. He spends his days running in circles, watching garbage trucks, and entertaining his mom. He likes dumping toys out of their buckets and eating his weight in pasta. He is excited for his little brother to come in January.
Brooke is from Sandy Utah. She attended Dixie State, served a mission in Barcelona, Spain, and then graduated from the University of Utah in Sociology. She serves as our ward building scheduler likes baking, exploring California, crafts, photography, naps, and being outside.
Parker grew up in Provo Utah and served a mission in the Philippines. He met Brooke after just finishing his accounting degree at the University of Utah and they got married before moving across the country to Michigan for med school. He is currently in anesthesiology residency at ucla with about a year and a half left. He enjoys tennis, fish aquariums, and hiking and serves as the Ward Executive Secretary.
Brooke is from Sandy Utah. She attended Dixie State, served a mission in Barcelona, Spain, and then graduated from the University of Utah in Sociology. She serves as our ward building scheduler likes baking, exploring California, crafts, photography, naps, and being outside.
Parker grew up in Provo Utah and served a mission in the Philippines. He met Brooke after just finishing his accounting degree at the University of Utah and they got married before moving across the country to Michigan for med school. He is currently in anesthesiology residency at ucla with about a year and a half left. He enjoys tennis, fish aquariums, and hiking and serves as the Ward Executive Secretary.
The Brimhall Family
We are the Brimhalls -- Michael, Brooke and Eleanor (3). Brooke and Michael met in Provo, UT while going to school and were married in 2015. After graduating in 2018, Michael and Brooke settled on moving to LA for Michael to start his career in a big city and to appease Brooke's SoCal roots. They've been in the Westwood ward ever since and have loved building relationships with all the wonderful people in the ward.
Eleanor (Ellie) is a curious, playful, and very social 3 year old. She's firmly in the princess phase with dresses, movies, and dancing. Michael is happy whenever she takes the occasional break from the princess life to build her legos and ride her scooter. Ellie recently started preschool and she loves her teachers and all her new friends.
Brooke enjoys a classic LA brunch on the weekends, finding a great deal on a new dress, and is a very festive person around the holidays. Her love for Christmas is perfect for her calling on the Activities Committee and she is in the middle of planning the Ward Christmas party. Brooke works for Nordstrom working with brands to manage their flow of new inventory or sales going on the Nordstrom website. Brooke is 6 months pregnant and our family is extremely excited to welcome a baby boy in February!
Michael plays a lot of pickleball, is always looking for a new hamburger joint, and tries to get a round of golf in whenever possible. He loves LA mostly because he enjoys being outside as much as possible -- being from Phoenix, he tries to not take a single good weather day for granted. Michael has worked in Finance since graduating from undergrad and is grateful to have his office just a block away from the temple.
As a family, we are grateful to be in the Westwood ward and look forward to meeting the rest of our expanded ward family after the WW1 & WW2 merger
Eleanor (Ellie) is a curious, playful, and very social 3 year old. She's firmly in the princess phase with dresses, movies, and dancing. Michael is happy whenever she takes the occasional break from the princess life to build her legos and ride her scooter. Ellie recently started preschool and she loves her teachers and all her new friends.
Brooke enjoys a classic LA brunch on the weekends, finding a great deal on a new dress, and is a very festive person around the holidays. Her love for Christmas is perfect for her calling on the Activities Committee and she is in the middle of planning the Ward Christmas party. Brooke works for Nordstrom working with brands to manage their flow of new inventory or sales going on the Nordstrom website. Brooke is 6 months pregnant and our family is extremely excited to welcome a baby boy in February!
Michael plays a lot of pickleball, is always looking for a new hamburger joint, and tries to get a round of golf in whenever possible. He loves LA mostly because he enjoys being outside as much as possible -- being from Phoenix, he tries to not take a single good weather day for granted. Michael has worked in Finance since graduating from undergrad and is grateful to have his office just a block away from the temple.
As a family, we are grateful to be in the Westwood ward and look forward to meeting the rest of our expanded ward family after the WW1 & WW2 merger
The Wallace Family
John and Elaine were both born and raised in Los Angeles and married in 2002. They have 5 children: Daniel (24), Leila (17), Grace (15), Abigail (15), and Gabriel (11). John has worked for the family business, Wallace Laboratories, for over 25+ years, all while earning a degree in Chemistry, supporting a growing family, and serving in various church callings. Elaine recently began working there part-time and loves the flexibility. Spending even more time with John is also a plus. She serves as the Primary President of the ward and thinks the children are hilarious and adorable.
Daniel is currently a student at BYU Provo and working as a lifeguard/EMT. He is majoring in Chemistry and plans to join a fire academy with the goal to work as a paramedic fireman.
Leila will soon be entering her 2nd semester of her senior year in high school and has been working diligently on writing many essays for college applications. She works part-time at a clothing boutique in the Palisades Village.
Grace is a sophomore in high school and plays club volleyball for LAVA.
Abby is also a sophomore and enjoys playing with the family's 2 new rescue kittens.
Both girls love spending time with friends and taking regular family trips to Disneyland.
Gabe is a 5th grader at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School. He has recently found a love of pickleball and plays with his dad whenever time allows it. For his 11th birthday this year, all he asked for were obscure Transformer toys from EBay. His newest thing is to create stop-motion videos, starring his Transformers.
Daniel is currently a student at BYU Provo and working as a lifeguard/EMT. He is majoring in Chemistry and plans to join a fire academy with the goal to work as a paramedic fireman.
Leila will soon be entering her 2nd semester of her senior year in high school and has been working diligently on writing many essays for college applications. She works part-time at a clothing boutique in the Palisades Village.
Grace is a sophomore in high school and plays club volleyball for LAVA.
Abby is also a sophomore and enjoys playing with the family's 2 new rescue kittens.
Both girls love spending time with friends and taking regular family trips to Disneyland.
Gabe is a 5th grader at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School. He has recently found a love of pickleball and plays with his dad whenever time allows it. For his 11th birthday this year, all he asked for were obscure Transformer toys from EBay. His newest thing is to create stop-motion videos, starring his Transformers.
The Young Family
Dustin and Michelle have been in the ward for the past 9.5 years and have been married for 11 years. They moved here right after they graduated from BYU. Dustin works for a Real Estate PE firm. He is currently serving as the Temple and Family History leader. Michelle takes care of their 3 boys. She is serving as the Relief Society secretary right now. In their free time they can be found coaching their boys' sports teams, trying new restaurants, going to the beach, attempting escape rooms, and cheering on the Dodgers.
Carson is 8 years old and is in 3rd grade at Westwood Charter. He loves learning, reading, and playing baseball, soccer, and basketball. He is a great big brother and loves being the oldest.
Jackson is 5 years old and is in Kindergarten at Westwood Charter. He loves playing soccer, baseball, and with all the toys. He can be found doing whatever Carson is doing. He looks up to his big brother so much!
Mason is 1 year old. He likes to eat, pull all of the books off the shelf, and take everything out of the cupboards. We're all obsessed with him!
Carson is 8 years old and is in 3rd grade at Westwood Charter. He loves learning, reading, and playing baseball, soccer, and basketball. He is a great big brother and loves being the oldest.
Jackson is 5 years old and is in Kindergarten at Westwood Charter. He loves playing soccer, baseball, and with all the toys. He can be found doing whatever Carson is doing. He looks up to his big brother so much!
Mason is 1 year old. He likes to eat, pull all of the books off the shelf, and take everything out of the cupboards. We're all obsessed with him!
The Yauney Family
Ryan grew up in Fullerton, California as the second of 7 siblings. After leaving home in Fullerton, Ryan served a mission for two years in Iquitos, Peru. The week after returning from his mission, Ryan began his first year at BYU where he studied Economics and Business Strategy. Ryan met and married his wife Brielle while attending BYU, and they have now been married for over two and a half years. After Ryan graduated from BYU, he and Brielle moved to Westwood where Ryan works for L.E.K. Consulting. Ryan and Brielle were called to serve in the nursery soon after joining the Westwood 1st Ward where they enjoyed their time serving together. Earlier this year, Ryan was called to serve as Elders Quorum President, and Brielle has since transitioned from the nursery to be the Young Women's Secretary. Ryan enjoys playing and watching sports, and especially loves golfing with his Dad. Ryan also enjoys learning to cook new foods, the best of which recently is his firecracker chicken tacos. Most of all, Ryan has fun goofing off with Brielle.
Brielle reigns from Houston, Texas but is happy to call Los Angeles home. She is currently finishing up her bachelor's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at Pepperdine University in Malibu. Inspired by all of the things Ryan does, she tries to stay busy and is presently an influencer marketing intern for Safely. When she is not doing school or work she loves to try new food and spend time with her best friend Ryan! She loves being an active and involved student on campus with various research marketing clubs and organizations. While Brielle has many title changes throughout the week like student, employee, bunny mom, and friend her favorite title is wife. When Brielle came to BYU several years ago for her first year of college she was not expecting to meet her husband within her first semester-but is sure glad she did and is loving this new chapter here in LA with Ryan.
Brielle reigns from Houston, Texas but is happy to call Los Angeles home. She is currently finishing up her bachelor's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at Pepperdine University in Malibu. Inspired by all of the things Ryan does, she tries to stay busy and is presently an influencer marketing intern for Safely. When she is not doing school or work she loves to try new food and spend time with her best friend Ryan! She loves being an active and involved student on campus with various research marketing clubs and organizations. While Brielle has many title changes throughout the week like student, employee, bunny mom, and friend her favorite title is wife. When Brielle came to BYU several years ago for her first year of college she was not expecting to meet her husband within her first semester-but is sure glad she did and is loving this new chapter here in LA with Ryan.
The Candland Family
Brett works in finance at Ares in Century City and loves all things numbers. When he's not closing a deal he loves to spend time with his kids, camp, hike and travel. His favorite places in the world are Alaska, Joshua Tree and Slovenia. He and his family have been in the ward for almost five years, the longest he and Victoria have lived anywhere in their 11 years of marriage.
Victoria mainly stays at home with her crazy minions but also does PR consulting as a side hustle. She is an avid runner and also loves to bake, read and travel. The mom group, food scene and Disneyland are her favorite things about LA. She currently serves as the Westwood Ward Young Women President.
Emerson (5) is in preschool and absolutely loves it. A very vivacious kid, he also loves to read books, go to the beach, make new friends at the park playground and eat pickles. He wishes he could get more screen time than his parents let him have.
Josephine (Jo or Jojo for short) is almost two and she loves her older brother so much. She is a big people person and loves to go for walks, play hide and seek, eat dirt and watch airplanes. If you hear a toddler babbling during sacrament meeting, it's likely this adorable chatterbox.
Victoria mainly stays at home with her crazy minions but also does PR consulting as a side hustle. She is an avid runner and also loves to bake, read and travel. The mom group, food scene and Disneyland are her favorite things about LA. She currently serves as the Westwood Ward Young Women President.
Emerson (5) is in preschool and absolutely loves it. A very vivacious kid, he also loves to read books, go to the beach, make new friends at the park playground and eat pickles. He wishes he could get more screen time than his parents let him have.
Josephine (Jo or Jojo for short) is almost two and she loves her older brother so much. She is a big people person and loves to go for walks, play hide and seek, eat dirt and watch airplanes. If you hear a toddler babbling during sacrament meeting, it's likely this adorable chatterbox.
The Plant Family
We're the Plant family: Conner, Ellen, and Anderson (1). Conner is currently serving as the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric which he did briefly in the Westwood 1st Ward before the wards combined. Prior to moving to Westwood a little over two years ago, we were members of the Wilshire Ward and USC Ward. Conner moved to LA originally to attend USC as an undergrad and brought Ellen to town once she graduated from BYU and got engaged. We're both from Oregon and grew up 45 minutes away from each other but didn't meet until we were in our early 20s.
Conner works with mobile game developers in Amazon's ad sales division and Ellen works in event marketing for an ad agency. In our free time, we enjoy taking advantage of all that LA has to offer, including concerts, restaurants, movie screenings, perfect weather, and sporting events. As native Oregonians though, we both are diehard Blazers fans and proud Lakers haters (sorry). You can find Conner biking most Saturday mornings and has trained for several triathlons over the past few years. Ellen is a Disneyland aficionado and enjoys art, sewing, and piano. Anderson likes Olaf from Frozen, going to the playground, and throwing books off the shelf.
Conner works with mobile game developers in Amazon's ad sales division and Ellen works in event marketing for an ad agency. In our free time, we enjoy taking advantage of all that LA has to offer, including concerts, restaurants, movie screenings, perfect weather, and sporting events. As native Oregonians though, we both are diehard Blazers fans and proud Lakers haters (sorry). You can find Conner biking most Saturday mornings and has trained for several triathlons over the past few years. Ellen is a Disneyland aficionado and enjoys art, sewing, and piano. Anderson likes Olaf from Frozen, going to the playground, and throwing books off the shelf.
The Stailey Family
Andrea and Rex have been in the ward since 2014 and welcomed their daughter, Audrey (10 months) back in November of 2021. They met in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania while attending the singles ward and have been married for 10 years. They enjoy traveling together to many places outside the US.
Andrea was born and raised in Los Angeles and spent 9 years in Philadelphia for school at the University of Pennsylvania. She works as a Nurse Practitioner in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and serves on the family history committee. She enjoys reading mystery novels, eating good food, traveling, and experiencing other cultures.
Rex was named after his father and is the youngest of 5 children. His father was born a member and his mother is a convert to the church. He grew up in a small town called Silver City in New Mexico. Rex served as a missionary in the Spain Bilbao Mission, Graduated from BYU and California State University and currently is employed as a Medical Social Worker at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood. He’s currently serving as our ward’s 2nd counselor in the Bishopric and loves the outdoors, hiking, biking, camping, and playing video games with his family members.
Andrea was born and raised in Los Angeles and spent 9 years in Philadelphia for school at the University of Pennsylvania. She works as a Nurse Practitioner in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and serves on the family history committee. She enjoys reading mystery novels, eating good food, traveling, and experiencing other cultures.
Rex was named after his father and is the youngest of 5 children. His father was born a member and his mother is a convert to the church. He grew up in a small town called Silver City in New Mexico. Rex served as a missionary in the Spain Bilbao Mission, Graduated from BYU and California State University and currently is employed as a Medical Social Worker at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood. He’s currently serving as our ward’s 2nd counselor in the Bishopric and loves the outdoors, hiking, biking, camping, and playing video games with his family members.
The Edwards Family
Abby, Billy and their three kids William (6), Charlie (4) and Cecily (3) love being part of the Westwood Ward and are excited to build new friendships through the two Westwood Wards combining. Here is a brief intro to each of them.
Abby is a lawyer by trade and practiced bankruptcy law for a number of years in New York City. She still misses New York, but Billy is glad she made it out to the west coast because that is where they dated and got married. Some of her favorite hobbies include reading, running and discovering fun new restaurants around LA.
Billy works in business management at Bally Sports. One perk of his job is he goes to a lot of sporting events, so it’s turned out to be the job he never knew he always wanted. Some of his favorite things to do are read, ski and spend time in the outdoors (mountains preferred, but beach also happily accepted).
William is a first-grader at Westwood Charter. His favorite things are to read (his favorite book series is Tintin), play LEGO, ride bikes and play on his soccer team (the Blue Lightning). He also loves to watch shows but wishes he could watch more than he does.
Charlie is in pre-school and is lucky to have his little sister in the classroom right next door. Charlie loves to play LEGO, go on long scooter rides, tell his family about "sharpers" (an imaginary animal species he’s made up) and draw.
Cecily is proud to be part of the very large cohort of 3-year-old girls in the Westwood Ward. She has quite a crew of friends in the ward! She loves pink and reminds her family about it often. She also enjoys riding her scooter and following her mom at every turn.
Abby is a lawyer by trade and practiced bankruptcy law for a number of years in New York City. She still misses New York, but Billy is glad she made it out to the west coast because that is where they dated and got married. Some of her favorite hobbies include reading, running and discovering fun new restaurants around LA.
Billy works in business management at Bally Sports. One perk of his job is he goes to a lot of sporting events, so it’s turned out to be the job he never knew he always wanted. Some of his favorite things to do are read, ski and spend time in the outdoors (mountains preferred, but beach also happily accepted).
William is a first-grader at Westwood Charter. His favorite things are to read (his favorite book series is Tintin), play LEGO, ride bikes and play on his soccer team (the Blue Lightning). He also loves to watch shows but wishes he could watch more than he does.
Charlie is in pre-school and is lucky to have his little sister in the classroom right next door. Charlie loves to play LEGO, go on long scooter rides, tell his family about "sharpers" (an imaginary animal species he’s made up) and draw.
Cecily is proud to be part of the very large cohort of 3-year-old girls in the Westwood Ward. She has quite a crew of friends in the ward! She loves pink and reminds her family about it often. She also enjoys riding her scooter and following her mom at every turn.
bottom of page