Jason Briesacher | Lead Pastor

Jason serves as the Lead Pastor of Yosemite Church. He and his wife, Kathryn, have four kids, Ronin, Toby, Jude and Sadie, who keep life full, loud and fun. Jason loves spending time with his family, traveling, writing, reading, and finding new places to explore. He’s a lifelong learner who is usually working through a book, chasing down a new idea, or planning the family’s next adventure. He loves good food, great conversations, and creating experiences that bring people together.

Rueben Rodarte, Family Ministry Pastor of Yosemite Church

Rueben Rodarte | Executive Pastor

Rueben has been part of Yosemite Church since 2017 and serves as Executive Pastor. He enjoys helping create processes and systems that equip our staff and volunteers to serve well and focus on loving, serving, and discipling others. He also loves the opportunity to preach and connect with people through God’s Word. Outside of church, Rueben enjoys spending time with his wife and children, especially when they’re out adventuring together. And if you know Rueben, you’ll probably know that he’s also a big 49ers fan!

Tony Medina | YC en Español Pastor

Tony has served as the pastor of Yosemite Church en Español since 2026 and loves talking with people about Jesus and seeing lives changed by Him. He and his wife enjoy serving with the worship team and playing music for the Lord. Outside of church, he loves spending time with his wife and their two daughters, meeting new people, and making people laugh whenever he can.

Jen McCary | Worship Director

Jen serves as the Worship Director at Yosemite Church. While she has been on staff since 2026, Jen has been part of the Yosemite Church family for more than 20 years. She has a deep love for worship and enjoys leading people to draw closer to Jesus through music and song. She considers it a privilege to help create an environment where people can worship freely, experience God’s presence, and grow in their relationship with Him.

Outside of church, Jen loves spending time with her husband, daughters, son-in-law, and amazing grandson. She enjoys taking long walks with friends, watching movies with her family, and making memories with the people she loves. Above all, Jen desires to become more like Jesus each day and encourage others to pursue Him wholeheartedly.

Polly Alterman, Human Resources Director of Yosemite Church

Polly Alterman | Finance Director

Polly has been on staff since 2001 in various capacities and now is in her sweet spot as the Finance Director. In her previous career, she was a banker, so she understands money and her job at YC allows her to help us be good stewards of what God has given us. Outside of work, Polly loves to open her home for small groups, read, and sing. She also enjoys traveling and seeing friends and family all over the world. She is blessed with 2 beautiful granddaughters and their parents as well as her nieces who are like her own. Polly thanks God for giving her a full and blessed life!

Stephanie Moe, Children's Ministry Coordinator of Yosemite Church

Stephanie Moe | Children’s Ministry Director

Stephanie has been part of the Yosemite Church family for 22 years, and she has had the blessing of serving in Children’s Ministry since 2017. Children’s Ministry has been a wonderful opportunity to use the gifts God has given her. She loves watching children grow in their faith, hearing them sing about letting their light shine, and partnering with parents and families to show them the love of Jesus.

Outside of church, she enjoys the simple things in life—getting lost in a good book, bowling, family dinners and trips, and game nights. She loves a quiet space to read but also loves listening to music and doesn’t mind turning it up loud, even if she sings a little off-key! She is grateful for the opportunity to serve, love, and grow alongside the families of Yosemite Church.

Ashley Dawson, Youth and Young Adults Coordinator of Yosemite Church

Ashley Dawson | Youth/Young Adults Director

Ashley serves as the Youth and Young Adults Director and after volunteering for 16 years, joined our staff in 2023. Ashley has always been passionate about helping people know who God is because when they know Him, it changes the course of their lives. Ashley and her husband, Kyle, have 2 kids, Andrew and Kinslee. They enjoy spending time outdoors; playing together. Fun fact: Ashley has an identical twin, but people never believe her since she doesn’t live in Merced.

Della Chambers | Administrative Manager

Della has been on staff since 2012 and serves as the Administrative Manager. She’s definitely more of a behind-the-scenes person and loves using her gift of administration to support the staff and ministries at Yosemite Church, helping create space for others to focus on loving, serving, and discipling people.

Della is especially grateful for Jesus Christ and all that He has given her. She sees serving in ministry as an opportunity to give back what she has been given and use the gifts God has entrusted to her to make a difference in the lives of others. She is thankful to serve the Lord in a role that may happen behind the scenes, but still plays an important part in helping His church move forward.

Outside of church, Della enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and learning. She especially enjoys biographies and stories about other people—their experiences, journeys, and the things she can learn from their lives. She loves learning what makes people unique and what has shaped them, and believes every person has a story and something we can learn from one another.

Sarah Quarnstrom, Communications Coordinator of Yosemite Church

Sarah Quarnstrom | Communications & Creative Arts Director

Sarah grew up at Yosemite Church. Over the years, she’s had the opportunity to serve in different areas before joining the staff in 2015. She now serves as the Communications & Creative Arts Director and loves finding creative ways to communicate what God is doing at Yosemite Church and helping people know who we are. Outside of church, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and their two girls, baking, crafting, and pretty much anything that lets her be creative and make something.

Rueben Jr Rodarte, Facilities member of Yosemite Church

Rueben Jr Rodarte | Facilities Coordinator

Rueben Jr. has been part of the Yosemite Church staff since 2020, starting as a Facilities Assistant and now serving as Facilities Coordinator. He helps care for the buildings and campus, from cleanliness and maintenance to making sure everyone has a comfortable and welcoming place to gather. He enjoys being able to serve behind the scenes and help create spaces where people can connect and grow.

Outside of church, Rueben Jr. loves all things media, including video games, movies and shows, card games, and more. He also enjoys spending time with the people he loves and making the most of whatever adventures God has in store.

David Ortiz | Facilities

David has been part of the Yosemite Church staff since 2024 and serves on the Facilities team. He enjoys helping prepare and maintain the church, making sure it’s a clean, welcoming place for everyone who walks through the doors. Outside of church, David has a love for fantasy, reading and writing stories, and exploring worlds beyond our own. By day, he helps take care of the church, but in his imagination, the adventures are just getting started. One of his biggest dreams is to finally uncover the legendary One Piece alongside his friends!

Julie Bowen | Reception & Administrative Assistant

Julie has been the Receptionist and one of the Administrative Assistants since 2021. She enjoys welcoming and connecting people, and supporting ministries at Yosemite Church. Outside of church she enjoys spending time with her husband, family gatherings, playing with her grandkids, and having coffee or lunch with a friend.

Melissa Bell | Administrative Assistant

Melissa has been part of Yosemite Church staff since 2025 and serves as an Administrative Assistant. She loves serving behind the scenes, supporting the pastors, staff, volunteers, and ministries, and helping things run smoothly. It is a true privilege and honor for her to serve Jesus and others at Yosemite Church. Outside of church, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, visiting the ocean, and making memories with family and friends. She loves capturing special moments through photos and is grateful for all that God has done and is doing in her life.