Our Ministry Team
Rev. Sunyoung Lee, Pastor
Dena Abramson Babb, Director of Faith Formation and Programs
Dena Abramson Babb has served on the staff since January of 2012, first as Director of Children's & Family Ministries and currently as Director of Faith Formation and Programs. In her previous life (before kids!), she worked in the nonprofit sector for a variety of organizations with a focus on volunteer program management. Dena is passionate about creating ministry and fellowship opportunities to meet the needs and interests of the ever changing congregation and community. In addition to her work at RUMC, Dena is also a blogger sharing her family's journey through life with the added obstacles of childhood mental illness and autism spectrum disorder. In her spare time, she is an active volunteer in her children's schools, lover of music that has a good story to tell, avid reader and fan of binge watching great television.
Dawn Brooks, Director of Music
Dawn Brooks has been serving as the Director of Music Ministries at Riviera UMC since 2006. She enjoys conducting the Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells. She is passionate about planning special services, such as the All Music Sundays, and appreciates the opportunity to give sermons about the history of sacred music and the integral role of Music in Worship. Riviera has a proud legacy of supporting music and the arts and Dr. Brooks is honored to be a part of bringing wonderful musicians and high quality musical presentations to the South Bay Community. Dawn has two, young sons who are very good at keeping her “on her toes."
Tracy Underwood, Office Manager
Tracy grew up in Los Angeles and has a business degree from Cal State Northridge. Prior to becoming RUMC’s office manager, she was Toyota USA’s national manager of corporate contributions. Tracy likes working at Riviera, and fully embraces our mission statement. She credits her mother as a powerful role model influencing her journey of faith. Tracy wears many hats and is ready and willing to help with any and all of the church's activities and projects. Her capable and helping hand is always available to all at Riviera!
Kelsie Currie, Youth Ministry Director
We are very fortunate to have a Youth Ministry Director who is one of RUMC's own! When she was in 8th grade, Kelsie became involved with Riviera, and has been involved ever since! Joining Youth Group, participating in Sierra Service Project (SSP) and becoming baptized and confirmed at our church, Kelsie truly feels this is her "church home."
Working with youth has always been a "pull" for her, which was a big part of why she earned a degree in Psychology. But it's been Sierra Service Project that's brought her closest to youth and to her relationship with God. She was a staff member for five years at SSP, serving for two years as a Site Director. Kelsie is excited to be on a faith journey with the youth she already knows, and to get know those who are coming up through the church. "I am thankful to be entrusted with this position with our Youth," Kelsie says. "RUMC has helped shaped me into who I am today."
Anthony Lopez, Worship Accompanist
Anthony grew up in Southern California, and went to the Orange County High School for the Performing Arts. He holds the Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, emphasis in Jazz studies, from California State University in Long Beach. He was a Grammy nominee in 2020 for his piano playing on an album of Afro-Peruvian jazz. Musical theater is a passion of his, and he has sung in choirs all his life. He enjoys gardening and is a self-described foodie!
Bill Fiege, Multi-Media Technician
Bill has many years working professionally in the entertainment industry. His numerous credits include both film and television
Additional Staff Member:
Annie Gomm, Director of Communications (annie.gomm@rivieraumc.com)