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Staff

Chris Lazo

Lead Pastor || Elder

Chris is the leading pastor of Reality Santa Barbara, directing the church through preaching, vision, and overseeing the staff.

Chris has lived in Santa Barbara since 2004, when he first moved here to go to school. After (reluctantly) attending Reality, Chris experienced a powerful conversion of his heart by God, and hasn’t left the church since! He is married to Brianna (who he also met at church through a powerful conversion experience), and together, they have two kids.

Eliot BERTHA

Director of Administration and Local & Global Outreach

This is Eliot! She is involved with all things finance, people and culture, in order to create space for ministry  to happen. She also oversees our local and global partners who are serving to further the gospel of Christ throughout the world. Eliot and her husband Bill live in Santa Barbara, and enjoy their two adult sons and their lovely wives.

Jessica O. Pereira

Visual Experience Coordinator

Jessica is responsible for the elements of our visual experience on Sunday mornings, including our livestream, video team, and sermon uploads. 

She is an international student from Brazil who first came to Santa Barbara in 2017. She planned to stay for one year. Thankfully, she’s still here! Jessica is currently pursuing her film production degree. Some of her favorite things to do around town include whale watching and sunset walks. 

Tiffany Ibarra

Sunday Operations Coordinator

Tiffany oversees the Sunday morning service operations. She is the main point person for all elements of logistical Sunday service support and coordinates those who serve our church family.

Tiffany moved to Santa Barbara 10 years ago to attend UCSB and has attended Reality SB since its first Sunday service in 2011.

Fun facts: She is the oldest of 6 kids, and her favorite things include paddle-boarding  and time with friends over good food and game nights!

Gabrielle Hughes

Formation Director

Gabrielle directs the elements of our Sunday gathering and works with the team and elders on our content and liturgy. She also directs our pathway discipleship process, courses, and home groups. Gabrielle and her husband Charles have two young kids, and their family comes alive through quality time with others and good food! 

Karen Amling

Director of Operations

Karen keeps church operations running efficiently and effectively.  She also oversees home groups and kids ministry. She came to Santa Barbara for college, fell in love with the town, and settled here to raise her family. She and her husband have three adult daughters. 

ALLEN PUGH

Pastor | Elder

Allen oversees our Home Groups and Men’s group. He has been married to Janine for forty wonderful years, and together they have three grown humans. Fun facts: He is the CEO of a communications company, and helped win a championship for USC as an offensive lineman. Today, instead of pummelling people, Allen propels them. You can often find Allen outside by the connect table.

BREANNA CRONEN

Children's Minister

Breanna is our children’s minister and the director of rKIDS, reaching children and the next generation of families. With over ten years of experience leading kid’s ministries, she moved here from the desert, with her husband, Aaron, and her two daughters, to answer the call of God, and bring her gifts and experience to the kids of Santa Barbara.

Fun fact: She is the most extroverted person on staff

Even funner fact: She is Dominic Balli’s sister

CONNECT WITH US!

If you ever visit Reality on a Sunday, we would love to meet you!