Andrew Burchett

LEAD PASTOR

I grew up here at Neighborhood Church and graduated from Chico State in 1992.  My wife Linda and I were married here in the dome after college graduation and then we lived in southern California for almost seven years.  During that season I worked at two different churches and earned my Masters of Divinity degree in December of 1997.  We moved back to Chico in the spring of 1998 when I became the youth pastor. After ten years as youth pastor, and becoming 'Dad' to three children, I made the transition to an associate pastor and then Lead Pastor in 2010.

Favorite Places in Chico: Bidwell Park, Chipotle, Starbucks, Farmer's Market, The Tree Farm.

Hobbies: I love traveling, and enjoy photography. I am a very enthusiastic sports fan, committed to the SF Giants, California Golden Bears & Green Bay Packers. As a musician, I enjoy playing guitar and piano, and write music. I have recently been learning about woodworking. 

Why I work at NC: I work at NC because I feel called as a son of this place to now be a father and leader in this season. I came back to Chico because I love this city and I want to make a difference in the lives of people. 

Amy Wadlow

EXECUTIVE PASTOR

I was raised in a Christian family but had an experience in college that solidified my faith as my own and led to me truly surrendering control to the Lord. Since then, I've been on a journey experiencing the abundant life Jesus came to give. After a season of traveling the world, I landed here in my hometown and in early 2002, married my husband Michael (with whom I have one son, Kaenan) and started my first of many roles on the NC staff. 

Chico Favs: I love having a popsicle at Shuberts, the special sauce found at Burger Hut and enjoying a meal with friends on the patio at Tres Hombres.

Hobbies: Home remodeling, traveling, SCUBA diving, reading and dreaming about how to make my world more beautiful on Pinterest

Why I work at Neighborhood: I love watching people discover who the Lord has called them to be and then walking that out in community.

Chris Balint

youth PASTOR

I grew up living all over the country and exploring the rest of it. After an encounter with Jesus Christ in high school, I wanted my life to be evidence of God’s existence and His ability to change a life. My journey has taken me to foreign countries, led me to complete a two-year program at a Bible Institute in New York, and earn my BA in Theology/Youth Ministry in 2009 at the University of Sioux Falls. God has allowed me the privilege of journeying in life with young people and their families for over 13 years, which is a real passion of mine. In 2007, I married the incredible Rhonda (smartest thing I’ve ever done). Along the way, I gained two of the coolest kids ever! Finally, we landed in Chico in 2015 and have been embraced by our Neighborhood Family! We are loving it!

Chico Favs: Downtown, In-n-Out, Gordo Burrito, Upper Bidwell Park

Hobbies: Hiking and camping (the tent kind), anything outdoors, sports (watching/playing), legos, hanging out with my family.

Why I work at Neighborhood: I get to work here because God has clearly brought me to this place. Neighborhood is a place where my abilities and passions are encouraged, and where I get to walk alongside high-schoolers as God invades their space. I couldn’t imagine a better place to be (outside of heaven).

Cindi Alaan
Office Manager

I grew up in a small beach community halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey. I spent 16 years in Southern California, with a two year stint in Tennessee and in 2001, I moved to Chico. I have a small family but a very large extended family. I am in love with Jesus more everyday as He leads and guides me.

Favorite Places in Chico: Bidwell Park, Tree Farm, anywhere I can watch the sunrise and set.
Hobbies: Traveling, missions trips, reading and worshipping the Lord.

Why I work at Neighborhood: God’s calling on my life for this season.

Debbie Romero

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

After a fresh encounter with the Lord in 1995 my life radically changed.  I was in executive management in LA and we located to Paradise where my family and I began a new path.  I spent the next eight years working for a non-profit & was involved in all aspects of ministry through the church.  In 2003 I was hit with a Neurological Disease which again changed our path.  After four very challenging years & inability to work, I came to Neighborhood and was giving the opportunity to develop a strong HR department.  

Favorite Places in Chico: Starbucks drive through on Esplanade, T-Bar, The Chico Mall lobby by Auntie Anne’s

Hobbies: People watching anywhere, movies, travel/anywhere

Why I work at Neighborhood: Neighborhood is a warm community where my physical challenges are not seen as obstacles. This is a place I can utilize my gifts daily, building relationships, problem solving and loving the staff. 

Lori Wurlitzer

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

I was born in Mt View, CA, but moved to Chico at a young age.  Although I lived outside of Chico for ten years as an adult, I have always claimed Chico to be my hometown.  I am married to an amazing man, and together we have six children.  We are a “Yours, Mine and Ours” type of family.  We also claim a number of others in our family, even though they were not born to us.  I love Jesus more than anything and find it pure JOY to serve him.

My favorite places in Chico: My family loves to eat at Italian Cottage, a long time favorite. I love our home, an older Chico house, and working around in the yard. And who doesn’t love Bidwell Park?

My Hobbies: I love to Repaint, restore and repurpose furniture. I also love to Worship!

Why I work at Neighborhood Church: I am so happy to be included in the Neighborhood Office Staff family.  What an honor it is to work beside these amazing people taking care of God’s house and His people. 

Paul Skripek

NETWORK COORDINATOR

My parents settled in Chico shortly after the end of World War II.  My father was a fighter pilot in the Pacific theater. They built a home where they raised me along with my four sisters and three brothers.  My siblings are now scattered around the world.  Although I grew up in a religious family, I did not have an encounter with Christ until I was twenty.  I married the cutest woman I could find 39 years ago!  We have two amazing grown children, two grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter.  I enjoy living life by grace! 

Favorite places in Chico: First of all, home.  That’s a place of peace!  We love to walk the trails around the lakes and ponds in California Park. 

Hobbies:  Time spent relaxing with my wife, walking, talking, and spending time with our family.  

Why I work at Neighborhood Church: I work at Neighborhood Church because this is where God has placed me and I enjoy serving His people. 

Sara Cain

ASSISTANT TO PASTOR ANDREW

I am an Iowa farm girl transplanted in Chico and with these roots there is nothing I love more than wide open spaces, the wonder and beauty of nature, and animals. I met my husband Dan on my first day of high school and determined then that I was going to marry him. We have two sons, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great grandson. I have held several jobs as diverse as a night shift factory worker and a CA Realtor, most while also doing my very favorite: teaching and assisting CUSD special education students for 30 years. I retired in 2016 but felt called to come work at NC in 2019. I’m also a founding member of Hearts Being Healed Ministries; feel free to ask me about that!

Favorite Chico Places:  Upper Park, Barnes and Noble, Downtown Thursday Market, Pueblito’s, and community parks hosting youth sports.

Hobbies:  Walking/hiking and exploring, reading mysteries, long lunches with friends, watching Nascar races and Oakland A’s games, and taking trips to the beach.

Why I work at Neighborhood Church: God called me out of retirement to use my time more effectively for His Kingdom. I’ve always had a special heart for the burdens of pastors and their families, and I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to support my church family and our pastor by serving as Andrew’s Assistant.

Sue Musselman

CHILDREN'S PASTOR

Sue has over thirty years of experience and completed certified studies in pastoral care and has a second certification in children's and youth ministries. She is a mother and grandmother and considers motherhood to be one of her greatest privileges ever. She passionately desires to cultivate children's spiritual foundations and God-given destinies.

Favorite places: Neighborhood Church! It is the place I feel most at home. Close second is Nobbies. Best burgers ever!

Hobbies: hiking, reading (especially mysteries and Dickens novels) and Pinterest. 

Tamara Wanink

DIRECTOR OF CHICO CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL AND INFANT CENTER

Favorite places in Chico: Bidwell Park, Upper Crust Bakery & Hooker Oak Park.

Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, spending time with my family, showing and riding horses.

Why I work at Neighborhood Church: I love the opportunity to develop relationships with kids and families. I’m excited to work in an environment where I get to minister and share the love of Christ with people on a daily basis. I also enjoy watching kids learn and grow.

Tami Marshburn

NEIGHBORKIDS early childhood COORDINATOR

I was raised in Southern California until I was 14 when my family moved to the small town of Sheridan. I lived there until I moved to Chico in 1986. This town is where I met and married my husband, and started our family. We came to Neighborhood Church in 1990, and truly consider this our "home". I earned an AA Degree in Early Childhood Education from Sierra Jr. College, and my BA Degree in Child Development from CSUC. I have been involved with the Women's Ministries and Small Group Bible Studies.   

Favorite Places: Cal Java on Mangrove, the movies, Whole Body Fitness and home.

Favorite Hobbies: Reading, hanging with friends, listening to Worship/Praise music

Why I work at Neighborhood Church: I work at Neighborhood Church first and foremost because God set this job before me! I love to work with children and have discovered I like to learn new things and am learning to be stretched, which happens on a daily basis. God is good!!!