Meet the team.

Dan Buchert
Lead Pastor
Dan has been the Pastor of Laurel Ridge Community Church since 1995. Dan started his ministry here prior to being the pastor by serving as the Associate Pastor from 1991-1995. Dan has a wonderful wife, Tammy, and they have three sons (Brandon, Justin, and Steven). When Dan is not doing ministry, he enjoys baseball, surfing the internet, relaxing in whatever scenic place he can find, and spending time with his family.

Eric Schumacher
Pastor of Worship & Community Groups
Eric joined the pastoral staff in February of 2013. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from California Baptist University and completed a Master of Arts in Theology degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. Eric has an amazing wife, Yvette, and they have two boys. In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and playing with his boys, listening to and playing music, and traveling.

Brandon Buchert
Next Gen Pastor
(PreK-12th Grade)
(PreK-12th Grade)
Pastor Brandon oversees all Preschool through 12th Grade Ministries here at Laurel Ridge Church. Brandon graduated from William Jessup University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Youth Ministry and from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Christian Leadership. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and trying new foods.

Noah Richtik
Student Ministry Pastor (6th-12th Grade)
Noah is our newest addition to the Laurel Ridge Staff. He was born and raised in Stockton, California and has been serving at his previous church since 2015. He currently attends Kairos University, and is pursuing his Master’s of Divinity. Noah has been married to his amazing wife, Mary, since 2021. In his free time he enjoys playing all types of video games, board games, and sports.

Eric Hamblen
Team Development & Operations Director
In addition to 30+ years of experience in the retail world where Eric mentored executives and managed payroll budgets, Eric has spent his life volunteering with churches of various sizes in designing audio, visual, and lighting systems. While developing ministry team trainings for both existing and new teams, Eric continues to work with the LRCC design team to create exciting sets for sermon series and children’s events. When not at church Eric enjoys reading fiction, watching movies, taking photographs, and trying new restaurants.

Eugene Gearhart
Facilities Director / Next Gen Ministry Assistant
Eugene serves at Laurel Ridge by ministering to children & parents through the RIDGE KIDS Children's ministry. He also maintains all of the facilities at the church campus. Eugene is married to his wife, Michelle, and they have a son and a daughter. In his spare time, Eugene is an avid mountain biker, and he loves spending quality time with his family.

Tammy Buchert
Administrator
Tammy administrates the church office, equips the ministries of the church, assists the Lead Pastor, and maintains the church management system, amongst other various duties. Tammy is married to Pastor Dan Buchert. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys camping, bicycling, going on cruises, and spending time with her family.

Tamy Chavez
Administrative Assistant
Tamy assists the ministries and pastors of Laurel Ridge. She creates the weekly programs for services, maintains the presentations and media used in Sunday services, and updates the website, amongst other miscellaneous duties. Tamy is married to Carlos, and they have two children, Rebekah and Mathew. In her free time, Tamy enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and crafting.

Samantha Martincich
Next Gen Ministry Administrator
Samantha serves as the Next Gen Ministry’s Administrator, and makes sure that The Ridge Student Ministries and Ridge Kids are prepared for their programs throughout the week. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her dog Percy, reading, photography, and hiking.

Jenny Melton
Preschool Coordinator
Jenny has been the leader for our Preschool/Nursery department for the past 2 decades. She is a volunteer who is gifted at organizing the workers and the quality program tailored for preschoolers. She truly loves teaching our youngest Laurel Ridgers about God's love! We are grateful for her years of service in this ministry.