Click on each section below to learn a little bit about our staff. Although everyone in the church is a missionary for Christ wherever they are, these people are blessed to do it professionally.
Pastor Nino Guarisco and his wife Tammy
Chris Payne (CMAT) and his wife Julie
Pastor Nino Guarisco and his wife Tammy
Nino Guarisco: Originally from Portage, Michigan (go Huskies!) graduated from the University of Michigan in '92 with a BA in Psychology. Nino also met his wife Tammy on campus, and managed to marry up! He then attended the Berean School of the Bible and became an ordained minister in 1997 through the Assemblies of God. He's particularly passionate about sharing Jesus' message with those that have never heard it and helping current followers of Christ grow deeper in their relationship with God. He’s also quite passionate about his homemade Sicilian meatballs. After moving out to Idaho for a few years to pastor a student church there, Nino returned to Ann Arbor to start a campus ministry at the University of Michigan; and thus H2O Campus Church was born. Since planting H2O, Nino has led multiple mission trips to China during the summer to help spread God's word around the globe. He has also managed to stay sane with four little children running around while shepherding an entire church. Although his location has changed and the church continues to grow, Nino’s vision and faith in God have remain unchanged. He hopes to transform the University of Michigan one soul at a time.
Tammy Guarisco: Originally from Rochester, MI, she also graduated from the University of Michigan in 1993 with a BA in Education. Currently she spends most of her time taking care of the four Guarisco kids: Emma, Jonathan, Alyson and Matthew (it’s more than a full-time job). But Tammy still finds time for one of her other great passions – showing the world an authentic follower of Jesus Christ. Tammy is also an avid fan of interior decorating... and because of that the Guarisco house is prone to looking like a Pottery Barn catalog. One thing stays the same though, it’s a warm and loving house where everyone is welcome. But they’re particularly welcome if they enjoy two of Tammy’s other favorite passions – good coffee and long talks with good friends.
To learn some more about Nino, Tammy, the Guarisco kids, and their mission, check out their website.
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Chris Payne (CMAT) and his wife Julie
Chris and Julie both originally hail from the mega-metropolis of Niles, MI. Chris graduated North Central University in Minneapolis, MN in 2006 with a B. A. in Pastoral Studies. He is currently attending seminary to earn his master's degree in theological stuff. Julie already has her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan (because she's way smarter than Chris). She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. Julie now works as a pregnancy counselor and adoption worker for Catholic Social Services in Ann Arbor, working with those who are in need of some help. Together, Chris and Julie love to disciple students and host a lot of people at their house. They are passionate about embracing the unique gifts in this emerging generation and empowering them to change the world by living as citizens of God's Kingdom.
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Zach Barnes stormed into Ann Arbor five years ago and it's been raining ever since. What?! Originally from Torrance, CA he came to U of M to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre. After five years at the university, he now holds his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and a B.M. in Voice Performance. He is extremely excited to join the incredible H2O staff in their efforts to reach U of M for Christ. He is committed to transforming the Arts Culture here at the university and yearns to see a generation of young artists rise up to passionately follow Christ and impact the world for His glory! He is thrilled to be part of such a wonderful church body and honored to be a part of what God's doing at the University of Michigan. His Kingdom come...
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