John Book — John oversees Bridges LA, having worked on college campuses in Southern California for 25 years. He is married to Ramie and they have three kids: Katie, Brennan, and Josh. Beyond spending time with his family, students, or working on his PhD in theology, John enjoys water sports. Most recently, he can be seen flying just above the waves on his efoil!
john.book@bridgesinternational.com
Spencer Bauer — after serving as a public speaker with a collegiate non-profit, Spencer is pleased to be co-leading Bridges LA. He is passionate about helping students find community while living in Los Angeles. He and Sara have been married since 2017 and have one daughter, Norah. You can often find Spencer playing soccer, binging a new podcast, or asking John Book for surfing tips.
spencer.bauer@bridgesinternational.com
Sara Bauer — Sara loves calling Los Angeles home. In addition to welcoming international students across our city, she coordinates new staff development nationwide. Prior to LA, she traveled across the US as a public speaker with The Traveling Team. She and Spencer have been married since 2017 and have one daughter, Norah. Sara loves horses, country music, and their two kittens, Bandit and Sprinkles.
sara.bauer@bridgesinternational.com
Cheri Lawrence — Cheri is a Southern California native and an alumnus of Azusa Pacific University. She spent several years in Asia, then returned to work with Bridges in Los Angeles in 2007. Cheri is currently completing a degree in counseling. She loves decaf coffee, dark chocolate and walking by the beach near her home with her husband, Chad, and two puppies.
cheri.lawrence@bridgesinternational.com
Bob Britton — orginally from Erie, PA, Bob now calls Long Beach home. Having served with Bridges International across Los Angeles for years, many of which with his wife Sue, he currently serves the CSU Long Beach campus. You can find Bob riding his bike around campus, planning his next trip to Big Bear or cooking one of his famous meals on the grill.
bob.britton@bridgesinternational.com
Elisa Engstrom — Elisa has called Los Angeles home for the past six years after moving here from Northwest Indiana, near Chicago. She has teaching experience working at an elementary school, before transitioning to work with college students. She loves the Bridges community and would love to meet you! Favorite pastimes include: reading, being outdoors, and exploring LA with friends!
Joshua Borra — Josh was born in Hyderabad, India. His studies brought him to the US, including 9 years so far in Los Angeles. In addition to several graduate degrees, Josh has over 20 years of experience mentoring and encouraging university students. Outside of his time serving students, he is developing skills in art, specifically drawing and painting. He also enjoys visiting museums and botanical gardens.
We also have a wonderful group of local volunteers and partners who give time and care to our students, many of whom were international students themselves or alumni of our campuses. If you are interested in volunteering or experiencing our Bridges community, reach out to us here or by emailing Spencer Bauer.