meet our team members
Mia burke
Our curator and contributor, Mia Burke hails from Pascagoula, MS. Mia grew up on a steady diet of literature, film, and music, giving her the bug to travel the world, which she did. She's most inclined towards Sci-Fi, New Wave, and is enjoying the current mood of the culture- revival of the retro ‘80s.
Her BA in English and MFA in Communications have come in handy in working as an editor for blossoming writers and teaching university students the merits of humanities and writing. Her garden, adult children, grandson Finnley O, and blogging help distract her from Flori’s hot humidity. Always up for a trip with her Doxie Ollie and husband Shawn, Mia's ultimate passion is teaching, discipleship, and helping others, adhering to the adage: "Only what's done for Christ will last." She's looking forward to engaging with you through this magazine!
shawn burke
Shawn, a retired US Air Force veteran, was born on the beautiful Gulf Coast in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Having traveled to nearly every corner of the globe while serving in the military, he is perpetually fascinated by culture and the people he has met along his journey. He pursued a bachelor's and master's degree in Aeronautical Science and is now serves alongside men and women in uniform as a meteorologist.
In his free time, his passion is best expressed as a freelance photographer specializing in capturing landscapes, aerial drone footage as well as classic car photography. He has an affinity towards the beauty of the outdoors and all things coastal, and he and his wife Mia have served and taught in various capacities in groups and churches over the past twenty-five years. Their two adult children are married and serving in the military. They enjoy traveling in their RV, visiting their children and grandson Finnley, meeting new people, and exploring new places. You can follow his work at DubStop on Facebook or Instagram.
sabeth kapahu
Sabeth Kapahu is a wife to one, a mom to four, and a friend to many. She’s passionate about encouraging others through good words and solidarity. Sab’s naturally empathetic, loves to develop the potential in people (friends and strangers alike), and has a deep belief that we can live our best lives when we are daily seeking out our individual God-given purpose. She enjoys living through the following motto: “Life, wisdom and truth are meant to be shared; sex, food and sleep are vital in marriage; and Jesus is King.”
She can be found social media via:
Instagram @sabethkapahu
Facebook: Sabeth Kapahu
ayla roback
Mama to a Spider-boy named Finn, two pups: Lilo and Daisy, and wife to Tommy. Ayla, an Air Force brat from childhood and now an Air Force spouse living in Northern California. A big fan of all the pop culture, she loves Disney, Studio Ghibli films, Game of Thrones, Wes Anderson movies, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Marvel, AND Star Wars. *whew* She enjoys the occasional anime, casually playing League of Legends with friends, reality tv, movies of all genres (except action--sorry!); a wide range of music from the ’60s and beyond, baking up some goodies and reading new books of the mystery and fantasy genres. She loves all animals, especially llamas and alpacas.
She enjoys a good cup of tea, feasting on some Korean BBQ, and spending time with her doggos, family, and friends. She has an Associate’s degree in Creative Arts. When she isn't mommin' or working at her day job (in retail), you can find her doodling on her computer, working on her passion: graphic design. You can check out her graphic design page on Instagram @ayllama_designs!
Chris Churilla
Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, Chris Churilla began his love affair with movies when he auditioned for the part of movie critic for his high school newspaper- and nailed it.
His life has taken him down many unexpected paths, the biggest of which was seventeen years of combined military service, but his love of movies has remained constant. His favorite movies are:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)- “Life-affirming”
Tremors (1990)- “Funny”
While his most hated movies are:
James Cameron’s Avatar (2009)- “WORST. MOVIE. EVER.”
Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom (2018)- “Mind-bogglingly stupid!”
When he’s not sitting in a dark room watching other people and judging them, he likes to bake. He has two pets: an alcoholic rattlesnake named Bobbi and a vegetarian shark named Bruce Finley, who’s claim to fame is that he was an extra in the original Sharknado. He now lives in Colorado with his best friend, whom he met in the Army.
marisa buhr-mizunaka
Marisa is a human & artist.
Living in Honolulu with her husband Garett, they enjoy coffee & traveling to new places... To drink more coffee. Her primary mediums of art are photography, writing, watercolour, specialty coffee & human connection. The purpose of her life is to live an honest expression of Christ's grace, creativity & love.
Check out her photography portfolio at marisabuhr.com.
mel picardal
Our web padawan and photographer, Mel Picardal, shares his incredible eye and creative touch with media from Kyoto, Japan. Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, Mel serves in Japan, assisting churches and nonprofits with their websites, photography, and video needs.
He and his wife enjoy hiking and exploring Japan. In his free time, Mel cultivates his bonsai and captures the culture through his street photography. You can explore his work at instagram.com/meru.jp