Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care offers a safe place for you to talk, pray and receive guidance on a variety of topics, such as your relationship with God, relationships with others, emotional concerns, sexuality, doubt, discernment and more.
Make an Appointment
We look forward to connecting with you for Pastoral Care! Our offices are located in the Student Services building, across the way from the entrance to the gym. If you prefer video conferencing or telephone, please specify in your booking. You can book your appointment with an individual Pastoral Care team member at any time by clicking on their name below.
If you'd like to be seen sooner than our schedule allows, please email us at spiritual.development@biola.edu. We will try our best to accommodate you.
Chad Miller
Director of Pastoral Care and Student-Led Ministries
Chad served as a pastor locally for 12 years before coming to Biola in 2012. He has taught Spiritual Formation, offers pastoral care, and advises Biola's Student Missionary Union. Chad has been married to Beth since 2002. Around Biola, he answers to his name, or to one of two nicknames, "Mad Chiller" or "Chad-the-Dad."
Megan Ashor
Assistant Director of Pastoral Care and Student-Led Ministries
Megan is born and raised in Southern California, yet has lived in San Luis Obispo and Eastern Europe while working with Cru. Megan offers pastoral care and guidance to students on campus, connects students to local churches, and hosts Calling Cohorts. You can find her drinking an americano at Common Grounds, planning her next adventure trip, or talking about her cute nieces and nephews.
Hwaeun Shin
Pastoral Care Grad Assistant
Hwaeun started and finished her Master's in Christian Apologetics at Biola and is now on track to complete her second degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling while working as a grad assistant. A native Korean who has experienced living in different cultures such as Panama, England, Korea, the United States and France (and in that order), she loves reading fiction and often thinks this world reads more like a fantasy novel than any given plot as it is hard to imagine an omniscient being loving creation enough to sacrifice himself. But then harsh reality intrudes when she must cut down on sweets and ice cream if she wishes to stay healthy much to her dismay.
Noreen Muehlhoff
Associate Director of Chapel Programs
Noreen is a UConn grad (Go Huskies!) and while a native of Connecticut, she has also lived in Ohio, Russia, Lithuania and North Carolina. Noreen is the magic behind all things Chapel Programs. If she could curate a perfect day, it would involve the beach, some dark chocolate and her family!
Mike Ahn
Dean of Spiritual Development
Mike oversees the various departments in spiritual development: chapel programs, worship teams, Torrey Conference, student ministries, and pastoral care. He is a graduate of Haverford College (B.A., History, ’01) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div., Spiritual Formation, ’09; Ph.D., Educational Studies, ’22). If he could, he would have two In-N-Out cheeseburgers with chopped chilis, animal-style fries, and a Pamplemousse LaCroix for every meal.
For Care, Crisis and Confidentiality
If you are a Biola student and have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, find help immediately. Crisis intervention services are available 24 hours/seven days a week for Biola students. Please call (562) 903-4800 and the operator will assist you with contacting the on-call therapist. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
If you’re seeking to discuss behavior that may be in violation of our sexual misconduct policy, this is a safe and confidential place for you. Moreover, please make an appointment with Mike Ahn in particular, who is designated as the confidential pastoral caregiver for those who’ve experienced sexual misconduct.
Privacy and Care
In Pastoral Care, the staff desires for you to thrive as a student. At times, this care may lead to a connection with the office of Student Care and Conduct such as in cases of:
- harm to self or others
- abuse of children and the elderly
- difficulties abiding with the community's Behavioral Standards
Pastoral care is aimed at providing a safe space for you to share immediate concerns. We’ll listen to you, pray for you and, if needed, direct you to resources for long-term care. This may include Spiritual Direction which you can learn more about at the link.