Early Life & Education
1975 – 2007
Born in Arizona in April 1975 and later based in California, Fr. Justin developed an early interest in human behavior and organizational systems. He pursued his education at Ottawa University, focusing on Psychology and Human Services, which laid the foundation for his career in human resources, organizational development, and supportive care.
Corporate Leadership & Organizational Psychology
2007 – 2017
Before transitioning into pastoral ministry, Fr. Justin built a robust career as an Organizational Psychologist and Human Resources Executive. Operating at an institutional level, he specialized in managing corporate Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mediating workforce conflicts, and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives to increase minority representation in leadership.
Marriage Equality & Personal Milestone
2015
On July 7, 2015, following the historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality, With the blessing of their Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Romanoff, Fr. Justin married his husband, a union built on a shared life together since 2009. Standing among one of the very first couples married in Santa Clara County by District 4 Supervisor, Ken Yeager, following the decision, celebrating this landmark moment of dignity and equal recognition deeply enriched his personal journey, further anchoring his commitment to radical inclusion, grace, and authentic community for all.
Expanding into Pastoral Care & Higher Theological Studies
2016 – 2017
Seeking to bridge systemic organizational health with personal spiritual care, Fr. Justin expanded his focus. He completed life coaching studies through SWIHA and pursued advanced academic and theological credentials, culminating in a Ph.D. in Pastoral Care, a Master of Divinity (MDiv), and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) specializing in Moral Theology, Old-Catholic ethics, social teaching, and conscience.
The Vision Behind Ekklesia Iwiga
2017
In 2017, Fr. Justin co-founded the virtual outreach of Ekklesia Iwiga, Inc., an Old Catholic religious non-profit organization. Drawing on his theological studies and chaplaincy background, he helped establish a sanctuary without walls dedicated to accessible, donation-based spiritual direction and pastoral accompaniment for those seeking an inclusive, non-judgmental spiritual home.
Crisis & Decompression
2018 – 2026
Facing a severe clinical relapse of CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) that resulted in ICU care, Fr. Justin was forced to make an abrupt, permanent pause to his active corporate career and physical service.
Confronting the physical realities and severe limitations of chronic illness, he entered a profound season of personal transformation, deconstructing rigid religious dogma, embracing holistic healing, and learning to rest in the quiet mystery of the Sacred. This deep season of physical trial and quiet reflection became the fertile ground from which his vision for accessible virtual sanctuary was born.
Volunteer Advocacy
& Faith-Based Support
2026 – Present
Based in San Jose, CA, where he lives with his husband and their sassy MinPin, Fr. Justin focuses his energy on faith-based patient advocacy, spiritual accompaniment, and volunteer community support as his health permits.
Drawing on his academic background, pastoral training, and lived journey with CIDP, he serves as a volunteer patient advocate with the GBS|CIDP Foundation, offering encouragement, spiritual grounding, and hope to individuals navigating rare neuromuscular illness, heavy health challenges, and major life transitions.
Corazon the MinPin