Nicole Carrillo serves as the RivKids Director, overseeing everything related to kids from birth through 6th grade. On any given Sunday, she’s organizing classroom teams, making sure supplies are stocked, and ensuring the entire kids ministry runs smoothly—while occasionally navigating a few literal messes along the way.

Nicole first came to Riv when she was 16, back when there wasn’t even a physical building yet. Growing up in a Christian home and attending AWANA and church helped form her early understanding of who Jesus is, but her connection to Riv was solidified through a combined youth group led by Noel Heikkinen—someone who’s still around all these years later.

When she’s not at Riv, you’ll probably find her on a hiking trail, listening to an audiobook, pulling weeds in the yard, or cheering on one of her five kids at their latest game or meet. Her favorite verse is James 1:5–6, a reminder that even when we don’t know what to pray, we can ask God for wisdom and He’ll generously provide.

She’d recommend The Anxious Generation, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and Remarkably Bright Creatures if you’re looking for your next read—and in case it comes up in conversation, just know she doesn’t drink coffee. (Yes, really.)