Anika Ortiz—Family Pastor


Anika Ortiz

Family Info


What role do you play at WCC?
I oversee family ministries, Willamette Kids and Willamette Students, and have the opportunity to come alongside our staff team and parents as we seek to raise this next generation to know, love, and follow Jesus. From weekly rhythms and valuable conversations to Adventure Camp, Black Lake, high school mission trip, baby dedications and sending college care packages, it's a joy and privilege to work at Willamette.


How long have you worked at WCC?
Almost 5 years.


What other ministry positions have you held at WCC (or other churches or ministries)?
Matt and I served oversees in Kenya for the first few years of our marriage where I taught women and children in the village where we lived and facilitated short-term mission teams, and I worked as the Outreach Director and Executive Administrator at our church in California before moving to Oregon.

What's your favorite thing about WCC?
My favorite thing about WCC is the community and how my children have been invested in by adults and mentors.


What’s some of your favorite books, movies, authors, podcasts, etc…?


What’s your favorite thing to do on your days off?
Hanging with my family, sunsets, hiking, homeschooling my daughter, and pickleball!


If you could have a superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
To heal ... for so many reasons but when we lived in Kenya there was so many days I wished for this superpower.

If you could trade lives with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Lucy from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, because I love her curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to take a risk.


If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be and why?
My grandpa! He was my hero, and I miss listening to his stories and laughter.


Favorite Bible verse and why?
Lamentations 3:22-24 "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

This verse is the one I've clung to on days that are blindingly bright and days that are exceptionally dark; even though life may take turns I'm not expecting, it reminds me my hope is in the Lord who is faithful, and my life is in His hands.


If you could have a personal assistant for any aspect of your life, what would you choose? (e.g., cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc.)
Oh wow, okay, well it would definitely be laundry (the folding and putting away part!)!