Meet The Staff

Dr. Mike Hoppe – Lead Pastor

Mike has served as our Lead Pastor since 2013. Prior to serving at Saraland UMC, Mike served in many ministry roles, including serving as an international missionary. As our pastor, he leads us with his teaching-style of preaching and challenges us to serve outside the walls of the church. Mike is a graduate of Ohio Northern University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Asbury Theological Seminary (D.Min). When he’s not in the office, he’s hanging out with his two amazing children and wife, Reed, or out on the running trail.

Dan McKee

Dan McKee – Director of Family Ministries

Dan leads family ministries at Saraland UMC, which includes Kids (birth through 5th grade) and Students (6th through 12th grade). He holds a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Biola University and has experience serving at several churches throughout California and southern Alabama. He’s a proud parent to a miniature dachshund named Reggie and enjoys participating in local and global missions work.

Kara Claybrook – Director of Worship

Kara oversees all worship at Saraland UMC, including leading our contemporary and traditional worship experiences. Kara has a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Taylor University and a master’s degree in vocal performance from Illinois State University. She is currently enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Mobile.

Elise McAllister – Director of the Early Learning Center

 
Eliese McAllister serves as Director of the Early Learning Center. Eliese graduated from Satsuma High School and University of South Alabama, with a degree in Personnel Management. She has a passion for children, and she has served in children’s ministries throughout her career. As a volunteer, she loves serving as a children’s choir director and serving on a couple Christian ministry boards. Eliese is married to Jeff, and together they have two grown children and two grandchildren

Kim Whisonant – Office Coordinator

Kim grew up in Foley, AL and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in chemical engineering. After serving as a chemical engineer and later as a stay at home mom, Kim now coordinates all of our church office functions. She loves Braves baseball and vacationing out West. She is married to Chuck, and together they have two children.

Linda Burr – Payroll and HR

Linda coordinates office functions, payroll and human resource responsibilities, and serves as the assistant to the pastor. Linda loves Saraland UMC and volunteers in many ways, including through her passion for cooking for large crowds. When not in the office, Linda is a favorite “mimi” to her six grandchildren.

Linda Fobes – Financial Secretary

Linda oversees our financial and stewardship ministries. She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a degree in finance. Prior to joining out staff team, Linda has had a lifetime career in accounting and finance. She loves to volunteer both inside and outside the walls of the church.

Emma Holm – Traditional Pianist

Emma helps lead worship as a traditional pianist. She is a graduate of Satsuma High School and is currently attending the University of South Alabama. Emma also serves as a volunteer in many capacities in the church, including a small group leader in our Kids Ministry.

Callie Setser – Family Ministry Intern

Callie Setser helps with our kids and student ministry programming. She grew up in Saraland and graduated from Saraland High School and currently attends The University of Mobile studying Finance. She will graduate in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in business with a concentration in Finance.