Meet The Staff

Dr. Mike Hoppe – 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.

Kim Whisonant – Office Manager

Kim keeps us all organized! Kim is a graduate of Auburn University and was a chemical engineer for ten years. Afterwards she became a stay-at-home mom before joining our staff. Kim is married to Chuck, and together they have two sons. She loves traveling, cooking, Braves baseball, and her pet chow chow.  

Laurie Anne Nix – Director of Contemporary Worship

Laurie Anne loves missions and leading people closer to Christ through worship. In addition to her staff role of leading in worship, she is known  throughout the Mobile region for performing with her beautiful voice and guitar. Laurie Anne also works with the Homeless Coalition for Mobile and Baldwin County, she is married to Drew, who also plays in the band, and they have a fat cat named Denver. 

Anna Tesh – Director of Traditional Worship

Anna directs Sunday morning traditional worship, as well as directing the choir. She is currently enrolled as a masters-level student at University of Mobile, where she studies vocal performance. She is originally from The Woodlands, Texas and is currently engaged to Mario, who is studying Opera Performance at Rice University.  

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

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.

Callie Setser – Assistant Family Ministry Director

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 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in business with a concentration in Finance.

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.