Southern Gables Staff

Program Staff

Al Hodges, Compassion Ministry Al enjoys serving our Compassion Ministry leaders and helping to promote their opportunities for service. He and Laura met in junior high, dated in high school, married in college, and have been enjoying ministry and their family ever since. Al and Laura are "empty-nesters" with 3 grown sons, 3 daughters-in-law and 7 grandchildren: Emma, Kellen, Maddox, Reece, Hannah, Julia and Nora know them as Nana and Tata. In addition to his love for his wife, family and grandchildren, Al loves photography, coffee and playing with the aforementioned kids.
Elaine Mitchell, Early Childhood Director Elaine Mitchell is the Director of Early Childhood with most of her time spent with our 2-4 year old children. She has an Associate of Business Degree in Executive Secretarial/Management. This helps her manage all of the details necessary to help children learn how to grow in their relationship with God. She has been the craft coordinator for the two year old through Kindergarten children for the past several years. Elaine grew up in Iowa and moved to Colorado in 1983 where she met her husband, Brian, who is originally from West Virginia. They have three children, Lee, Emily, & T.R. Her interests include scrapbooking and going to her children's sports events.
Scott Naden, Director of Music Scott is responsible for our Music/Worship Ministries and Marriage Ministries. God blessed Scott with a loving and musical family growing up in the Mid-West. He attended the University of Cincinnati majoring in music where he met his future wife, Ardi. After they married in 1984, Scott taught music in the public schools for two years before returning to the University of Cincinnati for his Masters Degree in Music Education and Choral Conducting. In 1987, he was hired full time in his first church position in Cincinnati and has since served in churches in Washington, Alabama, and Florida over the past 19 years. Scott has also served two churches as the Director of Missions (along with Music) and he has taken and led 19 mission trips to seven countries. Scott and Ardi have two children, Rachel and Taylor, who bring them great joy and blessing. Golf, skiing, family activities, and motorcycling are among Scott's favorite hobbies.
Becki Nudge, Nursery Director Becki Nudge is the Nursery Director at Southern Gables. She grew up in the Chicago area and moved to Denver after graduating from high school. She has been married to Chris since 1991 and worked as a medical assistant before becoming a mother to Samuel in 2000. Becki enjoys baking, cross-stitching, swimming and going to parks with Sam.
Dori Sear, Director of Spiritual Formation Dori's areas of ministry include Adult Communities (except Young Adults), Women's Ministries, Small Groups (except men's huddles) and Assimilation (helping new people get connected and the Welcome Center activities). She has been serving on staff since 1999. Her informal education in marketing, development, and ministry has prepared her for her calling. God has given her a passion for spiritual renewal, a love for His people, and a desire to help people connect and live in relationship with one another. She and her husband, Mark, are empty nesters. Their son, Justin, is currently studying for the ministry. Dori enjoys music, graphic design, and photography.
Matt Thompson, Junior High Director Matt Thompson is Director of the Edge Junior High Ministries. Matt has been working in youth ministry since 1996. He grew up in Colorado, and graduated from Littleton High School ('95). Matt received his college education at Northern Arizona University. He did three years of full time ministry as the junior high director at Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He now is enrolled at Denver Seminary in pursuit of a M.A. in youth and family ministry. He loves to play football, basketball, skiing, and watching the Broncos and Buffaloes games.
Kathy Williams, K - 4 Director Kathy is the director of the Kindergarten through 4th grade ministry, "Kingdom Quest". She is married to Landy and between them they have four grown children and four grandchildren. In addition to her work at Southern Gables, she is a part-time nurse. In her spare time she enjoys working in her garden and spending time with her grandchildren. Kathy feels that children at this age are in their prime to hear and believe the gospel. It is a major responsibility of the Church family and should be considered a privilege to teach them the Good News.