St. Luke's Staff

Janet Forbes - Senior Minister

Janet has served St. Luke's United Methodist Church since May, 2004. Ordained an elder in 1989, she has served churches in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as Program Director for the Rocky Mountain Conference. She has served as a volunteer-in-mission in Guatemala, Haiti, and Angola. She has a Bachelor of Music from East Carolina University, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Scarritt Graduate School, a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. She is married to Bob Davis, a structural engineer.

Janet can be reached at 303-791-0659 x13 or by email

Bradley Laurvick - Associate Minister

Brad Laurvick loves being in ministry with the people of St. Luke’s. His drive in ministry is helping people find deeper meaning in their everyday lives. Whether in his suit on Sunday morning or in torn jeans and a t-shirt at Fusion, God’s presence in worship is the highlight of his week. The community and connection of the congregation are what set St. Luke’s apart for Brad. Brad serves the congregation with Adult Education, Men's Ministry, Young Adult Ministries, and as pastor to Fusion. Brad and his wife Meghan find joy in serving through missions at St. Luke’s.

Bradley can be reached at 303-791-0659 x12 or by email

Sallie Suby-Long - Associate Minister

Sallie Suby-Long joined the pastoral team at St. Luke’s in 2009 and serves in pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual direction. Before her appointment in ministry at St. Luke’s, Sallie served as Senior Associate with the education and leadership organizations Trustee Leadership Development and Ki ThoughtBridge. Sallie worked with clients nationally facilitating learning with not-for-profit agencies, educational institutions, faith communities and businesses. She also served in faculty and management positions at Willamette University, Washington State University, and Lewis and Clark College and directed education initiatives for Girls Count, an organization focused on enhancing girls’ and women’s educational growth and achievement.
Sallie holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education and Human Development from Iowa State University. She also completed her Master of Arts degree in Specialized Ministry at Iliff School of Theology. With a passion for life-long learning, Sallie is currently engaged in PhD studies emphasizing education and psychology. Sallie and her husband Tom are parents to three daughters; Rachel, Sarah, and Rebecca. Together, the Suby-Long family loves traveling, hiking, and skiing.

Sallie can be reached at 303-791-0659 x32 or by email

Angie Steinhauer - Pastoral and Children's Ministry Intern

Angie is serving as our Pastoral and Children’s Ministry Intern. She will be with St. Luke's as she completes her third year at Iliff School of Theology. Angie is from Wisconsin where she is working through the candidacy process with the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Her time at St. Luke’s will be shared between the Children's Ministry Team and the pastoral staff. Angie has her Bachelors in Business from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and is working to complete her Masters in Divinity at Iliff in Denver. She is eager to see what can be done when God places so many great people in one place at St. Luke’s, and is anxious to get a glimpse of many of the ministries that St. Luke’s participates in for the next 8 months.

Angie can be reached at 303-791-0659 x28 or by email

Sharon Oliver - Director of Children's Ministry

Children's Ministry has been a big part of Sharon's involvement with St. Luke's since she became a member in 1998, serving as a teacher in Sunday School and as a workshop leader for storytelling and directing the Children's Dinner Theater. She has a passion for children's education and feels so blessed to have become part of the staff in 2009 to serve the children of St. Luke's. Her other passion is the creative arts and she has a BFA in graphic design with minors in advertising and art history. She has worked for over 20 years in communications, most recently as VP of Creative for a Denver advertising agency and doing graphic design through her own company, s.o. creative. She is also editor of St. Luke's church newsletter, The Chronicle, and has published over 90 issues and is actively involved on the communications team and with music and drama ministries. She is mom to 2 boys, Evan and Alex, and wife to Bob, an IT professional. A life-long active Methodist, she grew up in Oklahoma where her mom was the church organist and dad was lay leader. Her goal for Children's Ministry is to help create and sustain a wonderfully vibrant, supportive and welcoming environment for children at St. Luke's to grow closer to God and experience Jesus’ message of love, compassion and service.

Sharon can be reached at 303-791-0659 x27 or by email

Dawn Johnson - Assistant Director of Children's Ministry

Dawn joined St. Luke's as the Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry in the summer of 2011. In her previous life Dawn earned a BA in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa, worked as an accounting professional for over a decade and continues to be registered with the state of Illinois as a CPA. Dawn and her husband have Midwest roots and were wandering the country to find a place to call home when his job brought them to the Denver area. After attending worship during the summer of 2008 it was obvious they had found a home in the St. Luke’s community. As a child, Dawn befriended those who attended church and had a willingness to bring her along since her family did not do so. Those who served in Children’s Ministry helped guide her to who she is today. Now, Dawn is overjoyed to “pay it forward” through her calling to graciously serve the children of St. Luke’s. Dawn and her husband Keith are the parents of two children; Gabriel and Vanessa.

Dawn can be reached at 303-791-0659 x11 or by email

Samantha Leahy - Director of Childcare

Samantha joined our Nursery staff in 2004 and became Director of Childcare in February 2010. Samantha and her family (husband Tim, daughters Keara 16 and Ryann 15) have been attending St Luke’s since 2003. Samantha grew up in Iowa and studied Health Care Administration at Kirkwood College. Samantha’s 16 years of personal and professional experience with children of all ages coupled with her genuine love of children and strong integrity has allowed her to develop her passion for the care and tutelage of children. She feels blessed to be a part of the St Luke’s staff. She invites all who are interested to stop by the Nursery and meet her and the Nursery staff.

Samantha can be reached at 303-791-0659 x40 or by email

Erin Klein - Interim Director of Youth Ministry

Erin has been a member of St. Luke's since her confirmation here in 1996. In the Fall of 2010, she came aboard the St. Luke's staff as a 'Student Pastoral Intern' focusing on Youth and Young Adult ministries. As of July 2011, Erin has taken on the role of 'Interim Youth Director'. This Fall she will continue on in her studies working towards a Masters of Divinity from the Iliff School of Theology. Erin holds a Bachelors degree in Communication from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She recently married a wonderful man named Brad, and they now live in Littleton with their two dogs Oscar and Ricky. Erin feels passionate about her work here with the young people of our congregation and is so excited to be a part of this loving and growing community.

Erin can be reached at 303-791-0659 x14 or by email

Susan Johnson - Assistant Director of Youth Ministry

Susan Johnson has been the Assistant Director of Youth Ministries since January 2007. Susan, her husband, Doug and their two children - Kaitlyn 9, Andrew 15 have attended St. Luke's since 1999. Susan graduated from the University of Arizona with a BFA in Graphic Art Design and attended Antioch University in Southern California in the graduate psychology program. She has participated in continuing education in Child Development. She has work experience in graphic art and design, customer service management, working with kids of all ages and child development. Susan continues her faith journey by attending many of the adult classes offered at St. Luke's such as Disciple and Stephen's Ministry. Susan feels blessed to be a part of such a dynamic youth program and enjoys every moment she can spend with the youth of St. Luke's.

Susan can be reached at 303-791-0659 x19 or by email

Kay Swanson - Director of St. Luke's Little School

Kay Swanson has been director of Little School since its beginning in 1995. Her background is in Special Education and taught special needs and then preschool for over 15 years prior to coming to St. Luke's. Ms. Kay has two married sons. Dain and Heather and Derek and Michelle live and work in the Minneapolis area. They all serve congregations in youth ministry, education, music and worship. She is extremely proud to have her whole family involved in the ministry field! Kay adores working with children and believes that Christian Early Childhood Education is a critical and vital part of a child's foundation for a life-long love of learning and the Lord! Ms. Kay is an elected member of the Denver Metro Early Childhood Board and serves as a Stephen's Minister at St. Luke's. She is extremely blessed to be part of the vibrant ministry at St. Luke's!

Kay can be reached at 303-791-1982 or by email

James Ramsey - Director of Music & Arts Ministries

James Ramsey is Director of Music and Arts at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, CO. Additionally, he enjoys working with Opera Colorado as a Music Education Clinician for their Backstage Workshops. Previous opportunities include Music Director of the Littleton Chorale, the University of Colorado Summer Opera Program, Chorus Master for the Colorado Music Festival and Assistant Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. James has led tour performances across Great Britain, Germany, Czech Republic, and France. He holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and the Eastman School of Music with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. As an instructor, he has taught at the University of Colorado, Whitman College in Washington and Brighton Central Schools in Rochester, NY. James resides in Littleton, Colorado with his wife, Leigh, and their sons, Jack and Luke.

James can be reached at 303-791-0659 x23 or by email

Kenrick Mervine - Associate Director of Music Ministry and Organist

Kenrick Mervine has earned reviews such as "a delight for both the layman and the connoisseur," and "an organist of stature, one whose personality encompasses superb musicianship and technique in equal measure."

With degrees in Organ Performance with Distinction from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, Ken received an Organ Talent Scholarship, and honors from the American Guild of Organists, West Chester State University, and the Music Teachers National Alliance. He has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC, served on the faculty of Seton Hall University, performed with numerous symphony orchestras, and was privileged to serve as an organist for Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day. In addition to his responsibilities at St. Luke’s UMC, he appears regularly playing the harpsichord, celesta, keyboard/synthesizer and organ for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as Organist of Temple Emanuel, Denver.

Ken and his wife Barbara, also a musician, have presented hundreds of concerts and workshops throughout the country, and have been featured on American and Canadian Public Radio and "Pipedreams." They serve at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Centennial, CO. In addition to serving as Music, Organ, and Liturgical Consultants they are Allen Artists. They also focus on teaching and training future musicians for concert and liturgy. Most recently, the Mervines filled in (with three hours notice) for the "First Lady of the Organ:" Diane Bish at the Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, when she was too ill to appear. They have been featured guest artists on the Hour of Power at the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove California.

Kenrick can be reached at 303-791-0659 x33 or by email

Jennifer Ferguson - Associate Director of Music Ministry

Jennifer Ferguson joined St. Luke's as the Associate Director of Music in the summer of 2011. She is also the Artistic Director of the Cherry Creek Children's Chorus and the Director of the Colorado Women's Chorale. Jennifer earned her music education degree from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Additionally, she recently completed her Masters in Music in Conducting from DU's Lamont School of Music. Jennifer loves sharing the joy of music with others. She lives in Centennial, CO with her husband Brett and their two children, Patrick and Samantha.

Jennifer can be reached at 303-791-0659 x37 or by email

Kay Coryell - Director of Handbells and Children's Music Ministry

Kay joined the staff in February, 2004 as Assistant Music Director. She and
her husband, Ed, have been active members at St. Luke's since 1987.
Together they have four children. Kay received her music degree from the
University of Iowa and began teaching instrumental music in Douglas County
in 1984. Along with a passion for music, she enjoys hiking, camping and
skiing...all things Colorado!

Kay directs the Youth and Adult Handbells, Junior Prayz and Tone Chimes.

Kay can be reached at 303-791-0659 x36 or by email

Ernie Rodgers - Fusion Worship Leader

Ernie Rodgers has enjoyed being the Fusion Worship Leader since 2010. He has a passion for relevant praise and worship and completely loves worshiping with the awesome people of St. Luke’s Fusion! He has lead worship since grade school in churches ranging from traditional to charismatic contemporary. He has a BS Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Music Business Management from Grove City College located in the hills of Pennsylvania, where he grew up. His experience includes coordinating a sales and marketing team in the music industry, jewelry marketing consulting, educational curriculum sales, and most recently, working as an insurance agent. Ernie, his wife, Kristina, and son, Nathan, enjoy biking and horseback riding in the countryside around their home near Mead, CO.

Ernie can be reached at 303-791-0659 x44 or by email

Carrie Mallery - Assistant Fusion Worship Leader

Carrie has been playing piano and keyboards at St. Luke's since 1988. Carrie studied piano performance at the University of Colorado and gives private piano lessons at her home in Highlands Ranch. Carrie is married to Alan and together they enjoy playing in St. Luke's Minister's of Swing

Carrie can be reached at 303-791-0659 x35 or by email

Jenna Wilcox - Director of Drama Ministry

Jenna Wilcox is a Colorado native and has been active in churches from her early youth. From holding babies in the nursery when her mom volunteered for Sunday service to teaching 3rd grade Sunday school as a teenager, Jenna has long been exploring her heart and calling for ministry. As a young person she sang in every choir she could and acted on stage at every opportunity. Her experience in liturgical drama and choral music lead her to pursue a degree in Musical Theater from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. It was there that she discovered her love of Directing.

Upon arrival at St. Luke's Jenna and her husband, Bret, fell in love with the community. She and Bret helped paint the set for Music Man before attending a service and have participated in every Wesley Players production since. She is honored to join the staff of St. Luke’s.

Jenna can be reached at 303-791-0659 x22 or by email

Brenda Schafer - Office Administrator

Brenda joined the staff in October 2010. After many years in the IT industry, Brenda began discerning a call to ministry. She will be pursuing further education in Religious Studies and then attending seminary. Brenda serves as a lay leader and class facilitator and is in training to become a Stephen Minister.

She finds it an honor and a privilege to serve the St. Luke’s community, putting her gifts and passions into action.

Brenda can be reached at 303-791-0659 x10 or by email

Dave Cupp - Director of Finance

Dave joined the staff in August 2005. He and his wife Meryl moved to Colorado from Arkansas in 1980 and moved to Highlands Ranch in 1983. The first Sunday they were in Highlands Ranch they attended St Luke’s, which was meeting in the cafeteria at Northridge Elementary School, and joined soon thereafter. Dave brings to his position many years of experience in general and financial management of his own businesses, as an employee of larger publicly held companies, and serving as treasurer with trade associations. He is a life long member of the United Methodist Church and has served as lay leader and annual conference delegate at St. Luke’s for several years. Most of his formal training for accounting and finance came while attending the University of Hawaii.

Dave can be reached at 303-791-0659 x24 or by email

Lisé Takayama - Assistant Director of Finance

Lisè Takayama has been a member of St Luke's since 1996 and joined the staff in 2008. Even though she has a propensity for accounting, her passion for music first lead her to study Voice at the University of South Dakota. It was after moving to Denver that Lisè decided to pursue a degree in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Lisè has been able to combine both areas of expertise over the years with non-profit organizations such as the Historic Paramount Foundation and the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. She feels very blessed to be able to share her music and accounting ministry at St. Luke's. Lisè and her husband Jon have raised their three children Ryan, Kevin and Marisa within the St. Luke's family.

Lisé can be reached at 303-791-0659 x16 or by email

Lynda Fickling - Director of Servant Ministry/Spiritual Director

A member since 1996, Lynda began here as a Nursery Co-Ordinator. After working on Membership and Assimilation from 1997-2000, she worked with Douglas County School District Special Needs children. Back on staff since 2003, Lynda is passionate about equipping people to serve with their God given spiritual gifts. She is a certified Spiritual Director and Stephen Minister. Lynda is married to Scott and has two children, Christian and Jordan.

Lynda can be reached at 303-791-0659 x20 or by email

Barry Curtis - Facilities Manager

Barry …

Barry can be reached at 303-791-0659 x39 or by email