Meet the Staff

Mike Henderson, Senior Pastor

I was born in Inman, in the foothills of the mountains (my grandfather, who helped raise me, used to say “Boy, if you can’t see Hogback Mountain, you’re too far away!”). We moved a lot growing up, but always came back to the Spartanburg area. I graduated from Dorman High School, went on to college at Brevard, Georgia State, and USC-Spartanburg (now USC-Upstate). I worked for Milliken in research, doing polymer chemistry work, then took some time to live and work for US Civilian Personnel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. I returned to the US, graduated from Candler School of Theology at Emory, and started serving churches in SC. I have served Fingerville-Cherokee Springs (Spartanburg), Grace (Charleston), Wood’s Chapel (Greer), Ben Avon-Glendale (Spartanburg), Centenary (Charleston), Bethel (Oswego), and Cayce.

My beautiful wife Cathy and I have been married ten years. We enjoy hiking, especially in the mountains, movies, cooking, reading, traveling, and going to shows at the Florence Little Theatre. I like to sing and play guitar, and Cathy tells me she likes to hear me sing “On a hill far away…..very far away!” We do not have any children, though we are the best uncle and aunt anyone could have.

Kathy Hewitt, Business Administrator

Beth Prosser, Director of Weekday Children's Ministry

I am a 1995 graduate of Coastal Carolina University where I earned a BA in Elementary Education. I received a Master's Degree, "Technology in the Classroom," from Walden University. I have taught in the classroom in grades 5th through 9th. I also taught 4K at HPK for 2 years before becoming the current director. After directing the Kindergarten for 2 years, we had a vision to begin another outreach ministry of HPUMC and started an After School Care and a Summer Camp. What a blessing all three programs are to be a part of! I have recently taken back over as the West Florence Varsity Cheerleading coach. I am a Florence native. My husband, Michael, and I have two wonderful energetic children. My family and I have been members of Highland Park UMC since 2002.

Misty Hutchinson, Director of After School Care/Summer Camp Programs

I was born and raised in Greenville, Kentucky. My childhood memories make me smile. I spent a lot of time in church, where I made friends that I still have contact with today. I went to Muhlenberg South High School and was a member in the marching band color guard. I met my husband and became the step mother of two fabulous children. We moved to South Carolina in 2005. I enjoy trips back home to visit and look forward to my mother visiting us. I am grateful for my family, friends, and my job. Not only do I get to come to work with precious children, but I get to come to work in the Lord’s house.

Hope Whaley, Director of Youth Ministries

I joined the Highland Park family in October 2013. I was born in Charleston, SC. I attended Florence-Darlington Technical College where I received my degree in Business. Prior to serving at Highland Park, I was the Youth Director for eight years at Shiloh Church of God of Prophecy in Coward, SC. In addition to spending time with young people and their families, I enjoy being with my husband, Curt, and our two boys, Simon and Solomon.

Amanda Hesbach, Director of Children's Ministries

I grew up in Northern Michigan and graduated from Alma College with a B.A. in Sociology and Lexington Theological Seminary with a Master’s of Divinity. I was ordained into Christian Ministry in 2006 in the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church). I have served other congregations as an Associate Minister and a Director of Children’s Ministries prior to my time at Highland Park. I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our daughter Allison. We live in Florence with our dogs Daisy and George.

Fran Coleman, Choir Director

Dr. Fran Coleman is a professional soprano and voice teacher originally hailing from Richmond, VA. She holds a BM and MM in performance, as well as a BM in music education. In 2015, Fran also earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory. Before moving to Florence, SC she sang regularly in the VA regional area with VA Opera, Aurora Opera, Washington National Chorus, Capitol Opera Raleigh, as well as with her wedding band and jazz quartet. Fran is one of the founding artistic directors with Capitol Opera Richmond, and a deputy director with Classical Revolution RVA. In addition to being a performer and advocate for the arts, Fran was also a small business owner. She owned a private voice studio in Midlothian, Songbird's Studio, LLC. Most recently, Fran accepted a vocal position at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC. She is excited about the new chapter she is starting there.