PASTORS & STAFF
We are currently going through a phase of pastoral transition. Read more HERE.
Aleta Ash
Part-time Minister of Visitation
Aleta is a retired pastor and is pleased to be able to assist in providing pastoral care to the Hudson congregation. She served as a chaplain and pastor in Topeka KS and as pastor of Milner Memorial here in Raleigh. She is a graduate of Emory University where she received her BS in nursing. She considers her 22 years as a nurse in public health, geriatrics and hospice as a wonderful preparation for the ministry. She obtained her Masters of Divinity degree from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City and has been ordained in the PCUSA for 24 years. She and her husband Ron moved to Raleigh in 2007 and he is a member of Hudson. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and enjoy spending as much time with them as possible. Aleta likes to read, walk the greenways, draw and write, eat Ron's wonderful cooking, and loves to laugh. Keep your faith and your sense of humor is her motto.
Rich Richards
Director of Youth Ministries and Children's Music
Rich has served in youth, recreation, music and creative arts ministries in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for over 30 years. He has written curricula for Montreat Youth Conferences, online devotions for “ d365” and was the author of the 2010 and co-author of the 2013 Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) Small Group Manual. Rich has the “Theology in Youth Ministry” certificate from Princeton Theological Seminary and holds degrees in music and art history from The College of Wooster, The Cleveland Institute of Music and the Hochschüle für Musik in Munich, Germany. He enjoys rowing, cycling, cooking, painting and hanging out with his sons Bogen and Olsen, and wife, Lindsey.
Cary Dickerson
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Cary is originally from Indiana, but has called North Carolina home for most of her life. She graduated from NC State with degrees in Psychology and Criminology. She and her husband Daniel have been members of Hudson since 2009. During this time she has served on Session, Mission Committee, Emergency Action Task Force, Children’s Committee, and volunteers with our Youth program. She also taught at Hudson Memorial Preschool for 8 years. She and Daniel have three children: Kessler, Kate, and James. In her free time she enjoys watching football, reading, and spending time with her family and their dogs Twyla and Banks.
Barbara Loehr-Fox
Director of Music Ministries
Barbara is a native Floridian who has served churches in Illinois, New York, Mississippi and South Carolina. She started her church ministry as both a musician and Christian Educator. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from the University of Florida and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois. For over 30 years, Barbara has enjoyed making music with children, youth and adults in both sacred and secular venues. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, throwing pots, playing with her 2 little rescue dogs and spending time with her husband, Winter.
Hannah Woodcock
Administrative Coordinator
Hannah comes to Hudson with a background in theater. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, she has worked in administrative, management, and artistic roles. When not at Hudson, she can be found on NC State's campus where she works for University Theater as House Manager. Hannah is passionate about disability justice and strives to make her communities more inclusive and accessible.
Lesley Ash Jacobsen
Communications Coordinator
Lesley joined the Hudson staff in 2021. In addition to her role at HMPC, she has been a freelance illustrator, animator, and graphic designer since 2004. She has an MFA from the University of Cincinnati, a BA from Hastings College, and served as an Artist-in-Residence in Budapest, Hungary. Before relocating to Raleigh in 2020, she lived in New York City and worked in the fashion industry for 15 years. She and her husband are members of Hudson, and she sings in the Chancel Choir.
Hope Parangi
Church Hostess
Hope grew up in Ridgefield Park N.J. where she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She transferred her membership to Hudson shortly after moving to Raleigh in 1995. She and her husband Max have two daughters and 1 son. She is a Deacon, and active with promoting and taking care of the labyrinth. Hope had worked for many years in the Hudson Memorial Preschool. Hope has continued to enjoy working with children and has been employed at Highland Childrens Center for the past 5 years. She has her Teaching Credentials thorough NCDCDEE from Hayward Community College.
Dorothy Roche
Preschool Director
Dorothy is a Raleigh native, raised right here in North Hills and graduated from Elon College, now known as Elon University. She has worked in early childhood development in various roles since 2003. Dorothy has a "hands on" style and loves interacting with the children, families and teachers. In her free time Dorothy loves to cook, read, listen to podcast and spend time with her family.
Joyce Hawkins
Preschool Assistant Director
Joyce Hawkins joined the HMPC family as Assistant Preschool Director in February 2002. Joyce grew up in Malaysia, and graduated from Purdue University. Joyce and her husband, Jeff, have a daughter and son.
Hunter Cox
Organist
Hunter Cox is the Pianist and Organist at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church. He is also the Piano and AP Music Theory teacher at Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh. He grew up in Sanford, North Carolina and is excited to be closer to home. Previously he taught at Andrew Jackson High School in Kershaw, SC for 5 years. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. Hunter also holds Bachelor of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Music Education from Appalachian State. He lives in Raleigh with his dog, Schroeder.