The staff of Bonita Park is comprised of individuals who care deeply about making our guest experiences the best they can be. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our office to speak with them. You can contact the office at info@bonitapark.com.
Meet our Staff
our Directors
Meet each of our Directors and find out more about which departments they run.
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Dr. larry lacher | District superintendent
Dr. Larry Lacher is the District Superintendent of the New Mexico Nazarene District. He has held that assignment for 5.5 years and has served in the ministry for 43 years. His pastoral assignments have been in Texas, New Mexico and Illinois. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Doctor of ministry from NTS and a Ph.D. from Concordia Seminary St. Louis. He has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 42 years. She is certified in Nuclear Medicine and PET as well as X-ray. The Lachers have 3 married children and 10 grandchildren who live in Illinois.
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REV. Denver dEwees | Camp director
Denver is an Ordained Pastor in the Church of the Nazarene with experience in church administration as well as directing local and world missions ministries. He is a native of New Mexico and is passionate about fully realizing Bonita Park’s mission, which is to fully utilize the resources God has granted us, inspiring each individual to leave Bonita Park more Christ-like, ready to make a difference in their own life, home, and community. Denver has C-Suite experience from the energy and utility sectors and has
technical knowledge of facilities maintenance, safety, and crisis management. He has utilized those skills and abilities to serve Christ's Kingdom. Denver’s Parish is Bonita Park, and he takes the spiritual formation and safety of his staff and the guests at Bonita Park seriously. Denver is confident that God has called him to serve at Bonita Park.
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Brenda Garber | DEVELOPMENT Director/ HR
Brenda continues to care for Bonita Park staff and is also passionate about loving the people she has grown to love through the years as she has served the camp. She sees their hearts and shares in their stories. She has also watched them lead by their Godly examples in supporting the great heritage and legacy of Bonita Park. Brenda is working to establish new relationships, reaching across generational lines to those who love camp and want to affect change for future campers whose lives will be impacted for eternity!
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jonathan hobbs | Food services DIRECTOR
Jonathan has been employed at Bonita Park for several years and has had responsibilities in many areas of the camp. However, one of his favorite places remains the kitchen. He enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. As Food Service Director, Jonathan oversees the Kitchen and Snack Shack and manages staff, as well as ordering food and creating menus. To quote Jonathan, “Where there is good food, there is good fellowship and I believe that is important to ministry and discipleship.”
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Shelly Jones | Guest Services Director
Shelly is responsible for running our Guest Services department. She makes sure that we run smoothly in all things guest related. She instantly feels like a friend when you meet her.
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Paul Garber | Facilities & Grounds Director
Paul is responsible for maintaining the grounds, and keeping up with all of our facilities. He is the go to man when there is a broken pipe, a fallen tree, or an exciting project to get done. He makes sure that all of our guests have a comfortable stay.
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Phil Jones | activities DIRECTOR
Phil is our Activities Director and oversees the Summer and Retreat Season staff and all activities that guests enter into while at camp. Phil loves serving Jesus and people!
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REV. matt west | Community LifE Director/Chaplain
Matt is an Ordained Pastor in the Church of the Nazarene and oversees the spiritual care of our staff, volunteers, residential community, and guests. He is also responsible for the community life of the camp, which includes the Leaseholders. He loves helping provide an atmosphere for people of all ages to experience Christ at Bonita Park.
