Reverend Steven Melde is originally from Scottsdale, AZ. Pastor Steve earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Arizona and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ. He served as Associate Pastor at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church in Grosse Ile, MI, from 1988 to 1996. He returned to Tucson in August 1996 to become Pastor of CPC. Steve is an avid U. of A. Wildcats fan and has recently taken up the sport of racquetball. Steve’s wife, Debbie is a teacher with the Amphi School District and they have two children, son Scott who is a student at the University of Arizona and daughter Erin, a student at Arizona State University.
Pastoral Assistant, Steven Brownson hails from the small town of Yankton, South Dakota, and also lived for a short time in Corvallis, Oregon, where he graduated from high school. Steve joined the army and worked as a Surgical Specialist in army hospitals in locations such as Georgia, Germany, Texas, and Hawaii. He retired from the army in 1996 after 21 years of service and arrived in Tucson with his wife, Ellen, in early 1997. Soon after arriving in Tucson, Steve and Ellen became members of Christ Presbyterian Church and Steve has served as a deacon, an elder, and Clerk of Session. He completed his classes to be a Commissioned Lay Pastor in September 2006, and was commissioned to serve as Pastoral Assistant at Christ Presbyterian Church in March 2007.
Director of Children's Ministry, Lesley Abrams grew up in New York City and attended the High School of Performing Arts (the Fame School). Upon graduating from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Lesley embarked on a professional career as an actor - appearing in regional theatres, TV and radio ads, and touring her own one-person plays. In 1990 she and her husband, Dean Steeves, began the Laughing Stock Comedy Company specializing in customized, improvised comedy for businesses. In 2002 Lesley received a Master in Theatre Arts from the University of Arizona. Through it all, Lesley has been teaching a wide range of subjects in a many venues; from high school English to Montessori school dramatics to university Introduction to Theatre courses. Lesley joined CPC in 2000. She lives with her husband, dog, Massie, and 2 cats and enjoys visits from daughter Alexis.
Facility Manager, Lon Bothwell grew up in Tucson and attended Sahuaro High School. He continued his education at the University of Arizona where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He obtained a Masters of Management at the University of Phoenix. Lon retired from a successful law enforcement career in Arizona where attained the rank of Captain. Upon his retirement, he worked as a Project Manager within the construction industry until creating his own facilities management company. Lon's love for adventure takes him traveling around the world to exotic locations on hunting trips. Closer to home he enjoys skiing, fly fishing, trips to Mexico and the movies.
The Church Bookkeeper, Cathy Grossman was born and raised in New Jersey. She attended Connecticut College and Midwest Business College and arrived in Tucson while working for a web printer. She has two children, one who lives in Colorado and the other in the state of Washington. Cathy loves animals as demonstrated by her two dogs, Alfie (pictured) and Mimi, and her kitten, Yoda. Cathy has been a Top Dog volunteer for ten years whild working with dogs for the disabled and for three years, Therapy Dog volunteer. Cathy is a vegetarian and loves to travel.
Youth Fellowship Coordinator, Nicole Thompson was born and raised in Tucson Arizona. She became a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in January of 2009 and in June of 2009 she joined the pastoral staff. She graduated in May 2010 from the University of Arizona with her Bachelor of Arts in Education and is currently teaching the third grade at Agua Caliente Elementary School teacher. Nicole plans and coordinates fellowship time and mission related events, including an annual mission trip, for the High School and Middle School youth of the church. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys, going to the gym, skating, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She hopes that you will check out the youth program, and join them as they grow in their faith through fellowship, mission, and good times!
Director of Music, Marcela Molina is from Bogota, Columbia. She received her Bachelors in Music Theory and Composition at Westminster Choir College and her Masters and Doctorate from the University of Arizona. Marcela works as the Artistic Director for the Tucson Girl Chorus and Artistic Director for the Tucson Masterworks Chorale. Marcela is married to Daniel, has one stepdaughter, Claire and two sons, Matias and Eliot. Marcela enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and making music.
Organist, Dr. Kathryn Baker Snodgrass is a native Canadian who came to Tucson in 1979, where she received a Doctoral Degree in Organ Performance from the University of Arizona. She holds a Music Bachelors from The University of Western Ontario and a M.A. from the Eastman School of Music. She taught at the University of Western Ontario for eight years before coming to Tucson. She has performed organ and piano concerts in Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Europe. Kathryn was Organist at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for 14 years followed by 6 years at Christ Church United Methodist before becoming the organist at Christ Presbyterian Church. She also has a private music studio teaching piano students ranging in age from 8-84. She is an active member of the American Guild of Organists and the Tucson Music Teachers’ Association.
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