Rev. Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra, Pastor and Head of Staff

Drawn by the ways Central lives out our calling to love God and neighbor in the heart of the city and by the welcoming spirit of our community, Dorothy joined Central’s ministry in 2025.

After a first career as a managing editor, Dorothy earned an M.Div. from Vanderbilt Divinity School while serving as pastoral intern at Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. She began ordained ministry as a Resident Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, MI, and continued as Associate Pastor for University and Social Justice Mission at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA, where she helped revitalize young adult ministries and expanded community partnerships while also serving as a board member for UKirk National Collegiate Ministries.

Dorothy believes that God is doing transformative ministry through inclusive communities shaped by the gospel. She finds energy in building intergenerational relationships, exploring questions of faith that inspire us to just action, and appreciating tradition while discovering creative ways for the church to embrace its mission in today’s world. Having served churches of various sizes, Dorothy seeks to tend relationships with a pastoral heart and systems with holistic vision.

Dorothy and her wife, Catalina, have three children—twin toddlers Mateo and Gabriel, as well as labradoodle Sophie. When not at work, you can probably find Dorothy hiking, touring Denver’s many coffee shops, or checking out social happenings with her family and friends. Her other loves are music (especially attending concerts and playing drums), reading, and exploring other cultures and landscapes.

Jon Dreux, Facilities Director

Jon has a life long passion for all things automotive, tire rubber related and is always up for a good mechanical challenge. A Colorado native, he grew up in Northglen and was awarded a scholarship to technical school earning his welding certification. This experience and his knowledge of structural steel came in handy when in 2021 he worked on the administration building as part of the Capital Campaign renovations He was hired Facilities Manager in 2022 working closely with staff, vendors and event participants. He is very well versed in the history of Central. Ask him for a tour of the Heritage Center!

Jon married his wife, Jennifer, in the Central sanctuary in 1987. The following year, they join the congregation, Jon through baptism. Upon joining the church, Jon immediately became an usher, which for him, is a life long commitment to greeting anyone who enters on Sunday.

He has served as a Deacon, Elder and on the mission and property committees both of which he is still active. In his dedication to mission, he has traveled with PDA to Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, Alamosa Colorado with Habitat for Humanity and to work with LaPaunete and locally, he works with Habitat when his schedule allows.

He is most proud of his family. His daughter Kay and son in law Chris are building their lives together with the most amazing grandson ever, Lucius (Louie). Son Karl recently graduated from University of Louisville (KY) with a degree in Exercise Science while playing on their hockey team and will be returning in the fall to start grad school. And wife Jennifer, the supportive balance helping to keep it all together.

Jon has a strong faith in the love and forgiveness of Jesus and seeks daily to find ways to demonstrate God’s love to everyone he meets.

Charis Smith

Charis has attended Central since 2019 when she joined the choir, and enjoyed getting to know its wonderful members. She was promoted to soprano section leader and subsequently became a Central member with her family in 2022. That same year she was inspired to apply for the vacant positions of Music Director and Church Administrator and a unique dual position was created that allowed her to draw on her time as a professional musician and her business executive experience.

Charis has an undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from Wheaton College and a Masters Degree, also in Vocal Performance, from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She enjoyed a decade and a half of performing worldwide with memorable solo performances at Carnegie Hall, with the Colorado Symphony and at the Vatican, among many others. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and a member of Actor’s Equity Association. She is supremely grateful for the support of her husband Ryan and daughters Ahna and Liza, who humor her by singing in her choir.

Glenn Ross, Concert Manager

Glenn joined the staff at Central in 2022 with two decades of leadership in the classical arts. With a wealth of knowledge in all areas of performance and operations, Glenn brings valuable technical and administrative experience to his role at Central Presbyterian Church.

Beyond concert management, Denver photographer Glenn Ross specializes in portraiture, live music, and events. His work has taken him around the World and his imagery has been featured in esteemed publications, magazines, books, and newspapers.

Glenn holds Bachelors degrees in Business and Philosophy and is involved in various community-based organizations. He enjoys writing, helping others, learning new skills, and traveling to new places.

Molly Dowling Brown, Director of Mission & Faith Formation

Molly has been a member at Central since 2004 and joined the staff team in 2018. From 2013-2015, Molly served as the Director of Central Presbyterian Church’s Health Assistance Site.

Molly worked for over a decade on behalf of Federally Qualified Health Centers here in Colorado. Prior to that, she taught middle school social studies in North Carolina. Molly holds a BA in History from Davidson College. As the Director of Mission and Faith Formation, Molly believes faith is built via serving others in need in one’s community.

Molly and her husband, Adam, have 3 daughters: Caroline, Morgan, and Francee; two canines: Murray and Sylvester; and one feline, Stark.

Molly enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, Pilates, swimming, dark chocolate, and coffee.

Our Community

Together in Faith.

At Central, our engagement with our community doesn’t stop at Sunday services. We offer a variety of connection opportunities for our congregants ranging from formal choirs to casual meetups over a beer to discuss how our faith helps us navigate the complexities of modern living.

Upcoming Community Events

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Music and Choirs

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is a non-auditioned choir of adult and high-school aged singers as well as 4 professional singers / section leaders that sing weekly from September through May in Sunday morning services. We welcome singers of all experience levels.

Bell Choir

The Handbell Choir provides music for special services throughout the year. Ringers from 9th grade through adult are welcome.

For Kids & Youth

Nursery

Our nursery is a clean, warm, and welcoming place with experienced and trained professional staff ready to take care of your children. The nursery is open on Sundays from 9:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and is available for ages 0-8 years.

Bible Story Room

On Sundays, children 3 years through 4th grade are invited to our Bible Story Chapel. Here they participate in a special program that follows the Godly Play philosophy of storytelling, reflection and response. Older children partner well with younger ones in this learning environment.

Central Youth in Service

Youth (5th-12th grade) meet up for service projects including volunteering with our partners like Metro Caring and The Center on Colfax. These projects are a convenient way for youth to earn school sanctioned community service hours while building community. Friends are always welcome and encouraged to come!

Confirmation

Confirmation is a learning opportunity and important step in one’s faith for middle and high school students. We use art and writing to express our journey, share our faith stories and doubts, participate in service opportunities, play games, pray, read relevant scripture, and work with mentors.

Family Ministries

Intergenerational mission trips

As part of our Summer of Service, Central offers opportunities for families to participate in service work together. Recent trips have included service projects for La Puente in Alamosa, CO, travel to Havana, Cuba in partnership with the Presbytery of Havana, and a Civil Rights learning pilgrimage in Alabama.

Adult Ministries

Theology on Tap

Join us at one of Colorado’s excellent breweries to sample craft beer and have conversation about things that matter.

Sunday Faith Formation

Sunday morning groups meet to discuss and learn about issues of faith and our collective faith journey. These conversations typically happen immediately before or after worship.