Our Staff

Pastor and Head of Staff (for over 20 years!), 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 remains an avid UofA Wildcat Fan. Steve’s wife, Debbie, is a Middle School Math teacher with the Amphi School District, and they have two children. Their son, Scott, and his wife Nicole, have a two sons, soon to have three, who bring great joy to the Meldes (and the congregation). Scott and Nicole work and live in Tucson. Their daughter, Erin and her husband, Brennan Redd, live and work in Tempe, Arizona.

Director of Children’s Education, Robin Gilbert was born in Toledo, Ohio, but has lived in many places including Germany and England as an Air Force wife. While being stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, here in Tucson, she took her love of children to new levels as a Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout Leader, coach for t-ball and soccer for her children, and a Sunday School teacher at Christ Presbyterian Church. She finished her Bachelors of Science Degree in Education at Northern Arizona University and is currently teaching 1st grade at Safford K-8 International Baccalaureate where she has been teaching for five years. Now that her two children are grown, she was excited to become more involved in the education of the children here at CPC by becoming our director of children’s education.

The Church’s Bookkeeper, Doug, Wingert, is originally from Illinois, but has lived in Tucson for many years.  Doug first met Judy, (his wife to be), at a summer church camp when they were both in high school.  Doug and Judy are both University of Arizona graduates, (Go Wildcats)!  They married in 1973 and have three grown children and several grandchildren.  Doug’s careers have included many years in banking, and additional years working for nonprofits in bookkeeping and human resources.  Doug’s volunteer work has included more than 20 years with a local Boy Scout troop, about that same amount of time with a local Kiwanis Club, and many years as a church treasurer.  Doug is semi-retired and enjoys regular bicycling and hiking.  When time allows, Doug also likes to vacation to the ocean to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and deep sea fishing with friends.

Stella is the  Office Manager of CPC.  She is enthusiastic to give  information about church events, help with reserving rooms or contributing articles to the KIVA ,  announcements to the Sunday bulletin or Friday Flash.   She is interested in almost too many things, including art, literature, movies, TV, your pets, food, history, music, insects, and the weather. If you would like to talk to her about any of the above, she would love to hear from you.

More info coming soon...

Luke Diamond is a conductor, composer, baritone, and pianist in Tucson, Arizona. He is the music director for the Tucson Masterworks Chorale and Christ Presbyterian Church. Luke has made a significant impact as a public school teacher in Arizona and West Virginia and a pianist at Tucson's Gaslight Theatre. 

Susan earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Western Michigan University, with a double major of piano and choral conducting, and continued graduate work in music education.   She has a broad range of experience as a pianist, working with choirs, chamber groups, vocalists, instrumentalists and musical theatre.  Her teaching background includes over 30 years of piano instruction and 20 years teaching vocal and general music in Michigan & California public schools.  From 2000 – 2004, Ms. Simpson was on staff at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.   Susan has worked as a church musician and choral conductor in Michigan, California and Tucson.  She is currently a member of the Tucson Symphonic Choir.  During recital season, Ms. Simpson accompanies students at Pima Community College and U of A.