Our Leadership Team
Rev. Dr. Denise Esslinger
Denise has served as the Pastor of the Gilead Church since 1998. Prior to coming to the Gilead Church, she served as the Minister of Education at Foster Memorial Church in Springfield, MA. Denise went to Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA where she received her M.Div. in 1991. More recently, in 2009 Denise received her D.Min. in Preaching from Chicago Theological Seminary. Denise has a passion for preaching and for creating a sense of welcome in worship. Denise is married to Phil Parizeau. Phil has two adult children and they have three grandchildren.
Andrey Stolyarov
Minister of Music
Andrey Stolyarov is a Russian-born American composer, conductor, singer, and educator. Andrey's music has been performed nationally and internationally. When he isn't teaching, writing, singing, or conducting, Andrey enjoys running, gaming, and working on his farm in Amston with his wife Ilana.
Lisa Cox
Minister of Communications & Technology
Lisa has been a member of Gilead Church since 1997. She began her role as Minister of Communications & Technology at the Gilead Church in August of 2020 and was instrumental in implementing a Live Streaming system. Lisa worked at Aetna in the information technology field for 35 years. She and her husband Bill have lived in Hebron since 1992., raising two sons Matthew and Adam. She enjoys golf, pickleball, hiking, reading and spending time with her dogs.
Tonya Maurer
Interim Administrative Assistant
Tonya starts as our Interim Administrative Assistant at the Gilead Church in April 2021. Her organizational skills, gratitude and empathy bring a personal touch to her role. Tonya and her husband Cole, have lived in Amston since 2004. She loves to spend time outdoors kayaking, water skiing, hiking, biking, running, gardening and playing with her dogs.