Leadership Council
The Leadership Council (LC) is a volunteer, community-elected board that helps guide the vision and well-being of Highlands Church. Together, they support and hold accountable the Executive Team, make decisions that align with our values, and tend to the practical side of being a church so that love can move freely through everything we do.
joshua medina
Josh is a Colorado native, Marine veteran, and community builder who leads the Arapahoe County Veteran Services Office. He’s passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected. Married to his high school sweetheart for over 25 years, Josh finds joy in family, nature, and deep conversations over coffee—moments where he most often experiences the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Leigh Tatum
Leigh is from Memphis, Tennessee and has been attending Highlands since summer 2023 when she moved to Denver. The consistency of the church both teaching about and demonstrating God’s expansive love keeps her coming back. Leigh is married to Stephanie and is a Bonus Mom to three girls ages 12, 9, and 9 (yes, twins). Leigh works as a mental health therapist and loves hiking, her dog Oli, women’s soccer (go Denver Summit), and trying to be a gardener.
Chuck Springer
I started attending Highlands four years ago. I retired to the area after a career in local government finance and management in the Dallas area. My wife Julie and I have three grown children. I love hiking, skiing, golfing, and biking. My travels usually include one or more of the prior activities. I also host the Highlands Hold’em small group.
Jordan chavez
Jordan Chavez has called Highlands Church home since early 2025. He and his partner, Kaleb, knew quickly this was a community where they could grow their faith and put roots down without the fear of feeling alienated. As a journalist, Jordan loves asking questions to learn more about the people and world around him. He’s happiest when active outside and enjoys a hot cup of coffee, a cold beer, and a warm personality.
Laura Saunders
Laura Saunders was born and raised in Littleton, CO. She and her wife, Elsbeth, have been part of the Highlands Church community since 2010. As a queer woman, Laura is especially grateful for Highlands; commitment to inclusion and social justice. She works as a regional sales manager for a dental supply company. While this keeps her traveling often, Laura loves coming home to Denver’s Mayfair neighborhood. In her free time, she
enjoys music, cooking, and building community with friends and neighbors.
Ean Oliver
Tom Grau
Tom Grau has attended Highlands going on 12 years. The ethos is the reason he started attending, and it is the people and the community that keeps him coming back. He is a high school English teacher and instructional coach. His life includes his partner Terry, his puppy Pippin, gardening, art, cooking, travel, and long walks in the early morning.
Ann Rajewski
Kristee Paschall
Kristee Paschall has been part of the Highlands Church community since 2009. She loves that all of us can belong at Highlands. She is a community organizer working to realize a democracy where everyone can thrive. She has three spirited young adults (2 away at college & one in high school), a bountiful garden and chickens.