Leadership

Our Pastor & Staff

MJ Romano

Head Pastor

MJ is excited to have served the First Pres family since 2004. Her passions in ministry are in worship leadership and family ministry, and she loves a good potluck (maybe too much!). Her husband Chris Ludwig teaches science at La Junta High School, and they have two children, Elly and Karl. MJ stays active in the community through the Ministerial Association, Wake Up Breakfast Committee, Fire Department chaplaincy, plus various school activities with her children. She also teaches philosophy and ethics at Otero Junior College.

Aricka Hulsey 

Children's Ministery

Aricka has been a member of the church her entire life. She is a loving mother of one daughter along with her husband. They love the outdoors and family time.

Chris Ludwig

Praise Band Leader

Chris is Sciency!

Dean Rees

Organist/Choir Director 

Dean is the organist for the church and for many years was a music teacher at Washington Primary School in Rocky Ford. He is active in many musical events throughout the valley including Picketwire Players productions, Grand Theatre productions, and is the director for the OJC Student and Community Choir.

Gwynn Root

Office Assistant

Gwynn grew up attending First Church with her parents. Gwynn has a 2 year old son and loves to spend time with family.