A Tennessee native, Rev. Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra (she/her) is grateful to be back in the mountains! She joins us from Ann Arbor, where she was a Resident Minister at First Presbyterian Church. As part of a team that re-energized Campus Ministries, she also provided spiritual leadership during a service trip to Nicaragua and a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

She graduated with her M.Div. from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. While in Nashville, Dorothy interned at Second Presbyterian Church, where she worked with leadership to help deepen that congregation’s commitment to justice and full inclusion for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. She also focused on intentional anti-racism and intersectional justice through Showing Up for Racial Justice, Nashville Organized for Action and Hope, and other organizations. Some of her best teachers were youth in state’s custody, with whom she worked as a trauma-informed care provider.

She loves ministries that nurture belonging while cultivating social awareness and spiritual growth—especially with young adults. She is passionate about co-creating spaces where people can explore the Christian faith, wonder, ask questions, bring all of themselves, try new (or sometimes ancient) spiritual practices, and find a community of welcome as they are, and as they’re becoming.

Some of Dorothy’s favorites: time with family and friends, playing drums and percussion, learning Spanish, concerts, a hike in the woods, and a good read in a hammock. She and her wife Dr. Catalina Esguerra, an administrator at UVA’s School of Education, enjoy traveling and exploring Charlottesville together with their dog Sophie.

Madaline Marland (she/her), President

“I am a fourth-year chemical engineering major with a minor in music. I walked into
Westminster my first semester of college and instantly felt at home. This is truly a
loving, justice-seeking, and God-serving community! Besides UKirk, I am also involved
with the Charlottesville Symphony and various music orgs around Grounds. Go Hoos!”

Sarah Child (she/her), Vice President and Social Media Intern

“I am a second-year at UVA with a mathematics major and data analytics minor. I am
from Knoxville, Tennessee, and grew up in the Presbyterian Church, so when I came to
Charlottesville, I knew I wanted to become involved in UKirk. Outside of UKirk, I am also
involved in University Democrats at UVA, as well as Virginia Young Democrats.”

Luke Heberle (he/him), Treasurer

“I am a second-year student from Cleveland, Ohio. In my free time, I enjoy hiking,
swimming, and spending time with friends. I am also involved with the McIntire
Investment Institute, Pancakes for Parkinson’s, and Greek life.”