St. John the Evangelist Staff

As the Director of Faith Formation, I work with catechists and aides in teaching the Catholic faith to children in grades Kindergarten to 5th. I also work with the adults who are looking to become Catholic (OCIA) and Catholic adults who haven’t received their First Communion or Confirmation (Adult Confirmation). 

Originally, I’m from Indianapolis, Indiana, and I lived in San Diego, California, where I was the Director of Faith Formation before moving to Florida. When I’m not working, I enjoy arts and crafts, walking, and reading.

The best way to contact me is by email at ksalceda@stjohnviera.org. 

Schonda grew up in a small town in rural Missouri. After earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, she moved to Cape Canaveral, Florida to work for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center. While working for NASA, Schonda earned her Master’s Degree in Space Systems from Florida Tech.

Through NASA, Schonda met her husband, Ronnie. After their first child was born, Schonda retired from KSC to be a stay home mom. The Rodriguez family now consists of Ronnie, Schonda, Rebekah (Becky), Joseph (Joey), and Nicolas (Nico).

Schonda’s children attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, which lead to her volunteering in multiple school activities. After years of helping in classes as a volunteer, Schonda became a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s. It was during this time teaching middle school students that Schonda grew to appreciate youth ministry.

In addition to working with the middle school and high school teens, Schonda serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and a Minister of the Word.

As the Director of Music, Heidi has the privilege, responsibility, and joy of combining two

things she is passionate about: music and the Catholic Faith.

She is constantly discerning how music can best be a beautiful and edifying part of the Holy

Sacrifice of the Mass through the various seasons, solemnities, and feasts of the liturgical year and for

sacraments of initiation, weddings, and funerals.

In addition to preparing and coordinating the music and musicians for the regularly-scheduled weekend masses and holy days, she has been especially excited to involve music for other occasions of spiritual devotion, such as Holy Hour with

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (Behold the Lamb of God), contemporary praise-and-worship

evenings (Glorify!), Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday with the youth ministry, and Stations

of the Crib during Advent.  

With a Bachelor of Music and 40 years of experience, Heidi has been serving at St. John the

Evangelist since May 2013 at the 4:30 Sunday Mass, then stepping up to the full-time Music Director position in September 2018.

In July 2024 she was invited to serve on the Bishop's Diocesan Liturgical Commission for a three-year

term.

If you have any questions regarding the Music Ministry--whether how to get involved or a

question as to why we do (or don't do!) something a particular way—please feel free to contact her via

email, or talk to her after a mass.

My role is Business Manager. The Church’s and Pastor’s calendars are handled by me. The Facilities and Financial Management also report to me, with the assistance of our Team.

I’m originally from New England. I purchased a home in Suntree in the late 1990s. At that time, I was attending Ascension Catholic Church. After a couple years, it was announced that St. John the Evangelist was building a church in Viera. I started attending St. John on Palm Sunday in 2007.

When I’m not at work, my husband and I spend time with our families, enjoy our pets, and Florida wildlife and plants. The Knights of Columbus and the Ladies Auxiliary hold a special place in our hearts. I’m an EMHC and Sacristan at the 11 am Mass on Sunday for our parish. My joy is in serving the Lord and His people in any way that I am able.

Please email me at office@stjohnviera.org. If you need to schedule an appointment with the Pastor or reserve a space at our facility, call me at the office number 

321-637-9650. 

As Administrative Assistant, I assist the Business Manager and Pastor on an as-needed basis, especially with written materials. I assist with the written preparation of the weekly bulletin and monthly update letters. As well as new parishioner data entry and sacramental recordkeeping, as needed. 

I was born in West Paris, Maine. I’ve lived (in sequence) in Virginia, Ohio, Washington, California, Colorado, Ohio, Colorado, and Maine. I moved to Florida at the end of October 2020 from Otisfield, Maine, when my sister asked me to move and live with her. St. John’s was her parish, and she brought me here, introduced me to Fr. John, and asked him to find something for me to do in the parish.

I am an OCIA Catechist, a Lector, and a member of the Spiritus Sanctus Lay Dominican Group at the parish. My interests are caring for God’s creations, finding God in the ordinary and the everyday, social outreach, creative writing, and gardening. 

The best way to contact me is by email atoepker@stjohnviera.org or at the office number 321-637-9650. 

As the Administrative Assistant at the parish, some of my responsibilities include recording all of the sacraments in the sacramental books, create certificates for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and EMHC. I also assist the funeral ministry with brochures, input new parishioner information, and build welcome packets for our parishioners.  

I am from Beavercreek, Ohio but after joining the military, I have lived in Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Colorado Springs, New Jersey, numerous trips overseas, and a temporary residence in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I retired from the Air Force after 22 years and had hoped to move back home to Ohio. For whatever reason, that didn’t work out and we have now been here in Florida for 3 years. 

When I’m not working, I love spending time with our fur babies, traveling with my husband, and going home to visit my family.

I can be reached by emailing  keubanks@stjohnviera.org or by calling the parish office at 321-637-9650.

As the Receptionist for the parish, my duties include welcoming visitors with a smile, assisting them with their needs, answering the phone, and helping around the office as required. 

I’m originally from Ghana. I moved from Maryland to Viera, Florida, for my husband’s job, and we chose St. John’s church because it was the closest. 

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family. I also listen to Gospel music and Gregorian Chants. I’m involved with CCW, WINGS, Gratia Plena, and have been through CRHP.  I enjoy volunteering with the church. 

Contact me at the parish number, 321-637-9650, or via email mpoku@stjohnviera.org. 

As the Communications Coordinator, my focus is on creating and updating the Sunday bulletin, parish website, and narthex slides with upcoming events and advertisements for our church. My responsibilities also include monitoring our social media accounts and assisting the pastor with weekly announcements. 

I’ve lived in Melbourne since I was three years old, when my family moved for my dad’s work. I’ve recently graduated with a degree in Communications from Ave Maria University, and I was recommended for the position. Some of my hobbies include basketball, movies, camping, and writing. The best way to reach me is by phone at 321-355-9191 or by emailing  bkelly@stjohnvera.org.