MEET THE TEAM
Dedication. Experience. Passion.
Leonardo Oliveira is originally from Brazil and has been serving Jesus and the church as a pastor in different roles for more than 20 years. He and his wife Vanessa have been happily married and have two wonderful girls. They moved to Florida early in 2022 and love the East Pasco Adventist Church family.
Chuck has been the Treasurer since 2014. He is married to Kathie, and they both work at the East Pasco Adventist Academy because they enjoy children so much. They say the kids keep them young! Chuck keeps the grounds mowed and oversees the after-school program; Kathie works in the school office. During the 5 years they have been married, they have been traveling throughout the United States and by the end of 2023, they will have visited all 50 states! They are also involved in the “Signs” magazine ministry, placing the publication in bright yellow boxes located in various places in Zephyrhills and Dade City.
Norm was born in Flint, Michigan and was later baptized into the Grand Rapids Seventh-day Adventist Church by Pastor Bruce Fox. He served there for 20 years as Head Deacon. Retiring from the tool rental industry after 30 years, Norm and his wife Margie moved to Florida in November of 2004. The following year they officially joined the East Pasco Seventh-day Adventist Church, where Norm continues to serve the Lord as Head Deacon.
Scott has been a devoted member of EPAC since 1979. Over the years, he has faithfully served the church in various capacities, he leads with wisdom, dedication, and a heart for Jesus. Outside of his church responsibilities, Scott is a skilled plumbing contractor. He is blessed with a loving family-hhis wife, Michelle and their three daughters Taylor, Hannah, and Gracie. Scott's family is a cornerstone of his life and a source of inspiration for his continued service to the church.
Edye accepted a call to work as a Chaplain for AdventHealth. He has worked as a Pastor, Teacher, Social Worker, Actor, Communications Director and Business Owner of a Media Production Company. No matter the job Edye has always been passionate about using his gifts and experience for ministry. Edye has a beautiful wife Erika who also works for AdventHealth as a Respiratory Therapist. Together they have two children Alex and Zoey.
Susan is from Pennsylvania and her husband Matt Bennett is from Michigan. They were married July, 1991. They share three grown children and five grandchildren. Susan and her husband moved to Florida in 1994 and have been members of EPAC ever since. Susan is a graduate of Kellogg Community College with dual degrees in Business Management and Accounting. She worked for the Adventist Health System since 1994and retired in 2014. She enjoys serving her church, homemaking, gardening, walking, and crafting.
Charlotte has been involved in church ministries as long as she can remember. Growing up in a small country church in North Dakota, she was frequently drafted to read the mission story, recite a poem in German or have prayer. Charlotte graduated from Union College with a degree in Nursing and worked 43 years for Advent Health. She and husband Randy have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. She is passionate about hospitality and making our visitors and members feel welcome.
Jesse Benton has been at East Pasco Adventist Academy since 2013 where he has served as Principal since 2018. Jesse and his wife, Tarah, have a daughter named Odessa who attends EPAA as well.
Chaplain Natali was born in Colombia and raised in Miami, FL. Natali has worked as a part-time hospital chaplain and volunteer law enforcement chaplain for more than a decade. Natali is currently serving as an intern for the church, while completing a Master’s in Science for Spiritual Care. She is a Junior Sabbath School Teacher. Natali has been married to Josman Gamez for more than 30 years; together they have two adult children, son Josman-Paul (JP), daughter Jessica-Paola (Jessi). Natali loves Jesus and spreading joy.