AVODA House Leadership

AVODA House is supported by pastors, intercessors, council members, and professional advisors who bring wisdom, prayer, experience, and specialized guidance. Our leadership structure is relational and assignment based. Council members are called upon according to their gifting, experience, and the needs of each family we serve.

Pastoral Leadership

Our pastors provide spiritual oversight, pastoral care, and direction for the AVODA Family Governance Initiative™. They help families discern next steps and coordinate support.

AVODA House Pastor

Charleston, South Carolina

Juan Casanova

Areas of specialty:

Household leadership
Faith under pressure
Family safety
Navigating injustice
Immigration support

AVODA House Founder

Charleston, South Carolina

Melrose Casanova

Areas of specialty:

Decision discernment
Major transitions
Conflict resolution
Systems thinking
Legacy planning

Pastoral Oversight
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Dallas/Ft.Worth, Texas
Five Stones Church

Matthew Brady

Pastoral Oversight

Dallas/Ft.Worth, Texas
Five Stones Church

Christina Brady

AVODA Council

The AVODA Council serves as the ministry team of AVODA House, bringing together ministers, mentors, intercessors, professionals, and leaders from across the country who help us care for the households we serve.

Council members are invited to serve through trusted relationships, demonstrated spiritual maturity, and the fruit we have witnessed in their lives. Each member completes the AVODA Certificate in Human Rights, Justice & Family Governance™ to establish a shared understanding of the principles that guide our pastoral care.

Rather than being assigned to every family or situation, Council members are called upon as needed to participate in family governance meetings and other ministry assignments according to their wisdom, gifting, and experience.

AVODA Council Member
U.S. Air Force Veteran

Davenport, Florida
One Hope Church

April Lowery

Areas of specialty:

Armed forces support
Veteran & survivor resources
Bereavement support
Navigating widowhood

AVODA Council Member

Atlanta, Georgia
2819 Church

Christina B. Wright

Areas of specialty:

Prophetic encouragement
Walking through uncertainty
Blended families
Racial reconciliation
Creativity

AVODA Council Member

Lake Nona, Florida
Faith Church Orlando

Kelly Prendiville

Areas of specialty:

Ministry leadership
Politics and culture
Teaching and education
Evangelism
Missional living

AVODA Council Member

Cocoa Beach, Florida
Abundant Life Church

Kenesha Lewis

Areas of specialty:

Strategic planning
Entrepreneurship
Investment strategies
Real estate
Hospitality

AVODA Council Member

Davenport, Florida
New Hope Worship Center

Lauren Greene

Areas of specialty:

Navigating change
Relocation
Living abroad
Trauma support
Teen support

AVODA Council Member

Omaha, Nebraska
AVODA House

Maria Caudillo

Areas of specialty:

Pioneering leadership
Business operations
Federal marriages
Multigenerational households
Spiritual endurance

AVODA Council Member
Retired Police Officer

Sanford, Florida
Action Church

Maria Gutierrez

Areas of specialty:

Law enforcement families
Dual-service families
Family dynamics
Retirement transitions

AVODA Council Member

Chesterfield, Missouri
Action Church

Milissa Underwood

Areas of specialty:

Executive leadership
Behavioral analysis
Healthy communication
Conflict prevention
Children with autism or disabilities

AVODA Advisors

AVODA Advisors are trusted partners who may provide insight beyond the scope of pastoral care. When their guidance is needed, AVODA House may connect families with a trusted advisor whose experience is appropriate for their situation.