Staff

The Reverend Dr. Robert Strenth
Rector

Father Rob was ordained to the priesthood in 2022 after serving 5 years as a vocational deacon at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Sanford, Florida. He has a passion for preaching, teaching, and celebrating the Eucharist. Although born in Orlando, Rob grew up in towns across Texas and Louisiana, before returning to Central Florida after serving in the US Army. Rob holds a B.A. with Honors in History and two graduate degrees from the University of Florida. He earned his doctorate from the University of Central Florida examining moral reasoning and moral decision making. He attended seminary at Reformed Theological Seminary. Rob spent 26 years as a teacher, administrator, and principal with Orange County Public Schools before being called to be the rector of St. Matthew’s. Rob’s wife, Leslie, is a three-time graduate of Florida State University and serves as a middle school guidance counselor. They share two adult children, Caroline and Preston, and four cats. Rob enjoys watching classic movies, adding to his Star Wars collection, and dreams of having a Lionel train layout one day.

David Somers
Deacon

I was the oldest of three boys and raised in a conservative Baptist home in Michigan. I move to Central Florida in 1975 and have lived here ever since and I consider myself a Floridian. I earned a degree in English from Oral Roberts University where my understanding of faith changed radically. I became an Episcopalian because I fell in love with the freedom of the liturgy and the traditions of the greater church and because most of the English faculty seemed to go there too.

I have three children. The oldest lives in Japan with his family and my two grandchildren. My daughter, a physical therapy doctor, lives in Pittsburgh with her fiance. My other son resides in Orlando working in the game industry.

I have recently retired after working for 40 years as a technical writer in the aerospace industry. My hobbies are raising rabbits, reading, disc golf, running, brewing beer, and playing video games. My wife and I are big Orlando Magic fans.

I was ordained a deacon in 2010. Since then I have completed a Master of Ministry degree and Nashotah House, an Episcopal seminary in Wisconsin. My faith is very simple. I believe in God. I believe that God is good. I believe that Jesus is the most perfect expression of God’s love. The role of the deacon is to have one foot in the church and one in the world. I like that. The emphasis of my ministry is on visitation and community outreach.

John F. Reilly
Music Minister

John Reilly has served in several churches in both the Diocese of Orlando and the Diocese of Central Florida as music director, organist, and elementary school teacher. He has music degrees in both music education and music and liturgy. After spending many years as a full -time church music director, he divided his time working full-time in the IT field (now retired) and part-time in church music. He is married to his wife Bonnie and they have three grown daughters -- Kate, Megan, and Beth -- as well as three grandchildren. John hopes to help build the music program at St. Matthew and to encourage the congregation to active participation in sung worship.

Jennifer Latterell
Youth Minister

After many years of teaching Preschool, I have been blessed with 4 of my own sweet children ranging in age from elementary school age to college. I have a wonderful and supportive husband, Keith, who is also actively involved with our St. Matthew's family.

Since completing my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, I have enjoyed working with new teachers through UCF helping them prepare for work in the classroom. I also enjoy promoting the work of Social Bridges and leading groups within the program.

I love being the Youth Minister at St. Matthew's. It is truly a chance to teach children and teens the faith, grace, and love that God has extended to me in so many ways. The Lord has taken me on on incredible path and I look forward the opportunities that tomorrow will bring. Blessings!

Heather Rodriguez
Parish Administrator

In addition to serving as Parish Administrator, I have extensive experience as a musician and minister of music. I am a native Floridian and have served on church worship teams since being a teenager. As a lay person I have served our local churches and diocese in a variety of capacities, and I currently serve our diocese as secretary of the Standing Committee.

I have previously served as a member of the Diocesan Board. For ten years, I have also worked with my husband in Young Adult and College ministry. I have served in both church plants and established parishes.

I am married to José and am the mother of Elijah and Eva. Our family has called the Diocese of Central Florida home for many years, having been married at All Saints Church in Winter Park then working to help establish the Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo.