About Ocoee Oaks

Our Mission

Ocoee Oaks is a loving church led by the Holy Spirit through the congregation. We are a diverse congregation representing people from a variety of backgrounds, nations, races, and ages. We base our worship services on biblical teachings applied to today’s challenges in a blended worship format.

We have a heart for our neighbors and community and believe that, above all else, we are to Love God and Love People. And through demonstrating that Love, being in community, and learning together, we can fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples for the transformation of the world.

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Ministry Lead Team

 

Contact Jon at 407-293-0700 or jtschanz@ocoeeoaks.org

 
 

JON TSCHANZ
Lead Pastor

 

Jon assumed the role of Lead Pastor in September 2024. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida, a Master’s of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and a Doctorate of Ministry from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Jon served as Associate Pastor of Soapstone United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC, for three years while his wife, Austin, was in Internal Medicine Residency at the University of North Carolina. Before that, he was an Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Winter Park. Between 2018 and 2024, Jon was also the Executive Director of Agua Serves, an organization founded in Maitland, FL, that helps those in Northern Costa Rica access clean and safe drinking water. He also teaches at Duke Divinity School at Duke University in the areas of Spiritual Formation and Leadership.

Jon's spiritual gifts fall in the areas of teaching and caring through mercy and compassion.

His favorite Bible verse is, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

 
 
 

Contact Don at 407-293-0700 or dthalmann@ocoeeoaks.org

DON THALMANN
Executive Minister

Don attended Saginaw Valley State University where he earned his BBA in Industrial Management & Business Management and his MBA in Finance.

Prior to joining the leadership team at Ocoee Oaks, Don spent 28 years in retail and industrial management with Franklin Covey, Eaton Manufacturing, and Sprint.

Among Don's spiritual gifts are serving through administration, leadership and teaching.

Don's passion for ministry arises from the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.

Don's favorite Bible verse is 2 Timothy 1:7, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline."

 
 
 

Contact Tracy at 407-293-0700 or twalker@ocoeeoaks.org

Tracy Walker
Minister of Children, Youth, and Young Adults

Tracy is a transplant from Fort Worth, Texas. He serves a dual role as Director of After-school and Summer Camp programs for Kid’s Place.

Tracy attended Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.

Prior to joining the Ocoee Oaks staff, Tracy spent 30 years in technology in a variety of roles, including programmer, project manager, and data analyst. Most recently, he owned and operated a home restoration business that specialized in historical preservation.

Tracy’s spiritual gifts are teaching, leadership, and administration.

One of Tracy’s favorite bible verses is Ephesians 4:29 because he believes the words we use really do matter. We should always strive to build up one another.

 
 
 

Contact Charla at 407-293-0700 or cgoff@ocoeeoaks.org

Charla Goff
Church Administrator

Charla graduated from George Washington High School and West Virginia State University. Charla began her work life at Kanawha Valley Bank, and has also served at Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Park Ridge Baptist Church, and has served at Ocoee Oaks for over 20 years.

Charla is originally from West Virginia and has two children and two grandchildren all of whom live in Orlando.

Charla's spiritual gift include administration and service.

Charla says: My passion for ministry comes when I witness a life being changed. Seeing God’s unending love at work and hope for their future.

Charla's favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

 
 
 

Contact Jane at 407-293-6650 or janeadocoeeoaks@gmail.com

Jane Steele
Kid's Place Director

Jane joined the Ocoee Oaks staff in 2013 as a part-time teaching assistant. She then moved to the toddler room as a teacher, where she served for four years before transitioning to Assistant Director and then Director. Jane has an Associate of Science degree in Early Education.

She has also worked in human resources and spent time as a stay at home mom.

Jane says she is very comfortable talking to people about her faith and how it plays into her life each day.

A favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart,” because she can live true to it. The Lord will carry you each day if you trust and invite him into your heart and life.