Our Social Workers
Vanessa Cordes
Director of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Trained Clinician, IFS Level 1 trained clinician
832.598.3639
vcordes@stchm.org
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Education
Master of Social WorkBio
Vanessa Cordes serves as the Director of Social Work for STCH Ministries Community Ministries, where she provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for regional social work programs serving children, families and communities across Texas. In this role, she equips and mentors social workers, strengthens partnerships with churches and nonprofit organizations, develops training initiatives, and helps expand trauma-informed, Christ-centered services that bring healing, restoration and hope to families.
Vanessa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), an EMDR-trained clinician, and an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 trained therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University and a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Direct Practice with Families and Children from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Beyond direct clinical practice, Vanessa is dedicated to developing trauma-informed leaders and organizations. She regularly provides training for counselors, churches, educators, and ministry leaders on topics including trauma-informed care, spiritual abuse, family systems, resilience and integrating faith with evidence-based mental health practices. Prior to this role at STCH Ministries, Vanessa served in a variety of helping professions, including as a high school French teacher, children’s ministry director, school counselor and clinical therapist. These diverse experiences continue to shape her collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to strengthening families and communities.
A fourth-generation Katy resident, Vanessa considers it a privilege to serve the communities that helped shape her own life. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they have four children and two beloved grandchildren who bring great joy to their family. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Whether she is mentoring social workers, training ministry leaders, or supporting families, Vanessa believes lasting transformation happens when people are seen with dignity, equipped with practical tools and reminded that hope is always possible.
Edna Herschberger
Social Worker - San Antonio, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, Master of Social Work
210.339.7576
eherschberger@stchm.org
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Bio
Edna Herschberger serves as Social Worker at STCH Ministries Community Ministries in San Antonio. In this role, Edna provides support to families and children who request assistance with resource acquisition or connection to another ministry within STCH Ministries. Edna also works to establish and strengthen partnerships with churches, nonprofits and other resources in the community. Edna strives to serve with a Christ-centered spirit of compassion, empowerment and a focus on strengths.
Edna is a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). She holds a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Social Work from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Practice with Hispanic Families and Children from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Edna is a South Texas native who has enjoyed living in San Antonio for a year. Outside of work, Edna enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and exploring more of San Antonio. No matter the activity, Edna strives to truly see the community and to encourage those around her.
Melody Melton
Social Worker - Houston, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
832.598.3639
mmelton@stchm.org
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Bio
Melody Melton serves as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) for Community Ministries in the Houston area. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lamar University and has a heart for serving individuals and families through compassion, encouragement, and practical support. Since joining STCH Ministries in 2024, Melody has been grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord by using her gifts and experience to come alongside those in need.
Through her role with STCH Ministries, Melody partners with churches, community organizations and families to provide support, connect people with resources and help meet needs during difficult seasons of life. She believes ministry happens through relationships and is passionate about creating spaces for people to experience the hope, care and love of Christ.
Melody desires to serve others with humility and compassion while helping individuals and families recognize their God-given worth and purpose. She is committed to sharing the love of Christ through acts of service, encouragement and walking alongside others as they navigate life’s challenges.
Outside of her ministry with STCH Ministries, Melody enjoys spending time with her husband and son, who are two of her greatest blessings. Her faith and family continue to shape her heart for serving others and pursuing her calling to be the hands and feet of Christ within her community.
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Bio
Jo’Lee Vandehey brings more than 13 years of experience in social services, education and nonprofit leadership to her position at STCH Ministries. Her professional journey began in early childhood education after earning an associate degree in early childhood development. She taught students from preschool through eighth grade, with a special passion for second and third grade, where she found great joy in fostering academic, emotional and personal growth.
Jo’Lee later earned a bachelor’s degree in human communications with an emphasis in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, followed by a Master of Education in Leadership and Nonprofit Management with a specialized focus in Social Services and Outreach. Throughout her career, Jo’Lee has served in a variety of roles across the social services field, including as a court-appointed liaison, an adoption advocate, as well as a pregnancy center parent trainer and mentor
Driven by a deep faith and a heart for service, Jo’Lee is passionate about helping individuals discover their God-given identity, purpose and potential. She believes that meaningful transformation happens through authentic relationships, strong community partnerships and access to the right resources. She is committed to collaborating with churches, nonprofits and community organizations to strengthen families, equip leaders and meet the needs of the next generation.
Known for her ability to build relationships and bring people together, Jo’Lee considers herself a “connector” at heart. Whether connecting families with essential resources, fostering strategic partnerships or encouraging others to grow into their unique calling, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals and communities to flourish.
