Carolin Schmitz has been appointed as the new Children and Families Ministries Director for the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW). She replaces Mrs Colleen Savage, who served in the role from January 2022 until early May this year. Colleen has returned to work in the social services sector after concluding her time with the Conference.

Affectionately known as “Happy Caz” through her work with Happy Hands Art Time and Happy Hearts Bible Crafts TV, Mrs Schmitz brings more than a decade of practical experience in early childhood and family ministry. She is the founder and director of Happy Hands Art Time, a non-profit community art program that began in 2011 and expanded to states across Australia. The family outreach program fosters creativity, connection and hands-on experiences for toddlers and their parents in church and school settings.

“Happy Hands was born out of a desire to give back to the community and provide something meaningful for families,” she shared in a past interview. Her creative leadership continued during the pandemic with the launch of Happy Hearts Bible Crafts TV, an online platform sharing Bible-based sensory stories and craft activities for young children, and then also expanded into online family support and connection groups through Watercolour painting. “I’m passionate about creating nurturing spaces and sharing creative ideas on how families can grow together in faith, and most importantly, helping our children from a young age to walk closely with God in a personal relationship with Him every day.”

“Carolin has been a pioneer in children’s ministries and initiatives across Australia,” said NNSW president Pastor Cristian Copaceanu. “We’re excited to see her bring that wealth of experience and creativity into this role.”

Carolin commenced in the role earlier this month. She is married to Warwick Schmitz, and they have two sons, Xander and Austin.