District Children’s Pastor
Mindy Schemrich
Pastor Mindy has been serving in children’s ministry on NCO District since 2018, and previously served on the SCO District. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Joe; and they have three beautiful daughters who keep them busy with all their hobbies. She loves to read and spending time with her family and friends.
Mindy became the District Children’s Director in 2021, working with an amazing council to provide district events for children and their families. She was ordained in 2022, and in 2023 Mindy stepped into the role as District Children’s Pastor to continue her desire to Resource, Empower, and Inspire those who are serving in children’s ministry.
Meet the Team
The Children’s Council is filled with amazing ministry leaders from across our district, each ones comes from different contexts: rural and urban, small and big congregations; and many years of experience and love for children and their families. Our main goal is to Resource, Empower and Inspire those serving with Children and provide ways to partner with our churches and families to disciple their children through Bible Quizzing, Camps, Retreats, and Much More.
Randy Diller
Preteen Camp Director
Randy is originally from Portsmouth, OH, he relocated to Bucyrus when a new position opened up with the Norfolk Southern Railroad for his Dad. He graduated from Bucyus High School in 1995 and met his lovely bride in 1996. Bucyrus Nazarene Church has been his church home for most of his life and in February of 2014 Randy was placed on staff at BNC as he felt God’s call to leave a corporate position and begin a new journey. Randy loves getting to know kids and share God with them. I enjoy pretty much anything outdoor and love to swim!
Nicky Diller
Preteen Camp Director and Bible Quiz Co-Director
Born in Bucyrus, raised in Chatfield, Crawford County has always been Nicky’s home. She graduated from Buckeye Central High School in 1996, the same year she met her now husband, Randy. Married since 1999, they now have three daughters – one in college, one about in college, and one in middle school. Nicky loves doing kids ministry as a husband and wife duo at Bucyrus Nazarene Church as well as on the district. she love kid’s bible quizzing and seeing her kiddos grow. She also loves anything chocolate. She is serious about her coffee which is a close second to spending time with her family.
Mary Eames
Bible Quiz Co-Director
Mary serves as the Children’s Director at Brunswick Church of the Nazarene. She is married to Tom, who is the Lead Pastor at Brunswick. Mary loves to spend time with her 4 active boys; and they enjoy camping and making cross-country road trips to explore and find new adventures as a family.
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
Mandi Downs
Children’s Leader Retreat Director/Bible Quiz Zone Leader
Mandi Downs has served as the children’s ministry (Kid Life) pastor at New Life Church in Mt. Vernon for 18 years. She graduated from MVNU in 2008. Mandi was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 2015. She and her husband, Ryan, have one son, Oliver. In addition to her role on the children’s council, Mandi also serves on the NCO District Credentials board. She is passionate about empowering leaders and mentoring the next generation of pastors. Mandi loves Preteen ministry, reading, crafting, being outside and spending time with her family and friends.
Cora Freeh
Preteen Retreat Director/Bible Quiz Zone Leader
Cora serves as the Family Pastor at Sandusky Community Church of the Nazarene. She has over 30 years of experience in ministry. Her amazing husband, Mark, serves in ministry alongside her, and they have two beautiful children; and they have the most adorable grand-daughter. Cora has a passion to see children come to know Christ, and her breadth of knowledge and experience makes her a valuable asset on the team.
Carolyn Joseph
Family Camp Co-Director
Cleveland born and raised! Coming to Hope United Church in 2012, Carolyn established a growing kid and teen ministry. She has a heart for kids and lives out her ministry as a foster parent. Carolyn enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, and amusement parks!
Amanda Porter
Primary Camp Co-Director
Amanda was saved when she was just 5 years old, so she understands the importance of ministry to kids. Because of this belief, she has served in children’s ministry in the Church of the Nazarene for 28 years. She joined the NCO district in 2011 as part of Newstart Church, serving in both children and family ministry areas. She became a Primary camp co-director in 2017 and has enjoyed serving kids in our district, in this way. Her favorite job on earth is being an aunt and believes that God has given her some of the best nibblings (yes it is a real word!)! Fun Facts: Amanda was homeschooled K-12. She enjoys reading audiobooks regularly, and HATES coffee!
Desiree Caluza
Training and Equipping Director
Desiree is one of the three Equipping Pastors at Newstart Church in Delaware, Ohio, and has been on staff since 2001. Although she was born and raised in Southern California, she is now a Buckeye fan who currently resides in Powell, where she enjoys spending time with her church family and friends. Desiree’s happy place is Lake Tahoe, where she grew up vacationing with her family. She holds a B.A. in Christian Education, is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and is ordained through the Church of the Nazarene.
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