Get to know the new FDMs

We’ve recently welcomed some fresh new faces to our field team. Sally and Carlos both started in their FDM (Field Development Manager) roles earlier this year, and have already seen some really encouraging results in their individual patches. 

We sat down with them both so you could get to know them better…


What regions are you managing in your new role?

CARLOS: My region is Toowoomba, Darling Downs and part of the Lockyer Valley. I also cover Allora and as far north as Nanango.

SALLY: I’m based in Greater Mackay! I cover from Bowen to Marlborough and into Dysart, Middlemount and Moranbah. Needless to say, I spend a lot of time in the car.


How many chappies and schools do you have in your patch?

SALLY: I have 24 chappies across 37 schools. Very excited to have Homebush State School on board with their first ever Chaplain this term (Term 2, 2021).

CARLOS: I look after 32 chappies across 55 schools.


You both have backgrounds in chaplaincy. How did this transition into the FDM role come about?

CARLOS: Sometime around 2010, I heard a radio ad promoting school chaplaincy. I didn’t really know what it was about, but before I became a chappy, I’d worked in youth work (Teen Challenge and Kids in Care) and knew I wanted to continue working with young people. I worked for five years in a primary school, then took a break for a few years and came back last year working across two high schools. I wasn’t actually planning on coming back into chaplaincy after I took that break, but I felt God presented this opportunity to serve chappies and I knew this was where He wanted me. I have a heart to help chappies in the longevity of the role; I really want to support them and champion them along the way.

SALLY: I stepped into Chaplaincy after soul searching and realising I have a heart to love and look after people in a practical way. In 2020 I was blessed with my 5 year service award, I truly loved my years as a Chappy in both a primary and a secondary school in Mackay. My faith is simple: Love God and Love people. Jesus fed people, met them at the well, and filled their jars. I believe chaplaincy is the practical application of Christ, helping people with the needs they have and providing safe spaces for them. When the FDM position came up, I was encouraged by my school leadership team to apply. I have a heart for bigger picture planning and seeing effective and practical chaplaincy in schools. I’m excited about growing the team spirit within the chappies of the Greater Mackay Region.


Is there any specific wisdom you learnt during your years as a chappy that you want to impart to others? 

SALLY: I see Chaplaincy as an intentional and practical service. We have the great opportunity to offer the professional service of qualified youth workers while representing the love of Christ. I’m very proud of my chappies and the good, good work they do and I want them to be proud of their roles as well. I hope to encourage my team to share their good works not in waving their own flags, but in promoting school chaplaincy and sharing why it’s such an important service. The more people know how great chaplaincy is, the wider we can reach!

CARLOS: I first got into chaplaincy because I looked back on my own experience in school, and I remembered dealing with anxiety and the struggles that come along with having English as a second language. As a chappy, you’re working in a proactive space and I really liked being able to soften the burden of what it’s like to be a young person navigating their school years. You can be a friend and a support person, and that makes all the difference for young people who are struggling. 


Any fun facts about yourself or exciting things you’ve discovered in your new region?

CARLOS: I’m originally from Colombia, which is well known for its coffee and in Toowoomba, the best local coffee spot I’ve found is Framed Espressobar off Ruthven Street. It’s very good!

SALLY:  Before moving to Mackay, I was raised on a dairy farm. They say you can take the girl out of the country but can’t take the country out of the girl. I was very excited to learn that some family friends in Sarina have a small herd of ‘chaplaincy cattle’. They have raised over $9,000 through their “Cattle for Kids” initiative in 2020! I think it’s pretty cool I can officially go visit cows as part of my work! 

Sally with the “Cattle for Kids” herd!

Thanks so much for your time, Carlos and Sally. We are cheering you on in all that the future holds for you both.