Meet Our Staff

Glen Bickford – Senior Interim Pastor

(he/him) I grew up in Owatonna, Minnesota, as the youngest of three in a Presbyterian family, surrounded by Scandinavian and Lutheran culture. My dad, though English, loved rosemaling and fixed TVs, while my mom was a schoolteacher. I stayed in the same house until college, studying meteorology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, then attending Yale Divinity School for seminary. I began ministry in 1992 after an internship and Ph.D. work in South Bend. Since 1997, I’ve served 19 churches as an interim pastor, transferring to the ELCA in 2003. I also write devotions for Augsburg Fortress and work as a mediator. I enjoy outdoor activities, reading, piano, and spending time with my kids, who live in Seattle and New York City.

Katie Rykal – Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry

(she/her) I began my work here at Prince of Peace in August of 2006. In May of 2008, I began my current job as Children and Family Ministry Director. With a strong passion for children and feel very blessed to be where I am. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a Degree in Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education. I also grew up at a Bible Camp in Northwestern Wisconsin (and YES I am a DIE-HARD Packers Fan) and also worked there for 10 years while in High School and College. Married to my wonderful husband Craig (also a die-hard Packers fan) since July of 2007, and we are proud parents to Zoey, Lucy, and Wally. Exciting things are going on here at Prince of Peace and I am glad to be a part of it!

Paul Koopman – Modern Worship Leader

(he/him) I grew up the youngest of 9 siblings in NE South Dakota, and have been involved in music for as long as I can remember, beginning with piano at 5, barbershop chorus at 6, and guitar at 15. My wife Amy and I met in Nashville in 2004, singer-songwriters trying to “make it” (before the TV series). We moved to Minneapolis in 2011 with our son Elijah, and began leading worship at a mega-church across town, but settled in at a local Lutheran church near our neighborhood after burning out on the “image-driven church”. She’s a pastor’s kid, while my Mom was the church choir director, and my Dad was the treasurer, so we really don’t know how to not be involved in church. We’re currently both in seminary at Luther. I believe worship to be an important and sacred liturgical practice through which we connect with God and with each other. If you have music interests or talents, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to have a conversation about integrating both into our worship life at Prince of Peace!

Karina Higareda – Office Administrator

(she/her) I was born and raised in Orange County, California until my soul mate of 24 years, Loren Frink, led me to his home state of Minnesota in 2002. We live in Anoka and have four boys, and one girl: two adults (John-Paul & Nolan) and three little ones, Teddy (11), Dean (9) & Eve (6). I got my career start in credit unions in 1994 as a teller and climbed that corporate ladder to Business Development Manager until about 2007. I feel blessed daily to have landed at Prince of Peace Church, with such a passionate and supportive team and congregation. The kindness and grace everyone radiates just blows me away. I’m so grateful to be a part of this team, working together, reaching out to our community, learning more, and growing deep.

Nikk VanLiew – Director of Technology & Social Media

(he/him) Baptized and raised at Prince of Peace, I started volunteering in our tech booth in 2006 and was officially hired in 2011 “for 3 months” as the Director of Technology & Social Media. I live in Roseville with my amazing wife Rachael, our beautiful children Sage, and Salem, and our cats Sadie & Clark. I am a giant nerd, foodie, & environmentalist. I enjoy creative outlets like cooking, video games, & content creation. You can find me here on Sundays in the Tech booth. I am thankful that this community is in my life.

John Myszkowski – Director, Choir & Bells

(he/him) Married for over 30 years to wife Lin; three children – Olivia and twins Samuel & Sophia. Choir Director & Music Department Head at St. Louis Park Junior & Senior High Schools. Loves spending time with family, cooking, traveling, running, swimming, and walking Elvis his Smooth Collie.

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