Meet Our Staff
Chad Brekke – Lead Pastor
(he/him) Returning home to Minnesota after serving 21 years in the vast mission field known as Pennsylvania. Hook, line, and sinker sold on the unmerited, unwarranted, unexpected, undeserved grace of God revealed through Christ Jesus. Husband to Lori, my better half (much nicer, remembers everyone’s name, caring, kind, great baker…really, she’s just better) Father to Lydia and Clara. Tennis player, golfer, all sports really, competitive to a fault. Psyched and humbled to have my face added to those you see on this list of staff serving POP. We’re gonna run like we’re trying to win (Philippians 3:14)
you should join us!
Natalia Terfa – Associate Pastor
(she/her) I’ve been at Prince of Peace since the fall of 2005, initially as the Director of Youth Ministry, now (through a long, winding, and grace-filled road) as Associate Pastor. I love to build connections and grow relationships within our Prince of Peace community and I do this enthusiastically through GroupLife and our various Caring Ministries. I’m wife to Sam, mother to Layla, and kitty-child Shadow. We live in South Minneapolis and can be found exploring the city via nature and restaurants. I love to sing, cook and eat, practice yoga, voraciously read & write (I just wrote a book—more info here) and I occasionally attempt to not kill things in my garden. I am so blessed to be a part of Prince of Peace, and humbled by my call to serve this wonderful congregation alongside this great crew of staff!
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.
Paul Hahn – Business Administrator
(he/him) My wife Sally and I are transplants from Wisconsin, but we have been living in the Twin Cities area, primarily Bloomington, since 1985. We met the freshman week of our freshman year at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and married right after graduation. I received a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting, and I’ve worked in related positions ever since, including banking, manufacturing, and taxes. We have three adult children, all living in the twin cities, and seven wonderful grandchildren. The oldest is married and lives in Tampa, FL, four are in college and the last two soon will be. So far there are no great-grandchildren, but we are hopeful. Sally and I both enjoy spending time with the family, traveling, and reading when time permits.
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.
Alys Nelson – Head Organist/Accompanist
(she/her)
Jaime Cortez – Lead Custodial Engineer
(he/him)
