Meet Our Staff
Ben Sandin – Pastor
Returning to the Midwest, Pastor Ben is excited to continue his ministry at Prince of Peace. Ben has been in Lutheran parish ministry for over 20 years, with an MDiv and DMin in Leadership development. Ben leads with passion, enthusiasm, humor and adventure in ministry. Ben’s passion for ministry stems from his relationship and commitment to Christ, and dedication to building the congregation to be a place of hope, love, acceptance and service to the community. Ben returns to Minnesota with his wife Kelly, and their dog, Freya.
Katie Rykal – Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
(she/her) I began my work here at Prince of Peace in August of 2006. While most of my years have been focused on Children’s Ministry, in 2024 I added Youth Ministry to my job as well. 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!
Katie has been with POP for 20 years and we couldn’t do this life-giving work without her.
Nate Boucher – Church Administrator
Nate has served as the Church Administrator of Prince of Peace since 2024, supporting the congregation’s daily operations and ministries. He brings experience in business administration and is currently pursuing seminary training as he prepares for pastoral ministry. He enjoys interacting with church members and the wider community helping them connect with one another. Outside of work, Nate is a husband and father of two and his family enjoys bike rides and camping.
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
Jaime Cortez – Lead Custodial Engineer
(he/him)
