LeAnn Minister
Director of Congregational Life
LeAnn has served Spirit of Peace in this role since 2020. She engages visitors and members, coordinates volunteers, and provides support to the wide variety of ministries at Spirit of Peace. Prior to this position, she was the Director of Christian Education at Spirit of Peace since 2011. Having lived and experienced worship in other countries, as well as both coasts of the US, being part of the Spirit of Peace congregation has been an exceptional gift. This church family encourages people of all ages to inquire, create, and act with mercy and compassion in their faith journeys. LeAnn loves spending time with her family and friends, both near and far, and visiting new places around this magnificent globe.

Kara Schweitzer
Youth Engagement Director
Kara and her husband Kevin have been part of Spirit of Peace since 2014, when they relocated to Sioux Falls. They are proud parents of Jacob and his wife Taylor, Teddy and her husband Chett, Owen and Ramsey. They’re also adoring grandparents to two-year-old granddaughter Renley and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Schweitzer in January.

Kara has been part of the education programming at Spirit of Peace in some capacity since she joined the congregation, and currently serves on the Media and Outreach Ministry Team.

Kara is an eleven-year veteran of the South Dakota Department of Education, serving as a career development specialist for the Division of College, Career and Student Success. She currently serves on the South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, volunteers for South Dakota Junior Achievement, and is active in the area’s foster care system, as a licensed foster parent and advocate for foster children and families.

In her free time Kara enjoys reading, puzzle solving, watching sports and documentaries, walking and snuggling with her four canine companions, and most of all, being a hands-on, enthusiastic Nana. She is looking forward to making plans for the upcoming youth engagement season and getting to know the children and their families on a deeper level.

Carrie Soto
Office Manager
Carrie joined Spirit of Peace in October 2023 and began her role as Office Manager in May 2024. After being invited to attend by a long-time friend and Spirit of Peace member, Carrie and her youngest daughter Willow found a church home at Spirit of Peace. Carrie grew up in the Humboldt-Montrose area, graduated high school from Madison, and landed in Luverne, Minnesota where she and her family lived for 17 years. In addition to Willow (the youngest), Carrie has two young adult children, Michael and Haleah. While raising her kids as a single parent, Carrie completed her education, earning a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Sioux Falls and is currently working to finish her Doctorate in Education, also from the University of Sioux Falls. In addition to working full-time and furthering her education, Carrie modeled the value of service for her kids by spearheading the Luverne BackPack Program, serving on several boards including Rotary, #Luv1LuvAll, SHARE of Rock County, Luverne Child Guide Program, and the Rock County Dementia Network. Today, Carrie is a strong advocate and ally for the transgender community and uses her position and voice to ensure equitable access to health care. In those rare moments of “free time,” Carrie enjoys going on walks, spending time with family and friends, or doing absolutely nothing!

Dan Graber
Choir Director
Dan has served as choir director at Spirit of Peace since 2011 and also serves as music director and organist at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in piano and voice from Bethel College in North Newton, KS. Leading music and working with people is something that brings him great joy. He sees music as an integral part of worship services— something that can inspire people and bring them nearer to God—this is the true inspiration of his work! He lives east of Freeman, SD with his wife Tina, and two children, Adaline and Levi. They are also active in the family farming operation.

Karl Graber
Pianist/Church Musician
Karl has been providing music for Spirit of Peace church services since 2009. He began musical studies at age five on violin and age six on piano. He has a Bachelor of Music in piano from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition to making music with his friends, he enjoys golfing and working in his yard south of Marion, SD in the summer, and reading in the winter.