Pastor Tim graduated from Concordia Seminary in 1985. He has been pastor at Peace Lutheran since 1996. Along with his pastoral duties, he is Principal of the ECC Center, and teaches at the Institute of Lutheran Theology.

Stacy is first and foremost a mom of 4 boys, Kaig, Seth, Benjamin and Jake. She has worked at Peace since 1998. She has a Child Development Associates degree. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, rummaging, crafting, boating at Okoboji, and reading. She loves watching the kids at Peace ECC learn new things, and seeing that moment when they understand they can do things themselves and how things work. She also loves her co-workers and the team work they share and support they give one another. Being able to share God's Word with the children makes her job extra special. Stacy adds, "I'm so proud of our Church and Center! We have come a long way and have provided a much needed service to our community!"

Ruth Rynearson has been employed at Peace Lutheran Early Childhood Center since August, 1998. She has worn many hats as Peace’s ECC has grown, including teaching preschool, Waddlers, and assisting in each classroom. Currently, Ruth is the Assistant Director and Kitchen Manager. The thing Ruth likes most about her job is being able to spend time with young children who are excited about learning new things and sharing their enthusiasm about life with others. She is also happy that she can share the love of Jesus with people at the Center on a daily basis. Ruth and her husband, Tim, have been married for over 40 years. They have two children (three counting her son-in-law) and four amazing grandchildren!

Heidi graduated from SDSU in December 2012 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth - 5) and Kindergarten Endorsement and a minor in Human Development. She worked at Peace throughout college. She loves working with the all of the children, and to see them grown and learn more and more everyday. Outside of work, Heidi enjoy spending time with family and friends and spending time outdoors.

Kennedy grew up in Sioux Falls with her two younger brothers and just graduated this spring from SDSU with a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies. She has been working at Peace for three years, and this is her first year as the Infant 2 Lead Teacher. She enjoys watching the kiddos learn how to crawl, then walk, sing and dance, and start to develop their fun personalities. Kennedy also enjoys spending her time at the lake with her friends and family, attending church activities, going to the movies, and helping coach the SDSU Dance Team.

I'm Rebecca! I'm originally from Michigan where I worked in my first childcare center for five years, I got to be a stay-at-home mom when my Director of Christian Education husband was called to IA, and I started working at Peace when we moved here ten years ago. I love being able to read Bible stories and sing Christian songs to the kids here. When I'm not working, I enjoy needle work like knitting, crocheting, and cross stitch.

Hello, my name is McKenzie Harms. I'm from Aberdeen, SD. I am studying Early Childhood Education (B-8) and Human Development and Family Studies. I love cooking and traveling with my family. Working at Peace allows me to combine my passion for teaching children and my faith. I find immense fulfillment in guiding children to learn about God's love, fostering community, and witnessing their growth and development in a nurturing and loving environment. It's truly a blessing.

Jill grew up in Watertown, SD, and started at Peace ECC in 2020. She loves helping Toddlers improve their motor skills and learn about shapes, colors, and most importantly, Jesus' love! Currently, Jill is working on her Child Development Associates degree. Jill is the mother of three ambitious children and she and her husband, CJ, have one crazy dog. They love going to their family cabin in the Black Hills, going on motorcycle rides, and spending time with family.

Jacklyn spent her college years at Peace then joined our team full-time in 2020. Hailing from NW Iowa, Jacklyn came to SDSU to pursue a human development family studies degree. Jacklyn enjoys crafting, going on walks, riding her moped and traveling.

Haley is from a small town south of Lincoln, Nebraska, and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood. She started at Peace two years ago, and this is her first year as the Preschool Two Lead Teacher. Her favorite part of Preschool is seeing the kids begin to problem-solve, learn new things, and dive into God's love! She spends her free time with family, friends, and dog and enjoys watching sports and traveling!

Shelly is our youngest Lead Teacher though she has been a member of the Peace staff since Fall, 2021. She grew up in Vesta, MN and graduated from Wabasso High School. Currently, Teacher Shelly is a part-time student in the Human Development and Family Studies program at SDSU and her Child Development Associates degree. Shelly has been working with kids for most of her life; from babysitting, helping with her VBS back in Minnesota, helping with VBS here in Brookings and working at Peace, she has always loved spending time with kids. Shelly loves working in the church setting and getting to share God’s word as it has always been an important aspect in her life, growing up in the Lutheran faith and attending church every Sunday. When she’s not at Peace, you can find her either babysitting, spending time with friends, or going home to spend some quality time with her family.

Teacher Tori is from a small town in Northwest Iowa and currently lives in Volga. She and her husband have four children, and she has been a member of the Peace staff since 2022. She began teaching in 2017 after completing her Bachelor's degree in Human Services with a minor in Early Childhood Education Tori loves working with children and teaching them about the Christian faith and all that God does for us.