Who We Are
Founded in July 2023 by Cally Beth Proctor, Spirit & Sand is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to housing-focused social services. Based in Minneapolis, MN, we proudly serve communities throughout the broader Minnesota area.
Cally Beth proctor, founder & Executive director
Cally is a believer in every person's ability to do better for themselves, no matter the hand they've been dealt in life or the difficult situation they've found themselves in. She knows that change is incredibly hard but that it absolutely must come from within. She also knows that sometimes we need a leg up, a little help, and access to the toolbox we were perhaps never given. That's why she started Spirit & Sand. Cally understands what it takes to change your life and the world for the better. It takes courage and determination as well as strength of character and resolve; in other words, it takes spirit and sand.
Cally is the founder of Spirit & Sand and currently holds the position of executive director. In her role, she is responsible for day-to-day management activities. As executive director, Cally brings her expertise and vision to the forefront, leading the organization in its mission to support vulnerable populations and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Prior to starting Spirit & Sand in July 2023, Cally worked in various social service roles, primarily with individuals with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. She is a proven organizational leader with over fifteen years of experience in the field. Cally's familiarity with programs and services geared toward those facing housing insecurity, coupled with her nuanced grasp of the real challenges empowers her to create initiatives that are both impactful and enduring.
Nate kautz, Director of Finance & operations
Nate understands that everyone is doing their best at all times. He is an advocate for accountability, personal responsibility, and self-improvement. Nate has a tendency to seek out potential, growth, and opportunity, both in himself and those around him. He truly believes that who we are as individuals and the positivity we effuse can change the world. Nate's background in technology has fostered within him a love of detail, systems, and efficiency; however, you might be surprised by his unique ability to always see the bigger (and brighter) picture.
Nate currently holds the position of director of finance & operations. In his role, Nate manages financial and operational systems, processes, administration, and internal controls that help support the agency's mission.
New to the world of social services, Nate's career focus up until this point has been technology. With a bachelor's degree in mathematics, Nate has experience in software engineering, technical analysis, and even semi-professional card playing. His journey toward Spirit & Sand started with an unexpected part-time job at an emergency homeless shelter in 2020. He saw a community that was truly in need--not just materially, but more than anything, emotionally and spiritually. Nate's analytic mind does not overshadow his compassionate nature and ability to always see the potential and good in others.
paige olson, board chair
Paige's love for the outdoors and thirst for adventure have taken her on journeys across the globe, shaping her perspective and deepening her understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity. Paige continually seeks out opportunities to challenge herself and explore new horizons in both her personal and professional life. With a profound ability to empathize and strong commitments to kindness and common sense, Paige finds herself determined to make a difference and to advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.
Paige currently holds the position of board chair. In her role, Paige provides leadership, presides over board meetings, leads strategic planning, oversees board development, and represents the organization externally.
Paige's professional background has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of homelessness and marginalization, as well as the complex systems that perpetuate these issues. Paige has a wealth of experience, ranging from work with at-risk youth, to housing case management, to mitigating the spread of infectious disease. Her career has led her to the non-profit sector, where she now works as a grants manager for a local organization. Paige hold's a master's degree in public health and is a proven advocate for the people she serves.
moriah johnson, board treasurer
Moriah embodies the spirit of adventure and compassion, with a deep-rooted love for community that fuels her every endeavor. Her infectious positivity and boundless energy inspire those around her, while her commitment to goodness and making the world a better place drives her forward.
Moriah currently holds the position of board treasurer. In her role, Moriah manages finances, mitigates financial risks, plans budgets, ensures compliance, oversees investments, and supports fundraising efforts.
As a registered dietitian, Moriah brings a unique blend of expertise in nutrition and a heartfelt commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. Throughout her career in the nonprofit medical sector, Moriah has been a champion for health equity and access, with a special focus on serving the urban Native American community. She understands the complex intersection of socioeconomic factors, cultural barriers, and historical injustices that contribute to health disparities. Moriah's passion for positive health outcomes is evident in everything she does. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of nutrition to transform lives and is committed to leveraging her skills and resources to support initiatives that aim to alleviate homelessness and improve access within her community.
eric vander may, board secretary
As an advocate for both the LGBTQ+ community and those experiencing homelessness, Eric brings invaluable insight and empathy to the nonprofit sector. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, Eric understands the unique challenges and obstacles faced by marginalized individuals. He recognizes the intersectionality of queerness and housing instability, where societal prejudices and shortcomings often converge to exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially in youth. Eric's personal experiences have fueled his commitment to fostering inclusivity and support for all members of society.
Eric currently holds the position of board secretary. In his role, Eric maintains records, facilitates communication, manages documents, prepares meetings, ensures legal compliance, and provides administrative support.
Eric's dedication to helping others extends beyond Spirit & Sand, as he serves as a licensed speech-language pathologist, making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.
Throughout his career, Eric has focused on assisting older adults and people with disabilities in improving their quality of life through speech and swallowing therapy. He understands the profound impact that effective communication can have on one's well-being and independence, and he is committed to empowering his clients to reach their full potential.