Who We Are
Founded in 2023 by Cally Beth Proctor, Spirit & Sand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. What began as a housing-focused organization has grown into a broader movement of truth, connection, and renewal. We walk alongside people navigating the hard and beautiful work of being human, helping them find strength, peace, and meaning rooted in what is sacred and true.
Cally Beth proctor, founder & Executive director
Cally is the founder and executive director of Spirit & Sand, where she leads with honesty, compassion, and a deep respect for the sacred work of being human. She believes that growth is always possible and that even in our hardest seasons, truth and connection can lead us home to ourselves.
With more than fifteen years of experience in social services, Cally has walked alongside people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and trauma. Her background in housing, disability services, and community support has given her a clear view of both what helps and what harms—and the conviction that real healing requires more than programs.
As both a nonprofit leader and a writer, Cally explores themes of truth, accountability, and grace. Since founding Spirit & Sand in 2023, she has guided its evolution from a housing-focused nonprofit into a mission rooted in connection, renewal, and the higher truths that hold us together.
Nate kautz, Director of Finance & operations
Nate serves as the director of finance and operations for Spirit & Sand, where he oversees the systems, processes, and financial structure that keep the mission strong and sustainable.
With a background in mathematics, technology, and software engineering, Nate brings both logic and curiosity to the work, always looking for how things fit together and how they can function better.
His path into social services began unexpectedly at an emergency homeless shelter in 2020, where he saw that beyond the need for housing was a deeper kind of homelessness—a spiritual disconnection that no policy or program could fix. Since then, he’s been drawn to work that builds structure around his unconditional love for humankind and brings truth and stability back into people’s lives.
paige olson, board chair
Paige serves as board chair for Spirit & Sand, providing leadership, guiding strategy, and helping the organization grow with purpose and integrity.
Her career in public health and the nonprofit sector includes work in housing, youth services, and infectious disease, and she currently works as a grants manager for a local organization.
A seasoned traveler and natural adventurer, Paige’s global experiences have shaped her empathy and drive to create meaningful change. She brings a sharp mind, a big heart, and a steady commitment to practical solutions that genuinely improve the lives of those around her.
moriah johnson, board treasurer
Moriah serves as board treasurer for Spirit & Sand, where she oversees finances, supports budgeting, and helps guide fundraising strategy with care and precision.
A registered dietitian with a background in the nonprofit medical sector, Moriah is passionate about health equity and has focused much of her work on supporting the urban Native American community.
Known for her adventurous spirit and unmatchable energy, Moriah brings energy, purpose, and a belief in the power of wellness to create lasting change.
eric vander may, board secretary
Eric serves as board secretary for Spirit & Sand, helping ensure smooth operations through recordkeeping, meeting administrative support. He brings a thoughtful, inclusive perspective to the role, grounded in both professional experience and lived insight.
As a licensed speech-language pathologist, Eric has spent his career supporting older adults and people with disabilities, focusing on communication and swallowing therapy to improve quality of life and independence.
As a member of the LGB+ community, Eric understands what it means to search for belonging and safety at the same time. His work is guided by a belief that everyone deserves to be seen, valued, and at peace in who they are.