Sponsor Relations Coordinator (SRC) at ALC Boarding Homes in the Kalrayan Hills

Victor Elavarasu

Child Advocate. Giving Hands. Praying Heart. Loving People and Students.
Victor serves students in his home region of India, the Kalrayan Hills. He joined LPGM in 2018. His parents encouraged him to become an engineer. Upon completing his studies he became the first engineer in his village. But then Victor’s passion to serve drew him to Social Work.  The children in the boarding homes have found a special place in his heart, especially the Alathi Angels.

Development Director

Bethany Krepela

Connector. Storyteller. Mission-minded. Heart for the Underdog.
As the primary contact for LPGM donor interactions, Bethany brings her love for people, mission, and Jesus to the role. A Wisconsin native and Luther College graduate, she has spent 25 years working in Lutheran higher education and the nonprofit realm. She enjoys cooking and hitting the road with her husband, Jim, and two young daughters in their camper trailer. She joined LPGM in 2020.

Sponsor Relations Coordinator (SRC) at Saron Boarding Home

Praveen Kumar

With a Master's in Social Work, Praveen's studies focused on research and support of indigenous tribes in the Nilgiri Hills in India. He is excited to work with the boys at Saron Boarding Home. Praveen joined the LPGM staff in 2022.

Communications Coordinator

Shannon Mahedy

Passionate creative. Eye for detail. Equity oriented. Cultivator of joy and bright colors. 

Shannon keeps LPGM’s supporters in the loop through social media, newsletters, reports, and blog posts. She has experience advocating for victim/survivors of gender-based violence, and through her work, she has gained proficiency in community outreach, social media management, and project coordination. Originally from New Jersey, Shannon came to Minnesota to attend Macalester College, and she fell in love with the Twin Cities. Shannon lives with her partner Sean and their two cats, Marvin and Mackerel, in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis. Shannon joined LPGM in 2024.  

Sponsor Relations Coordinator (SRC) at Melpattambakkam Boarding Home

Keerthiga M.

Yoga Instructor. Karate Master. Social Worker.

After teaching yoga for eight years and karate for five, Keerthiga decided to pursue her long-time dream of becoming a social worker. After earning an MSW, she joined the LPGM staff in 2022 and is working at Melpattambakkam boarding home. She loves working with children and hearing the love and care that sponsors have for these students

India Program Manager

Elangovan Mu See

Accountant. Curious Social Worker. Reader.
Elangovan has been an accounting trainer for 25 years. Managing LPGM’s programs and staff in India, Elangovan brings organizational accountability and rigor to all that we do. He joined the LPGM staff in 2006.

Program Director

Mary Peterson

Gardener. Reader. Traveler. Nurturer of Friendships, Near and Far.
Mary manages the Project Education India sponsorship program and collaborates with global partners on a variety of programs. She is passionate about making sure women have a place at the table and that their voice is heard.   She likes to quilt, take walks with her dog Mia, and volunteer in her spare time. Mary and her husband, Ralph, spend as much time as possible at their lake place with family and friends. She joined LPGM in 2012.

Executive Director

Dan Ruth

Lutheran Pastor. Bread baker. Attempting to live thoughtfully & faithfully.
Dan is passionate about helping people see where God is at work in the world. With experience in international development and nonprofit communications, Dan focuses on helping create the most meaningful outcomes or impact.  He joined LPGM in 2017.

Sponsor Relations Coordinator (SRC) at Siloam Boarding Home

Aswini Subramani

In Aswini's childhood days, she was very interested in social work. She gets positive energy by serving people. Before coming to LPGM, Aswini worked as a counselor in a girl’s care institute, and loves working with children because "children have a great soul." She joined the LPGM staff in 2022.

Finance & Office Administrator

Vishwa Varia

Counting dollars. Making Sense. Exploring the great outdoors.

Originally from Gujarat, India, Vishwa is a charismatic and adventurous individual who has recently relocated to Minnesota after getting married. Holding a bachelor's degree in accounting, she comes from an accounting background and will be managing financial aspects at Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry. She's excited to explore new opportunities in the Twin Cities. With a strong foundation in working with non-profits, she has witnessed firsthand the positive impact they have on communities. When she's not working, you can find her and her partner hiking and exploring the beautiful state parks of Minnesota. She's thrilled to be a part of this community, and she looks forward to making new connections! Vishwa joined LPGM in 2024.