Board of Directors

Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Robyn Welk-Richards
With over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Robyn specializes in the compassionate, evidence-based treatment of eating disorders in adolescents, adults, and families. Through WEDEC, she is dedicated to expanding access to education, strengthening professional mentorship, and building community-centered support systems that promote healing, advocacy, and hope for individuals and families impacted by eating disorders in Wisconsin and beyond.

Chairperson
Paul Eberle
Paul Eberle is the President and CEO of Catholic Charities Milwaukee, in addition to the Chairperson of the WEDEC Foundation Board of Directors. With a long history of successful entrepreneurship in the fields of technology and real estate, Paul's business acumen is a strong asset to our organization.
Paul has also served on other boards including the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Wisconsin Technology Council, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), and BizStarts, among others.

Vice-Chairperson
Samantha (Bauer) Kuspa
Samantha Kuspa is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Registered Dietitian with a career dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. Throughout her career, she has trained and mentored numerous dietitians in evidence-based, compassionate approaches to eating disorder care. Before becoming a dietitian, Samantha spent a decade in sales, financial planning, and marketing, building strong skills in communication, client support, and business management that continue to inform her work today.

Secretary
Shana Quandt
Shana Quandt, DDS brings a thoughtful, patient-centered perspective to the board, informed by both professional experience and a deep appreciation for the challenges families face when seeking effective, compassionate care. She is a graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry (Class of 2002) and has built a career grounded in clinical expertise, ethical leadership, and service. Her background provides the board with valuable insight into healthcare systems, governance, and collaboration across disciplines, even as she continues to expand her board leadership experience.

Treasurer
Deandra Christianson
Deandra Christianson is the President, Mental Health & Eating Disorder Divisions at Discovery Behavioral Health in Irvine, California where she drives a national reputation for innovation and excellence for treating eating disorders and instilling hope in patients and their families for lasting recovery.
Throughout her professional life, Deandra has worked with individuals with eating disorders in both residential and outpatient treatment settings. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her master's degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, including a counseling specialization with a focus on the treatment of children and adolescents.

Member at Large
Lisa Ehlke
Lisa brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, nonprofits, and community engagement to the organization. As vice president of public relations at Zizzo Group, Lisa has directed award-winning campaigns for national and local nonprofits, driving impactful results in media relations, crisis communications, and event strategy. Her commitment to education, mentorship, and ethical practice aligns with WEDEC’s mission to advance the quality and accessibility of eating disorder treatment in Wisconsin.
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Member at Large
Dr. Hessenhauer-Bladorn
Sarah Hessenauer-Bladorn, PhD, MSW, is an Associate Professor at Mount Mary University, where she teaches in the Master of Social Work program. Drawing on her clinical background and academic leadership, Sarah is dedicated to preparing the next generation of social workers. She seeks to use her experience and higher education networks to foster collaborative relationships and ensure students receive the essential training needed to effectively serve individuals with eating disorders.

Member at Large
Nancy Clarkin
Nancy Clarkin is the Manager of Donor Networks at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit resource development, philanthropy, and donor engagement. She is passionate about building trusted relationships that strengthen organizations and create meaningful community impact. Nancy is also a member of Professional Dimensions and is honored to be part of an organization dedicated to increasing awareness, expanding access to treatment and support, and fostering healing for individuals and loved ones impacted by eating disorders.
Clinical Advisory Board
Dr. Robyn Welk-Richards, PhD, CEDS-C
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Founder | Owner of Dr. Robyn Welk-Richards & Associates
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Founder | Executive Director of the Wisconsin Eating Disorder Education & Community Foundation
Dr. Margaret Thew, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
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Systems Clinical Executive Director, Eating Disorder Services at Rogers Behavioral Health
Dr. Samuel Cares, PhD, LP
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Lead Clinical Psychologist at Dr. Robyn Welk-Richards & Associates
Samantha Bauer-Kuspa, RD
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Founder | Owner of Samantha Bauer Nutrition Therapy
Jennifer Melcher, RD, CD
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Director of Education & Partnerships at Dr. Robyn Welk-Richards & Associates
Lee Neagle, LPC
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Co-Founder and Therapist @ Inner Haven Wellness
Sarah Gracz, LMFT, CEDS-C
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Founder | Owner of Orenda Counseling
Annie Weiss, MS, RD, CEDS
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Dietician | Dr. Robyn Welk-Richards & Associates
The purpose of the Clinical Advisory Board is to: shape the development of a statewide training model designed for master's and doctor level students in: mental health counseling, social work, nutrition science and registered dietetics, and psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs).
