Ryan Craig, President, B.A., J.D.
Mr. Craig is the President of Wellspring and a leader in education. He served as the first Executive Director of Wellspring Academy of California and is Executive Director of Wellspring Hawaii. Ryan has been a Director of four education companies and advised the U.S. Department of Education. He received his bachelor's degree summa cum laude and his law degree from Yale University.
Daniel S. Kirschenbaum, Clinical Director, Ph.D.
Dr. Kirschenbaum is Clinical Director and Chief Program Officer of Wellspring. He is a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois and California, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Medical School, Fellow and Diplomate in Clinical Health Psychology of the American Psychological Association and former president of its Division of Exercise and Sport Psychology. He has served as a consultant to the United States Olympic Committee, the National Basketball Association, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the Chicago Bears, numerous professional journals, and several major corporations. Dr. Kirschenbaum has provided invited addresses at many professional conferences world-wide, received numerous grants for research, and published 9 books and 125 journal articles on weight loss, sport psychology, and related topics. Dr. Kirschenbaum’s books include: Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity (1987); Weight Loss Through Persistence (1994); The 9 Truths About Weight Loss (2000); The Healthy Obsession Program: Smart Weight Loss Instead of Low-Carb Lunacy (2006); and The Sierras Weight-Loss Solution for Teens and Kids (2007).
Mike Bishop, Executive Director, Ph.D, M.B.A
Dr. Bishop is Executive Director of Wellspring and a weight controller himself, having lost nearly 100 lbs. since joining Wellspring. Mike is a clinical psychologist who brings 20 years experience working with adolescents in a variety of clinical settings. In addition to clinical training Mike has an MBA from the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Wind River Wilderness Course. Mike enjoys canoeing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing. As an outdoor enthusiast, Mike believes an important aspect of the Wellspring program is exposing young weight controllers to a variety of enjoyable, healthy activities they will want to participate in after returning home.
David Boeke, Executive Director
Mr. Boeke is Executive Director of Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas and Wellspring Family Camp. With 16 years experience helping young people develop better habits and life skills, David knows that success comes from a positive relationship between children and adults that is based on love, care and support. David believes providing youth with internal and external motivation for change through understandable and predictable practices will produce positive results. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, David moved to Western North Carolina to help struggling families, and has made it his home due to the exceptional people and natural surroundings. When not at the Academy, David enjoys spending his time exploring the outdoors with his family, whether it be hiking, biking or canoeing.
John Gordon, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer, B.A., M.B.A.
Mr. Gordon is Chief Marketing Officer for Wellspring. Before joining Wellspring, John worked in senior positions with leading large and entrepreneurial education consulting and curriculum development companies. John has dedicated many years to helping youth, winning Big Brother of the Year and as Response-Ability volunteer teacher in the inner-city. John earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Notre Dame and MBA from Babson College.
Nancy Lenhart, Founder & Executive Director EmeritusMs. Lenhart is Founder & Executive Director Emeritus for Wellspring Camp La Jolla. This year Nancy celebrates her 40th year at camp. She brings unmatched experience, dedication, and passion for helping others learn and live a healthy lifestyle. Nancy is a nationally recognized fitness and weight management consultant, serving the Adolescent Obesity Center and California Parenting Institute. As a parent, Nancy understands how much you love your child and how important your child’s happiness, health, safety, and success mean to you.
David Melear, Executive Director, M.Ed.
Mr. Melear is Executive Director of Wellspring Academy of California and Wellspring College Program. David is a leader in the field of therapeutic education with experience extending back 16 years. Prior to joining Wellspring, David spent several years with Universal Health Services and served as COO of Coastal Harbor Treatment Center in Savannah, GA, and CEO of Provo Canyon School – one of the largest therapeutic programs in the country. David received a Bachelor’s degree in Education Magna Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University, and a Master’s degree in Education from Western Kentucky University.
Kimberly Somma Mueller, Executive Director
Mrs. Mueller is Executive Director of Wellspring Camps, overseeing Wellspring New York, Wellspring Family Camp, and Wellspring UK. Prior to joining Wellspring, she spent 5 years as a senior consultant for Accenture developing and implementing business solutions for the Federal Government and Fortune 100 companies. She left Accenture in 2003 to realize her long-time goal of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and to pursue her passions: health, fitness and the outdoors. Kim is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School's Outdoor Educator program and a Leave No Trace Master Educator. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia.
Josh Winnecour, Executive Director, RN
Mr. Winnecour is Executive Director for Wellspring Camps, primarily responsible for Wellspring Pennsylvania, Wellspring Florida, and Wellspring Adventure Camp in North Carolina. Josh began working with Wellspring in 2006 after serving as an emergency department nurse. In his role as nurse, Josh became acutely aware of the impact that an unhealthy lifestyle has on people. Inspired by the amazing changes of campers at Wellspring, Josh never returned to the hospital. The opportunity to effect positive, safe, sustainable change in the lives of young people, their families and society informs Josh’s leadership at every level. Josh is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School US Army Airborne Infantry Veteran.
Jude Wood, Executive Director, MA
Ms. Wood is Executive Director for Wellspring Camps, overseeing Wellspring Camp La Jolla, Wellspring Vancouver, Wellspring Hawaii, and Wellspring Wisconsin. Prior to Wellspring, Jude worked as a Policy Officer for the Central Council of Physical Recreation in London, England. Specializing in health and young people, Jude worked directly with the UK and EU governments to promote physical activity as a tool for combating obesity. Jude is a graduate of Durham University and Warwick University Business School, where her time was divided between studying and playing sport. She competed in national competitions in both fencing and rowing, and is also a keen sailor and equestrian. Jude has hiked all over the world and spent three months on an expedition to Patagonia in the fall of 2007.