Wellspring Directors

Daniel S. Kirschenbaum, Ph.D., ABPP, is President and Clinical Director of Wellspring. He was Director of the Eating Disorders Program at Northwestern University Medical School, where he is Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Kirschenbaum is a Fellow and Diplomate in Clinical Health Psychology in the American Psychological Association and former president of its Division of Exercise and Sport Psychology. Dr. Kirschenbaum has provided invited addresses at many professional conferences worldwide, received numerous grants for research, and published 10 books and 150 journal articles on weight loss, sport psychology, and related topics. His books include: the first book published for professionals on the treatment of pediatric obesity - Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity (1987); Weight Loss Through Persistence (1994); The Sierras Weight Loss Solution for Teens and Kids (2007); and, The Wellspring Weight Loss Plan (2011). Dr. Kirschenbaum’s research on sport psychology won the top prize for research on the mental game of golf from the World Scientific Congress on Golf (St. Andrews, Scotland) and Golf Magazine (2001).  In 2000, the American Council on Exercise and its Board of Directors unanimously endorsed his book, The 9 Truths About Weight Loss (2000), as "the best book ever written for the public on how to lose weight and keep it off."

To review the impact of Dr. Kirschenbaum's recent research and to see summaries of some of his work, please click here.

Judith Wood, MA is Executive Director, Wellspring Camps - West and oversees Wellspring Camp La Jolla.  Prior to this, Jude served as Field Supervisor and then Program Director at Wellspring La Jolla. For the previous four years Judith worked as a Policy Officer for the Central Council of Physical Recreation in London, England. Specializing in health and young people, Judith worked directly with the UK and EU governments to promote physical activity as a tool for combating obesity. Judith sat on a number of advisory groups, was an elected member of the European Non-Governmental Sports Organization's Youth Committee, and was involved in the London 2012 Olympic Volunteering Strategy. Judith 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. Judith has hiked all over the world and spent three months on an expedition to Patagonia in the fall of 2007.

Kim Mueller is Executive Director, Wellspring Camps - East and oversees Wellspring New York.  Kim has worked with Wellspring in both North Carolina and New York as well as sister program Wellspring Academies. 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 and is currently completing a Master's program in Public Health.

Linda Daignault, Vice President of Marketing for Wellspring. Linda's professional background includes a variety of roles within the fields of education and marketing, including teaching high school art, directing a non-profit for adults with eating disorders, and working as a corporate marketing consultant.  Her desire to work for a company that actively improves the lives of kids and teens brought her to Wellspring in 2009.  Linda teaches yoga and volunteers with canine rescue organizations from her home in Syracuse, NY, which she shares with her husband and two happy dogs.

Adam Rosenzweig, M.Ed., is the Vice President of Enrollment for Wellspring. Adam has more than ten years of experience in the Education and Healthcare world. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Lynn University and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Suffolk University. He has held management positions in both startups and large corporations, such as Sylvan Learning Centers and Experian.  His love for education and concern for children's health brought him to Wellspring in September of 2010.

Dr. Mike Bishop, Executive Director of Wellspring. As a licensed school psychologist, Mike brings 20 years of experience working with adolescents and families in a variety of settings. Mike is also a weight controller himself, having lost more than 80 lbs. by following the Wellspring Plan.

Jessie Dean is Program Director of Wellspring Adventure Camp and has been with Wellspring Camps since 2004. She has worked as an outdoor instructor with children, adolescents and university students for the past decade, teaching rock climbing, kayaking and backpacking and snow sports. Jessie is also a professional ski instructor. Jessie received her B.A. from the University of North Carolina and studied Cultural Anthropology for six months at the University of Ballarat in Australia. She is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician and Wilderness First Responder. Jessie has traveled, kayaked and backpacked in Europe, New Zealand and South America and enjoys all outdoor and adventure activities. She strongly believes they can be the key to a positive outlook and a healthy lifestyle.

Lora Tilson is Program Director of Wellspring Texas.  Lora graduated from the University of Akron with bachelor's degrees in both physical education and health education.  She has worked as a teacher and personal trainer, and has been with Wellspring since 2006.  Lora has served as Activities Director at Wellspring New York, and then Activities Director and Program Director at Wellspring's flagship program, Wellspring Academy of California.

Christa McGough is the Program Director for Wellspring Pennsylvania. Christa has been with Wellspring for over four years and has served in several leadership positions for both our Camp and Academy programs.  Christa provides a wealth of program and athletic experience and she is currently the leader of Wellspring’s Running Club.  Christa was raised in upstate New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Community Health from State University of New York at Cortland. In college, Christa competed in soccer, gymnastics, and track and field.

Cari Coulter RD, LD, Program Director Wellspring Wisconsin. Cari is a registered dietitian and previously served as Wellspring New York’s nutrition instructor during the 2006-2008 summer seasons. She graduated with honors from Miami University with a BA in psychology and a minor in nutrition and completed her dietetic coursework at NYU’s Steinhardt Graduate School before heading to the University of Houston for her dietetic internship. She has since worked in both clinical and corporate health environments, but has happily returned to Wellspring to serve as the Wisconsin Camp’s director. During the rest of the year she resides in Katy, Texas with her husband Dave and yellow lab Gabe.

Ian Taylor is the founding Program Director for Wellspring Florida.  Prior to Wellspring Florida, Ian spent two summers as Program Supervisor at Wellspring New York, Wellspring's largest program.  Ian has been involved with summer camps for nearly a decade, overseeing various programs around the U.S. In working with young people over this period, Ian became aware of the growing childhood obesity issue in America. Ian has always believed that time spent outdoors - and especially at camp - can have significant benefits for young people. The additional scope of the scientifically-based Wellspring program strengthen and lengthen these benefits, as he saw firsthand while working in New York. Ian is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and in his free time enjoys many outdoor activities, playing guitar, and film.

Jane Morrison, Programme Director, Wellspring UK. Jane has been with Wellspring since 2006, working with programs in California, Pennsylvania and Hawaii before returning home to lead Wellspring UK. Jane's passion for the outdoors started at an early age was she participated in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme achieving her bronze, silver and gold level. She served 9 years in the British Royal Navy where she earned 'sports woman of the year' and on leaving the Navy followed her passion for working with young people in the outdoors. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Plymouth and holds her Unit Expedition Leader and is a certified instructor for Life Guard training, CPR, AED, and First Aid. Jane has been fortunate to have travelled extensively. She loves to hike, bike, ski and walk with her camp dog Devon.

Jeremy Whitworth is Program Director of Wellspring Vancouver. Prior to this, Jeremy served as Program Director at Wellspring Wisconsin, and at Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas.  Jeremy has also served as a Supervisor at Wellspring La Jolla and Wellspring Academy of California. Jeremy has worked with a variety of populations in outdoor programs over the past decade. He believes in the power of simplicity and the value of challenges through adventure. Jeremy attained his Bachelor's degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education from Brevard College in North Carolina. He was captain of Brevard's Cross Country and Track teams and was named to the NAIA All Conference Academic Team. Jeremy also received the Outstanding Senior award for his major and later served as an adjunct professor for his alma mater. Jeremy has developed and implemented a variety of climbing, backpacking, and outdoor programs around the country.

Nancy Lenhart, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of Wellspring Camp La Jolla, is a nationally-recognized leader in fitness and weight loss. The American Camping Association (ACA) has recognized Nancy for her continuous professional achievement in the camp field, and has obtained certification as an ACA Certified Camp Director. Nancy also served as an Accreditation Visitor for the American Camp Association, visiting and accrediting other summer camps. She is a member of the Adolescence Obesity Center, the California Parenting Institute and is a former Executive Board Member of Sonoma County Child Assault Program. Her fields of expertise include crisis intervention, motivational speaking, behavior modification instruction and volunteer work.

Megan Mariotti, MPH, RN, Program Director, Wellspring Family Camp & Wellspring Women's Program. Megan spent three summers as a Wellspring Camp nurse in North Carolina, New York, and Wisconsin. She is a pediatric nurse practitioner and worked as an interventionist in adolescent obesity research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Megan received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and her Master's in Public Health from Harvard University. She is completing an administrative fellowship at Harvard University Health Services.

Will Bettmann, JD, Program Director for Wellspring New York has been involved with Wellspring and Aspen Education programs since 1993, when he began leading wilderness trips in Southern Utah. Will graduated summa cum laude from Utah State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He and his wife, Aly, live near Chapel Hill, NC with their children Mackenzie, Zoe and Eli.

Kimberly Atwater is Senior Director of Enrollment Operations. She is an alumna of Wellspring New York. After a successful and life changing experience, she returned to Wellspring New York and became Head Counselor prior to her appointment as Admissions Director of Wellspring Camps. Kim has a passion for helping children and families, as well as for Wellspring's mission to create permanent healthy lifestyle changes. She received her Bachelor's degree in English from Elon University.

Eliza Kingsford, MA, LPC, is Executive Clinical Director, La Jolla Camps and Director of Enrollment for all of Wellspring programs. She is a licensed therapist and eating disorders specialist. Eliza received a Master's degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis on body image and eating disorders from the University of Colorado.  Eliza has a passion for working with young people and their families to promote physical and emotional health.  She has worked closely with adolescents, children, families, and the college age population in agency, camp, and coaching settings.

Garilee Gallegos, Enrollment Director.  Garilee has been working in weight loss since she graduated from San Diego State University.  She has been at Wellspring Camp la Jolla for the past 5 years as both an Administrator and Activities and Special Events Coordinator.  She enjoys working with children and helping them experience fitness in a fun and positive environment.  As part of the Camp La Jolla family for over 12 years, she has met many wonderful camp friends and witnessed a life changing program.  As an Enrollment Director she hopes to share these experiences and help families make the powerful decision to attend the Wellspring Program.

Leandra Hart is an Enrollment Director for Wellspring Camps and Academies.  For 12 years prior to beginning with Wellspring in February 2010, Leandra fulfilled a number of roles for a summer fitness and weight loss program, acting as Counselor and Director of Adult programs, providing follow-up care, and handling sales and marketing. A competitive gymnast and children's coach for five years, Leandra also has a passion for dance, and instructed children's classes in Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern Dance prior to working in the weight loss field.  She is a Top 10 graduate from Muller College and is extremely excited to be part of the Wellspring family and the loving guidance they provide to children, teenagers and adults across the world.

Lynne Papaconstantinou, Enrollment Director and Program Director, Wellspring La Jolla, has a BA in Social Sciences from SUNY Stonybrook. Originally from the east coast, she now resides in San Diego, CA where she is Program Director for Wellspring Camp La Jolla. Lynne has been with La Jolla since 2005 beginning as Assistant Director in the Women's Program for 2 summers before moving out west for a full time position. With many years of working directly with children, teens and adults, Lynne loves the summers at camp where she can be with the campers and provide the structure, knowledge and fun that make the program work.

Sarah de Leon, Co-Director, Wellspring START - Sarah has been with Wellspring since 2007 and previously served as Enrollment Coordinator for Wellspring Camps.  Sarah currently oversees all enrollment functions for Wellspring Camps and Academies.  As a graduate from California State University, Fresno with a BA in Speech Communications, Sarah has demonstrated a commitment to helping Wellspring families have a pleasant customer service experience.

Janet Dillon, Co-Director of Wellspring START--oversees all the account receivable functions for Wellspring Camps. Janet has been with Wellspring since 2008 and previously served as Admissions Coordinator for Wellspring Academies. Before joining Wellspring, she coached Varsity High School Cross Country and Mid- to Long-Distance Track, and was the Office Manager and Fitness trainer for an Elite Sports Rehab Center in Fresno, California. There Janet created and coordinated personal training programs for clients ranging from weight loss to post operation rehabilitation. Janet graduated from California State University, Fresno with a B.S. in Kinesiology.