Staff members
Julie L. Preder
Julie Preder serves as the Executive Director at Mental Health America Lakeshore, where she views her career as a gift to serve others. She is passionate about addressing social determinants of health that hinder access to care and is dedicated to implementing strategies that reduce stigma and foster social inclusion. Julie collaborates with local agencies and community stakeholders to create a lasting impact. She is a meditation and Reiki practitioner, certified in Bereavement Counseling and Field Traumatology, and holds a degree in Community Health Education from Hunter College in NYC.
Julie’s primary passion is assisting individuals in sharing their stories and uncovering their strengths to live their best lives. She enjoys spending her free time connecting with nature, listening to live music, and playing fiercely competitive board games.
For my mental health, I connect with my mind through music and nature. Both are universal in connecting people together to enjoy the free gifts of life. They are the language of our spirit.
Anna Grunwald
Anna serves as Director of Education at Mental Health America Lakeshore. She is a passionate advocate for mental health, wellness, and education. She provides training in educational programs that promote mental health & wellness in our schools and communities. Through her past experiences, Anna has partnered with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
Before joining MHA Lakeshore, Anna was an educator in the public school system for 27 years. Holding a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction and Literacy, Anna has instructed students of all ages. She is committed to caring for the whole child, and Social Emotional Learning practices have always been a cornerstone of her teaching.
In 2022, she was awarded the Athena Leadership Honoree Award, partly for her work with MHA Lakeshore by developing a literacy component for the Mindful Classroom Initiative and facilitating a monthly chronic pain support group. Anna continues to facilitate the THRIVE support group. She feels strongly about holding space for others, encouraging their healing and growth.
Anna is inspired daily by her family. She enjoys spending time laughing and making memories with them. Anna loves to read, take photographs, garden, and enjoys her coffee!
Dawn Rousse
Dawn has always felt a calling to help others since she was very young. She attended UW-Whitewater where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 2007. For many years she worked in a preschool setting molding the minds of the young and helping them grow to be successful in a fun and safe learning environment.After years of interaction with others working on their mental health journey, Dawn felt the need to move into the world of mental health. It is her hope that through education and respectful discussions we can eliminate the stigma associated with mental health and bring more awareness to others, so individuals do not feel alone in their struggles.
Dawn enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves to bake yummy treats and engage in various crafting projects. She also likes to fill spare moments with a good book.
Jenna Howell
Jenna Howell serves as Education Specialist at Mental Health America Lakeshore. With 12 years of experience teaching music and performing arts in both public schools and her private studio, Jenna has long integrated mental wellness strategies into her lessons, recognizing their restorative impact on students.
Drawn to MHA by her deep belief in the connection between emotional well-being and learning, Jenna is excited to collaborate with educators, students, and the community to foster resilience and mental health awareness.
A proud member of the Plymouth community, Jenna enjoys life with her husband, three boys, and two dogs. In her spare time, she can often be found performing with her husband and sister in their family band, Sister Winchester.
Kelsey Lueptow
Kelsey is Director of Advancement at Mental Health America Lakeshore. Kelsey brings a decade of experience across academic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors to inform a partnership-centered approach to philanthropy and outreach. She prioritizes authentic engagement and collaboration as the heart of advancement.
Kelsey was drawn to join the MHA team after years of partnership and engagement with the organization and is excited to collaborate with the dynamic board, volunteers, and coworkers to continue amplifying their incredible mission and work.
In her free time, Kelsey stays active with family, writing, travel, community events, and getting outdoors whenever possible.
Tricia Roberts
Madelaine Brix
Madelaine joined Mental Health America Lakeshore as a consultant, bringing a multidisciplinary approach to graphic design and a passion for creativity and color. As a recent college graduate, she believes graphic design is equal parts utility and beauty, with a focus on transforming the mundane into something visually engaging. Through messy pencil sketches, vibrant colors, and a slight obsession with detail, Madelaine creates thoughtful and beautiful designs that capture attention and tell a story.
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Cramer
Wellness Owner
President
Amy Wirtz
Vollrath- Sr. Corporate Quality
Treasurer
Ka Lee
Owner & Psychotherapist of Prism Health and Wellness
President Elect
Barbra Klug
Regal Rexnord- Sr. Counsel
Past President
Jennifer Diener
TE Connectivity- Sr. VP and GM of Channel Business
Carrie Green
Livestrong YMCA Coordinator/Yoga Instructor/Yoga on the Lake
Dawn Grohskopf
UnitedOne Credit Union – Director of Operations
Mark Kesler
Community Advocate
Kristal Klemme
Reverand First Congregational UCC, Plymouth
Danielle Lange
DAVE- Director of People and Operations
Samantha Oppeneer
Ernst & Young LLP- Managing Director
Kristie Hass Splivalo
Acuity- Commercial Underwriter
Michael Stelter
Sheboygan Police Dept.- LT. Criminal Div.
Kallyn Vandenack
Acuity- Senior Communication Specialist
Kimberly Verlare
BMO Bank- Regional Sales Manager.
Julie Preder
MHA Lakeshore- Executive Director
non-voting
