NIS Board

Board of Directors

Robyn Hussa -- NIS Founder, Executive Director.
In addition to creating NIS, Robyn is also co-Founder and former Executive Director of the Drama Desk and Obie award-winning New York City theatre company, Transport Group. For ten years, Robyn produced, organized and managed fundraising events for various nonprofit organizations in New York City, including: Transport Group, Inverse Theatre, manhattantheatresource, Creative Arts Workshops for Kids and First Fig Productions. In addition, Robyn hosted producing seminars with the prestigious American Theatre Wing's Springboard NYC! series.

For Transport Group, Robyn's producing credits include: Our Town, Requiem For William, First Lady Suite (Drama Desk Nomination - Outstanding Revival of a Musical), The Audience (Drama Desk Nomination - Outstanding Musical), NOR•MAL: and Cul-de-sac. Her favorite work to date was on Transport Group's production of NOR•MAL. Robyn arranged for therapists, doctors, survivors and experts to attend each production and she lead talk backs with the audience. Several young audience members were encouraged to seek treatment as a direct result of these seminars. As a result, Robyn was inspired to create the NIS nonprofit in order to bring educational versions of the production to schools around the country.

Robyn is the creator of Transport Group's outreach program. She used her background in education to develop outreach workshops that ranged in scope from violence awareness and stage combat to theatrical writing, acting, mask technique and movement. She was also a volunteer mentor and board member with Creative Arts Workshops for Kids, Inc. -- a non-profit organization dedicated to developing arts programs that empower inner-city youth to voice their needs and to enhance their self-expression. Robyn joined Transport Group's outreach program with Creative Arts Workshop for Kids, Inc. by creating a Summer Theatre Institute for teenagers.

Robyn is a professional actress, singer, dancer and yoga teacher (RYT200). Career highlights include performing her one-woman show Kathryn Layne - an Old Fashioned Girl at Joe's Pub and playing Jacqueline Kennedy in Michael John LaChiusa's First Lady Suite at The Connelly Theatre and as part of the New York Historical Society's exhibit on First Ladies alongside Cheryl Stern, Mary Testa, Julia Murney, Judy Blazer, Donna Lynne Champlin, Diane Sutherland, Audra McDonald, Jim Hindman, Ruth Gottschall, Sherri Boone and Mary Beth Piel.

Robyn holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from The University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Drama with an emphasis in a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English from San Diego State University. She is a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders, First Fig Productions, the Drama League, a recognized actor-combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors and a proud card-carrying member of Actors Equity, Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Eric R. Christiansen -- NIS Board President.
Eric R. Christiansen is the Theatre Director at Greendale High School (Greendale, Wisconsin) and has been teaching Theatre and English to high school students since 2002. His theatre education has included professional theatre training programs at The National Theatre Institute (O’Neill Theatre Center, New London, CT), and the Hartman Theatre Conservatory (predecessor to the Brown University/Trinity Rep Consortium, Providence, RI). He has performed and worked backstage in professional, educational and community theatres in Wisconsin and New England, including three summers at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and two years at the former Hartman Theatre, Stamford, CT. Mr. Christiansen has been enrolled in degree or certification programs at some 10 different institutions of higher learning, including Williams College, Northwestern University, Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He holds a BA in Philosphy from Marquette and JD from UW Law School. He is currently working on an MA in Directing from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University. Prior to teaching, Mr. Christiansen was a corporate and securities attorney, concentrating in corporate finance, at 2 large law firms in Milwaukee, WI over a span of 16 years. An avid volunteer for charitable causes, Mr. Christiansen has in the past served as a director and officer for several Milwaukee-based non-profit organizations. In addition, he has served as a youth-group leader and vestry member for his church and coached youth soccer for many years.

Michael Gietl is a Middle Market Commercial Banker who has been working for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its predecessors in downtown Milwaukee for the past six years. He works as a generalist, but has significant experience working with not-for-profit, government, and healthcare companies in the greater Milwaukee area. Mike is currently the volunteer chair for the Special Olympics at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Milwaukee, and works in the community as a Junior Achievement volunteer and a local “Big Brother” through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Milwaukee. Mike is a native of Milwaukee, and received his undergraduate education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, earning a degree in Finance, Investments, and Banking.

Robert E. Lange -- NIS Board Treasurer. Bob is a Director in the Tax Projects Delivery Group of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with over 20 years of experience serving both large publicly held and privately owned companies. His experience spans manufacturing, consumer products and retailing. Bob consults with clients on a broad spectrum of business and industry issues, both tax and non-tax related, uniquely qualifying him as a business advisor. His focus is on state and local property tax matters, including emphasis on cost segregation and fixed asset depreciation, with results that may favourably impact cash flow and shareholder value. Based in Milwaukee, Bob works with companies on issues involving, valuation, negotiation, litigation support, expert testimony, research, planning, and compliance. He holds professional designations with the following organizations: Certified Member of the Institute (CMI) with the Institute for Professionals in Taxation, Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with the American Society of Appraisers, and is an Associate Member in the American Institute of Architects.

B.S. in Architectural Studies. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 1973 M.S. Architecture., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 1975 M.B.A., University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, 1987

Dr. Laura Lees -- NIS Board Vice President/Secretary.
Specialty: Clinical Psychologist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Dr. Lees received her Doctor of Psychology degree with honors from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 1990. The combination of having been a competitive gymnast, completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and an interest in medicine led to her professional focus in behavioral medicine and, particularly, eating and weight disorders.

After completing her predoctoral internship in Utah treating inpatients and outpatients with eating disorders, she returned to Milwaukee and eventually developed and directed several hospital-based as well as independent clinic-based eating disorder programs.

Dr. Lees is one of the only Certified Eating Disorders Specialists (CEDS) in the area. In 2001, she was recognized by her peers as a leading expert in eating disorders in Milwaukee Magazine’s cover story “A Guide to Top Psychotherapists.”

In addition to treating anorexia and bulimia, Dr. Lees has expertise treating binge eating disorder (compulsive overeating) and weight-related medical problems including heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. Because any kind of eating or weight problem usually results from underlying emotional stressors, Dr. Lees has over 14 years of experience treating all forms of anxiety, depression, trauma and self-injury.

Along with clinic staff, Dr. Lees was integral in the development of The Heart & Mind Program. The strong research evidence showing the significant connection between thoughts, feelings, coping styles and cardiac health was a motivating factor in developing this innovative program -- the only one of its kind in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Dr. Lees is frequently interviewed by local and national media and is a regular presenter at the Wisconsin Psychological Association’s annual convention. She is a member of numerous professional organizations and was appointed to the Panel of Experts for the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation established by former first lady, Sue Ann Thompson.

"I love the challenge of a complicated case and that’s probably what attracts me so strongly to eating disorders and cardiac care. There are usually multiple levels of issues that require change -- from improving nutrition, to dealing with mood, to building healthy coping skills, to making lifestyle changes, to addressing medical problems, etc. I consider myself extremely honored that patients trust me to facilitate these changes through the treatment process. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a person reach the point of recovery after witnessing the incredible efforts it took to get there."

Health Advisory Board
Giovannina Abbenante, M.A. Her program, Beauty Fulfilled, involves the integration of her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from NYU with her multidimensional experience in the fashion/beauty industry, as well as a life long education and training in metaphysics and energy healing. Gio is an intuitive healer, an educator, and a public speaker. She has an active practice in Manhattan. Beauty Fulfilled® is a program to assist people to be their highest expression of beauty, both inner and outer. To be aligned in health, successful in life, confident, radiant and glowing. Her goal to is for all women to shine in their lives and in the world.

Sandy Blaies, MSW, LCSW is the Coordinator of Eating Disorders Treatment at the Marquette University Counseling Center and co-owner of Shorewood Counseling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Clinical Social Worker and licensed psychotherapist and was instrumental in the development of the first Eating Disorder Program in Southeastern Wisconsin. With over 20 years of experience treating eating/weight/body image related issues, she offers a practical, solution-focused approach to anxiety, depression and obsessive thinking. In addition, she has a special interest in the treatment of ADHD.

Pamela Elgin, LPC is a licensed professional counselor involved in the Eating Disorders program at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition to providing services in the Intensive Outpatient Program, Pam does provide outpatient individual, family and group therapy.

Tina A. Felluss, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice, a workshop leader, speaker and consultant in NYC. Ms. Felluss specializes in combining traditional psychotherapy with body awareness, movement and spirituality. She was a pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders in Washington, D.C. where she worked on one of the first in-patient hospital units in the country, twenty-three years ago. Founding members of the Washington Society for the Study of Eating Disorders and Obesity.

Robin Halpern, LCSW, DCSW New York, New York

Trisha Kilpin, LCSW, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Social Worker for Greendale High School)

Lisa Marcus, is a healer in private practice in NYC. Lisa trained as a social worker at Yeshiva University (Licensed Masters Social Worker), as an energy healer for four years at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing (Certified Brennan Healing Science Practitioner), in whole foods/natural cooking and integrative nutritional theory cooking at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Food & Health and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Lisa currently works with individuals who suffer from eating disorders. Lisa herself healed from an eating disorder in her adolescence/early adult life.

Anne Sprenger, RD, CD has been a Registered Clinical Dietitian since 1976. She has extensive experience in program development and treatment of eating disorders in all levels of care. Other areas of focus include sports nutrition, research based weight management and healthy lifestyle development for people with diabetes and heart disease. Her non-diet counseling approach is practical, non-judgmental, and solution-focused. She is co-owner of Shorewood Counseling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Kristin Warfield-Jaski, LCSW is a psychotherapist in NYC specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, body image disturbance, depression and anxiety. She received her MSW from Columbia University and worked at the Renfrew Center of New York both as an outpatient therapist and as the Head of Admissions. In 2001, she played an integral role in the merger between the American Anorexia and Bulimia Association (AABA) and Eating Disorders and Awareness and Prevention (EDAP), now known as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). In addition to her private practice, Kristin Warfield-Jaski is a therapist at the Employee Assistance Program Consortium, providing individual, couples and family therapy to the employees of New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Hospital for Special Surgery.

Educational Advisory Board
Dr. William Hughes - Superintendent of schools, Greendale High School

Jenny Hussa currently serves as the 6-12 Curriculum Facilitator for English in the Greendale School District and teaches Advanced Placement English Language and Composition as well as ninth grade English. Jenny earned her B.A. in English and her teaching credential at University of California—Irvine. After teaching middle school English for a year, she was selected to be one of twenty Fellows in the U.C.I. Writing Project Summer Institute, in which she acquired intensive training in the teaching of writing. After one more year teaching in California, she moved to Wisconsin, where, in addition to teaching high school students, she has taught a variety of classes in writing instruction for teachers in the Greendale School District. In 2004-05, as part of a Master's Degree program, Jenny taught English 101 at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, and in May of 2006, she earned her M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition, where she will begin a Ph.D. program in the fall of 2006.

Steve Lodes is the current building administrator at Greendale High School in Greendale, WI. Steve taught middle level English and reading in the Milwaukee Public Schools for eighth years prior to a career in school administration. After serving as associate principal at Greendale High School for two years, Steve then became building principal at Greendale Middle School. He is now in his first year back at Greendale High School, this time as building principal. Receiving both his undergraduate in English and Education and a graduate degree in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Steve is currently enrolled in the Doctoral of Urban Educational Administration program offered at UW-Milwaukee.

Joyce Mann has been a secondary school English and Interpersonal Communication teacher for over 35 years. In addition to having been an English teacher for all grades 7-12, she has also taught both English and Speech at the college level, and pioneered an award winning course in interpersonal communication. She holds a B.A. in English and Speech/Theater from SUNY Albany and a Masters degree in Theater from Adelphi University. She is also a director, acting coach, choreographer and writer. She is currently an adjunct professor at Hunter College.

Artistic Advisory Board
Nicole Alifante is an actress, singer/songwriter, voice over artist and teacher in NYC. She has performed all over New York City including covering roles in Lobby Hero directed by Mark Brokaw and Modern Orthodox directed by James Lapine. Regionally she has worked at The McCarter Theater, Barrington Stage Co. and Hartford Theater Works. She is a proud founding member of Transport Group. Nicole has taught drama to elementary school children in Brooklyn through the Guggenheim Museum and she is an adjunct acting teacher at Fordham University at Lincoln Center.

Mary Ellen Ashley has had a career in all aspects of theatre, film and TV since the age of four. After dozens of years working on Broadway, Off Broadway, tv and film as an actress/singer/dancer, she turned to producing around 1990. Broadway Producing work includes: High Rollers (Helen Hayes Theatre), Angels In America (Pulitzer Prize winning drama), Annie Warbucks, Grace and Glory, Party, Show Me Where The Good Times Are, June Moon, Sally Mars and her Escorts, Marlene (starring Sian Phillips(the story of Marlene Dietrich), Lypsinka (first Off Broadway production) and a new play Love In A Thirsty Land. Film: Tale Of Two Pizzas (Executive producer). She is currently working on two more films which are headed for festivals this year.

Anne L Bernstein is a producer and partner in Ashbem Productions. Anne recently finished producing the documentary Broadway the Golden Age which has won numerous Best Film, Documentary and Audience Awards at sold-out screenings at festivals all over the country. Anne is also a consultant for several theater and production companies and a patron of many companies from Manhattan Theater Club to the Donmar Warehouse. Among the over 20 shows she's been involved with are: Producer, Dice House (London); Amature Night at The Big Heart (with San Jose Stage Company) directed by David Ogden Stiers; Pirates of Penzance (SouthStreet Seaport). Associated Producer: Grace & Glorie, Marlene. Other shows include: As Bees in Honey Drown, Oblivian Postponed, June Moon, A Delicate Balance (London), The Party (LA), (Kate Burton's) Hedda Gabler, Tea at Five, My Old Lady, and Streakin'. Anne is on the board of directors of The Acting Company and Musical Monday Theater Lab and is the American representative of The Peter Wolff Theatre Trust (London).

Chris Harcum is an actor, writer and teaching artist. He has worked with hundreds of student actors and writers from grade school to undergraduate levels. He has worked with University of Virginia, City University of New York-Creative Arts Team, Periwinkle National Theatre, Transport Group/Creative Arts Workshops for Kids, Kings Bay YM-YWHA, Group Sales Box Office, and the STARRR-COHORT Program. Mr. Harcum’s solo performances have been seen at FringeNYC, The Brick, Manhattan Theatre Source, Transport Group, Thunder Bay Fringe Festival, Virginia Film Festival, University of Virginia, Larry Shue Playwrights’ Forum, and New Jersey Repertory Company. Training: MFA in Acting from University of Virginia and BFA in Acting from UNC-Greensboro. North Carolina School of the Arts. He is a member of New Jersey Repertory Company and an Associate Artist with The Transport Group.

Rose O'Hara is a Chicago native who recently relocated to NYC to pursue her Broadway dreams. She has performed in two national tours, at The Kennedy Center, and in numerous regional theatres across the country, and she is 10 year anorexia and bulimia survivor. While earning her bachelor’s degree in theatre with a minor in women’s studies from Skidmore College, she used her final semester to produce, design, and star in “Dolores”, a one-act by Edward Allen Baker about domestic violence, as a benefit for the Chicago area shelter A Safe Place for battered women and children. She has taught acting and theatre dance to young women at Mother Macauley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago. She has also volunteered at Planned Parenthood, as a mentor on the Bodies Under Siege website for self-mutilators, and works in local soup kitchens each holiday season with her mom.

Professional / Business Advisory Board
Ivan Helfand has over twenty years professional experience in nonprofit management, marketing and fundraising. He now specializes in grant writing and prospect research for charitable organizations. Over the last year, Ivan has worked to raise money for a variety of nonprofits including the Jazz Foundation of America, Transport Group, Growth & Development Services, Inc. and the National Down Syndrome Society. He holds a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from New York University. Ivan is a member of the New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement.

Carole Saltz for 20 years has been Director of Teachers College Press (Teachers College, Columbia University) – the foremost education publisher specializing in teacher education, curriculum (k-12), foundations of education and early childhood. The list has been honored with awards from most of the major education associations in America, including AERA, Kappan, School Library Journal, Grawemeyer and Small Press.

Gretchen Tibbits is currently Vice President of Hearst Business Media in New York, NY. Most recently she was Sr. Director – Business Operations and Development for ESPN Outdoors. Prior to joining ESPN, Ms. Tibbits had her own consulting business, GMT Consulting. Ms. Tibbits was part of the management team at WorkingWomanNetwork, owner of Working Woman and Working Mother magazines and the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). Ms. Tibbits was the President of NAFE and Vice President of Corporate Development for the firm. Ms. Tibbits holds an MBA in Finance and Management from NYU (Stern scholar) and a BA from the University of Virginia (Echols scholar and a Lawn Resident). Ms. Tibbits serves on a number of boards for the University of Virginia and Chairs the Women’s Center National Council.