Meet our staff

Meet our Web team. Their expertise, teamwork and commitment to quality complement our mission of helping people find the answers and the support they need to manage illness and stay healthy.

Chief of product development

Nicole Spelhaug

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Nicole Spelhaug has been on the Mayo Clinic staff since 1979. Early in her career, she recognized the potential of mass media to positively affect people's health through the dissemination of reliable and useful information. Since 1982 she has made that her passion, first via print. She was the senior editor for "The Mayo Clinic/Williams-Sonoma Cookbook" and former managing editor of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Now on the Web, Nicole aspires to bring Mayo Clinic's knowledge and experience to the millions of people who visit the site each month. "It's all about helping people," says Nicole. "On our site, we approach every idea with how we can make a difference by providing information and tools a person can use." Nicole has a master's degree in nutrition communications from Boston University.

Staff

Miranda Attlesey is a proofreader. She graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism and Spanish. She worked at the American Red Cross in St. Paul, Minn., proofreading, writing procedures and handling document control before joining the Mayo Clinic team.

Chris Benson is a senior Web application developer. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Winona State University. Chris has several years of experience in the development of Web-based applications. He supports corporate initiatives, interactive development and maintains the various databases supporting the site.

Jason Betz is a member of the technical team. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Jason has more than ten years of experience as a Web developer. He supports the content production system, advertising and multimedia.

Jenny Betz is a quality assurance analyst. She supports quality assurance efforts for the site including testing and site monitoring activities.

Stuart Bryson, a Web content producer, previously worked in consumer health information publishing as a medical writer for Healthwise, Inc. He earned a bachelor's degree in English with a Spanish minor from Boise State University and is currently completing a master's degree in education. Prior to his health journalism career, Stuart worked as a radiology technical assistant and taught high school English and Spanish.

Betsy Cahill, a Web content producer, worked as a reporter for newspapers in Minnesota, Missouri and South Dakota before joining MayoClinic.com. Betsy holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University and a master's degree from Webster University in St. Louis.

Susan Carleton, a senior Web content producer, had a brief career as a high school English teacher before entering health and medical journalism in 1984. She has served on the editorial staffs of Physician's Financial News, Business & Health, Woman's World, and most recently, Reader's Digest, where she edited consumer health books. Susan is a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.

Ann Catherwood is a project manager for interactive products and services. Before joining our team, she was lead business analyst at MMSI, bringing 15-plus years' experience with health plan administration, system development and project management. She has a master of business administration in healthcare from Cardinal Stritch University and a bachelor's degree in early childhood development from the University of Minnesota.

Anthony Cook is an editorial research librarian. Before joining the staff, Anthony had been a reference librarian at the Moline Public Library in Illinois. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Creighton University and a master's in library science from the University of Illinois.

Matt Diamanti is the senior manager of interaction design. Prior to joining our team, Matt managed design at Corel, Accenture Consulting and McDonald's. He has a master's degree in communication design from the Institute of Design in Chicago.

Rich Dietman is a senior Web content producer. Before coming to Mayo Clinic in 1995, he worked as a broadcast journalist, program producer, news director, and station manager at public radio networks in Minnesota and California. At Mayo, Rich worked as managing editor on early versions of MayoClinic.com. More recently, he worked as an editor on Mayo Clinic's patient portal, MayoClinic.org, and in Mayo Clinic's consumer health books division.

Jennifer Fitzgerald is a Web content producer. Jennifer had been publications specialist with the "Journal of Applied Physiology." She supervised editorial staffers, wrote editorial drafts, edited journal commentaries and coordinated publication submissions. Before this position, Jennifer was a clinical research coordinator at 3M, where she monitored study trials according to IRB protocols and wrote summaries of those trials. Jennifer has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.

Eileen Foegen supports the Web content producers of MayoClinic.com. Eileen worked at a telecommunications company before joining us in the summer of 2006.

Jennifer Gangloff is a Web content producer. Jennifer, who has a journalism degree from St. Bonaventure University, previously was an editor and writer at newspapers and Web sites around the country. Her work has appeared in such publications as "The Hartford Courant," "Sky" magazine, and "The New York Times." She is also a volunteer with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Amanda Golden is an editorial research librarian. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Bellarmine University and a master's in library science from the University of Kentucky. Before joining MayoClinic.com, Amanda was a library assistant with the Louisville Free Public Library in Louisville, Ky.

Donna Hanson, proofreader, earned her bachelor's degree with honors in English language and literature and her honors certification in scientific and technical communication-health sciences from the University of Minnesota. She has previously worked at Mayo in the areas of orthopedic oncology and pediatric radiology.

Sarah Hensel, a Web content producer, has made her career in public health information publishing. Her experience includes writing and editing for MayoClinic.com as well as for the Journal of the American Water Works Association. Prior to these positions, Sarah worked as an editor and Web designer for a transplantation research program. She graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, earning a bachelor's degree in English.

Deirdre Herman is the editorial research manager. She had been a communications specialist at the American Library Association in Washington, D.C. She also worked as a librarian for International Medical News Group and for the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Deirdre has a dual master's degree in library science and geography from the University of Maryland.

Steve Hoerle is a senior systems software database administrator. He is responsible for designing, managing and maintaining the databases that support our sites, and he works with the development team to maximize performance, ensure data integrity and plan for future expansion and upgrades. Steve has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Mankato State University.

Cindy Humphreys is a Web content producer. She has more than 20 years of experience as a reporter for daily newspapers, including 10 specializing in health and environmental topics. She also worked for a health education software development company, where she wrote patient-education copy for Aventis Pharmaceuticals. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Becky Hynes is a Web production specialist. She has been at Mayo since 2001. Before joining MayoClinic.com, she worked in the Division of Communications as editorial assistant for the print and online employee newsletters.

LaVonne Jacobson is a Web production specialist. Her Mayo career includes administrative and computer graphic support to Mayo Medical Ventures' Finance, Technology Commercialization and Human Resources departments. LaVonne has an associate's degree in liberal arts with a computer graphics concentration.

Asha Jeevan is a senior Web developer. She has worked at Mayo on several Web-based applications for the cross-function support unit, including a decision support system for triaging appointments. Previously, she worked for Infosys Technologies Limited, Spore Consultancy and SS Compwares. She has degrees in computer science and mathematics from Pune University in India.

Dorothy (Dot) Karlsen supports the Web application developers, design group and production and interactive teams for our site. Dot joined MayoClinic.com in the summer of 2006 when she relocated to Minnesota from New York.

Mark Kaske is a product manager. He was previously a senior e-business analyst at Fastenal Co., in Winona, Minn. He managed the e-business relationships for Fastenal's top 100 clients. Mark has a bachelor's degree in marketing management from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn.

Dave Kolbert is a senior Web content producer. He joined the Mayo Clinic Division of Communications in 1997, supporting Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and serving as editor of the Mayo.edu Web site as well as "Mayo Alumni" and "Connections" magazines. Before coming to Mayo Clinic, he worked as a marketing communications and fundraising manager in the environmental protection and art industries for 15 years. Dave graduated with honors from Winona State University earning a bachelor's degree in mass communications.

Brian Laing is site architect. He previously served as editorial researcher and manager of information resources for Mayo Clinic Health Information. Before coming to Mayo he worked as a research project coordinator and scientist at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology. He holds a master's degree in nutrition from the University of Minnesota.

John Laven is the art director. John was an award-winning creative director for ContentLab, an integrated marketing company based in San Jose, Calif. John has more than 15 years' experience in interactive, brand identity, advertising and print design. John's work in graphic design has covered the spectrum, from rockets at General Dynamics to rock 'n' roll billboards on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood for Ted Nugent and Kansas. John has a bachelor's degree in fine arts and illustration with honors from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif.

Penny Marshall supports the medical editor in chief and chief of product development. She is also supervisor of the administrative assistants. Penny began her career at Mayo Clinic in 1974 in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Jay Maxwell, executive editor, manages our Condition Centers, Healthy Living Centers and Health Decision Guides. He is an award-winning new-media journalist and the first online member to have served on the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists' board of directors.

Carol Mortensen is technical director, responsible for managing a team of specialists involved in the development, implementation and maintenance of the site. She earned a bachelor's degree in international studies and a master's in personnel management. After 10 years as a human resources administrator, she moved to the information systems arena. Carol has 11 years of experience in project management, systems implementation and support.

Dana Noble is a customer service online project assistant. Her previous work experience at Mayo Clinic includes Human Resources-Staffing and the Department of Surgery.

Wendy Olson-Hodde, online project manager of customer service, has been employed at Mayo Clinic for 20 years. She has also worked in the areas of cancer research and cardiovascular diseases. She earned her master's degree in organizational management from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn.

Shawna O'Reilly, product manager, coordinates the overall design of new and enhanced applications from concept to release to ongoing maintenance. She joined the Web team after being an information resources assistant within Mayo Medical Ventures' Health Information Division. She has also worked as a staff writer for the "Plainview News" and the "St. Charles Press" in Minnesota.

Kristin Troff Pavek is senior Web content producer for our Ask a Specialist section. She previously created health booklets as part of the direct marketing program for Mayo Clinic consumer books and newsletters. Before coming to Mayo, she worked 8 years as a writer and editor at a national trade magazine for the trade shows industry. Kris holds a bachelor's degree in English writing and broadcast communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

Judy Payne, senior manager of production, joined Mayo Clinic in 1995 as project manager for Mayo's first consumer health information Web site. Judy holds a bachelor's degree in nursing. Before joining Mayo Clinic, she worked as a registered nurse and a public health nurse, then oversaw development of a computerized, telephone-based physician referral and health information service in Syracuse, N.Y.

Les Polk is executive editor. For 15 years, Les worked for two Phoenix newspapers, the "Phoenix Gazette" and the "Arizona Republic." He was an award-winning reporter, sports news editor, assistant news editor, deputy metro editor and senior editor. He recruited and organized staff for two suburban bureaus. Before his Arizona days, Les was a reporter and an editor for newspapers in Waukesha, and Eau Claire, Wis.

Dawn Potter is a quality assurance analyst. Dawn has been at Mayo Clinic since 1988. She spent 17 years in the labs in a variety of positions including clinical trials quality control and software quality assurance. She was most recently a clinical systems specialist working with telephonic programs in Mayo Clinic Health Solutions. Dawn has a bachelor's degree in management of information technology from Cardinal Stritch University.

Melissa Redetzke is a senior Web content producer. She began her writing career at Priority Publications in Edina, Minn., where she covered health care for various newsletter clients throughout the country. Later, while employed by Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group, Inc., Melissa helped build a Web publishing team and went on to serve as Optum's Web publishing manager. In that capacity, she handled the daily editorial and production needs for the company's consumer portal, HealthForums.com. Melissa earned a degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Franz Rinkleff is a senior Web developer. He most recently worked at The Gallup Organization in Indianapolis, Ind. Previously, Franz worked at IBM Global Services in Rochester, Minn. He has a bachelor's degree in management information systems, accounting and genetics from Iowa State University.

Julie Rud is a quality assurance/information security coordinator. She holds a degree in business administration from Winona State University. Julie's background includes data center and computer support as well as experience with test plan development and execution. Julie is responsible for establishing and maintaining policies and procedures to ensure the security of data collected by, maintained, stored or transmitted by our Web sites.

Kyle Sandstrom is a Web designer. He previously was the senior Web designer at the Rochester, Minn., Post Bulletin's SNG Internet Services company, where he worked for a wide range of clients designing and developing more than 50 Web sites. He recently was selected as a judge for the Web Marketing Association's Web Award Competition and Portfolios.com Annual Award Competition.

Rhonda Schuldt, our Web production coordinator, manages the testing, implementation, training and documentation of all user-driven modifications to the site's content management system. She also supervises our Web production specialists. She has a bachelor's degree in management of information technology from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wis., and has been employed at Mayo Clinic since 1997.

Luke Shockman is a senior Web content producer. Luke worked as a newspaper reporter for 12 years in North Dakota, Minnesota and Ohio. He was a health reporter at the Rochester (Minn.) Post-Bulletin and health reporter and health editor at the Toledo (Ohio) Blade. Luke has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D.

Suzanne Sobotka is a Web content producer. Prior to joining the Web team, Suzanne was employed as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota Law School on several bioethics projects. She has a bachelor's degree in political theory from Michigan State University and a master's degree in epidemiology from the University of Minnesota.

Johann Sonnenberg joined the technical team as a Web developer in 2005. Johann previously worked at Hormel Foods Corp. in Austin, Minn., where he was instrumental in the development of the company's intranet, Web-based business applications and content management system. Johann has a bachelor's degree in information systems from the University of North Dakota.

Gunnar Soroos is a Web production artist on the user experience and design team. He has also been a graphic production artist at Mayo Clinic and a graphic designer/media coordinator at Ads & Art. He has an associate's degree in digital arts/multimedia from Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester, Minn .

Joanne Souhrada has been at Mayo Clinic since 1987 and provided secretarial support to many managers and physicians. As a Web production specialist, she pays close attention to the many details of a daily publishing schedule.

Stacey Suess is a customer service online project assistant. Before joining us, she provided support services within the Psychiatry Department at Mayo Clinic.

Ryan Thompson-Jewell is a senior Web application developer. Ryan has a degree from South Central Technical College. He has a background as a Web developer and administrator. Ryan is responsible for development of new interactives and content as well as providing support for the syndication of content to outside partners.

Phil Truesdale is a lead analyst programmer. He is a graduate of Lawrence University with a degree in history. Phil's background includes computer technology support and systems analyst. In addition to new development, Phil supports the content production system, site search and interactive programs.

Greg Turosak is senior Web content producer for our Diseases and Conditions A-Z and First Aid sections. Before joining Mayo Clinic in 1999, Greg worked at newspapers for more than 20 years. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and a master's degree in health journalism from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Sarah Vande Loo, a Web content producer, joined our team after working as a writer and Web designer for a research program in the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. Sarah graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, earning a bachelor's degree in English.

Ryan Wiltgen is a lead analyst programmer. Ryan has a background in developing Web sites. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in management information systems. Ryan supports the content production system, interactive programs, site search and reporting.

Norman (Pit-Leong) Yap is senior systems administrator. He has been in the technology field since 1986 as a programmer, technology analyst, IT consultant and systems administrator. He has a bachelor's degree in computer science/math from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Neb., and a master's degree in business administration from City University in New York.

Robyn Zubke, Web production specialist, started at Mayo Clinic in 2005. Prior to joining MayoClinic.com, Robyn worked in Public Affairs as a Web assistant on MayoClinic.org. She has a bachelor's degree in mass communications from North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D.