Dr. Kristie Gering grew up in southeast South Dakota, which is where she attended college and medical school. In 1994, on the two week break between 2nd and 3rd year of medical school, she and Mark Gering were married. When Dr. Kristie graduated from medical school in 1996, they decided to check out a different part of the country for residency. Dr. Kristie attended the UW Madison Family Medicine Residency in Eau Claire WI. She and Mark fell in love with the Chippewa Valley and decided to stay. Her first job after graduating from residency in 1999 was with Family Health Associates in Chippewa Falls WI. She worked with that same group until venturing out to build her own clinic in January 2017. She finally took the time to take the test and officially became an Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner in October of 2020!

Kristie and Mark were fortunate in finding a beautiful piece of property in the apple orchard country between Eau Claire and Chippewa. Shortly after building their home, they were blessed with an amazing daughter named Rachel Grace.  Rachel began college in the fall of 2021,  and she is truly a beautiful young woman, inside and out!

On their small hobby farm they have two labs, Sandy & Cody, and quite a number of free-range, organically fed chickens. In their spare time, they also garden & grow black currants. Dr. Kristie has not had a lot of spare time to play in recent years, but when she does, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, Bible study, hiking their woods, taking pictures, cross country skiing, travel and researching functional medicine. 

Robyn

Endrud

MD

Creating a relationship with my patients while seeing them through life’s challenges on a path to wellness, brings joy and satisfaction to my life. My goal for every patient is for them to feel heard, seen, known and cared for while they are on a journey of transformation towards wellness. It is an honor to walk this journey with them. -Dr Robyn

Dr. Robyn Endrud is a board certified Family Medicine physician, who joined the Spero team as of January 2022. Her medical school and residency training was completed at the University of Minnesota. Along with her husband and three children, they moved to Wisconsin in 2014. She practiced for seven years in Menomonie, WI, at Mayo Clinic Health System doing full spectrum Family Medicine. In the summer of 2021, she felt called to learn about Functional Medicine and began her courses in the Fall of 2021. It quickly became clear that the Functional Medicine lens to medical care allowed her to search for and address the root cause of disease for patients, while treating the whole patient, body-soul-spirit. Although she loved her patients and practice in Menomonie, she knew she was called to leave the world of health-system-based care behind to find more time with patients and truly focus on helping people find wellness and cure disease whenever possible. She has fast tracked her path and became an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner in 2023. She is now working part-time at Spero while homeschooling her three children.

Kylee

Anglemyer

Family Nurse Practitioner

Kylee Anglemyer is a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP).  She enjoys caring for patients of all ages.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2006 from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois.  Upon graduation she worked for 6 years as a staff RN in a medical/surgical/telemetry unit at Silver Cross Hospital. Because she wanted to improve her skills in serving God and her patients, she went on to earn her Master of Science in nursing degree in 2013, again at University of St. Francis.  She then moved with her family to the Chippewa Falls area where she worked at Mayo Express Care in Eau Claire.  For the past 5 years she worked in family medicine at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Chippewa Falls and recently joined the team at Spero Wellness Clinic.

 As a child, Kylee had the privilege of living in Togo, West Africa where medical missions was a prominent feature.  As a result, she is better able to respond to the needs of people of different cultures. She lives in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin with her husband Ben and their 4 children. She, Ben, and the kids all enjoy walking, biking, gardening, spending time with friends and family and are involved in their local church. More recently Kylee has been learning about canning their garden produce.

Ben
Buchl

Nurse Practitioner

Ben Buchl is a board-certified nurse practitioner (FNP). He did his undergraduate education at the University of North Dakota and graduate school at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to and during graduate school Ben worked as an RN in Hematology and Oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and in Phoenix, AZ. As a nurse practitioner he has worked in Endocrinology at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ and in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. His formal Functional Medicine education started in 2020 through the Institute of Functional Medicine, but he has used Functional Medicine principles personally and professionally for much longer. He will attend his last two functional medicine conferences in early 2023 and hopes to be fully certified within the year.

Ben and his wife Elisabeth moved to Chippewa Falls in June of 2021. They have one child John (who is very active to say the least), and one on the way (due in January 2023). Ben enjoys working out, reading, researching nutrition and exercise, hiking, traveling, walking their 2 dogs, and spending time with his family. 

Chelsi

Webster

Ph.D, RDN

Chelsi Webster, Ph.D., RDN grew up in northwestern Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in dietetics and minor in Spanish. During her senior year of undergraduate, she became very ill. Though she was accepted into a graduate food science program, God made it clear she was not well enough to go through with it. Instead, she moved back to her hometown of Gilman to stay with her parents and get better. After visiting several doctors and specialists, the modern medical system determined that “nothing was wrong.” Feeling defeated and desperate, Chelsi stumbled across Dr. Gering’s practice in early 2018. At the first visit, Chelsi finally felt heard. Under Dr. Gering’s care, they uncovered and addressed the root issues. Chelsi was well enough by August 2018 to attend Texas Tech University, where she studied clinical nutrition with a focus on obesity and earned a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences in 2022. She also completed a dietetic internship through Texas Tech University and recently passed the registration examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

After completing her studies, Chelsi moved back to Wisconsin hoping to help people steward their health with nutrition. Divine intervention led her to reach out to Dr. Gering and accept a position as a scribe with Spero Wellness. She looks forward to learning more about holistic approaches to health at Spero Wellness and counseling patients on how to steward their health.

Valerie
Henrichs

Valerie Joined Spero Wellness November of 2018, she is one of our clinic's Registered Nurses and is also an experienced Phlebotomist. You will meet her when you have labs done as well as in the rooming process or on the phone.

She completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing at CVTC, with a certificate in ER nursing in 2012. Valerie has worked for Mayo Clinic health systems on their Medical Telemetry floor and in the Critical Care unit. Most recently she worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in the ICU. Valerie is also a reserve EMT with the Colfax Rescue Squad.

Valerie is a native of Chippewa falls. She is married to Rick and together they have two children, Ashlee and Isaiah. They also have four pets, Casper - a lab mix and 3 cats named Cougar, Panther and Monopoly. They have been very blessed by the Lord. Valerie is an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan and looks forward to baseball season every year.  She also enjoys rooting for the Bucks and Packers.  She has a passion for music and plays the piano and flute

Valerie comes to Spero with a passion for people and has been looking for ways to help others in non-traditional ways, and Spero Wellness was the answer to her prayers. She is hoping to make a difference in your life!

Spero is blessed to have Valerie on our team.

Melissa

Walczak

Registered Nurse

Melissa Walczak worked for Mayo Clinic Health System for 28 years in a variety of roles, first in an Intermediate Care Unit and then in the Surgicenter. She also worked as an EMS First Responder for 15 years.

In 2017, she retired to pursue a call to a thriving marketplace ministry. She also founded a non- profit organization – Red House of Hope – providing mentorship, guidance, and resources to those who need it, addressing community well-being, mental health, addiction, and poverty. She currently leads a Friendship Encounter Group where she shares her love for Jesus. 

She strives to put God first in all things. Her family comes next. She and her husband, Mike, have been married for over 30 years. They have 5 children and are enjoying their grandchildren, ranging in age from 1 to 17 years old. 

She has been working on wellness for the last several years and continues to use her nursing skills on Medical Missions trips to Honduras. Now, she is excited to be joining the Spero Wellness team, part time.

Deb

Erickson

LPN

Deb was born and raised in Chippewa Falls. Her first career was at Cray Research in documentation. There she met her late husband, Mark. Together they had the privilege of raising three children Bailey, Tyler, & Henry. They are now beautifully grown and living in various cities between Superior, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee; wonderful new places to explore and enjoy. She is blessed with one grandbabe, Sean. Other passions; refurbishing old things, music, farmer's markets, book studies, biking, hiking, gardening, fishing, and visiting small towns local and afar with family and friends. 

She returned to CVTC in 2006 to pursue a licensed practical nurse degree. She spent 10 years as an outreach educator and advocate for ALS patients and their families; specializing in grief and quality of life. Most recent she had spent five years in Neurology and prior to that one year in Behavior Health at Mayo Clinic EC. She's had a wonderful nursing journey, fruitful work and people alike! In January, she chose to leave the traditional healthcare arena to explore new landscapes. She has been a patient of Dr. Gering's for many years; She's always appreciated and valued an alternative approach to health and wellness. Deb believes it takes a village of people and a variety of specialized cares to promote the healthiest outcomes physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She is grateful and looks forward to her new role in supporting patients and staff alike at Spero Wellness.

Jennifer

Medical Assistant & Certified Lab Technician

Jennifer joined Spero Wellness in March of 2023 as our new medical assistant and certified lab technician. She completed her degree in 1998 and interned in Berlin, WI. Jennifer is an ASCAP Certified Medical Lab Tech as well as a licensed Chiropractic Technician. She comes to us with 23 years of experience in the lab (15 of which were at the Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire) and 1 1/2 years of experience working in a chiropractic office for Dr Kevin Schultz DC at Chiro One. Both of her previous positions filled her with a passion for the health and well-being of her patients. Jennifer made the decision to transition to functional medicine, as a means to treat the body with a whole system approach. It also allowed her the much-desired opportunity to provide a personal touch to her patient care. You will meet Jennifer during your rooming process or when you come in for your lab draws.

Jennifer grew up in Eau Claire and met her husband, Chad, while attending school at CVTC. They decided to make Eau Claire their home and raised their two amazing children, Halli and Trent, in this wonderful community. When not working, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, practicing yoga, and working out. Spero Wellness is very excited to have Jennifer join our team.

Cacee
Knight

Medical Assistant Leader

Cacee Knight is our leader in the Medical Assistant room at Spero. You will see her rooming patients, working in the lab, answering portal questions – while seamlessly tending to any other items that needs attention. She is a special part of our Spero Wellness Team and such a blessing to our patient care and co-workers alike. 

Cacee grew up in Bloomer, Wisconsin but currently resides in Chetek with her Husband Nick. Together they share 4 children: Luccas 17, Loralai 14, Lexee 9, and Brady 6.  Many of Cacee and Nick’s evenings and weekends are spent at the kids school and sports activities. Spending time with family is a top priority for Cacee. For fun, they can be found swimming at nearby beaches, biking, and hiking trails in the Bayfield area. In her spare time, Cacee loves to bake – including delicious treats for friends and family and special birthday cakes for her children. 

Prior to joining Spero in July of 2022, Cacee spent 2 years working in pediatrics at Oakleaf and 3 years in neurology at Marshfield Clinic. She joined Spero Wellness in hopes of expanding her MA skills and seeking a more team approach to patient care, which she feels she has found.

Cheryl

Herbison

Office Manager & Health Coach

Cheryl joined the Spero Wellness Team in November 2022 as a part time Office Manager and Health Coach. She retired in August 2022 after 33 years in the Tech Industry where she was managing a team of HPC Product Lifecycle Program Managers. She wanted to semi-retire and work in her area of passion – Natural Health & Wellness. 

In August of 2023, she graduated from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy and is a Functional Medicine Health Coach. The program was designed in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). She will pursue her certification with the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) next. Cheryl is currently coaching several of our patients. She is also using her Business and Human Resource skills to help streamline our growing functional medicine practice.

She is excited to be in a place that feeds her love of learning and desire to help people achieve their health and wellness goals. She loves spending time with her amazing 3 adult children (Ryan, Rachel & Jessica) and their spouses and having more time to travel. 

Tracy

Burman

Tracy

Jiskra

Office Assistant

Though she began as a patient, Tracy J. fell in love with the cause of Spero Wellness and became a team member, working in administration, in October of 2021.

Tracy was born in the Chicago area but has called northwestern Wisconsin her home for many years. She began her studies at UW-River Falls in Veterinary Medicine but changed course to get her Programming degree in Computer Information Systems. Tracy was also certified as a Nursing Assistant and has worked in the IT, medical, administrative and ministry fields. Her last position was as an Office Manager at a physical therapy clinic.

When not at work, Tracy enjoys writing, worship, nature and outdoor activities, learning to homestead and forage, her pets, bible study, and spending time with family. Tracy and her husband, Joe, have 5 children and are excited and blessed to be starting to have grandchildren!

At Spero, Tracy J. loves to assist staff through administrative work in the back office, but you can sometimes catch a glimpse of her working with patients at the front desk!

Denise

Arneson

Supplement Manager

Denise joined the Spero Wellness team part-time in February 2022. She is our Supplement Manager, who will fill your supplement requests, and help find answers to your wellness questions. You will also find her helping out at the front desk.

You may recognize Denise from her many years as an optometrist, practicing with her husband Lon in downtown Chippewa Falls. She has been very interested in functional medicine and biohacking for many years.

Denise and her husband have 3 grown daughters, one adorable grandson and 3 ragdoll cats. Denise enjoys cooking, reading, travelling, relaxing at the lake, biohacking and learning to play golf.

Christine

Bishop

PRN

Christine joined Spero Wellness Clinic in March of 2022.  You may see her on occasion when you walk into the clinic when she helps us fill in at the front desk for vacations or as needed.

Prior to coming to us, she worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at a Critical Access Hospital. While there, she found fulfilment in finding solutions to improve the quality of life for her patients, teaching and training them how to best manage their chronic pulmonary disease. Yet, events of the past few years in traditional health care brought on an unquenchable desire for change. She is excited for new challenges and responsibilities, now working on the administrative side of health care, within a holistic, functional medicine clinic where balance and well-being are the driving factors. 

She and her husband, Dave, have lived in Chippewa Falls since being married in 1985. Their immediate family consists of two independent, adventurous, adult children and an amazing daughter-in-law and grandbaby. Their family is scattered around the country, so life events and holidays turn into reasons to travel. They enjoy camping, hiking, biking, games, good food and drink, all best enjoyed in the company of family and friends.

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction… to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-19