Our Team
Melinda Karlson
Leah Gumina
Hi my name is Leah Gumina
Who makes up your family? I have a husband named Jack, a son named Thomas and baby number two on the way.
What’s your go-to pump-up song? Sweet Lovin’ by Segala
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? C.S. Lewis
What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Coffee
Have you always enjoyed running?I’ve never been a big runner; I prefer hiking or a short jog followed by strength training.
Who inspires you? My Grandma Mary Lou. She is a beautiful, strong woman with a tremendous love for her family and a bold faith.
What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? The community of women I get to run with, the chance to promote FertilityCare and to help women feel knowledgeable and empowered in their bodies.
Bridgette Williams
Hi, my name is Bridgette Williams
What’s your go-to pump-up song? Waka Waka by Shakira, I can’t help but dance.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? Jesus. I would love to be able to hug Him and spend quality time together.
If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go? it's always been a dream of mine to visit Hawaii.
What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Remembering I am a child of God; that everything I do is for Him and comes from Him.
Who inspires you? My boyfriend inspires me immensely. His hard work and active lifestyle motivate me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. He brings out the best in me, encouraging me to grow in all areas of life.
What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? I am most looking forward to getting to know more amazing women and challenging myself in a race I have never participated in before. I love trying new things, and this is an exciting new challenge for me.
Elizabeth Spehar
Hi, my name is Elizabeth Spehar!
Who makes up your family? I am married to Luke and we have 5 children. 4 daughters and one son: Jane, Mary, Josephine, Lucille and Samuel
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Passionate, Enthusiastic, Convicted
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? Joan of Arc
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Gardening
Have you always enjoyed running? Yes, I grew up running with my family. It became a source of quality time and outlet for competition.
What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? There are few opportunities in adulthood that you get to work as a team like you do in the Ragnar, few opportunities to be spend so much time with such a great group of women, and few opportunities to run for a cause that you are passionate about. The Ragnar is such an outlet to me.
Mckayla Bauerly
Rachel Westphal
Hi, my name is Rachel Westphal!
Who makes up your family? Husband Aaron, our three boys (Henry, Louis, Theodore) and a baby on the way.
What’s your go-to pump-up song? My running playlist is so random! I have pump-up songs by Shania Twain, Jon Batiste, KC & the Sunshine Band, Hall and Oats, Taylor Swift and so many more!
What’s the best book you’ve read recently? I’ve recently gotten back into reading! My favorite recent reads are a reread of “All the Light you Cannot See”, “Murder on the Orient Express”, and “Time for God” (I can’t pick just one).
What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Seeing all my boys on the couch reading a book together.
Have you always enjoyed running? No, I started running for fun after I became a mom. I love being able to exercise outside and also listening to a book or podcast while I run.
What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? The comradery with my team members, the challenge of the Ragnar itself, and bringing more awareness of how awesome Northland FertilityCare and women’s cycle health truly is!
Olivia Wolbert
Steph Grieger
Sarah Mergen
Gwyn Walter
Hi, my name is Gwyn Walter
Who makes up your family? My husband Brian and our 7 children, Anna 20, Josh 18, Eleanor 15, Greta 13, Ilsa 11, Sebastian 8, Jakob 5
What are some things you enjoy? I love family adventures: traveling (especially road trips), hiking, finding new places and things to experience together, sports and being active. I also really love live music and spending time outside. The best is doing something that combines all of these! Being active with friends and family.
Have you always enjoyed running? No! I didn't enjoy running until after college. After we had our first child, Brian and I decided to run a marathon together. I loved it and ran another. (Brian coached track for another 20 years after that, but barely ran again). I have participated in some triathlons as well to mix up my activity.
Do you have a favorite quote?“WELL! And when shall we begin to do good?” -St. Philip Neri