Committee involvement offers members of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of the organization while interacting with other members who share common interests. Committee participation is a great way for members to network, share ideas and further WPA’s strategic initiatives.

2025-2026 COMMITTEES

Education Chair

Mara Pheister, MD

Conference Chairs

Spring/Annual 2026: AnneMarie Wannamaker, MD & Amaal Bhaloo, MD

Fall 2025: Maya Lor, MD & Ali Jones, MD

Ethics Committee

The WPA Ethics Committee reviews complaints related to unethical behavior or practices of members. Such complaints are investigated, processed, and resolved in accordance with procedures approved by the APA.

Michael Peterson, MD, PhD, Chair - Read Bio

Gregory Burek, MD

Gabi Hangiandreou, MD

Harold Harsch, MD

John Schneider, MD

Legislative Committee

The WPA Legislative Committee works closely with and provide direction to the organization's lobbyist(s) to: 1) monitor and influence legislation that affects mental & behavioral healthcare and the psychiatric profession; and 2) educate and inform WPA membership on advocacy efforts.

Jeff Marcus, MD - Chair Brian Berendes, MD Dileep Borra, MD Alhaji Camara, MD Colleen Considine, MD Ryan Emhoff, MD Jerry Halverson, MD Gabi Hangiandreou, MD Eric Hess, Medical Student

Katrina Hickle-Koclanes, MD Brandon Huynh, MD Angela Janis, MD Erica Larson, DO Jackie Landess, MD David Martin, Medical Student Michael Peterson, MD Daniel Pham, MD Mara Pheister, MD

Emily Rademacher, MD Ken Robbins, MD John Schneider, MD Justin Schoen, MD William Swift, MD Tony Thrasher, DO

Membership Committee

The WPA Membership Committee works with staff to lead efforts related to recruitment and retention of members. Furthermore, members of this committee review member enrollment, reinstatement and transfer applications to ensure applicants have no ethical violations and have met the requirements for membership.

Michael Peterson, MD - Chair
Brian Berendes, MD
Alison Jones, MD
Annaliese Koller-Shumate, DO

Distinguished Fellow Advancement Chair

Jerry Halverson, MD

Nominating Committee Chair

Angela Janis, MD

Emergency Psych Task Force

A collaboration between WPA (psychiatry) and Wisconsin-ACEP (emergency medicine) whose aim is to address issues pertaining to quality of care, patient safety, and to be a primary source of subject matter expertise to elected officials and other stakeholders.

Tony Thrasher, DO, Chair Greg Burek, MD Alhaji Camara, MD Paige Chardavoyne, MD Clarence Chou, MD Max Ellithorpe, MD

Ryan Emhoff, MD Katrina Hickle-Koclanes, MD Annaliese Koller Shumate, DO Erica Larson, DO Julie Owen, MD Michael Peterson, MD

Kayla Pope, MD Kyle Rodenbach, MD Molli Rolli, MD John Schneider, MD Justin Schoen, MD Erika Steinbrenner, MD