Our Board
Trisha Stark, PhD is an emeritus psychologist and someone who is passionate about extending more resources to the community related to mental health. She is the founder of the Stark Family Foundation which she initiated in 2025. She is a transplant to Minnesota, having been here for 42 years. Minnesota captured her spirit because of its focus on care for individuals and emphasis on making this a beautiful place to live. But more needs to be done. She is very grateful to her father, Eugene Stark, and brother, Thomas Stark whose hard work and generosity made this foundation possible. She serves as chair of the foundation board.
Traci Davis, Psy.D. is a professor of psychology and sociology at BlackHawk College in Moline, Illinois. She has spent much of her life in Minnesota and has a strong bond here. In addition to being a professor, she is a lifelong learner and author. She has been a major support for Trisha in her life and she is honored to call her friend. She serves as assistant chair for the board.
Walker Ristau, JD grew up in Minnesota and currently lives in New Jersey and works for the state in employment law. He is an awesome cook and a wonderful father to his two children, Marilyn and Edgar. He brings to the board his thoughtful and logical perspective as well as a good heart. He serves as treasurer for the board.
Nate Ristau lives in Minnesota and brings to the board his experience of trying to help friends and their families deal with and seek out mental health care. He is an energetic and caring person. He is the proud father of Dahlia and friend to many.
Ruth Deckenbach MSW, JD is a lifelong Minnesotan who brings a desire to foster care at the nexus of mental health and criminal justice. She currently works as a therapist at Sagent Behavioral Health. An avid traveler and dear friend, she provides all sorts of gifts to the world, including being an awesome baker and a generous spirit. She serves as secretary for the board.
Zoey Davis Koester is a transplant to Minnesota and brings a perspective about the world young people find themselves in and the kinds of challenges they face. She brings a fresh perspective to the board to ensure our work is consistent with the needs of young people. She is a talented artist who is studying neuroscience and psychology at the University of Minnesota.
Jane Deckenbach, RN Jane is a retired emergency room nurse and brings a perspective of how people with mental illness and substance use disorder cycle through the healthcare system, seeing the gaps in care. She is highly organized and helps to provide order, organization, and a positive spirit for all of the board members. Her philosophy of life is to look for the joy in all. She serves as the Executive Director of the foundation.