Growth is possible. Repair matters. And every family leader gets the chance to begin again.
The leadership of The Katallasso Group is grounded in lived experience, restorative practice, and a deep commitment to strengthening families through some of life’s most challenging seasons. Led by family members across generations, the organization brings together systems-informed leadership, youth voice, and relational wisdom shaped by real life—not quick fixes.
It all started after navigating the difficult landscape of 150 court hearings—covering divorce, grandparent rights, child abuse, and more—this duo understands firsthand the emotional toll that such experiences can take. They specialize in meeting families where they are, without judgement, to guide the journey to repair relationships when life throws challenging assignments to parents and children/youth. When it feels impossible, it's not! Lisa Welter and her daughter, Emma Waguespack, have come together to lead The Katallasso Group, driven by a deep desire to support and empower others facing similar struggles. They are committed to providing families with the guidance and resources needed to heal and transform their lives. Their story is a testament to resilience, and they invite you to join them on this journey toward a brighter future for all families. Today, another family member joins their work as they continue the hard work of repair and restoration.
Dr. Lisa J. Welter
Founder/CEO
Lisa offers support, training, and education to families, faith communities, schools, and community members interested in applying restorative approaches to various family system struggles. Her classes, workshops, and RESTORE programs are based on what works in life, including Bowen Family Systems Theory, Differentiation of Self, Restorative Leadership practices, and conflict resolution techniques.
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Lisa holds a Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min) Transformational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership from Bethel University/Seminary, St. Paul, MN. She is an MN SCA Rule 114 approved mediation trainer, designing Restorative Family Mediation from life experience and her professional backgrounds in church leadership and child welfare nonprofit. Lisa is a licensed pastor and a United States Air Force Veteran. She also held two terms on the Converge (formerly Minnesota Iowa Baptist) North Central denominational board and has experience assisting church leaders through conflict. Lisa has been a family mediator and circle facilitator since 2010.
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Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband, Cary, her grown children (Christian, Audrey, and Emma), her girlfriends over coffee/wine/lunch, and reading. She also pours herself into kickboxing, weightlifting, cycling, relaxing on the patio, and watching the sunrise or sunset - especially at the beach.
Emma Waguespack
Vice President, RESTORE Program Director
Emma is completing a BS in Social Work at Grand Canyon University (2025) and continuing her education in a Masters in Social Work. She has been a Rule 114 Qualified Neutral Family Mediator and Circle Facilitator since 2023. Emma is a graduate of Mounds View High School and served as a sentencing circle volunteer throughout her teen years. She specializes in working with tweens and teens as a credible voice appropriately challenging mindsets while encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Emma has extensive life experience and understanding as a youth impacted by many court orders. Emma speaks candidly to the challenges, the family system dynamics, and has the wisdom to explore both sides to stories. She is best known for this work with youth and their parents.
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Emma currently co-leads The Katallasso Group with her mother. Emma's assertiveness, solid leadership and no-nonsense approach makes her a perfect fit to lead the truancy prevention programs across many school districts. In her free time - Emma enjoys her cat, Rico, hanging out with friends and her family, and is committed to personal health/wellness by making chef-quality dinners and attending pilates/yoga regularly. Emma also is an exceptional cellist and artist.
Nick Kohn
Musician/Songwriter & Coach
Nick Kohn, Lisa’s brother, brings creativity, storytelling, and grounded optimism to The Katallasso Group’s work. Nick is a father of four teenagers—three daughters (18, 16, and 15) and a 12-year-old son—which means he knows firsthand the sacred chaos of early mornings, shared bathrooms, and learning patience before the coffee kicks in.
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He is a native Minnesotan and is connected to the local music scene for 30+ years and currently working on a solo album. Nick has a wide variety of experience as a musician performing in local venues (I.e. The Fine Line) and was a lead singer/songwriter of local bands: Shift 6, Megawatts, Opin (pronounced Open), and shared lead role in News Getting Old band. Nick has been involved in 4 album releases. He is a gifted singer, songwriter, poet, and author whose work is rooted in honesty, reflection, and lived experience. Nick is known for being one of the most genuinely positive people you’ll meet—not because life has been easy, but because he chooses to meet it realistically. His optimism is grounded, earned, and deeply human.
Nick shows up raw and real, he is self-taught in music, bringing authenticity to every space he enters. His music and writing speak to the ups and downs of life, naming struggle without glorifying it, and always making room to celebrate what is good. He has a rare ability to hold both truth and hope at the same time.
As a young person, Nick challenged authority and lived life on his own terms—sometimes at great cost. His learning style was experiential and learned through "trials by fire" including his music career. Through hardship, perseverance, and unmistakable moxie, he found his way forward. That journey shaped a voice that resonates with teens, young people, and parents alike—offering perspective rooted in accountability, grace, and growth.
Nick sees beauty in the mess and meaning in the middle. He invites families to slow down, stay curious, and keep walking toward understanding, kindness, and love.
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Positive doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means choosing hope while staying honest with yourself.
