Staff & Volunteers

Claudia Robinson, CEO

In 1997, I responded to an ad in the newspaper about a thing called Gilda’s Club. It told the story of a place that would reach out to families affected by a cancer diagnosis. It would be free of charge, non residential, and available for men, women, and children. Responding to the ad was the best decision I ever made. Both my parents and my maternal grandparents have had cancer. I have traveled this road and understand the needs of those with cancer and their families. The vision of this unique place, filled with hugs and laughter and support became a reality in November of 1998 when we finally opened the doors to all area residents learning to live with cancer. Our membership consists of people from 18 counties in Iowa and Illinois. Each unique in the qualities and strengths they bring. From infants to retirees, people from all walks of life, bound together by a unique journey only they understand. We are each blessed to be a part of the Gilda’s Club family, sharing good times and bad, lazy days and the rush of family life, while learning to live well in spite of a cancer diagnosis.

You can e-mail her at claudia@gildasclubqc.org.

Melissa Wright, Program Director

Melissa (or Missy) has been with Gilda’s Club as the Program Director since it opened in 1998 and truly feels blessed to be part of something so special and to have met so many incredible people. Gilda’s Club has become her extended family. Her inspiration to work here has always been her mother, who had cancer and always displayed such courage and determination through the journey. Missy lives in Bettendorf with her husband Warren and dog.

You can e-mail her at melissa@gildasclubqc.org.

Anita Shaft, Program Manager/Noogieland Coordinator

Anita began her Gilda’s Club career in October 2002. Anita has a wonderful ability to connect with children and adolescents as evidenced by the number of children participating in our Noogieland program. Anita has been instrumental in establishing the Ambassadors Club, a volunteer group of students from area high schools and colleges who serve as on campus resources to other students affected by cancer. Anita works with parents and with children to assist them in understanding and coping with the dynamics and fears of living with a cancer diagnosis.

You can e-mail her at anita@gildasclubqc.org.

Pam Tone, Administrative Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator

Pam is often the first voice you hear when calling Gilda’s Club. She assures volunteers are on hand when needed and keeps the office running. Pam is always eager to help in whatever way she can whether it be a staff, member or volunteer request. She is most often seen sporting a picture of her granddaughter and especially enjoys getting to know members and building relationships within the Gilda’s Club family.

You can e-mail her at pam@gildasclubqc.org.

Erin Williams, Program Outreach Manager

Erin was hired in January 2008 for a newly created position with the organization. Her family joined as members of Gilda’s Club in 1999 to learn to live with her mother’s brain cancer diagnosis. She also has had other family members with cancer and knows first hand the kind of comfort, support and comraderie that lies behind the big red door. She looks forward to extending that same opportunity to others and educating people on the benefits of a cancer support community. Erin lives in Silvis and enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and son.

You can e-mail her at erin@gildasclubqc.org.

Paige Nagle, Development Assistant

Paige got her start at Gilda’s Club as an intern while finishing her degree in Youth and Human Services/Nonprofit Administration through the University of Northern Iowa.  She was hired on in September 2010 and is responsible for special events and fundraising which help support the important mission of Gilda’s Club.  She has a “contagious smile” and loves visiting with members.  In her free time, Paige enjoys being outside, traveling to new places near and far, and spending time with family and friends. Paige is currently working towards her Masters in Organizational Leadership at St. Ambrose University.

You can e-mail her at paige@gildasclubqc.org.

Peg Weston, Group Facilitator

Peg has been facilitating groups at Gilda’s Club since 2004. She has a Masters of Social Work degree from the Univeristy of Iowa. She also works full-time as a social worker at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House that is affilitated with Genesis. Peg has worked in the field of oncology for many years and brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion.

Gaye Dunn, Group Facilitator

Gaye has facilitated our bereavement group since 2000. She also works as a school counselor at Glenview Middle School. Gaye brings a caring, nurturing soul to her groups that members find very comforting during their times of grief.

Marlyse Anderson, Group Facilitator

Marlyse retired as a school counselor and works part time at Scott Community College. She has been facilitating support groups and assisting with outreach at the hospitals since 2007 for Gilda’s Club.

Ruth Laabs-Wilcox, Group Facilitator

Ruth is new to facilitating groups at Gilda’s but has worked as a medical social worker with patients and families for many years and brings a wealth of knowlege and compassion for those facing a cancer diagnosis.