Our founding board consists of a small, yet powerful team dedicated to making a positive impact on the Northwest community.
Melody Alderman, President, is a digital and marketing professional who has worked in lead roles with companies such as Microsoft and Disney. She is also a published writer whose work has been featured on Good Morning America, Scary Mommy, YourTango, and more. Due to her own difficulties with reading at an early age, childhood literacy is incredibly important to her. She was born and raised in North Idaho and has a love for her community that will ensure The MONARCH TRAIN instills a lifelong love of learning in future generations.
Marie Marchand, Secretary, served as a nonprofit executive director for eight years focusing on fundraising, public relations, and community building for small and mid-sized organizations. She successfully led a $600,000 capital campaign to build a community kitchen and cafeteria for families experiencing homelessness. Marie has served on the boards of directors of the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club and NAMI Whatcom, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She was formerly the host and co-producer of Bellingham Voices on BTV and is a graduate of The Iliff School of Theology and Naropa University. She is passionate about using her time and talent to transform the world and spread kindness.
Sandy Delbridge, Vice President, is a lifelong North Idaho resident with deep roots in Shoshone County. With over 25 years of service at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department, she worked closely with law enforcement, ultimately serving as the supervisor for the driver’s license division. Now retired, Sandy remains dedicated to her community, considering her years of public service one of her greatest joys.
Heather Willoughby, Treasurer, has deep roots in both Kootenai and Shoshone counties. After graduating, she built a successful career in cosmetology, spending a decade helping people look and feel their best. She then embraced her most rewarding role yet—becoming a stay-at-home mom to two incredible boys. Now, Heather is thrilled to be part of The MONARCH TRAIN, giving back to the community she cherishes.
Brooke Justis, Board Member, grew up in Wallace, Idaho. She now lives in Coeur d’Alene with her husband and their two adorable children. She works at Washington Trust Bank as a Senior Credit Analyst. Brooke joined the board of The MONARCH TRAIN because she believes in the importance of childhood literacy and wants to make a difference in her community.
The MONARCH TRAIN 