Our Story Begins Here

Where faces become friends. Say hello to the experts.

Alicia Charko a preschool teacher. Close-up of smiling woman with brown hair and hoop earring, wearing a soft pink sweater.

Alicia Charko: Program Director

I believe the best way to change our world for the better is by investing in our youth, because children are the most important work we will ever do.
I was born and raised in Pend Oreille County and, after traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad, I still believe this community is home.
For the past 17 years, I have worked in Early Childhood Education and hold a college degree in ECE.
Helping children grow, learn, and thrive has always been my passion and purpose.
I am a proud mom to two wonderful sons, Ashton and Zachary, who are the light of my life.
My husband, Seann Charko, is a boiler operator for Stimson Lumber and a kind, patient, and supportive stepfather to my boys.
I grew up on a farm and still love country living, spending time outdoors, skiing, kayaking, and enjoying the lakes and Pend Oreille River.
In my free time, I enjoy creative hobbies like diamond painting, macramé, sewing, pottery, and guided painting.
I value meaningful connections, positive relationships, and being someone others feel comfortable approaching for support and encouragement.
I truly believe it takes a village to raise good humans, and I am committed to being a caring and positive part of that village for local families.

Ginger Case a preschool teacher. A person with white hair, glasses, and a colorful necklace, wearing a teal sweater and patterned shirt, sitting on a brown leather chair in front of a painting of a river and autumn trees on a beige wall.

Ginger Case: Assistant Director

Ginger Case brings a deep well of compassion, experience, and dedication to her work in early childhood education. A retired nurse with 20 years of preschool teaching experience, she has spent her career supporting children’s growth, development, and emotional well-being.

Her background as a foster mom to special needs children—many of whom she remains lovingly connected with—reflects her lifelong commitment to nurturing and advocacy for vulnerable youth. Ginger also serves as a coach supporting individuals healing from trauma, offering guidance rooted in empathy, patience, and strength.

In the preschool setting, she creates a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where every child is seen, valued, and supported.

Madaline Stultz. President of Pend Oreille Family Cooperative. A smiling woman with short brown hair, hoop earrings, wearing a black blazer over a white top, standing in a modern kitchen.

Madaline studied Global Wine Studies and Communications at Central Washington University before earning her Level 1 certification through Court of Master Sommeliers. She later transitioned into the construction industry, where she successfully managed a multi-million-dollar company.

After relocating her family to rural Pend Oreille County, Madaline chose to focus on raising her children and investing in her local community. As a stay-at-home mom, she now operates Pend Oreille Events, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing free family-friendly events and supporting small businesses through free community promotion across Pend Oreille County.

President: Madaline Stultz

Looking for a dedicated volunteer in the Newport Community to fill the role of Vice- President. Close-up of a printed advertisement featuring a human hand with a bent index finger, with the words "WE WANT YOU" in bold blue and red text at the bottom.

Vice President: “OPEN“

This is a newly created position designed to support and assist the President in advancing the organization’s mission and goals. We are seeking a dedicated community member with experience in both early childhood development and business or nonprofit leadership.

The ideal candidate will be prepared to commit the time, energy, and flexibility needed to help lead a fast-paced, high-energy nonprofit organization. This role requires someone who is passionate about serving the community, collaborating with others, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the organization.

Iliana Reinhardt the treasurer and president of Reinhardt Consulting. A woman with long, curly brown hair, wearing a dark blazer and a patterned blouse, smiling with red lipstick, against a plain white background.

Treasurer: Iliana Reinhardt

Iliana studied Sustainable Development and Mathematics at Columbia University. She also graduated from Kaplan College for Financial Planning and has her Series 65 license. Iliana founded Wholehearted Bookkeeping, a successful women-owned cooperative in 2020, and transitioned out of it in order to pursue a career in financial advising. She speaks Spanish fluently and immigrated to the USA at a young age. When she's not with the kids, she's serving as the treasurer of her children's preschool, sprouting flour, or making soap. 

Top view of children siting on the floor resting after basketball game outdoor

Secretary: Kelsey Keogh

Bio