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Ali Koski. Owner & Operator. AHA! Creative.
Ali began gathering printing equipment and new clients in 2008 working out of her home dining room. Now, 17 years later, she is still owner/operator of AHA! Creative located in downtown Coeur d’Alene, designing and printing merch for your favorite local businesses. Ali and her partner share 3 boys, 2 dogs and a lovely home here in CDA. Self-employment isn’t always easy, but she’s worked hard over the years to balance life, work, finances & parenting while remaining grateful for a job she loves every day.
Alicia Smith. Owner & General Manager. The Human Bean.
Alicia is a driven entrepreneur who, as a single mother with 2 young children, turned a struggling local coffee stand into a thriving multi-location business, growing revenue 4–5x. As a graduate of Kellogg High School and North Idaho College, she expanded to three successful stores in our community with a strong family partnership. Alicia has a blended family now, with a joyful 6-month-old and is still passionate about leading her team of 40+ baristas while staying hands-on in daily operations blending leadership, vision, and community partnerships.
Amy Jones. Owner. Roots Hair Studio.
Amy has owned and operated at Roots Hair Studio for the past 10 years. Throughout the years she has found that further education is key to staying current and up to date with the ever-evolving trends of this industry. Amy just recently got certified in Scalp Facials and CANNOT wait to bring this service to North Idaho. If she’s not at the salon, you’ll find Amy at home with her husband and 4 children, on their hobby ranch or taking the kids to a local rodeo!
Ashley Lenz, CEPA®, CFP®. Wealth Management Advisor. Merrill Lynch.
Ashley joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2021, following a career as an accountant in the banking industry. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and is FINRA Series 7 and 66 registered. Ashley develops strategies by understanding each client’s goals and, as a CPA, collaborates with tax and legal advisors, leveraging Merrill’s resources. Active in the Coeur d’Alene community, she serves on the North Idaho College Foundation Board and the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club.
Brittany Selle. Special Populations Case Manager. The Center for New Directions.
Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and provides case management at the Center for New Directions, supporting single parents in building stability after major life transitions. As a single mother of five, she brings lived experience to her work, including co-creating Pathways to Prosperity, a 12-week financial education and wellness program addressing scarcity mindset. She also serves as Director of Program Development at Charity Reimagined, advancing dignity-centered approaches to giving.
Carolina Zamora. Vice President & Financial Center Manager. Bank of America.
Carolina has 20+ years of financial services experience. She leads the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho financial center, overseeing 10 associates and partnering with Solutions Advisors to deliver strong client experiences. Carolina also supports nearby centers, including Liberty Lake, and is known for building strong teams and community engagement. Originally from Nicaragua, she moved to the U.S. at 14, holds an accounting degree from the University of Louisiana, resides in Idaho, and volunteers at a local food bank.
Denise Cajigas. Vice President of Loss Mitigation. STCU.
Denise brings 23+ years of experience in credit union service, specializing in loss mitigation, loan servicing, and team leadership. She leads teams managing delinquency, loan liquidation, and financial relief programs, helping members navigate challenges with sustainable solutions. A Certified Financial Counselor (FiCEP), she is passionate about financial education and empowering individuals to build resilience and confidence in their financial futures.
Heather Bowman. Director, Finally Home!® Education. Idaho Housing and Finance Association.
Heather is responsible for leading the development of education and counseling services for Finally Home’s! premier online housing education program and network of housing advisors. Heather is a certified distance education instructor and holds bachelor’s degrees in sociology and communication from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in public administration from Boise State University.
Jan Jesberger. Insurance Agent (Retired).
Jan began her insurance career in 1990 after 14 years as a banker. She worked for several agencies, honing her skills and understanding of insurance, and then started her own agency, Jan Jesberger Insurance, in 2002. Jan’s love for helping people understand their insurance and why they need it has always been at her core. Upon retirement in 2023, Jan and her husband purchased a small motorhome as a retirement gift to themselves. They have been on many trips and have put about 30,000 miles on it to date.
Jennifer Morsell. Founder & Owner. Mountain Madness Soap Co.
What started as a simple idea, Jennifer’s passion for creating has grown into a 25-year-old business built on consistency, problem-solving, and learning (on the fly) as she went. Jen brings an honest, real-world perspective to starting and nurturing a business. She also serves on the board for the Downtown Association.
Jessica Bonar. Motivational Speaker.
Jessica is fueled by the transfer of empowerment. Inspiration is not enough, her messages must be meaningful, applicable, and actionable. As a feisty, independent woman she embraces that she is a deep feeler and explores life with a vulnerability that creates connections of depth and breadth with people of all walks of life. She considers coffee a love language. A dog will put an instant smile on her face. And, if stranded on a desert island, the presence of creamy peanut butter will boost her morale ten-fold.
Jessica Golladay. Senior Vice President of Credit Administration. STCU.
With deep experience in credit data, consumer behavior, and loan performance, Jessica works to expand access to credit while supporting long‑term financial stability for STCU. She also serves on the FICO Credit Union Advisory Council, contributing industry insight on credit analytics and innovation. Jessica helps break down complex credit concepts into actionable steps—that framework helps individuals as they navigate past credit challenges and build stronger paths toward healthy credit and positive financial outcomes.
Jillian Gill. Career Services Coordinator. North Idaho College.
Jillian has spent her entire career in higher education in Idaho, building extensive experience in academic advising and student-focused systems. With a strong foundation in supporting student success, she has recently transitioned into Career Services—a longtime professional goal—where she continues to help individuals navigate meaningful career pathways.
Jody Azevedo. Vice President, Market Development. Numerica Credit Union.
Jody is dedicated to helping businesses, organizations, and individuals find financial solutions that support living well. She brings over 25 years of banking experience, including 21 years at Numerica, combining industry expertise with a strong commitment to community service. Jody has held leadership roles with the North Idaho College Foundation, Coeur d’Alene Rotary, and the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce. She holds degrees from North Idaho College and Lewis-Clark State College and earned her MBA from Gonzaga University.
Katherine R. Olivier. Attorney. Robinson Law.
Katherine received her B.S. in Organizational Sciences magna cum laude from the University of Idaho, together with an Emphasis in Business and a specialization in Organizations and Communities. Ms. Olivier then graduated cum laude with her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law. Her practice areas include probate, guardianships, estate planning and non-profit business. Katherine and her husband live in Coeur d’Alene with their three children.
Kaylee Palmer. Mortgage Loan Originator. Mountain West Bank.
As a lifelong resident of Coeur d’Alene, Kaylee is proud to call this beautiful community home. With 11 years of experience in residential lending, she is dedicated to helping you with all your lending needs. Kaylee’s goal is to always put your best interests first, providing education and guidance throughout the process. Whether you’re purchasing or refinancing, she strives to maintain clear, consistent, and timely communication, making sure the journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Kennedy Waterbly. Financial Crimes Officer. STCU.
Kennedy has over seven years of expertise in fraud detection and mitigation, plus a decade in the credit union industry. Kennedy excels in monitoring fraud trends, implementing processes to mitigate fraud, and assessing suspicious activity. She is committed to promoting awareness and educating the community about scams, identity theft, and other financial crimes. Kennedy’s dedication to safeguarding financial integrity makes her a valuable resource for those looking to protect their personal information and assets.
Kim Montgomery. Senior Vice President & Preferred Banking Market Leader. Bank of America.
Kim is the Market Leader for Consumer Banking in Eastern Washington and North Idaho for Bank of America, overseeing 10 Financial Centers, 80+ associates, and a world-class experience for 200,000 monthly client visits. Previously, she led Consumer Banking in California’s Central Valley and served as Regional Vice President in Arizona and New Mexico. Kim serves on Habitat for Humanity Women Build and volunteers with Second Harvest. A Spokane native, she lives there with her wife, Kami, and enjoys boating, ATVs, and the outdoors.
Kris Arnett. Realtor. Windermere Coeur d’Alene Realty.
Kris spent 35 years in Bookstore management & service. This allowed her to live & work in San Diego, Seattle & Hawaii. After relocating to Idaho, Kris chose to bring her experience into an industry that allows her to work one-on-one with people and their needs. Along with being an active Realtor, Kris also serves on the local Realtor board as well as her local church board. In her off-time, Kris spends time with her wife & 2 kids. All 4 of them enjoy biking on CDA trails, playing frisbee at McEwan park, or going to one of CDA’s coffee shops.
Kristen Mulady. Financial Services Representative. Numerica Credit Union.
With a background as a small business owner, teacher, and cast member trainer at Disneyland and Silverwood, Kristen has spent the past 5.5 helping members achieve financial freedom. With a passion for budgeting and credit building, Kristen empowers women to take concrete steps toward their goals and thrive financially. This includes working with women at the Union Gospel Mission and NIC’s Pathways to Prosperity programs. Her passion for personal finance, and her lived experience have shown her that thriving with your money is possible for anyone.
Laura Smith. Vice President of Public Relations & Government Affairs. ICCU.
Laura works at the intersection of financial education, policy, and community impact. She has spoken to a wide range of groups to help make financial topics more accessible—especially for women navigating credit and financial decision‑making. She brings both professional expertise and real‑world perspective to conversations about money, and believes those conversations should feel empowering, not intimidating. Laura’s approachable, authentic style leaves audiences feeling informed, confident, and ready to take action.
Lauren Murray. Director & Market Executive. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
Lauren leads a high-striving team of more than 100 Advisors and Associates in eight offices across Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Lauren also serves as the president of Bank of America Spokane/Boise, where she connects clients, teammates and communities to the full breadth of the company’s capabilities. Lauren drives integration across 8 lines of business, strengthens local market engagement, and advances efforts to deepen client relationships.
Linda Olson. Co-Founder. M+L Advisors.
As a professional investor, business advisor, leadership coach, and co-founder of M+L Advisors, Linda helps mission-driven leaders build successful, impactful companies. Linda enjoyed an expansive career in institutional investment, then focused on wealth management to help people steward their resources well. Linda is passionate about helping leaders find fulfillment and success in life and business. She has led investor, entrepreneur, and women’s leadership groups, and works to build flourishing innovation ecosystems that benefit our world.
Louisa Rogers. Program Coordinator. The Center for New Directions.
Louisa has worked in the realm of social services for nearly a decade, including roles in child protection and juvenile probation, supporting individuals and families as they navigate complex challenges. She was named a 2024 Woman of Distinction by the Soroptimists and received Kootenai County’s Top 30 Under 40 award. Louisa serves on the board of Charity Reimagined and is a member of North Idaho’s Strengthening Families Coalition.
Maggie Lyons. Executive Director. Charity Reimagined.
Maggie Lyons is a retired CPA. For 25+ years, her practice focused on guiding individuals and organizations through financial crises. Her consulting work included forensic accounting, expert testimony, and advising the courts. Maggie now leads Charity Reimagined, a nonprofit promoting charity models that move people from crisis to long-term stability. She also leads PAHA, a housing nonprofit restoring home ownership for local working families.
Maren Maier. Regional Marketing Specialist. STCU.
At STCU, Maren supports strategic marketing initiatives, collaboration, community engagement and providing financial education resources across North Idaho. She brings 20+ years’ experience across marketing, community relations, business development, and commercial banking. Maren works closely with businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and local leaders to strengthen regional connections, and has a strong history of community involvement that includes serving on multiple nonprofit and economic development boards and committees.
Marty Dickinson. Chief Community Officer & Here for Good Foundation President. STCU.
A Coeur d’Alene resident, Marty has served on the Board of Regents for alma mater, Washington State University, since 2018. In addition, she is a member of the WSU Foundation Board, the Regence BlueShield WA Community Board, and the Coeur d’Alene Area EDC/Jobs Plus, Inc. Board. Marty co-chairs LaunchNW, which helps overcome barriers to wellbeing and success for students in North Idaho and Eastern Washington.
Melissa Sauter. Insurance Agent. Western Insurance Associates.
Melissa is a licensed insurance agent with 48 years of experience and currently serves as Office Manager of the Hayden Branch at Western Insurance Associates. She specializes in home, auto, and personal lines and has earned industry recognition including Travelers STAR and Safeco SOAR awards. She’s also a Notary Public. Outside of work, Melissa runs a gardening business, serves on a women’s ministry leadership team, and enjoys life as a wife and cat mom.
Naomi Boutz. Proprietor. Vine & Olive Eatery & Wine Bar and Vicino Pizza.
Naomi, a North Idaho native, spent over 10 years as a GM before launching concepts she felt CDA lacked. In 2017, she opened Vine & Olive Eatery and Wine Bar in Riverstone. In 2020, she opened Vicino Pizza to diversify during the pandemic. Naomi serves on multiple boards and will chair the CDA Regional Chamber Board in 2027. Naomi loves exploring European wine villages and immersing in new cultures. Last year she walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago across northern Spain solo. Despite her love of travel, she feels grateful to call CDA home.
Rebecca Eyman. Attorney & Partner. Monroe & Eyman Elder Law.
Rebecca attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, and graduated cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law In 2012. In her practice as an Elder Law attorney, Rebecca enjoys working with families to achieve their estate planning goals by creating wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Her practice areas also include guardianships and conservatorships, probates, and Medicaid/long-term care planning.
Scarlet Kelso. Co-Owner & Creative Force. Epic 360 Moments.
Scarlet Kelso is a finance professional with 16 years of experience. She has a knack for turning ideas into income and building multiple revenue streams along the way. As a mom, entrepreneur, and community enthusiast, Scarlet believes starting a business doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it just takes one step and a willingness to go for it!
Sonja Lewis. Founder. SML Bookkeeping.
Sonja is a seasoned bookkeeper with over 25 years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Eastern Washington University. In 2024, she launched SML Bookkeeping to support small businesses with reliable, accurate financial management. Sonja partners with entrepreneurs to help them start, grow, and stay profitable—while ensuring full state and federal compliance. Her mission is to take the stress out of bookkeeping so business owners can focus on what they do best: building and running their businesses.
Tarie Zimmerman, CRPC®, NSSA®. Financial Advisor. STAR Financial.
At STAR Financial – a wealth management company in Coeur d’Alene helping clients make confident financial decisions – Tarie specializes in investment planning, retirement strategies, and wealth management. Elected in 2022, she serves as Chair of the North Idaho College Board of Trustees, was appointed to the national ACCT Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and is a member of the Coeur d’Alene Rotary.
Virginia M. Robinson. Attorney. Robinson Law.
Virginia completed her undergraduate work Suma Cum Laude at Whitworth University in Organizational Management. Her pre-law experience includes ten years in contract administration for the entertainment industry and ten years in publishing management and administration for a non-profit publishing company. Virginia graduated with her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law and has practiced for many years in Idaho. Her current practice areas are estate planning and business law.