MEET OUR TEAM! ALANA HOLMES - BOARD TREASURER Alana has been married for 17 years and has three amazing children. Originally from Selah, WA, she was an “Army brat” and moved abroad. Her husband Nick is also in the Army, which has brought the Holmes family to Spokane where they've made a permanent home. While pursuing her Masters in Accounting, Alana has also served as treasurer previously on a non-profit board. She has had a powerful journey with Jonah, sharing: “Not long after volunteering we were asked to go along with Aaron to meet a teen girl who was asked to leave the home she was in and had nowhere to go. My husband and I went along, invited her to stay with us for the weekend, fell in love and she became a part of our family! I was pregnant at the time, so bringing another child into our home was overwhelming, but we felt God's pull on our hearts to ask her to stay... and she did for eight months. And we still believe love ultimately triumphs and leaves a lasting impression." In addition to the journey, Alana inspires our team with our favorite Jonah quote - "In a world where you can be anything... Be available." [email protected]
ALAN HURD - BOARD CHAIR Alan has been in the real estate investment business for over 20 years as a mortgage broker, wholesaler, lender, and investor. He is passionate about educating and empowering others to achieve their real estate investment goals. For the last few years, Alan has been a faithful donor to The Jonah Project, however the more he heard and learned about the dark world of human trafficking, the more he wanted to help. Alan brings his fiscal knowledge and expertise to the Jonah team, in order to reach and help more at-risk individuals and victims. He and his wife, Mandi, have two children. They enjoy outdoor recreations and good old family time. When Alan thinks about navigating hardships, he turns to Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” [email protected]
BINDI TILBURY - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bindi, whose BA is in Childhood Development, has been in the field for 20 years, and considers it "a privilege to serve low income families and support their long term goals." Originally from California, she's directed a wide variety of care projects and teams. When she's not providing direct hands-on care, you'll find her teaching in classrooms and speaking on campuses across Spokane from WSU to Mt. Spokane High School. Bindi works with survivors and at-risk youth to help develop individualized care plans for healing and has bravely engaged in many environments in order to see a woman or child walk in freedom. She particularly enjoys educating students and exploring ways the community can serve our vulnerable populations. "Bee" finds happiness exploring cultures, foods, and other countries as well as spending time with family and friends. Her hope is to "continue to providing a platform for everyone to have a chance to be apart of the Freedom movement, and take a stand against trafficking." [email protected]
MEIRA LAVADOUR - BOARD SECRETARY Meira became aware of sex slavery/trafficking from her sister-in-law in 2014. She prayed for a way to become involved to help in whatever way the Lord felt she could. In November of 2018 Meira was invited by a friend to a fundraising dinner Jonah was having at Greenbluff. By 2019 she'd agreed to be an Admin. Assistant which eventually grew into being the Secretary. Meira says, "I've watched and learned so much about sex slavery and human trafficking since working with Jonah and realize the great work this team does and can do. The freedom Jonah brings to survivors and education to anyone who is interested is amazing and I am blessed to be a part of it." Meira works from home which makes her two cats very happy, As the oldest of 4 and a great auntie, she was raised on a ranch on the coast of Washington. She considers herself a small-town girl who enjoys the smell of hay and cows, playing pool, watching movies and the ocean. She admires Abraham Lincoln who said, “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves” [email protected]
MICHELINA COZZETTO - SPOKANE ADVOCATE LEADER Michelina had already engaged in anti-trafficking work internationally when she connected with Jonah in 2017. She has worked with vulnerable people around the world including in the Philippines, Greece, and Nepal. Immediately the Jonah Team knew she was one of us: a follower of Jesus and embodies compassion. Michelina, a Whitworth University graduate, brings a tremendous amount of energy to the team. As a direct Advocate, she has provided hands-on care for our clients including meeting basic needs, emotional support, and hope for a healthier life. Michelina also speaks at Jonah events and churches by sharing stories and encouraging others to fight for freedom. She admires the words of Nelson Mandela: "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." [email protected]
DR. NICK GOODWIN - PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER Nick Goodwin began his career practicing at Eastern Washington Psychiatric Hospital, and after 5 years entered into teaching where he shares his passion for compassionate care with his students every day. Nick assists Jonah with everything from relocation to intake, and he and his wife Nicole have been integral members of the Jonah team, advocating for survivors of trauma. They have three beautiful kids at home and a bright future changing lives! In 2018 Nick also started Goodwin Health Cafe, which meets client literally where they are at. When asked about why Nick still invests his time in Jonah he said,"I work with JP because no matter how overwhelming and monstrous sex slavery is, they choose to face Goliath every day to free the girls and survivors. Freedom is the ability -without influence of violence, or manipulation or even circumstance - to say I will live the life that God has intended for me. Jonah provides that opportunity to people who have never had it. And I am honored to be a part of it." [email protected]
IN 2021/2022 JONAH IS HONORED TO WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS, SUSAN SCOTT and MATT ALBRECHT TO THE TEAM!