Board of Directors
Martha Meeks
Board Secretary
Martha was born and raised in Spokane and has many lovely memories of time spent with family in Manito Park. In addition to her Managerial position at Procter and Gamble, she was a teacher for many years, focusing on Elementary and Special Education. She also served as an Elementary School Principal and the Assistant Director of Elementary Education. Martha oversees TFM’s Education Committee.
Kathy Linford
Board Treasurer
Kathy joined The Friends of Manito board in October 2021. She grew up in Logan, Utah and graduated from Utah State University in 1985. After living in the Bay Area, CA for several years working in human resources, Kathy and her husband moved to Spokane in 1999 and raised two daughters here. She and her husband owned a commercial heating and air conditioning business in Spokane which they sold in 2014. Kathy picked up a camera in 2016 and found a passion for nature photography that has taken her on a new path in life. As soon as the plants start to bud in the Spring you can find Kathy in Manito Park on most days with her camera and her Welsh Corgi, Olive, in tow. She loves documenting everything from Spring blooms in the Ferris garden and the Lilacs to Summer in Duncan and the Rose Garden to Fall in the Japanese garden, and hopes to help others discover all of the beauty and magic of Manito Park during her time on the board. In addition to her Treasurer role, Kathy Chairs the Finance Committee.
Sharon Spadinger
Board President
I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York until graduation from the SUNY at Buffalo with a geology degree in 1980. My husband and I ended up in Midland, Texas where we raised our 3 children for over 30 years. After finishing a master gardening class, it became apparent our children were not moving back to Midland and we decided to move to a part of the country that had actual seasons, less days of 100 degree temperatures, and occasional displays of rain or snow. After looking all over the West from Boise to Portland to Reno to Missoula, we decided to locate to Spokane, an area that we seemed to keep returning to visit. We moved here in 2015 and soon after I joined The Friends of Manito and started volunteering with the TFM plant sale group. It has been a wonderful learning experience. The volunteers who have dedicated themselves to plant, water and work the plant sale have been inspiring. I hope that by being on the Board I can continue to strive to keep their trust to place the interests and improvements for Manito Park front and center and to ensure it remains the cherished resource that will continue to enrich the lives of the people of Spokane.
KNona Liddell
Board Member
Originally from Kirkland, Washington, I moved to Spokane in 2015 after 30+ years on the faculty at WSU Pullman. It’s a pleasure living in close proximity to such a large, walkable park. Since becoming involved with The Friends of Manito in 2016, I’ve learned a lot about gardening and care of houseplants. TFM’s knowledgeable volunteers have been very patient.re about this Board member coming soon.
Kathryn Kolquist
Board Member
I was born in northern Minnesota and have lived all around the country for my education and career. I moved to Spokane in 2009 for a training opportunity at Sacred Heart Hospital. I loved the walkability and parks on the South Hill and it was an easy commute. After a nearly 10 year stay in Utah, I am now back in Spokane as a retired physician happy to give back to Manito Park with multiple volunteer opportunities and now as a member of the Friends of Manito Board of Directors.
Michael Dunlap
Board Member
Michael, who grew up in Spokane and later moved to Seattle, made his way back home in 2000. With a fresh yard and garden, he found inspiration at Manito Park, where the landscapes and plantings sparked a deeper interest in garden design. He soon became a volunteer with The Friends of Manito, assisting at the annual plant sale and discovering how fulfilling it was to share gardening knowledge with others—especially those just starting out. Alongside a professional career in marketing design with Red Lion Hotels Corporation and Global Credit Union, Michael has continued his involvement with Friends of Manito, where he enjoys volunteering with the community and spreading the word about the beauty, history, and possibilities the park offers. He is passionate about helping ensure Manito’s continued vibrancy for Spokane’s South Hill.
Bob Young
Board Member
Bob and his wife Nancy have lived in Spokane for over 17 years. Bob had a 26-year career with the ABC Television Network, and retired as a Senior Vice President. During his years with ABC Bob won two Emmy Awards for his work and served on the board of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. He loves gardening, and has learned a lot as a volunteer for planting and working at the TFM Plant Sales.
Margaret Uhle
Board Member
More about this Board member coming soon.
Gail Sorenson
Board Member
Gail is a Spokane native and has always called Spokane home. She graduated from Gonzaga University and met her husband while working in the laboratory at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Her professional career was primarily in clinical laboratory science with a focus on quality assurance and performance improvement. Later, Gail embarked on a second career in residential property development that opened the door to business ownership and a new set of skills. Since her retirement Gail has enjoyed volunteering her time and talents, including serving on the board for a retirement community in Spokane. She is excited to become more involved with TFM as a board member, and continue to contribute to our community in a fun new way.
