Meet Our Dedicated Team
Nadia Patel
Founder & President
Nadia Patel founded The Monarch Club in 2022 with a vision to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for meaningful community impact. What began as a student-led effort to restore Monarch habitats has grown into a nonprofit organization bringing together conservation, sustainability, food security, education, and community service.
Under Nadia’s leadership, The Monarch Club has built lasting partnerships with local organizations, schools, community leaders, and environmental stewards while creating pollinator habitats and inspiring young people to take an active role in conservation.
Now a student at Brown University studying Biology and Public Health, Nadia continues to guide the organization while empowering a new generation of student leaders to carry its mission forward. Her work reflects a longstanding belief that thoughtful ideas, collaboration, and community action can create meaningful change for both people and the planet.
Indre Jankunas
School Chapter President
Indre Jankunas serves as President of The Monarch Club’s Cedar Falls High School chapter. A longtime member of the Monarch Club, Indre brings dedication and a steady presence as she steps into this leadership role.
Indre is also a varsity tennis player and state qualifier, demonstrating the same commitment, teamwork, and perseverance on the court that she brings to her work with the Monarch Club. Interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy, she is passionate about science, service, and making a positive difference in her community.
(Student - Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, IA)
Brett Morris
Pollinator Habitat coordinator
Brett Morris, our dedicated Pollinator Habitat Coordinator, brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for creating nurturing environments for Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Brett's work is a testament to the difference that a dedicated individual can make in a community. His influence extends beyond the gardens and projects he oversees—it touches the lives and aspirations of everyone at the Monarch Club.
(Public Works and Parks Division Supervisor - Department of Municipal Operations and Programs. Cedar Falls, IA)
Maureen Pruisner
Treasurer
As the financial steward of the Monarch Club, Maureen plays a crucial role in ensuring that our resources are used efficiently and transparently. With a keen eye for numbers and a heart that is full of support for environmental conservation, Maureen keeps our financial matters in order.
( Owner/Accountant - Maureen Pruisner CPA PLC)
Becca Huber
Green projects coordinator
Inspiring the community through our eco-friendly projects, including milkweed planting and recycled pig manure use
(Food Sourcing Manager - Northeast Iowa Food bank, Waterloo, IA)
Kevin Cross
Resource
Kevin has offered valuable insights and assistance, lending a hand whenever the need arises. Kevin’s willingness to support the club is a testament to his dedication.
(Public Works and Park Division Supervisor)
Doug Miller
Volunteer
Whether it's tending to the soil, planting milkweeds, or caring for pollinator-friendly plants, Doug has a heart full of dedication
(Horticulturist - Department of Public Works, Cedar Falls, IA)
Amanda Huisman
Outreach Coordinator
Amplifying the Reach of the Monarch Club, Amanda Huisman is our go-to guru for spreading the word. As a seasoned communications specialist for the City of Cedar Falls, she brings her expertise and passion to elevate our cause and connect with the community
Haven Cross
Volunteer
The success of our planting initiatives wouldn't be the same without the dedication of Haven. A true planting enthusiast, Haven has been an invaluable member of our team.
(Iowa State Horticultural Studies - Iowa State University, Ames, IA)