Our Board Members

Cindy Wells

President

Married to Craig for 50 years, mother of 3 – Chad, wife, and 2 granddaughters live in Huntington Beach, CA, daughter Melissa, and granddaughter Ayda live in Waterloo, daughter Jennifer lives and works in Page, AZ, and grandson Jamey and his wife and my 2 great grandsons live & work in Urbandale. I retired in 2022 after 23 years at Edward Jones/Signature Private Wealth. I am very active in the community on various boards and chairing events.

Lindsay Buehler

Vice President

I’ve enjoyed serving as Vice President during my first term on the Arboretum Board of Directors. Over my professional career, I’ve carved out my own niche, working in the Arts and Librarianship, which I love equally. I hold an undergrad in Art History and Studio Art from the University of Northern Iowa and a Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. At present, I serve as Reference and Instruction Librarian at Hawkeye Community College. My husband Brent and I have one son, Milo, and a Goldendoodle named Finn. In addition to my affinity for art and books, I’ve practiced yoga for fifteen years and have a particular interest in Tracy Grandy’s Wellness Series at the Arboretum. Join us!

Tammy Fleming

Treasurer

I am Senior Vice President and Trust Officer at Community Bank & Trust (CBT), where I have worked since 2011. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University and received my CTFA (Certified Trust and Financial Advisor) from Cannon Financial Institute. I currently serve on the board of the Grout Museum and am the CBT Chair for the Partner in Education Program. I joined the CVABG Board in 2024 and currently serve as Treasurer.

Pam Flanders

Secretary

Most of my career was spent in health care (43 yrs.) at MHI in Independence and Allen Memorial Hospital as an R.N. and Dir. of Social Services and Case Management. I had the opportunity to network with patients, families, and numerous community agencies throughout the metro area. I am married and we have a son, Trent ( Danielle), and daughter, Erica (Michael) and they each have three children. I had the opportunity to serve on the Cedar Valley Arboretum board for about 10 years which was 12 years ago when I retired from Allen. Currently, I am President of the Sons of Norway lodge (78 members) and quite involved in our church - previously served on the Salvation Army board for many years. Daily I go to the Sports Plex to bike and walk and solve the worlds problems at coffee!!! Looking forward to serving this great organization!!!

Brianna Schenkelberg

Board Member

I graduated from the University of Iowa with my Bachelors in Communication Studies, minoring in psychology. I later received my associate degree in nursing from Mercy College of Health Sciences. I currently work part-time as a School Nurse in the Cedar Falls School District and volunteer at my children’s school on the Wellness Committee, which includes managing their community garden. Before moving back home to Iowa, you would often find my family and me at the Arboretum located on the University of Illinois campus. This is why I joined the Board here in the Cedar Valley location. Being in nature contributes to one’s physical well-being, reducing anger, fear, stress, and overall just increases mood. Come see what the Arboretum can offer you!

Gift Buhman

Board Member

I’m Gift Princess Buhman, a nurse by training with a vibrant tapestry of talents that span across music, poetry, and digital creativity and as an entrepreneur with a heart for teaching,  I’ve nurtured young minds as a preschool teacher and am now channeling my compassion into becoming certified in mental health

therapy. My creative journey continues as I  delve into the world of AI models, crafting narratives that intertwine technology and human experience. Life is a beautiful, eclectic adventure with my husband Andrew, who dedicates his time to aiding North Korean refugees and is penning a detective noir mystery novel. Together, we live a carefree existence with our German Shepherd, California, soaking up every moment of joy and continuously quenching our thirst for global knowledge.

Peggy Dandy

Board Member

I am so happy to be part of the Arboretum Board of Directors, serving the first year of my term. I look forward to spreading the message of our Arboretum and all it has to offer our community. My life is active; I currently serve as a tour guide with John Deere. I retired from Deere, but still stay active with the organization. In my spare time, I keep busy with Quota of Cedar Valley and Catholic Daughters. Other fun activities are mahjong, gardening, sewing, and trying to keep up with my great-nieces and nephews. I have my Masters in Global Business from Upper Iowa University and have been lucky enough to use it, traveling to Brazil, Ukraine, and Germany for work.

Pam Hays

Board Member

Eliz Guyer

Board Member

Robbie Fye-Leach

Board Member

Gerri Perrault

Board Member

Shirley Walker

Board Member