Amanda Edwards from Bigfork, MT has been hired as Summit’s Youth Specialist in the Flathead office.

Amanda has been a wheelchair user since September 7th, 1997 as the result of a car accident. It happened a month before she turned 16 years old and she’s always had a great attitude about it, never letting it stop her from living a fulfilling life. Amanda is married, has 3 beautiful children, and goes to college.

Amanda had this to say about Summit, “Summit Independent Living Center has opened so many doors for me. I found out about Summit Independent Living Center and how many resources that are in our community for people with disabilities. I found out that there was a peer advocacy training happening in Kalispell so I went.  My whole life changed after that day!  I graduated from the training, became a Peer Advocate, and from that day on I knew I was meant to help other people with disabilities.  I now lead a group for youth with disabilities in the Flathead Valley, teach them how to advocate, and help them to be involved in their community.  Right now I’m also coaching a baseball team for people with disabilities in our community at the Miracle Field. I’m going to college at FVCC to get my teaching degree and become a Special Education Teacher. I love working with youth!  Summit Independent Living Center has taught me that I can help other people with disabilities overcome their obstacles by inspiring them to live a full and happy life. I love being part of Summit Independent Living Center’s family!”