Current Ambassadors

Laurah Zeek

Ambassador Mentor

Hollidaysburg, PA

Laurah is a 37 year old female who lives in Hollidaysburg, PA with her mother, Sarah. She graduated from high school in 2004 and from PSU in 2009. Laurah has a sister (Rebekah), a brother in law (Chad), and three nephews, David, Matthew and Gabriel. Her father passed away in 2020. Her two dogs, Lucy and Phoenix are her world next to her nephews. She loves watching sports, traveling, and just spending time with her family and friends. Laurah has a strong faith in God. She loves each day as if it was her last. Laurah describes herself as loyal, headstrong, compassionate, determined and friendly.

Jaime Clendening

First Runner-up

Erie, PA

My name is Jamie Clendening. I am from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. I am the wife of Randy and the blessed mother of my two miracles Matt and Cierra. I was born with Spina Bifida and scoliosis and became a T-10 incomplete paraplegic following tethered cord release surgery in 2011. I love hiking, camping and crafting. I attend Wilson College, where I am working towards my bachelor’s in Healthcare and Medical Humanities. I am a certified peer mentor and a regional champion through the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. I am also a certified tourism ambassador for the Franklin County Visitors Bureau. Jaime describes herself as dynamic, determined, courageous, kind and confident. Her chosen platform will be systematic change in the healthcare system.

Christy Thomas

2024 Ambassador

Delaware County, PA

Christine has been a resident of Delaware County for the past 43 years. She attended Marple Newtown School District. She graduated from Marple Newton Senior High School. She continued her journey for education at DCCC for Behavioral Science. She then attends Hiran G Andrews for Allied Medical Health Assistance. She started working as an advocate/ life coach fully in 2009. She’s an aunt to two beautiful nieces Mya (16) And Lucy (13) that she loves to spoil. Her biggest hobby is watching baseball live, on television or sporting events. Her Platform is entitled “No one left behind.” Christine describes herself as smart, energetic, driven, productive and friendly.

Chou Hallegra

2024 Ambassador

PA

Chou Hallegra is a lifelong learner on a mission to learn more so she can serve more. She is a mental health, inclusion, and workplace well-being consultant who has devoted her life to help others be well, do well, and work well. Chou is originally from Brazzaville, Congo and has been a PA resident for the past 19 years. As a working mother of three children with diverse needs, she knows firsthand the challenges that disabled working parents face at home and at work. As such, she is committed to advocating for better, more effective support and services for workers with disabilities. Chou describes herself as caring, friendly, encouraging, resourceful and resilient.

2023 Workshop Highlights