Jamie is a Wyoming native and graduated from Gering High School in 1979. Jamie has worked over 40 years in retail, administrative offices and customer service. Jamie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in May of 2006 which resulted in being confined to a wheelchair. Jamie lived in a nursing facility for 4½ years. Jamie realized she didn’t belong there and transitioned into the community. Jamie has lived independently for the last 9 years. Her new “normal” taught her the importance of self-advocacy. As an ILS, Jamie helps others living with a disability understand the importance of speaking up for themselves. Jamie is working to hosts Empowerment Within, a monthly cross-disabilities support group, and serves on the Patient Advisory Council for the Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Regional West Medical Center. Jamie has recently joined the Tri-City Active Living Advisory Committee, this committee looks for areas in the Scottsbluff, Gering and Terrytown communities to improve the safety for individuals that are walking, biking or anything else with wheels. Jamie recently purchased a modified, hand-controlled van with a ramp and is enjoying the freedom it gives her to drive. Jamie lives in Gering with her cat Baxter. Jamie takes pride and joy in her son, daughter and two grandsons, who all live in Wyoming. Jamie is a HUGE sports fan.

Duane was raised in Wood River Nebraska and has been a resident of Grand Island for the last 15 years. He is a graduate of Central Community College (Human Services/Counseling) and Doane University (Human Relations). Duane is dedicated to serving his community. He has previously worked at Boys Town, Boy’s & Girl’s Club, and Grand Island Public Schools. He works as an Independent Living Specialist with Independence Rising and has been since June 2019. As a person who’s been disabled all of his life, one thing Duane finds joy in is helping bring independence to men and women of the disabled community.