Serving the
community
as a catalyst

In the employment and development
of people with disabilities

About AHEDD

Success Stories

Avaleah Ward
Avaleah Ward

Avaleah’s journey at Buddies Bagels is a shining example of what can happen when determination meets the right support system. Since joining the Buddies Bagels team in January, Avaleah has made an incredible impact, not only with her work ethic but also with the positivity she brings each day.  From the moment she started, Avaleah was described as dependable, punctual, and eager to learn. Although she was a little shy and reserved at first, her supervisor, Amanda, noted that she never wants to let her team down and shows a strong desire to grow in her role. Her goal is […]

Max Rutledge
Max Rutledge

When Max Rutledge connected with AHEDD, he was ready to work, but finding the right fit took time and perseverance. Max worked closely with his job coach, Courtney Gleichauf, to build his resume, apply to jobs, and prepare for interviews. Eventually, he landed a position at WellSpan Health as an Environmental Service Worker, and he’s been thriving ever since. Max’s supervisors say he’s a hard worker, a fast learner, and a joy to be around. From mopping and wiping down handrails to collecting trash and sanitizing rooms, Max takes pride in doing his job well and spreading positivity. “He picked […]

Eddie Cohen
Eddie Cohen

Eddie Cohen recently celebrated a huge accomplishment of his 20 year anniversary employed at Minders Wholesale Nursery! Minders Nursery is a family owned, and independently operated ground cover company focused on growing quality plants in Lancaster County. At Minders, Eddie is a Plant Potting Specialist! He has learned so much over the years and is able to explain to anyone what makes a good root that is appropriate to plant and sell! After Eddie puts the plants into soil and small pots, he fills up crates and then stacks them onto a shelf to be transferred to the next department […]

Brian Coldsmith
Brian Coldsmith

Brian Coldsmith was on the job hunt when his previous employer, The Record Herald, shut down permanently. He worked at The Record Herald for years, so a new place of employment was going to be a big adjustment for him. Employment Coordinator, Christna Geib, helped Brian improve his resume, apply for different jobs, prepare for interviews and even attended the interview with Brian to help him maintain his confidence. Brian ended up getting the job at Tractor Supply and has been working there since June of 2024! Brian works in the dog food section of Tractor Supply. He has an […]

Daniel Shields
Daniel Shields

Daniel Shields started working with an AHEDD job coach in July of 2024 and just three months later, he was earning the title of Employee of the Month at his job at Walgreens! We are so excited to share this accomplishment of his! Daniel works at Walgreens as a Store Associate. His tasks there include ensuring there are no expired products throughout the store and responding to any customer needs! His job coach, Norm Welsh, said he is very meticulous which is a huge strength in his day-to-day tasks. He is great at staying focused and knowing where he needs […]

Leah Moneyham
Leah Moneyham

Leah Moneyham has been working with AHEDD for the past five years. During those five years, she has gained much more confidence to truly thrive in her employment! Leah likes to stay busy, so she has two jobs! She is employed at Brownstone Elementary School and Burger King. At Brownstone, Leah helps the kids with their all of their needs during lunchtime. After the lunch period concludes, she ensures the tables and chairs are all clean for the next lunch rush to come in! At Burger King, Leah is in charge of keeping the dining area clean as well. Her […]

Nevin Smouse
Nevin Smouse

Nevin Smouse came to AHEDD in May of 2022 looking for employment. Employment Specialist, Brittany McGraw, assisted Nevin in completing several job applications and dedicated time to practice for his interviews! At first Nevin thought he wanted to work in food service or a stocking position. He was even hired at a restaurant earning $9 an hour, but he knew he wanted to earn more and find something that was a better fit for him! This led to Nevin finding a great opportunity working at C & C Tooling earning $15 an hour! Nevin works at C & C Tooling […]

Melissa Holm
Melissa Holm

We love to celebrate our participants when we hear about improvements and accomplishments they make in the workplace! Melissa Holm has been working as a server at Brethren Village since 2016. Brethren Village is a retirement community located in Lititz Pennsylvania! The restaurant Melissa works at is called Chives American Grill. This restaurant is for both residents and outside consumers! AHEDD Employment Specialist, Kelsey Chlebowski, began working with Melissa in August of 2023. In the short time they have spent together, Kelsey has been working with Melissa to improve her focus and take initiative if the restaurant is not as […]

Rachel Quigley
Rachel Quigley

Rachel Quigley has been working with AHEDD since November of 2021! She came to us already employed at Amazon but did not feel that it was the right fit for her. At the initial intake, both Rachel’s family and AHEDD Employment Specialist, Terry McLenagan, agreed that the best way for Rachel to succeed would be to find a different work environment. Terry took Rachel’s needs into consideration and suggested employment at Weis Markets. Rachel submitted her application and has officially been a Weis employee for almost six months now! Rachel works in the frozen food department stocking products and has […]

Leanna Krogmann
Leanna Krogmann

A few important qualities to have as a good employee are confidence, reliability and motivation! These are all words that our Chambersburg Area Manager, Sarah Guyer-Marshall, used to describe Leanna Krogmann. Leanna’s confidence was not always at the level that it is now, but through her job experiences, it has blossomed throughout the 5 years she has been working with AHEDD. Leanna came to AHEDD having previous experience working in the food service industry. Her initial goal was to work in childcare so we found a job that was the best of both worlds and she started working for Chambersburg […]

John McFadden
John McFadden

Building on previous success, John McFadden returned to AHEDD in August 2021 for assistance finding a new job. His first experience with employment support services was in 2006 when AHEDD helped John secure a job at a local grocery store in Pittsburgh, PA. After just a few months of job coaching, he had learned the job responsibilities and was able to work independently! He continued to work at the store for more than 15 years, but in 2021 decided he was ready for something new, so he returned to AHEDD for support. After assistance from AHEDD in completing several job […]

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