Advisors
The people behind the mission.
CHAMP is powered by dedicated educators and community leaders who mentor student teams across Huntingdon County. Meet the board and the advisors who make it all happen.
21
Advisors
6
Schools
1
County
CHAMP Board
Where it all starts.
The co-founders who turned a vision into a countywide movement — and continue to champion every student, advisor, and family along the way.
Jeremy Crouse
Jeremy Crouse is one of the co-founders of CHAMP and a lifelong resident of Mount Union, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife, Gretchen, and their daughter, Willow. He currently serves as the Deputy Director of Logistics at an Army depot. Jeremy is deeply proud of the student leaders who step up each year to carry CHAMP forward, as well as the advisors who selflessly mentor, guide, and support them along the way. What began as a vision has grown into a true community movement, embraced by schools, families, and organizations across the entire county—now united as one CHAMP family.
An avid boater and lifelong Penn State football and sports fan, Jeremy’s vision for CHAMP has always been twofold: to unite the county through its schools while serving others with purpose, passion, and intention.
Laura Hicks
My name is Laura Hicks, and I currently serve as the Director of the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology. I have dedicated my career to workforce development, career and technical education, and leadership development, with a deep commitment to helping individuals—especially young adults—recognize their potential and confidently step into their own success. My “WHY” is rooted in helping others see the light that already exists within them. I am passionate about being a champion for people as they discover their strengths, overcome self-doubt, and realize they are capable of far more than they once believed. The most meaningful moments in my work are when someone pauses, reflects, and recognizes: “I did this. I am capable. I belong here.” I believe true leadership is about creating space for others to grow, empowering them to take ownership of their journey, and walking alongside them as they build skills, confidence, and purpose. I see this not of the students in our community, but in each and every person that is a CHAMP captain, a CHAMP supporter, and all members of the CHAMP community.
People don’t need to be given light—they need to be reminded that they already carry it.
School advisors
The educators guiding every team.
Each school has its own team of advisors who mentor captains, coordinate events, and keep CHAMP moving forward year after year.
CHAMP Advisor
Bobbi Manyara
I am the fifth grade math teacher at Juniata Valley elementary school. I have been a CHAMP advisor since 2018. One of my favorite things about being an advisor is watching students grow and become leaders as CHAMP captains. CHAMP represents the best parts of us all, uniting and coming together to support and uplift others during their most trying times. It is truly an honor to be a part of such an amazing organization.
CHAMP Advisor
Lorie Nicewonger
My name is Lorie Nicewonger and I am the ELD District Coordinator/Teacher at Juniata Valley. I am from Williamsburg, so I am fairly new to CHAMP. However, I have had the pleasure of watching our students fundraise vigorously for the past two years. I am so proud of our students for wanting to help others in need right here in our community.
CHAMP Advisor
Matt Baer
My name is Matt Baer and I'm the CHAMP advisor for Huntingdon Area High School. I have been teaching social studies for 10 years. I graduated from Southern Huntingdon High School and currently live in Shade Gap with my wife Gillian and daughter Lilah. I'm one of the founders of CHAMP and I love it because it unites the community toward a common cause that is bigger than any one person. The CHAMP experience provides my students with impactful tools such as empathy, humility, and perseverance that they can use to make the world a better place.
CHAMP Advisor
Ian Kidd
CHAMP Advisor
Nicole Houck
Nicole is a teacher at Huntingdon Area High School. She has served as a CHAMP advisor for four years. Prior to teaching, Nicole volunteered at CHAMP as a community member. She fondly remembers her experience at the first CHAMP marathon and has enjoyed being involved in the growth and evolution of CHAMP. Nicole is a Huntingdon County transplant, but she's grown some deep roots in her community and loves the fact that this community shows up for any need, no matter how big or small. CHAMP is a true testament to that. She hopes that you will join us to help support this year's CHAMP families. If you want to change the world, start by making a difference in your community.
“I love the mission of CHAMP. My favorite thing about CHAMP is that it not only provides a vehicle to help community members in their time of need, but also provides an opportunity to develop our kids into the next generation of leaders in our community! My second favorite thing about CHAMP is that the dance marathon now takes place during the day, because I'm still recovering from the sleep deprivation of those first few years.”
CHAMP Advisor
Laura Bilger
Laura is a school counselor passionate about supporting students and building strong connections within the school community. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and running her photography business, Laura Belle Photography. This is her first year serving as a CHAMP advisor. CHAMP was created during her freshman year of high school, and she participated in the organization for its first four years as a student.
“CHAMP matters to me because it brings people together for a common goal and teaches students the importance of giving back. It gives young people meaningful opportunities to serve their community through compassion and teamwork.”
CHAMP Advisor
Morgan Brumbaugh
My name is Morgan Brumbaugh, and I'm a first-grade teacher at Huntingdon as well as one of the CHAMP advisors. As a proud Mount Union graduate, my CHAMP journey began in high school, where I served as a CHAMP captain for four years. Those experiences had a lasting impact on me—they taught me the true power of compassion, teamwork, and giving back to the community. Now, as an educator, it's incredibly rewarding to be on the other side of the program, guiding students as they discover those same lessons for themselves. What I love most about CHAMP is how it brings people together for something greater than ourselves. Every year, I'm inspired by how our school and community rally to support local families in meaningful ways. It's a beautiful reminder that when we lead with kindness and empathy, we can truly make a difference together.
CHAMP Advisor
Marie Daschbach
My name is Marie Daschbach and I am the CHAMP Advisor at Mount Union. I have been teaching 6th grade science at the junior high for the last two years. I am also involved with the SADD Chapter and band programs at Mount Union. CHAMP started when I was a sophomore at Mount Union and I had the opportunity to participate as a dancer for three years. It was a great experience to be able to come together with the other county schools and raise money for struggling families right in our own communities. I now have the opportunity to be directly involved with the students in their planning and fundraising efforts as part of this magnificent program.
CHAMP Advisor
Stephanie Hancock Stains
Stephanie E. Hancock Stains has dedicated more than 25 years to the field of education. She currently serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Board Secretary. Stephanie has been involved with CHAMP since its inception — her son, Wade Stains, was one of CHAMP's first recipients and a driving inspiration behind the program's creation. She is grateful for the opportunity to work closely with students and finds great fulfillment in watching them grow, set goals, and strive for success each year.
CHAMP Advisor
Tim Hicks
After graduating from Mount Union Area High School, Tim wanted to help future generations. In 2003, he became a teacher in the district. He currently teaches seventh grade math and coaches the varsity baseball team.
“Being involved with CHAMP each year has shown me how special the people in our local communities are in supporting each other. Our students continue to be amazing and work tirelessly to help others through difficult times.”
CHAMP Advisor
Kelly Hicks
CHAMP Advisor
Stefanie Crull
Stefanie has been a 5th grade teacher for Mount Union since 2019. When she first moved to Huntingdon County, CHAMP was in its early years. She has been able to watch the impact CHAMP has had on the community over the past decade.
“I couldn't be prouder to watch these six schools stand together as one for such a great cause. Watching some of my previous students be part of CHAMP is inspirational. I am truly grateful to be a part of the CHAMP community and am excited to see the future as CHAMP continues forward.”
CHAMP Advisor
Gretchen Crouse
CHAMP Advisor
Brianne Parks
CHAMP Advisor
Bailee Parson
CHAMP Advisor
Kara Waite
CHAMP Advisor
Rena Banks
I'm a special education teacher at New Day in Huntingdon, where I also get to be a CHAMP advisor. I live with my husband Scott, our 11-year-old twins Addison and Landen, and our dog Ruby. We also have three adult kids: Casey, Hailey, and Ethan. I have a classroom corn snake named Lady Jane, who you can usually find snuggled in a student's sleeve keeping warm. I love being a CHAMP advisor because I get to see firsthand how teenagers in our county come together for one cause and put so much heart and hard work into helping people in our community.
CHAMP Advisor
Alex Veit
I'm Alexandra Veit, math teacher at New Day Charter School. This is my 2nd year as a CHAMP advisor. I love working with our students to raise money for a wonderful cause! Let's make this year another awesome one!
CHAMP Advisor
Sammy Kauffman
Get involved
Interested in advising?
CHAMP welcomes educators and community members who want to mentor the next generation of student leaders. Every school benefits from adults who care.
Contact the CHAMP team