Amanda Elder, M.Ed.

Amanda Elder is the Executive Director of Frontier Community Services, a nonprofit organization based in Soldotna, Alaska, that provides supports to individuals from birth through end of life. She holds a master’s degree in education with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education and began her career at Frontier Community Services in February 2002.
Over the course of her 24-year career, Amanda has developed a deep passion for advocacy and direct services, working alongside individuals and families to strengthen access, dignity, and opportunity for people with disabilities. She became Executive Director in 2015 and has led the organization through significant growth and transformation, with a strong focus on advancing person-directed services and building inclusive, responsive systems of care.
In addition to her leadership at Frontier, Amanda has been a dedicated statewide advocate through the Alaska Association of Developmental Disabilities (AADD), where she served two terms as President. In this role, she worked collaboratively with providers, self-advocates, and policymakers to influence policy and improve services across Alaska.
Amanda has also presented nationally alongside Michelle Davidson on topics including person-directed services, partnership leadership, and the power of centering lived experience in service systems. Together, they bring a unique and impactful perspective that bridges professional practice with authentic self-advocacy. (Contact Amanda at aelder@fcsonline.org)