Staff Spotlight on Elena Atchley

Elena has been on staff at Rowell Family Empowerment for just over a year, hired in 2014. She’s a Parent Consultant who works primarily with parents who have children ages birth to 5, sometimes up to 11-years-old. We sat down with her for this quick Q and A session.

RFENC: What brought you to Rowell Family Empowerment?
Elena Atchley: You mean besides my job? (Laughing) Well, I worked for Get SET first (Editor’s note: Get SET is our summer autism program), and I enjoyed it and I liked what I saw from the employees. So when this position became open I thought I would enjoy working with the families.

RFENC: What, in your opinion, is the most valuable thing you could tell a new parent?
EA: Hmmmmm… I think the most valuable thing is that they’re doing a good job and it’s doable.

RFENC: What kind of activities do you enjoy?
EA: I enjoy riding my bicycle. I enjoy playing volleyball. I paint and draw. I play with my grandkids.

RFENC: In your life who is touched by diverse ability?
EA: My son mostly. He has anxiety disorder, ADD and executive functioning issues. We found out my Dad was ADD when he was about 50.

RFENC: What’s your philosophy on life?
EA: God is good and there is hope.

RFENC: If you won $2 million what would you do with it?
EA: What would I do with it?… Honestly, I would probably, outside of being practical and taking care of bills and housing, I would probably end up using it to help other people in some way. I would like to see an agency be setup that would help with life skills and social skills for a diverse population. For example, homeless or single moms or people with disabilities. It would probably be used mostly on others.

RFENC: If a crow with only one wing is flying North in the winter at an average speed of 10 MPH, how long would it take to drive to Cuba?
EA: (Laughing) Shut up! I hate word problems! It would not be able to fly to Cuba!!! There’s only ONE wing!!!! (Laughing)