Staff Spotlight on Wendy Longwell

Wendy has been a Parent Consultant with Rowell Family Empowerment since way back in 2004. In between her phone calls with parents we sat down with her and shot a few questions her way.

RFENC: What brought you to Rowell Family Empowerment?
Wendy Longwell: My children. I met Kat (Executive Director) when Derek was 3-years-old and attending Head Start and she taught me how to advocate for his needs. Six years later we ran into each other and she offered me a job.

RFENC: What, in your opinion, is the most valuable thing you could tell a new parent?
WL: The most valuable thing that I have learned through this job and about life is that you need to ask everybody you can think of for whatever it is you think you’re trying to get for your child. And don’t take no for an answer until you find out which door is going to open wide and you can get it for your kid.

RFENC: What kind of activities do you enjoy?
WL: Animals, gardening, camping, basically anything outdoors. We do kayaking with Shasta Disabled Sports. I just like being outside. If it’s an “inside day” I like to read.

RFENC: In your life who is touched by diverse ability?
WL: All four of my children; Avalon had severe asthma as a child. Ruby has auditory processing disorder. Derek is the “biggie” – Hydrocephalous, spina bifida, neurogenic bladder & bowel, and bilateral club feet are his four major issues. And Malcolm has three separate eye conditions. Out of my four grandchildren one has severe asthma and one is in the process of being diagnosed with autism. Then I have a blind pig. (laughing)

RFENC: What’s your philosophy on life?
WL: To do things you enjoy and to be with friends and family to enjoy it with.

RFENC: If you won $2 million what would you do with it?
WL: Pay off my house. Set up a retirement plan. Go on a cruise. And if there’s anything left over, buy a new car.

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?
WL: Forever, because he’s flying. He’s not driving. (laughing)