Wendy on Wheels

School Visits and Book Writing

October 3rd, 2012

It’s been 3 months since my last post. After the Abilities Expos, I took some time off to focus on being a mom. Now it’s October, National Disabilities Month as well as Spina Bifida Awareness Month. I’m ready to visit some schools again. It’s time for me to get back to what I do best, which is teaching children acceptance, ability awareness and to end bullying.

School visits can be set up by emailing me directly at Angela@wendyonwheels.com.

The self-cath book I worked on for 180 Medical’s Kids Club had a very successful launch at the Spina Bifida Conference in the summer. Here are a few pictures. The second picture is my sister, Wendy on Wheels’ inspiration, Amanda with the purple bag.

There were two versions of the book, “Ethan Can Cath!” for boys. “Emma Can Cath!” is for girls. Both books show instructional pages to help little ones learn to catheterize themselves. From what I heard, Ethan and Emma were a huge hit. If you have a child with Spina Bifida who needs to learn to self-cath, I recommend contacting 180 Medical and joining their kids club.

Tags: Abilities Expo, ability, acceptance, anti-bullying books, bullying, changing the world, Children's book, education, Elementary Schools, Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, inspirational, paralysis, physical disabilities, Presentation, self catheterization, self-cath, special education, special needs, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, wheelchair
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Chicago Abilities Expo

July 6th, 2012

Last weekend, I had a blast at the Abilities Expo in Chicago! Auti, from the Sundance Channel’s new show the Push Girls, had a dance workshop every day. People of all ages joined the dance circle to show off their favorite moves. It was so great to see. Auti is so nice!!

This little girl, Anna came by my booth. What a cutie!

Saturday was my workshop where I introduced Wendy on Wheels and read Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand. I started off talking about my inspiration for Wendy on Wheels. There’s my sister, Amanda, up on the screen. After I read Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand, I asked the discussion questions. The little ones in the audience were shy about answering my questions.

Here I am talking about pages eighteen and nineteen. One the left (page 18) Wendy is frustrated and angry about the events of the day. She sits on her bed with her arms folded. She asks herself, ”What else could I have done?” Page nineteen, Wendy’s mindset shifts. She puts her idea to paper. Now, she can make a positive impact.

A lot of times in our lives, things bother us and make us mad. We feel like something must be done. When we feel furious and upset, we are closed off from anything good that may happen. In order to make change, we have to shift our mindset. This is why I created Wendy on Wheels in the first place.

I’ve been following Cure for Chloe on facebook for a couple years now. I remember when Chloe was a cowgirl on a horse for Halloween and got her new wheelchair. At the expo, I finally got to meet her. It made my whole weekend!! I was so excited!!!

I enjoyed meeting everyone in Chicago. What a wonderful expo! This was my last expo of this year. I am currently booking school visits for National Disabilities Month in October. Please contact me if you are interested.

Tags: Abilities, Abilities Expo, ability, Abiltiy Awareness Speaker, acceptance, anti-bullying books, bullying, Children's book, Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, Mindset, National Disabilities Month, paralysis, physical disabilities, positive, Presentation, self-publishing, special education, special needs, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Wendy on Wheels Saves the Day has officially been launched!!!

April 5th, 2011

Sunday afternoon, I had my launch party for Wendy on Wheels Saves the Day at All Along Press. It was such a wonderful event. Thank you to everyone who came. I appreciate your support and love for Wendy on Wheels. Excellent food from Cherokee Street Catering. Everyone loved the barbequed chicken pizza!

I made a new friend, Josie. Here’s a picture of Josie, Elizabeth and me. She loved Wendy on Wheels Goes to the Beach! Now she has the whole trilogy. Josie is so cute and sweet!

The reading went well. I said thank you to my cousin, Dana for taking Elizabeth and me around Cardinal Glennon to see what the inside of a children’s hospital looks like. Dana is cartoonized on page 21 of Wendy on Wheels Saves the Day.

Things have been going well for Wendy on Wheels. I have some Ability Awareness Days lined up for April at some local schools. I’m working on setting up some schools visits in Peoria, IL and Chicago the third week in April.

I’m working on getting t-shirts made. They might be available to the general public if people are interested.

I was not chosen as a finalist in the Energizer Competition. I’m still excited I was nominated as a semifinalist. Thank you to everyone who voted for me!!!

I will have the cover for Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand in a week or so.

I saw The Celebrity Apprentice on Sunday. Marlee did a outstanding job as project manager! Go Marlee!! Meat Loaf had a meltdown on Gary Busey. I couldn’t believe that. YIKES!!!

Tags: ability, acceptance, Celebrity Apprentice, cerebral palsy, changing the world, Cherokee Street Catering, Children's book, deaf, education, Gary Busey, helping others, Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, inspirational, Marlee Matlin, MDA, Multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, physical disabilities, PKS, pompe's disease, special education, special needs, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, superhero, wheelchair
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Inclusive Schools Week 2010

December 10th, 2010

This week, December 6th through the 10th was Inclusive Schools Week. I celebrated by presenting Wendy on Wheels at several schools in St. Louis, where I live.

I started off the week on Monday with a visit to the Parents as Teachers program at an Windsor Elementary. It was a very small group, about 7 little ones, average age was about 2. They seemed to appreciate Wendy Goes to the Beach more than Zoo.

Thursday morning, I visited a couple classes at the Southside Day Nursery. They were so little and cute. Some children were learning English. I asked how they liked the story. A couple raised their hands and started speaking in another language. It’s good that I got them to talk. Several kids gave me hugs. Two said, “I like you.”

In the afternoon, I went to read a class of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders at City Garden Montessori Charter School. When I walked in to the class, one little girl walked up to me and said, “Hi. I’m Holly. Welcome to our class.” Then a second girl introduced herself and welcomed me. I’d never been welcomed to a class before. Very impressive! This group did very well with the discussion questions. They had some very good ideas about how the teacher and zoo could have treated Wendy and Brandon differently. When it was time for their next speaker, they did a really cool cheer for me, complete with hand motions. Something like “CLAP!! CLAP!!! SNAP!!! SNAP!!! RAISE THE ROOF FOR ANGELA!!! YOU’RE ON FIRE!!! Then they sang a little thank you song.

This morning, I presented to several classes at the University City Children’s Center. My mom and my sister, Mandy, came with me. These children were between the ages of 2 and 5 depending which class it was. The first group was a bunch of 2 and 3 year olds. After the reading, a few kids walked up and touched Mandy’s wheelchair and shirt. It’s so good for them to be exposed to Mandy and her wheelchair!! I’m so glad Mandy and my mom were able to attend.

After reading to all the classes, the three of us went out to lunch at Ginger Bistro in University City. My sister and I opened a package we had received from Henry Elementary School. It was a bunch of thank you notes from the class we had entertained in October. Here are a couple of sweet ones.

Introducing Wendy on Wheels at all these schools has been a wonderful experience. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity!!!

Tags: Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, Presentation
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »






		School Visits and Book Writing October 3rd, 2012 It’s been 3 months since my last post. After the Abilities Expos, I took some time off to focus on being a mom. Now it’s October, National Disabilities Month as well as Spina Bifida Awareness Month. I’m ready to visit some schools again. It’s time for me to get back to what I do best, which is teaching children acceptance, ability awareness and to end bullying. School visits can be set up by emailing me directly at Angela@wendyonwheels.com. The self-cath book I worked on for 180 Medical’s Kids Club had a very successful launch at the Spina Bifida Conference in the summer. Here are a few pictures. The second picture is my sister, Wendy on Wheels’ inspiration, Amanda with the purple bag. There were two versions of the book, “Ethan Can Cath!” for boys. “Emma Can Cath!” is for girls. Both books show instructional pages to help little ones learn to catheterize themselves. From what I heard, Ethan and Emma were a huge hit. If you have a child with Spina Bifida who needs to learn to self-cath, I recommend contacting 180 Medical and joining their kids club. Tags: Abilities Expo, ability, acceptance, anti-bullying books, bullying, changing the world, Children's book, education, Elementary Schools, Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, inspirational, paralysis, physical disabilities, Presentation, self catheterization, self-cath, special education, special needs, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, wheelchair Posted in Uncategorized \| No Comments » Chicago Abilities Expo July 6th, 2012 Last weekend, I had a blast at the Abilities Expo in Chicago! Auti, from the Sundance Channel’s new show the Push Girls, had a dance workshop every day. People of all ages joined the dance circle to show off their favorite moves. It was so great to see. Auti is so nice!! This little girl, Anna came by my booth. What a cutie! Saturday was my workshop where I introduced Wendy on Wheels and read Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand. I started off talking about my inspiration for Wendy on Wheels. There’s my sister, Amanda, up on the screen. After I read Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand, I asked the discussion questions. The little ones in the audience were shy about answering my questions. Here I am talking about pages eighteen and nineteen. One the left (page 18) Wendy is frustrated and angry about the events of the day. She sits on her bed with her arms folded. She asks herself, ”What else could I have done?” Page nineteen, Wendy’s mindset shifts. She puts her idea to paper. Now, she can make a positive impact. A lot of times in our lives, things bother us and make us mad. We feel like something must be done. When we feel furious and upset, we are closed off from anything good that may happen. In order to make change, we have to shift our mindset. This is why I created Wendy on Wheels in the first place. I’ve been following Cure for Chloe on facebook for a couple years now. I remember when Chloe was a cowgirl on a horse for Halloween and got her new wheelchair. At the expo, I finally got to meet her. It made my whole weekend!! I was so excited!!! I enjoyed meeting everyone in Chicago. What a wonderful expo! This was my last expo of this year. I am currently booking school visits for National Disabilities Month in October. Please contact me if you are interested. Tags: Abilities, Abilities Expo, ability, Abiltiy Awareness Speaker, acceptance, anti-bullying books, bullying, Children's book, Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, Mindset, National Disabilities Month, paralysis, physical disabilities, positive, Presentation, self-publishing, special education, special needs, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy Posted in Uncategorized \| No Comments » Wendy on Wheels Saves the Day has officially been launched!!! April 5th, 2011 Sunday afternoon, I had my launch party for Wendy on Wheels Saves the Day at All Along Press. It was such a wonderful event. Thank you to everyone who came. I appreciate your support and love for Wendy on Wheels. Excellent food from Cherokee Street Catering. Everyone loved the barbequed chicken pizza! I made a new friend, Josie. Here’s a picture of Josie, Elizabeth and me. She loved Wendy on Wheels Goes to the Beach! Now she has the whole trilogy. Josie is so cute and sweet! The reading went well. I said thank you to my cousin, Dana for taking Elizabeth and me around Cardinal Glennon to see what the inside of a children’s hospital looks like. Dana is cartoonized on page 21 of Wendy on Wheels Saves the Day. Things have been going well for Wendy on Wheels. I have some Ability Awareness Days lined up for April at some local schools. I’m working on setting up some schools visits in Peoria, IL and Chicago the third week in April. I’m working on getting t-shirts made. They might be available to the general public if people are interested. I was not chosen as a finalist in the Energizer Competition. I’m still excited I was nominated as a semifinalist. Thank you to everyone who voted for me!!! I will have the cover for Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand in a week or so. I saw The Celebrity Apprentice on Sunday. Marlee did a outstanding job as project manager! Go Marlee!! Meat Loaf had a meltdown on Gary Busey. I couldn’t believe that. YIKES!!! Tags: ability, acceptance, Celebrity Apprentice, cerebral palsy, changing the world, Cherokee Street Catering, Children's book, deaf, education, Gary Busey, helping others, Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, inspirational, Marlee Matlin, MDA, Multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, physical disabilities, PKS, pompe's disease, special education, special needs, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, superhero, wheelchair Posted in Uncategorized \| No Comments » Inclusive Schools Week 2010 December 10th, 2010 This week, December 6th through the 10th was Inclusive Schools Week. I celebrated by presenting Wendy on Wheels at several schools in St. Louis, where I live. I started off the week on Monday with a visit to the Parents as Teachers program at an Windsor Elementary. It was a very small group, about 7 little ones, average age was about 2. They seemed to appreciate Wendy Goes to the Beach more than Zoo. Thursday morning, I visited a couple classes at the Southside Day Nursery. They were so little and cute. Some children were learning English. I asked how they liked the story. A couple raised their hands and started speaking in another language. It’s good that I got them to talk. Several kids gave me hugs. Two said, “I like you.” In the afternoon, I went to read a class of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders at City Garden Montessori Charter School. When I walked in to the class, one little girl walked up to me and said, “Hi. I’m Holly. Welcome to our class.” Then a second girl introduced herself and welcomed me. I’d never been welcomed to a class before. Very impressive! This group did very well with the discussion questions. They had some very good ideas about how the teacher and zoo could have treated Wendy and Brandon differently. When it was time for their next speaker, they did a really cool cheer for me, complete with hand motions. Something like “CLAP!! CLAP!!! SNAP!!! SNAP!!! RAISE THE ROOF FOR ANGELA!!! YOU’RE ON FIRE!!! Then they sang a little thank you song. This morning, I presented to several classes at the University City Children’s Center. My mom and my sister, Mandy, came with me. These children were between the ages of 2 and 5 depending which class it was. The first group was a bunch of 2 and 3 year olds. After the reading, a few kids walked up and touched Mandy’s wheelchair and shirt. It’s so good for them to be exposed to Mandy and her wheelchair!! I’m so glad Mandy and my mom were able to attend. After reading to all the classes, the three of us went out to lunch at Ginger Bistro in University City. My sister and I opened a package we had received from Henry Elementary School. It was a bunch of thank you notes from the class we had entertained in October. Here are a couple of sweet ones. Introducing Wendy on Wheels at all these schools has been a wonderful experience. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity!!! Tags: Inclusion, Inclusive Schools Week, Presentation Posted in Uncategorized \| 1 Comment »