Erin Park
HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- Furthering her involvement in the field of
special education, Burbank resident Wendy Weichel was appointed by
Supervisor Mike Antonovich to the Los Angeles County Developmental
Disabilities Board. An assistant professor at Cal State Northridge and
Miss Burbank 1996-1997, Weichel will serve on the board for a three-year
term.
The 17-member board works to eliminate discrimination against people
with developmental disabilities and increase public awareness of their
rights.
"I have no doubt she will offer guidance and advice on how to improve
educational services," said Roberta Newton, executive director of the
disabilities board.
Weichel is Chairman of the Board for the Burbank Junior Chamber of
Commerce, which she re-initiated in 1997.
She is also a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, the
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the California
Association of Resource Specialists.
"I really enjoy community service and I particularly enjoy Burbank,"
Weichel said.
"I have a combination of both knowing Burbank and its needs, as well
as knowing the needs of persons and students with disabilities," she
said.
When she moved to Burbank in 1995 Virginia, Weichel taught special
education at John Burroughs High School for three years and was the
spirit squad coach, overseeing the cheerleaders, dance team, flag team
and mascots.
"Overall, Burbank teachers were very open to working with students
with disabilities," she said. "I felt there was a lot of community
support for education, but I'd like to see it increase."
She is currently working on her dissertation in pursuit of a doctorate
from UC Riverside.
Weichel earned a bachelor's degree in 1991 at the College of William
and Mary in Williamsburg, Va, where she double majored in German and
Comparative Literature and minored in psychology.
She received a master's degree in education at William and Mary in
1992.
THE WENDY WEICHEL FILE:
AGE: 30
ENGAGED: Fiancee, Christien Murawski
OCCUPATION: Assistant professor at Cal State Northridge in the special
education department.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's and master's degrees from the College of William
and Mary. Anticipated doctorate degree from UC Riverside in June.
