Brain Balance Center of Midlothian – Meet Our Staff
Our Team
Wendy Pickenpaugh
Center Director
Wendy Pickenpaugh has always had a deep interest in helping struggling children, which is what lead her to receive her B.S. in Pre-K and Elementary Education with a concentration in Developmental Psychology & Special Education. In May of 2013, with the desire to provide struggling children with the necessary tools to be more successful, Wendy began her career with Brain Balance. Since that time, she has become a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and has gained extensive working knowledge of neuro-behavioral disorders from her widespread training and experience successfully guiding hundreds of children through the Brain Balance program. Wendy is also a wife, mother, and avid equestrian.
Julia Poynter
Assistant Director
Julia Poynter is a Certified Cognitive Coach and is excited to join the Brain Balance team after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Public Health: Health Promotion from Liberty University in May of 2020. After having spent a significant time teaching and tutoring in local educational settings and aiding in the public health arena, Julia is eager to apply her knowledge and skillset to assist families and ensure every student’s success through the Brain Balance journey.
Niki White
Engagement Director
Niki White is the mom of two boys who came to Brain Balance when her youngest son was having academic and social difficulties in school. After exploring other alternatives without success, she learned about Brain Balance and enrolled her son. Her entire family benefited so greatly from the growth he achieved during and after completion of the Brain Balance program that she wanted to share this success with other families, so she joined the Brain Balance team! Niki brings to the center practical knowledge from a parent perspective of the challenges that brings each person through the door and is available to help guide them through their own Brain Balance journey.
Tracy Boone
Program Director
Tracy is a Certified Cognitive Coach and NASM Certified Personal Trainer with four years of experience successfully coaching children and young adults with varying struggles and strengths through the Brain Balance Program. Tracy is extremely skilled at the art of individualizing her coaching and behavior management techniques in order to maximize each student’s Brain Balance sessions and program. Students of all ages gravitate to Tracy due to her calm demeanor and ability to quickly form meaningful relationships! In addition to Tracy’s experience and training at Brain Balance, she has over 10 years’ head coaching track and field for the Special Olympics and home-educating her daughter. Tracy is passionate about exercise, nutrition, and loves vacationing at the beach!
Alena Stubenhofer
Lead Coach
Alena Stubenhofer is a Certified Cognitive Coach. She has had a specific interest in working with, and supporting, students who may struggle in various areas ever since she learned alongside of them as an elementary student. Her passion led her to join the Brain Balance team after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Disabilities Studies from Virginia Tech in May of 2021. This focus allowed her to deepen her knowledge as well as understand and appreciate the elements that help people live healthy and fulfilling lives. She is extremely excited to support each individual student and their family’s journey as a part of the Brain Balance team! Alena enjoys playing the guitar and singing, creating digital art, and spending time with her family and friends.
Sarah Flippin
Sensory-Motor/Cognitive Coach
Sarah has been passionate about helping children grow and learn since she was a teenager. She is a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and comes to Brain Balance with over thirteen years of experience teaching in a preschool setting. Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development, as well as a minor in Psychology, from Virginia Tech in May 2014. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys cooking and baking, crafting, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Brenna Smith
Sensory Motor/Cognitive Coach
Brenna Smith has always had a passion for working with children and teens of all ages. She comes to Brain Balance with over 10 years’ experience coaching children in various settings, from ABA therapy to recreational sports. Brenna received her BS in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and enjoys creating a positive, fun environment to help students meet their goals of becoming the best version of themselves. When she is not at Brain Balance, Brenna enjoys spending time with her two dogs, riding horses, and being outdoors.
Autumn Robertson
Sensory Motor/Cognitive Coach
Autumn has always enjoyed working with children. After graduating high school, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in education. Having received her Associates in Elementary Education, Autumn is now working towards completing her Bachelor’s degree at Regent University. She is a Certified Cognitive Coach! Additionally, Autumn has had the opportunity to travel to several countries where she has worked with children of all ages in academic and recreational settings. In her spare time, Autumn enjoys playing soccer, playing piano, and spending time with her family.
Lydia Simms
Center Assistant
Lydia has enjoyed working with children for as long as she can remember. After graduating high school, she decided to pursue a degree in Family and Child Development with a minor in Psychology at Liberty University and graduated in May of 2022. Furthermore, Lydia has had the opportunity to travel to many different places around the world, where her love of meeting and interacting with children of all ages and backgrounds has only increased. In her free time, Lydia enjoys reading, watching movies, singing with her church’s worship ministry, and spending time with her family.
BRAIN BALANCE CENTER OF MIDLOTHIAN
Brain Balance helps children who struggle behaviorally, socially, and academically through a holistic and integrated approach that is customized to meet the needs of each child.
Location
15833 City View Drive
Midlothian, VA 23113