Brain Balance Center of Midlothian – Meet Our Staff
Our Team
Wendy Pickenpaugh
Owner & 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.
Marybeth Haggard
Program Director
Marybeth has dedicated her career to helping children unlock their full potential through the power of movement, play, and brain-based development. She earned her degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Virginia Wesleyan University, and this foundation has guided her work across a variety of roles focused on supporting cognitive, emotional, and physical growth in children. Both a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and as an elementary Physical Education teacher, Marybeth has consistently used movement as a tool to support learning and social-emotional development. In 2015 her path led her to Brain Balance, where she served for three years as an in-center Sensory-Motor Coach and another three years on the corporate team as a Virtual Coach, working with families around the globe. These experiences deepened her expertise in the Brain Balance methodology and strengthened her commitment to helping students thrive. Outside of Brain Balance, Marybeth enjoys all types of exercise, getting her hands dirty in the garden, hunting for thrift-store treasures, reading great books, and spending time adventuring outdoors, ideally with her husband and two teenage kids.
Alena Stubenhofer
Operations Manager
Alena Stubenhofer has been passionate about supporting students with diverse needs ever since she learned alongside them as an elementary student. This early connection inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Disabilities Studies from Virginia Tech, which she completed in May 2021. With over four years of experience at Brain Balance, Alena has worked in nearly every role—from student support and administrative coordination to family guidance—giving her a comprehensive understanding of the program from all sides. Now serving as the Operations Manager, she focuses on implementing effective systems and ensuring the center runs smoothly so that both staff and families have the support they need to thrive. Alena is also a Certified Cognitive Coach and remains committed to helping families experience the full value of the Brain Balance journey. Outside of work, she enjoys playing guitar and singing, spending time with family and friends, and playing tennis.
Sarah Flippin
Program Coordinator
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.
Lindsey Szpyra
Assistant Program Coordinator
Lindsey has always loved working with students of all ages. She began working with elementary-aged students at a before/after school program in North Carolina. She later moved to the west coast to work at an Outdoor Camp, mentoring teens and tweens by teaching them hands-on science. As a person who was diagnosed with ADD in 3rd grade, Lindsey has always had a passion for helping students who may need extra support like she did! Lindsey spends her free time traveling or going camping with her husband Jakub.
Autumn Modrall
Lead Coach
Autumn has always had a deep passion for working with children. Following her high school graduation, she pursued a career in education, earning her Associate's Degree in Elementary Education. Autumn joined the Brain Balance team in 2021, where she quickly discovered her enthusiasm for supporting our students' growth and development. She is a Certified Cognitive Coach, further enhancing her ability to guide each of our students through the program. In addition to her work at Brain Balance, Autumn has had the privilege of traveling to several countries, where she engaged with children of all ages in both academic and recreational environments. Outside of her professional pursuits, Autumn enjoys playing soccer, practicing piano, and spending quality time with her family.
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Brooke Beach
Lead Coach
Brooke is passionate about working with children and dedicated to helping them succeed. Throughout her academic journey, she has gained valuable experience working with children of all ages during summer programs at a child development center and her local church. These opportunities have deepened her commitment to meeting each child where they are and fostering their growth. A lifelong resident of Virginia, Brooke graduated from Christopher Newport University in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading and family game nights with her parents and two brothers. An avid college basketball fan, Brooke eagerly anticipates March Madness each year.
Ashley Long
Sensory-Motor/Cognitive Coach
Ashley Long has always loved working with children, which helped her decision to pursue Elementary Education with a focus in Special Education. She soon discovered the field of Recreation Therapy, fell in love, and changed her career plan! As a Recreational Therapist, Ashley has worked with many populations from veterans, to geriatrics, but her passion has always been working with children. Ashley is excited to help children succeed, while also nurturing their unique personalities. Ashley loves the outdoors, and now, as a twin mom, loves sharing her love for the outdoors with them. On the weekends, you can usually find Ashley exploring a new hiking trail with her husband, Luke, her twins, Greer and Coulter, and their two dogs!
Shauna Olson
Sensory-Motor/Cognitive Coach
Shauna Olson has a rich and diverse background in working with children, having gained experience in school counseling, classroom teaching, and homeschooling her own three children. Through these varied roles, she recognized the profound impact that strengthening brain connections could have on students' success. This realization led her to pursue a position with Brain Balance, where she could focus her time and energy on helping children reach their full potential. Outside of her professional work, Shauna enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking, camping, and exploring the mountains, or staying closer to home with activities like reading, gardening, and crafting. Above all, she treasures quality time with family and friends.
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Marley Overacre
Junior Coach
Marley has always loved working with children. She was a student at Brain Balance herself in 2019, and knows first-hand what our students are going through. Marley loved her experience at Brain Balance, so much so that it led her to join the Midlothian team as a Junior Coach. Marley wants to pursue a career in Cosmetology, and loves spending time outdoors and with friends and family.
Michelle Pessarra
Front Desk Assistant
Michelle Pessarra has had a passion for teaching and working with children from an early age. She began her journey in education while still in high school, and her dedication has only grown since then. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Michelle brings over 20 years of experience teaching Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten in small, private school environments. Now, she's excited to expand her love for teaching in a new direction here at Brain Balance. Outside of her professional life, Michelle is happily married to Aaron and is the proud mother of three grown children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family, attending baseball games, and diving into a good book.
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.
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
15701 City View Drive
Midlothian, VA 23113
Phone
Hours
Tuesday 9am-6:30pm
Wednesday 11:30am-8pm
Thursday 9am-6:30pm
Friday 11:30am-8pm